title: Contactless Visualization of Latent Fingerprints on Nonporous Curved Surfaces of Circular Cross Section.
abstract: Nondestructive techniques for gathering evidence are important in the field of forensics. Due to the geometry of the substrates, nondestructive visualization of fingermarks on curved surfaces remains challenging. A novel contactless technique was developed for visualizing and recording fingermark patterns on nonporous curved surfaces of circular cross section. The technique utilizes a plane mirror to transmit rays from a light source to illuminate the area of interest for fingermark visualization. The fingermark acquisition system consists of a digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, a plane mirror, and a white light source. Mathematical equations are used to calculate the mirror size. Experiments were performed on various curved surfaces to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of the technique. Spectral Image Validation and Verification (SIVV) was used to analyze the captured images. The results of this study indicate that the technique described here is able to reveal fingermark patterns on curved surfaces of circular cross section.
authors.affiliation: School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, 14300, Penang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Wei Zeng
authors.initials: WZ
authors.lastname: Low
authors.affiliation: School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, 14300, Penang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Bee Ee
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Khoo
authors.affiliation: Forensic Science Program, School of Health Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Ahmad Fahmi Lim Bin
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Abdullah
keywords: contactless technique; curved surfaces; forensic science; latent fingerprint; optical method; print visualization