Simple smartphone applications for superimposing 3D imagery in forensic dentistry

Abstract

Background: Forensic dentistry identification commonly involves using dental cast models as ante-mortem data. Here, dentists generally send the pictures as well as the dental records. However, in recent times, dentists – especially orthodontists and prosthodontists – are using 3D scanners in view of reducing the space for cast model storage as well as sending the 3D imaging for fabricating clear aligners and other items such as crowns and bridges. This new trend means data transmission and viewing has become more complicated since sophisticated laptops or personal computers are generally required. For more practical use, smartphones would be a better option, meaning various simple ideas for viewing 3D data must be explored. Furthermore, the conclusions must be evaluated in terms of the validity for forensic dentistry use. Purpose: To evaluate a number of smartphone applications that are simple, user friendly, scalable and capable of the measurement and superimposition of 3D imaging data. Review: Standard tessellation language (STL) is one of the 3D scan file formats that is also useful for 3D printing. Recently, several applications for 3D viewing have been made available for iPhones (iOS) and Android-based devices, which are able to view STL files. However, they have all received both positive and negative reviews in terms of various applications, including forensic dentistry, and they thus require further evaluation by forensic odontologists. Conclusion: Each application has advantages and disadvantages; however, in our experience as forensic odontologists, the CAD Assistant, exocad and Adobe Photoshop Mix, which are available for iOS and Android devices, are preferable for forensic dentistry needs

Exploring the use of selfies in human identification

“…13,15,17,18 The development of a selfie identification application and other smartphone applications for 3-D image superimposition in FO has also centred selfies in recent days. 16,29 Digital software with features that allow photo editing and quantification with the evaluation of dental traits may aid in human identification. 23 Additionally, performing a general craniofacial assessment on the photographs provided, superimposition discretional, before continuing with a more detailed dental analysis may prove beneficial and considered more thorough.…”

3D Bitemark Analysis in Forensic Odontology Utilizing a Smartphone Camera and Open-Source Monoscopic Photogrammetry Surface Scanning

“…In addition, this method provides fast and simple image capture and processing without radiation exposure to the subjects. A study by Utomo et al [27] found that using a smartphone and its application, such as CAD Assistant, Exocade, and Adobe Photoshop Mix, is a suitable method for superimposing 3D models.…”

Towards an Open-Source Industry CAD: A Review of System Development Methods

“…In terms of performance, it may not meet certain industry's special requirements for the functional performance of a certain module. For example, the clothing industry [2] that draws clothes sketches in the 2D environment often needs to evaluate their effects in the 3D environment, and general CAD software does not provide the transformation function that requires clothing expertise; the criminal investigation industry [3] uses mobile devices to collect On-site evidence, which requires CAD software to provide the conversion interface of special instrument data, the compatibility of different hardware data, and the standardized rendering of graphics data. Therefore, the current general CAD software still needs improvement.…”