The Introduction of a New Diagnostic Tool in Forensic Pathology: LiDAR Sensor for 3D Autopsy Documentation

Abstract

Autopsy is a complex and unrepeatable procedure. It is essential to have the possibility of reviewing the autoptic findings, especially when it is done for medico-legal purposes. Traditional photography is not always adequate to record forensic practice since two-dimensional images could lead to distortion and misinterpretation. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of autoptic findings could be a new way to document the autopsy. Besides, nowadays, smartphones and tablets equipped with a LiDAR sensor make it extremely easy to elaborate a 3D model directly in the autopsy room. Herein, a quality and trustworthiness evaluation of 3D models obtained during ten autopsies is made comparing 3D models and conventional autopsy photographic records. Three-dimensional models were realistic and accurate and allowed precise measurements. The review of the autoptic report was facilitated by the 3D model. Conclusions: The LiDAR sensor and 3D models have been demonstrated to be a valid tool to introduce some kind of reproducibility into the autoptic practice.

Assessing iPhone LiDAR & Recon‐3D for determining area of origin in bloodstain pattern analysis

“…These individual laser dots bounce off surrounding objects and surfaces, ultimately returning to the sensor [20]. Developers may access these data to create a 3D model based on the depth map and photographic information [21]. Although only a few years old, several studies have examined the application of the iPhone LiDAR scanning technology to forensic investigations.…”

“…Although only a few years old, several studies have examined the application of the iPhone LiDAR scanning technology to forensic investigations. Human body measurements including autopsy documentation by forensic pathologists tested the iPhone LiDAR scanner with success [14,20,21]. Maiese et al [21] concluded several notable advantages including ease of operation, no specialized skills necessary, affordability, and improved jury comprehension during trials [22].…”

“…Although only a few years old, several studies have examined the application of the iPhone LiDAR scanning technology to forensic investigations. Human body measurements including autopsy documentation by forensic pathologists tested the iPhone LiDAR scanner with success [14, 20, 21]. Maiese et al.…”

The Precision, Inter-Rater Reliability, and Accuracy of a Handheld Scanner Equipped with a Light Detection and Ranging Sensor in Measuring Parts of the Body—A Preliminary Validation Study

“…Recently, Maiese et al [ 30 ] used an iPad Pro equipped with a LiDAR sensor to elaborate 3D models obtained during ten autopsies in order to evaluate the quality and trustworthiness of these models compared to conventional autopsy photographic records. According to Fineschi et al, two apps were used to acquire scans (TRNIO and 3D Scanner), and the 3D models acquired were then processed using the MeshLab software.…”

FATAL: A Forensic AuTopsy Annotation tooL for digital recording of autopsy findings

“…Accurate documentation requires extensive training, anatomical knowledge, and precise notations can vary from pathologist to pathologist [6]. Digital technologies offer clear opportunities to streamline and systematise procedures beyond what is possible with paper-based methods and might ultimately improve the accuracy and precision of documentation [7, 8, 9]. For example, rendering the results of an autopsy examination with a digital platform could allow a pathologist to interact with a three-dimensional model of the body, zoom in and out of important anatomical regions and use standardised annotation tools.…”