NCJ Number
211156
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 55 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2005 Pages: 574-584
Date Published
September 2005
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article describes the effectiveness of the multiple exposure technique in the digital photography of latent fingerprints.
Abstract
Latent fingerprint photography normally requires the use of various lighting techniques to capture those difficult surfaces on which latents are discovered. One such technique, is the digital multiple exposure technique which is considered simple and productive, using digital photography and computerized image processing using layers methodology. This technique merges multiple images which are more easily controlled in the computer. The main advantage of multiple images combined into one image is that it allows improved visualization of selected portions of a latent without affecting the rest of the image. The technique is the superimposition of two or more separate photographs of the same latent, taken with a digital camera, while the position of the camera and latent print are absolutely steady. The technique is recommended in cases where the object includes strong differences in the brightness levels of various areas within the latent and the exposure differences are three aperture stops or more and in cases where the latent print appears on top of objects that do not have a uniform surface topography. Implementing multiple exposure techniques in digital photography and using image processing provides opportunities to produce better photographs of latent fingerprints. Figures, references