CSI in a virtual world: New grant furthers NC State's work in forens...(of industrial design and an expert in da...)

The IC-CRIME platform will employ the latest in 3-D laser scanning technologies to virtually reconstruct and preserve crime scenes, and will be built on a game engine to enable virtual recreation of the scene. The laser scanner technology, developed by Research Triangle Park company 3rdTech, will allow investigators to accurately record room and object dimensions, as well as the placement of every piece of evidence in a crime scene. The scanners can capture millions of data points at a crime scene within a few minutes. Combined with high resolution digital photography, and other trace evidence data such as microscopic and chemical analysis of fibers, a comprehensive, permanent data record will be produced within the NC State IC-CRIME platform. The IC-CRIME platform will make the crime scene accessible to those investigators granted access, such as blood spatter and hair and fiber experts who may be located in different parts of the country. In fact, experts from around the globe will be able to be brought into crime scene virtually and collaborate effectively to prosecute a case.

"The IC-CRIME platform also has great potential value as a case progresses into prosecution. Prosecutors will be able to demonstrate the validity of some witness testimony by showing the jury scenarios using IC-CRIME," Young explains. "For instance, if a 5'7" woman testifies to witnessing an attack, a prosecutor could use IC-CRIME to show the jury the viewpoint of the crime scene from someone at that height so they can decide if that scenario makes sense."

Another key component of the grant is the development of an unprecedented dyed fiber database by Hinks and Beck. "Despite what you see on crime shows on television,
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