Image manipulation: Fraudulence in digital dental records: Study and review

Abstract

Introduction: In present-day times, freely available software allows dentists to tweak their digital records as never before. But, there is a fine line between acceptable enhancements and scientific delinquency.

Aims and objective: To manipulate digital images (used in forensic dentistry) of casts, lip prints, and bite marks in order to highlight tampering techniques and methods of detecting and preventing manipulation of digital images.

Materials and methods: Digital image records of forensic data (casts, lip prints, and bite marks photographed using Samsung Techwin L77 digital camera) were manipulated using freely available software.

Results: Fake digital images can be created either by merging two or more digital images, or by altering an existing image.

Discussion and conclusion: Retouched digital images can be used for fraudulent purposes in forensic investigations. However, tools are available to detect such digital frauds, which are extremely difficult to assess visually. Thus, all digital content should mandatorily have attached metadata and preferably watermarking in order to avert their malicious re-use. Also, computer alertness, especially about imaging software's, should be promoted among forensic odontologists/dental professionals.

Keywords: Digital images; detection; manipulation; validation.

Figure 1

Usage of merge tool on a bite mark photograph

Figure 2

Tsuchihashi's classification

Figure 3

Original image of a lip print manipulated to another variety

Figure 4

Digital photographic records of palatal rugae on casts

Figure 5

Modification of Figure 4 showing how the same data was multiplied

Figure 6

Example for image metadata

Figure 7

Example for watermarking an image