Extracting Skull-Face Models from MRI datasets for use in Craniofacial Reconstruction

This thesis addresses the problem of how to improve the computer-based methods for forensic craniofacial reconstruction. The aim of forensic craniofacial reconstruction techniques is to estimate the face of a person when only the skull remains are available for identi…cation. From manual to computerised techniques, di¤erent solutions have been proposed for estimating the face from the skull in a reliable and consistent way. In both types of systems, an issue is that the results produced are not reproducible consistently and are di¢ cult to evaluate. This issue arises mainly because the reconstruction methods are based on a limited type of anthropometric data about the skull and face relationship. In this thesis, a method to improve the craniofacial reconstruction process is developed by focusing on two aspects. First, a method is developed which uses MRI data to produce detailed data to analyse the skull and face relation. 3D skull and face models can be generated in a systematic way, o¤ering the possibility to extend these sources as needed (i.e. it is possible to create data sources designed for speci…c populations). Second, a craniofacial reconstruction system is created that exploits the advantages of the detailed 3D skull and face models. As a result, the system can produce estimations of faces that can be assessed quantitatively, and produced in a systematic way.