Problem addressed

At a crime scene, bloodstain analysis equipment allows to analyze the events associated with the crime. While bloodstain pattern analysis is fully developed, bloodspot dating still requires complex, time consuming and expensive laboratory methods, which lack of reliability and require skilled technicians.

Figure 1 : Bloodspots at a crime scene

TECHNOLOGY

The invention is a dating method based on the analysis of bloodspoty photographies taken at an indoor crime scene. The algorythm relies on :

• a physical model of bloodstain evaporation depending on
  the temperature and humidity of the room;
• a database containing pictures of bloodstains on typical
  surfaces;
• the image processing software ImageJ.

The invention can be easily integrtated into a smartphone or tablet application for forensic technicians, allowing them to date the bloodspots in situ immediately after taking a photo, and without involving any laboratory equipment.

ADVANTAGES VS. STATE OF THE ART

• Portable solution: algorithm suitable for integration in a smartphone or tablet application;
• Non-destructive method : no sample collection required, only a photography is needed;
• User friendly : easy to use, suitable for unskilled technicians;
• Reliable solution based on a scientifically proved method;
• Low-cost solution.

APPLICATIONS

The solution is aimed to assist forensics teams in defining the timeline of the crime scene through bloodspot dating.