Digital Enhancement of Forensic Evidence
By Rabab Zaidi - 401171 Imaging Science
Introduction
Forensic Evidence for example fingerprints on a
magazine page can be detected without any digital
enhancements. However, the digital enhancement of
colour on fingerprints improves visibility and
highlight the details in a forensic photograph
(Western Sydney University 2021). This technique
also removes any distracting background features
and reveals relevant aspects of the exhibit for the
fingerprint analyst to examine.
Materials and Method
 A 70D DSLR camera with a 50mm macro lens
was attached to the copy stand. An evidence
exhibit of a magazine page with fingermarks was
placed directly underneath the camera with a
linear scale and a standard picture was taken. ISO
was 100, f/stop 11 and shutter speed 1/13th of a
second.
 The evidence exhibit was then elevated onto a
cardboard block and the camera was zoomed
with the copy stand knob and focused with the
zoom ring onto the fingerprints. A close up
picture with a linear scale of the visible
fingerprints was taken. ISO was 100, f/stop 22
and shutter speed was 1 second.
 The photographed fingerprints were enhanced
using Adobe Photoshop on the computer where a
Black and White filter was added. The ‘eye’ icon
was used to hide/see the colours of the original
image.
 Cyan area of image was lightened by sliding the
cyan colour slider to the light end. The blue and
red were darkened by sliding the colour sliders to
the darkest end. Result was saved as JPEG
(Western Sydney University 2021).
School of Health and Science
Results
Figure 1. Standard photograph of magazine page
Figure 2. Closeup photograph of visible
fingerprints
Figure 3. Close up photograph of enhanced
fingerprints
Figure1. is a standard photo of the magazine page
exhibit with visible fingerprints. Figure 2. is a
closeup photograph of the visible fingerprints.
Lastly, Figure 3. is a digitally enhanced image of
fingerprints using the Adobe photoshop technique.
Discussion
The results above showed that in Figure 2. the
fingerprints are obviously visible however, the
essential and thorough detail needed for fingerprint
analyses wasn’t captured by the photograph as the
ridges aren’t clear and don’t stand out because of the
interfering background. Therefore, it can’t be
analysed for forensic purpose. The enhanced image,
Figure 3. clearly reveals all the ridges and aspects
of the fingerprints and can be seen with improved
visibility which makes fingerprint analysis easier.
The background doesn’t interfere with the finger-
marks which further adds to the details of the
fingerprints and makes it suitable for examination.
Conclusion
Overall, key findings include that digital
enhancement proved to be a suitable method for the
improvement of the finger-marks on the magazine
page exhibit. The non-enhanced image results didn’t
reveal any key information that could be useful for
forensic analysis. The digitally enhanced image
refined the fine details and highlighted the evidence
clearly, making it useful for analysis.
References
Western Sydney University 2021, Imaging Science
Laboratory Manual, 30 May, Pg. 24, WSU,
Hawkesbury
Western Sydney University 2021, Digital
Enhancement Exercises, 29 March, Pg. 1, WSU,
Hawkesbury