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A multi-factor knuckle and nail bed verification tool for forensic imagery analysis

Santopietro, Marco, Guest, Richard, Seigfried-Spellar, Kathryn C, Elliott, Stephen J (2024) A multi-factor knuckle and nail bed verification tool for forensic imagery analysis. Child abuse & neglect, 154 . Article Number 106910. ISSN 1873-7757. (doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106910) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:106504)

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106910

Abstract

The grooming process involves sexually explicit images or videos sent by the offender to the minor. Although offenders may try to conceal their identity, these sexts often include hand, knuckle, and nail bed imagery. We present a novel biometric hand verification tool designed to identify online child sexual exploitation offenders from images or videos based on biometric/forensic features extracted from hand regions. The system can match and authenticate hand component imagery against a constrained custody suite reference of a known subject by employing advanced image processing and machine learning techniques. We conducted experiments on two hand datasets: Purdue University and Hong Kong. In particular, the Purdue dataset collected for this study allowed us to evaluate the system performance on various parameters, with specific emphasis on camera distance and orientation. To explore the performance and reliability of the biometric verification models, we considered several parameters, including hand orientation, distance from the camera, single or multiple fingers, architecture of the models, and performance loss functions. Results showed the best performance for pictures sampled from the same database and with the same image capture conditions. The authors conclude the biometric hand verification tool offers a robust solution that will operationally impact law enforcement by allowing agencies to investigate and identify online child sexual exploitation offenders more effectively. We highlight the strength of the system and the current limitations.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106910
Uncontrolled keywords: Hands, Knuckles, Biometric identification, Forensic investigative tool, Online child sexual exploitation
Subjects: T Technology
T Technology > T Technology (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Biosciences
Divisions > Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences > School of Engineering and Digital Arts
SWORD Depositor: JISC Publications Router
Depositing User: JISC Publications Router
Date Deposited: 11 Jul 2024 14:02 UTC
Last Modified: 29 Aug 2024 09:52 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/106504 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Santopietro, Marco.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Guest, Richard.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7535-7336
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