Problems of physiognomic identification with video cameras

Anthropometry is the science which studies the proportions of the human body by means of measuring systems. Craniometry limits its studies to cranial structures, which constitute an important mainstay for human identification. We have focused our work on the analysis of the cranium for personal identification. The study of the face and its comparison with stereotyped images of a person constitutes the simplest form of identification, which is usually not sufficient due to errors which may arise, but which on numerous occasions is the only means for positive identification. Investigators have systematically applied new procedures which leave direct recognition out of the current methods. The discovery of fingerprint identification in the 19th century and the application of genetic markers with the analysis of DNA seem to completely invalidate the methods. However, we must find out the usefulness of the study of the cranium in personal identification, due to the variety of elements it contributes to the investigation, on occasions constituting individualizing procedures or, in other situations, because it serves as an aid to providing an insight into the characteristics of the individual. Knowing the craniometric points and their location on the face can help us to carry out the cranio-photo superpositions, which may turn out to be individualizing.