This letter from a reader, was the first time we've ever been asked about fingerprinting. We've had a lot of unique questions over the years -- from using Photoshop to test the rate of grass growth to using Photoshop to evaluate x-rays. But K.V. from Evansville, IN got our curiosity going with this email:
Dear Photoshop 911,
I am working on my Criminal Justice Degree, and there are some items that I would like to superimpose to check for identification characteristics for matching ie finger prints, bullet tool markings and so forth. I have CS4 and I am not very familiar with layers, so I was wondering if someone could give me step by step instructions so that I may superimpose on print over another
Photoshop for FingerprintingFirst, let me say that for real criminal identification, the justice industry has developed some sophisticated analysis equipment just for the purpose of fingerprinting. Standards have been set by which law enforcement gathers, records and databases these prints. So Photoshop really doesn't fit into that scenario with any degree of reliability. However for your own investigative purposes, there are some easy ways to utilize Photoshop in the projects you've mentioned above.
In the case of a fingerprint, you'll need a very good scan. The print will be no larger than an inch by 2 inches, and you need to see that detail enlarged at least 6 times. So, the prints should be scanned together, at the same time, in the same scan at 600 to 1200% enlargement at 72ppi. Your scanner software will offer that setting. If it only offers resolution, and not size enlargement, then you'll push the resolution to 1200ppi. This yields a scan large enough to inspect in great detail on your computer monitor, and will provide highly detailed prints if need be.
In the case of shell casings, you'll need a macro-photo of the ends at least 10 megapixels. To guarantee high precision for comparison purposes, both shells should be locked into a vise or clamp, photographed using a tripod, with the camera lens as perpendicular to the flat ends of the casings as possible. By clamping together, and shooting both at the same time, even if the alignment is a little off, you'll still be able to superimpose them. together.
Photoshop shell casing In this example, found at Jack Spades' Flickr stream, you see the image provides the opportunity to compare the exact breech block markings on two shell casings. These happen to be from the same handgun, so identification was relatively simple. For slugs that are still in good enough condition to photograph, comparing muzzle and rifle marking is infinitely more difficult because of the difficulty of photographing the subject. (enlargement)
Fingerprints in Photoshop
Fingerprints in Photoshop
Levels dialog makes the scan high contrastOnce you have a good high resolution scan of both fingerprints, you'll want to optimize them to the essential tones. You'll be converting them almost to straight line shots. For this you will use an adjustment layer:
CHOOSE MENULayers > New Adjustment Layer > Levels.
In the Levels dialog, you squeeze the left and right markers in toward the center, causing the contrast to increase substantially. You can move the middle slider to adjust the mid-tones as well -- the target is an image that is nearly all black and white with few 'gray' middle tones. (enlargement)
Ideally, you've scanned both fingerprints to be compared, side-by-side in the same scan. This makes sure the same adjustments are implemented on both prints.
Using DIFFERENCE blending mode
Using Difference blending mode
In the above screen, you see we've moved the second print to be compared to a new layer above the original print. By setting the Layer Blending Mode to "Difference" you'll immediately see any differences between the two prints. "Difference" mode compares the to layers by overlaying the negative and positive layers. When the image is exactly the same, and you have them lined up, the view will go black. Any white spots or areas in the print will be the difference.
This is one way to analyze the differences between the prints. You can start a new layer above those two, and use the pencil or brush to highlight or circle differences of interest that you want to further analyze
Compare by color
Using Color to compare
You can also use color to compare the two prints. When setting the top layer's opacity to allow the print below to show through, you will get a good visual test of the print's differences. We've colorized one red and one blue then set the opacity to 70%. Here's how to colorize those layers. Assuming you have a pure black and white image, you'll need to
CHOOSE MENU make sure your "Mode" is set to RGB. ( Image > Mode > RGB )
CHOOSE MENU Select the layer to be colorized, tap 'V' to select the 'Move' tool...
CHOOSE MENU Choose: Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation
and see this dialog:
Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation
CHOOSE MENU Click and activate the "
http://www.graphic-design.com/photoshop/tutorial/photoshop-fingerprinting