ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 January 2002
Page Count: 6

An Approach to Individual Video Camera Identification
Kuroki, K
Physics section, Second Forensic Science Division, National Research Institute of Police Science,

Kurosawa, K
Physics section, Second Forensic Science Division, National Research Institute of Police Science,

Saitoh, N
Physics section, Second Forensic Science Division, National Research Institute of Police Science,

(Received 5 December 2000; accepted 29 March 2001)

Abstract

This paper presents a method that can be used to determine whether or not questioned video images were recorded with a specific video camera. This type of identification can be made because the nonhomogeneous nature of dark currents in charge coupled devices (CCDs) can be detected by integrating multiple images and the distribution pattern of the nonhomogeneous dark currents is unique and intrinsic to a specific camera. The distribution patterns of the dark currents in nine cameras representing four different types were examined. In eight of the nine cameras (three types), unique detectable patterns were identified in recorded blank images, indicating that it should be possible to identify whether or not a given image had been recorded with a given camera. The method presented was used in an actual case to determine whether or not questioned video images of a criminal scene were recorded with the suspect's camera, and the results of that effort are reported.

Keywords:
forensic science, engineering, identification, video camera, video image, charge coupled device (CCD), dark current, camcorder

Paper ID: JFS15207J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15207J
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