IBIS-Trax 3D: Current Technology

Ballistic identification hardware systems are primarily supplied by Forensic Technology, the company that created and continues to maintain the Integrated Ballistic Information System (IBIS). Now, they provide a wide range of multipurpose hardware.

The hardware used in ballistic identification is something that has evolved tremendously over recent years, primarily to accommodate changes in weapon technology. This is most reflected in the transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional annalistic methods.

HARDWARE

• IBIS BulletTrax-3D

          IBIS BulletTrax-3D is the component of the IBIS-Trax 3D system that analyzes bullets. It takes both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of a bullet’s surface and uses these images to analyze markings to identify the weapon it came from and/or match it to other bullets within the network. It supports a wide range of calibers and various weapons, including conventionally rifled firearms, converted weapons, and polygonal barrel firearms. Prior to the development of the IBIS-Trax 3D, it was much more difficult to identify bullets from rifles with a polygonal barrel (a particular groove pattern within the barrel of the firearm).

• IBIS BrassTrax-3D

          IBIS BrassTrax-3D is actually very similar to the BulletTrax system, except that it works with cartridge casings rather than bullets. It also takes two-dimensional and three-dimensional images and analyzes markings, and also supports a wide range of caliber and weapon types.

SOFTWARE/ANALYSIS

The software/analysis portion of the IBIS-Trax 3D system appears in the form of IBIS Matchpoint+. Matchpoint+ is an upgraded version of the original Matchpoint system used with the IBIS Heritage hardware. Matchpoint+ allows the operator to remotely access the database to compare and analyze bullet and cartridge casing images. It offers multiple viewing modes, utilizes both two- and three-dimensional images, and allows the user to generate reports based on their findings.

Although Matchpoint+ is housed within its own hardware system, the hardware itself doesn't appear much different than a computer the average person would use at home. It's the software itself that makes this part of the system unique and effective.

DATABASE/NETWORK

• IBIS Correlation Server

          The IBIS Correlation Server is essentially the "brains" of the analytical portion of the IBIS-Trax 3D technology. It provides the ability to search hundreds of thousands of records with speed and efficiency. It also manages all forensic data collected in other portions of the system, and allows the user to compare said data.

• IBIS Data Concentrator

          The IBIS Data Concentrator is essentially the storage system for all of the ballistic data collected by the IBIS-Trax 3D system. It compresses data to allow for efficient storage in minimal space, can be installed and accessed both remotely and locally, and provides a link between the data collected from the old IBIS Heritage system and the new IBIS-Trax 3D system.

BENEFITS IN USING 2D AND 3D TECHNOLOGY

Figure 2

The shift to 2D/3D hybrid systems came for a number of reasons. The most notable reasons include the analysis of bullets and accuracy overall. The 2D system was successful in the analysis of undamaged, copper-jacketed bullets. However, in comparison to its 3D counterpart, it is inferior in regards to analysis of lead bullets or those of different compositions (Brinck, 2008). With bullets evolving, a new way of analyzing becomes a necessity. Accuracy is critical in the handling of any forensic evidence. 2D analysis, although accurate in many situations, does not offer the same extensive evaluation capabilities as it does when paired with 3D technologies. Figure 2 compares the same two bullets using 2D technology (left side) and 3D technology (right side). At first glance, the 2D image seems to show a negative match. One could conclude that they are not the same. The 3D image on the other hand clearly shows that the bullets do in fact match. Without 3D technology, our ability to compare ballistic evidence is severely limited.