Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGDICON VirtoFusion
Automated fusion of forensic imaging data for more traceable forensic assessments
How can different types of forensic imaging data be reliably combined and forensic findings made easier to trace? In the ICON VirtoFusion research project, Fraunhofer IGD and the University of Zurich are developing a platform that automatically integrates different imaging modalities, verifies their consistency and visualizes uncertainties. The aim is to provide reproducible and transparent data for forensic documentation and assessment.
(Darmstadt/Zurich) Forensic imaging data is currently often acquired using separate systems and then largely combined manually. The Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD and the Virtopsy Research Lab at the University of Zurich (UZH) aim to improve this process. As part of the joint ICON VirtoFusion research project, they are developing a platform that automatically acquires, calibrates, spatially registers and analyzes data from different imaging modalities. The goal is to provide a reproducible and transparent basis for forensic documentation and assessments that can stand up to legal scrutiny.
Automated integration of CT, 3D surface and multispectral imaging
ICON VirtoFusion – Correlation-Validated Sensor Fusion for Reliable Forensic Findings – combines postmortem computed tomography, color-calibrated optical 3D surface documentation and multispectral imaging. The platform is designed to systematically assess the consistency of internal and external findings, make uncertainties visible, and document the origin and processing history of the data in a traceable manner.
At the University of Zurich, the project is led by Prof. Dr. Michael Thali. The Virtopsy Research Lab contributes its many years of expertise in virtual autopsy, postmortem imaging and forensic documentation. Dominic Gascho is responsible for key activities relating to the validation of multimodal registration and the correlation of the different imaging data.
“For forensic imaging, the quality, reproducibility and traceability of findings are essential,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Michael Thali. “With ICON VirtoFusion, we aim to link internal and external findings more closely at a methodological level and further advance digital forensic documentation.”
Consistency across imaging modalities is systematically assessed
Fraunhofer IGD contributes its expertise in autonomous 3D digitization, multimodal sensor fusion, calibration and quality assurance. Hasan Kutlu of Fraunhofer IGD is responsible for key activities relating to technical system integration as well as the automated acquisition and calibration of imaging data. Pedro Santos, project manager at Fraunhofer IGD, coordinates the institute’s contribution and the technical collaboration with the University of Zurich.
The planned solution goes beyond simply overlaying data from different imaging modalities. “Their consistency is systematically assessed, while quality, uncertainties and processing steps are documented throughout the entire process chain to ensure traceability,” explains Hasan Kutlu.
Forensic expertise meets sensor fusion and 3D digitization
The two partners combine their respective core competencies and resources within the project. The University of Zurich defines the clinical and forensic requirements, validates the solution in a practical setting and contributes its Virtopsy expertise and infrastructure. Fraunhofer IGD develops the technical foundations for automated data acquisition, multimodal registration, sensor fusion and quality assurance.
ICON stands for International Cooperation and Networking and is a Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft funding instrument for strategic international research collaborations. The ICON program supports Fraunhofer institutes in pooling scientific and technological expertise with international partner organizations in joint research projects whose results have significant potential to be translated into new products, services or commercial applications.
Funding for the Fraunhofer contribution follows the principle of “Matching Effort”: the personnel effort contributed by the partner must match that of Fraunhofer.
Interdisciplinary expertise supports the development
An interdisciplinary Advisory Board supports ICON VirtoFusion by providing scientific, application-oriented and strategic input. It brings together perspectives from forensic medicine, radiology, physics, imaging and X-ray technology, healthcare, as well as innovation and technology transfer, thereby covering the different requirements and specialist disciplines involved in the project.
ICON VirtoFusion started on July 1, 2026, and will run for 36 months. The joint research project of the Virtopsy Research Lab at the University of Zurich and Fraunhofer IGD is supported by a Fraunhofer ICON grant.