Video games can help solve crimes. No, really

In recent years we have seen technology originally designed for games is applied to areas including rehabilitation and disaster management (and even state-wide emergency alerts). The ability of game engines to accurately simulate different environments make them a powerful tool that can benefit areas other than entertainment.

With this in mind, scientists from the North Carolina State University are working on game technology that could help forensic scientists in solving crimes.

This technology uses a 3D laser scanner to collect data from a crime scene. The collected data is then used to recreate the scene using the Unity game engine which provides an accurate and interactive representation of the scene. This representation can be complemented with positional links to additional information found at the scene like fingerprints or fibers.

The program, named IC-CRIME, will allow forensic scientists to analyze the scene from every angle and even collaborate with other scientists in real time. It will also have the capability of running simulations representing different theories about how the crime could have taken place.

This technology could prove revolutionary for crime scene investigators. I think the ability to reproduce the circumstances surrounding a crime in a virtual environment will be a leap forward in forensic science.

This technology is in development and it is expected to be ready in three years but forensic scientists will be able to use a prototype to help with its development.

Stories like this demonstrate how game technology can be applied in diverse fields for positive and interesting results. I’m amazed there are still detractors of video games.

Read [Reuters] Also read [NCSU]

Photo Credit: NC State