FIREBALL is a ballistics image capture, storage and retrieval system, which was developed as a joint project between NIFS and the Edith Cowan University, WA.

A collaborative research project with the Western Australia Police Force

Researchers: Assoc. Professor Clifton Smith and Assoc. Professor James Cross
Associate Researcher: George Variyan

The cartridge case and projectile from ammunition discharged by a firearm exhibits characteristic markings (firearm fingerprint) that can be used to uniquely identify the weapon from which it was fired. Development of techniques to analyse and extract features within such a "fingerprint" will enable any individual firearm to be identified quickly and accurately. A prototype database containing digitised images and general characteristic descriptions of cartridge casings has been developed. The database, which is named 'Fireball', is a preliminary identification tool that identifies the make and model of a firearm and identifies the individual firearm but only by general markings. Therefore this system provides a hit-list of firearms that allows the ballistics specialist to narrow down the field of search quickly and effectively.

Assoc. Professor Clifton Smith (right) and Mr George Variyan.

Further research is directed towards an investigation of digital image processing and registration of the complete firearm "fingerprint" and matching techniques, for the purpose of assisting ballistics experts in uniquely identifying individual firearms.

The Fireball system was developed to specifications determined by practitioners working in ballistics laboratories throughout Australia. Technical aspects (ballistics) were overseen by a working party consisting of Snr Constable Peter Lawrence (SA Police), Sergeant Robert Warburton (WA Police) and Senior Constable Alan Pringle (Victoria Police). The working party did a magnificent job in what were, at time, difficult circumstances.

FIREBALL systems are now in place and working in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, with users enthusiastic about their performance.

In 1999, FIREBALL won the Western Australia Information Technology and Telecommunications Award for Product of the Year. This is a fitting recognition of the effort put in by the working party and those involved in the project at Edith Cowan University.

NIFS is currently in negotiations to market FIREBALL worldwide.

Fireball is featured on the School of Computer and Information Science web site at www.scis.ecu.edu.au/research/gallery/fireball/index.asp. Fireball was also featured in an episode of Quantum on the ABC on the 22 March 2001. (Read the transcripts of the story.)

If you have interested in this program contact anna@nifs.com.au

View our copyright and privacy policy here.

We recommend version four of Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer at a resolution of 1024x768 for viewing these pages.
©2001 NIFS Australia