Free Web NovelChapter 39: Chapter 39 Selling a Cliffhanger_1
Zhou Ning smiled.
"As a newbie who’s only been on the job for a few months, you are even more eager than Huang Shiren, Master. I know why Doctor Lu is rushing me, but I’m still too inexperienced. Although I have some ideas, the technical issues involved are not my strong suit, and I need to think it over carefully."
Liu Yongxin gave Zhou Ning a sidelong glance.
"Playing coy with me, huh? Tell me, what direction are you considering?"
Zhou Ning couldn’t resist any longer. If he didn’t share something today, Liu Yongxin wouldn’t let it go. He also hoped to quickly extract himself from this case, and he was touched by this intention.
However, Zhou Ning felt somewhat embarrassed to talk about his rapid typing. It was merely a way to pass the time when he had nothing else to do, especially since the author he liked updated his work so infrequently, whereas the cases he encountered were far more thrilling.
"I’m not playing coy, but I was actually thinking of seeking help from a software developer."
Liu Yongxin sat directly opposite Zhou Ning with a teacup in hand, gesturing for him to continue. His persistent enthusiasm amused Zhou Ning.
However, among the facial reconstruction techniques, there is a paper published in 2021 that developed a fifth-generation "Police Star CCK Facial Simulation System" at the Hua Country Criminal Police Academy.
"Police Star CCK-IV" can compile 9.9 billion facial images, almost amounting to "infinity."
In other words, theoretically, with 9.9 billion suspect facial images in the database, one could match the descriptions provided by witnesses to find the closest match to the suspect’s face.
This software is incredibly powerful and has been involved in the investigation of many significant archaeological discoveries and major cases. It’s also known as the first of its kind globally, literally setting the benchmark.
However, this system relies on the descriptions given by witnesses for direct composition, which is a branch of facial reconstruction technology.
Since this approach has been developed so thoroughly by others, Zhou Ning didn’t want to head in the same direction. If he could bring the skull reconstruction part to the peak of perfection, that would be a new breakthrough and more aligned with his actual job.
Thinking of this, Zhou Ning slowly began to explain:
"The other day, when I was working on reconstructing the deceased’s model with Mr. Xia, I had some insights. If it were possible to fill in human skull data based on different settings for age, gender, genetics, hair color, skin color, weight, and health conditions...
Then there would be no need to go through sculptural reconstruction, which takes over a dozen hours and results in only a plaster model. If we’re lucky that’s fine, but if unlucky or if the operator varies, it becomes difficult to control the quality of the reconstruction and it loses its meaning.
So if there were a professional software designer to collaborate and a significant amount of data could be gathered and inputted, combined with X-ray and CT scanning technology, the system could handle the synthesis. For example, for a shattered skull, the software could automatically piece it together. freewebnøvel.com
Of course, when involving professional software, professional involvement is necessary to translate specialized knowledge into the software, like bone strength for skeletal injuries, which requires numerous parameters.
For instance, bone density of people at various age levels and mechanical parameters such as the direction of blunt or sharp force trauma. Countless parameters like these aren’t realistic to input one by one; this is where artificial intelligence comes in, allowing AI to automatically calculate and learn..."
The more Liu Yongxin listened, the more amazed he became, and though he didn’t understand the latter part, that didn’t dampen his excitement. He eventually stood up, spilling his tea without even realizing it.
Pointing to the bulky monitor on the table, he said with a tremble:
"So use a computer to operate this kind of software, where you only input X-ray and CT scan images, and it can synthesize a facial image?"
Zhou Ning nodded and pushed up his glasses.
"Yep, that’s one way to understand it. Although it’s somewhat idealistic in my mind, as long as there is sufficient data and the software includes data related to car accidents, drowning, stabbings, slashings, gunshot wounds, and so on, it could infer the force exerted by the deceased, causing corresponding injuries.
Or, it could be used to verify the veracity of a suspect’s testimony, allowing for the simulation and reconstruction of the crime scene under specific conditions to assess the accuracy of their statements.
For instance, if the victim was struck from behind with a hammer by the perpetrator, the software could also make more accurate deductions about the perpetrator’s weight, height, strength, and habitual actions, and even simulate the animation. Of course, these are just my initial thoughts, and many specialties are involved."
Liu Yongxin’s nostrils flared with excitement at Zhou Ning’s description of the software. If it could really be made, it would make reconstructing the faces of victims with damaged facial features so much quicker. How much time could that save in an investigation?
Just like with this 12.10 case, if it hadn’t been for Zhou Ning seeking Mr. Xia’s help to construct the facial model for the victim, the identity of the deceased would have been very difficult to pin down. Without identifying the victim, clues wouldn’t have been found during the community investigation, and the case would have become a cold case. Although Yu Jingwei and Wang Ye would have been suspects, the investigation would have faced enormous difficulties.
"Did you talk with Doctor Lu?"
Zhou Ning shook his head.
"No, he’s a Chemistry Ph.D., what we’re doing has nothing to do with his field of research. It’s useless to discuss it with him."
Liu Yongxin waved his hand dismissively.
"That’s not the way to look at it. The last time Doctor Lu came, I felt he was very sincere, and even expressed that if future research directions aren’t related to their field of chemistry, he could still help connect you with the relevant people and equipment. I think it’s worth having a conversation.
After all, it’s a good thing, adding luster. If we collaborate with Qindao University, then the nature of the project changes. It would represent Qindao, or even Ludong Province or Hua Country, like that paper you published last time. Wait for me to ask for you." freeweɓnovel.cѳm
The more he spoke, the more excited Liu Yongxin became, and he finally took out his phone and made a call.
"Hello, Doctor Lu, Liu Yongxin here from Qidong Sub-bureau Criminal Police Squad Forensic Department."
"Doctor Liu, hello, hello. Any news from Doctor Zhou?"
Liu Yongxin glanced at Zhou Ning.
"Our case was very tricky. It took us three or four days, but we’ve just about wrapped it up. Zhou Ning has been up for several days straight, working on reconstructing the victim’s skull model with his girlfriend, and that’s what allowed us to crack the case in time."
Doctor Lu seemed very interested.
"That’s incredible, you can reconstruct a person’s face from their skull?"
Liu Yongxin, whetting the appetite, mentioned the current case in a casual way and also talked about Zhou Ning’s next steps. Of course, it was just an idle chat with his mentor, merely hinting at the intention since it would require professionals to handle the matter—it was not as simple as just bumping lips.
No sooner had he finished, Doctor Lu on the other end could hardly stay in his seat.
"Doctor Liu, tell Doctor Zhou not to rush. Give me two days; I’ll discuss it with the university leadership. This software design isn’t just about designing; it’s also a unique research direction. I’ll do everything I can to facilitate the implementation of this research software project.
However, the software involves many disciplines and professional talents: medical specialties, computer science, software development, electronic information, telecommunications, software engineering computing aspects, and even criminal investigation specialties.
I’ll see how to assemble a team. After all, if this gets off the ground, it will bring luster to Qindao University and will be beneficial for the university’s enrollment."
Liu Yongxin smiled and raised his eyebrows at Zhou Ning.
"Okay, then you go ahead and discuss. I’ll stabilize Zhou Ning here, and he’ll organize his thoughts and send them to you afterward."
Doctor Lu was extremely grateful, thanking Liu repeatedly before hanging up the phone.
Zhou Ning held back a laugh. Like Xu Dayuan, Liu Yongxin took great care of him, not just because of his uncle’s connections. Both believed in mentoring the younger generation because they saw potential in them and wanted to lend a hand.
"Thank you, mentor. I’ll organize it later. Actually, the software could have tiered development, like facial reconstruction as phase one. Then each time a new function is developed, all that’s needed is to continuously upgrade the software."
Liu Yongxin waved his hand.
"I don’t understand all that; just find professionals to help, and you can’t go wrong with that. Never mind anything else, Doctor Lu will definitely do his utmost. Rest assured, we just wait—within two days, he’ll come, perhaps even with others."
Zhou Ning was startled and, despite thinking for a long time, couldn’t figure out who Liu Yongxin was referring to.
"Who will Doctor Lu bring with him?"
