James Roberts Undergraduate Dissertation 2017/18

Using 360 Video to Review a Cybercrime Investigation

Supervised by S.Maddock

Abstract

The investigation of a cybercrime scene is recorded using written notes, sketches and photographs. It can then be reviewed at a later date by officers or a jury. This project aims to improve the review process by creating an interactive 360 video of the cybercrime scene investigation.

Research and experimentation showed the investigation could best be recorded using a 360 camera placed in a stationary position in the centre of the room. Software was then developed allowing officers to add a high quality, close-up video of each individual piece of evidence, and its supporting documentation, to the 360 video. The interactive 360 video produced can then be reviewed in either desktop or Virtual Reality (VR) mode.

Feedback from the user evaluation was largely very positive. Mention was given to the quality of the 360 video and the ease of producing it. Users found reviewing the interactive video in VR gave a more immersive feel but it was easier to create the video on a desktop. In future, advanced techniques such as computer vision and automatic speech recognition could be used to further automate the process and release the full potential of the technology.