Video evidence of an event or accident can often lead to more questions than answers. Challenges may arise when an event is captured from a single vantage point, at a distance, or only partially. Photogrammetry is the science of extracting reliable measurements from photographs and videos by using known dimensions. With the adoption of laser scanning to digitally document accurate three-dimensional representations of real-world sites and objects, photogrammetry has become an even more powerful tool.
In this webinar, members of Exponent’s Biomechanics, Vehicle Engineering, and Visual Communication practices will discuss the key principles behind camera-matching and present three case examples where these techniques were applied not only to create effective visual demonstratives but also as powerful analytical tools.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Evidence preservation is critically important. If an event is captured by a video recording device, care must be taken to properly preserve the original recorded data as completely and as soon after the event as possible.
2. Photogrammetry can be difficult for a jury to understand. Understanding how to present this scientific analysis in a clear and concise manner is critical.
3. Using technical knowledge of physical principles and applying engineering analysis to evaluate recorded events allows for probing of event details not otherwise possible and may even allow for analysis of portions of an event not captured on camera.
4. Understanding the tolerance of these methods can prove critical for assessing what a recording may or may not actually show.
Presented by
Kathleen Pittman: Ms. Pittman is responsible for the design and creation of animation, graphics, multimedia, and interactive presentations. She works closely with engineers, scientists, and attorneys to present complex technical information in a clear and compelling manner. She is experienced in a wide variety of 3D-related technologies from laser scanning to 3D printing. She relies upon data from survey equipment, photogrammetric analysis, laser scanning point cloud data, HVE simulations, and many other sources of measurement, lighting data, and motion simulation to create accurate and admissible animations and graphics. Additionally, she assists the scientific and engineering staff with the creation of 3D assets used in analysis and accident reconstruction.
Stephanie Pasquesi: Dr. Pasquesi has a large breadth of experience in translational biomechanics research, applying laboratory studies to clinical observations and applications. She has a background in both bioengineering and mechanical engineering, with expertise in human injury biomechanics and kinematics. Dr. Pasquesi specializes in traumatic brain injury including concussion and pediatric abusive head trauma. At Exponent, Dr. Pasquesi evaluates injury mechanisms and injury potential in consumer products-related incidents, recreational and motor vehicle accidents, and a variety of other injury scenarios. Dr. Pasquesi additionally evaluates injuries in the context of the design and performance of various products including protective equipment such as helmets and motor vehicle restraints. She also has experience in design and development of medical devices including orthopedic implants and surgical instruments.
Megan Toney-Bolger: Dr. Toney-Bolger's areas of expertise include kinematics, dynamics, neuromechanics, motor control of human motion, and human injury mechanics. Dr. Toney-Bolger's work experience includes the analysis of a variety of injuries involving motor vehicles, recreational activities and equipment, pedestrians, occupational accidents, and slip-and-fall accidents as well as participating in and conducting full-scale vehicle-to-vehicle crash tests. Her research has focused on the biomechanics of human walking and running, amputee locomotion, neural control of locomotion, gait rehabilitation technology, and motor learning responses in gait before and after injury or impairment. Dr. Toney-Bolger also has technical knowledge and training in the areas of gait analysis techniques and use of the 3D Static Strength Prediction Program. She is a certified forklift operator and certified XL tribometrist. She has also completed training in traffic crash reconstruction through the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety.
Jason Skiera: Mr. Skiera's areas of expertise include the investigation, analysis, and reconstruction of motor-vehicle collisions involving passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks, and commercial vehicles. He has extensive expertise in the investigation and analysis of vehicle rollover crashes including assessing vehicle handling, tire/component failure, rollover dynamics, and rollover stability. Mr. Skiera has received specialized training in accident reconstruction and vehicle dynamics analysis and is experienced in analyzing complex accident situations including low- and high-speed frontal, rear, and side impact collisions, as well as pole and guardrail impacts. In addition, he has participated in numerous physical demonstrations including full scale low- and high-speed crash testing, component testing, and vehicle handling demonstrations. Mr. Skiera's training includes analyzing computer simulations used to evaluate vehicle dynamics, collisions, and rollovers.
Michael Drzal: Mr. Drzal specializes in visual communication techniques including 3D visualization, animation, reverse camera projection / photogrammetry, and video analysis. Mr. Drzal reconstructs 3-dimensional real world environments to support engineers and scientists in their analysis and depiction of accident events. He utilizes photogrammetry, video analysis, and laser scan data to create accurate, 3D models for use in general litigation and as court room demonstratives. He creates and animates dynamic 3D characters for the purpose of reconstructing biomechanical aspects of accident events. He is experienced in analytical illustration of human injury biomechanics, occupant kinematics, accident reconstruction, visibility factors, and incidents involving heavy equipment operation, trucking, forklift safety, sport, amusement activities, and slip/trip and falls. Mr. Drzal is a specialist in Autodesk 3D Studio Max, Photomodeler, iNPUT-ACE, Adobe Creative Cloud, Faro Scene, Autodesk Recap, Geomagic, Agisoft Metashape and Osirix. Mr. Drzal is a Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA) Certified Forensic Video Technician (CVFT).
Eric Wysocki: Mr. Wysocki's experience includes modeling, lighting, texturing, and animation of real world objects into a scaled 3-D computer environment, including the recreation of people, buildings, vehicles, machines, landscapes, and precision objects from CAD drawings. His work also includes particle simulation of the elements. He has worked on projects that include computer animation of accident reconstructions and simulations, court boards, trial presentations, and posters. Mr. Wysocki also assists in the grading of graduating demo reels for the Media Arts and Animation majors at the Art Institute of Philadelphia.
Exponent is a multi-disciplinary engineering and scientific consulting firm that brings together more than 90 different disciplines to solve engineering, science, regulatory, and business issues facing our clients.
