Every mangled vehicle wreck holds a story, a complex narrative forensic accident reconstruction experts like Dr. Jarrod Carter at Origin Forensics are determined to unravel. From pinpointing the vehicle’s speed at impact to analyzing driver behavior moments before collision and evaluating the effectiveness of safety features, the details hidden within twisted metal are crucial. Dr. Carter and his team at Origin Forensics utilize a comprehensive suite of technologies to piece together these narratives. Their toolkit includes everything from drone-captured 3D site models and laser scanners to police reports, scene photos, surveillance footage, and crucial event data recorder (EDR) information – the car’s “black box” data.
These diverse data sources provide a rich tapestry of information, revealing critical details from the seconds leading up to a car accident: braking patterns, accelerator usage, steering angles, acceleration forces, engine speeds, gear positions, and more. And now, a cutting-edge tool has been added to their arsenal, enhancing their ability to accurately capture and analyze accident scenes: the Artec Leo, a revolutionary Car Accidents Scanner.
Origin Forensics leverages the Artec Leo, a state-of-the-art wireless handheld 3D scanner, to transform the way they investigate vehicle damage. Experience has proven the Leo’s remarkable capability to create a precise digital replica – a digital twin – of a vehicle’s exterior and interior in under an hour. This rapid capture, achieved with submillimeter accuracy, spans from bumper to bumper, offering an unprecedented level of detail for car accidents scanner technology.
Artec Leo 3D scanner software interface showcasing a detailed scan of a 2014 Dodge Charger, demonstrating the capabilities of car accidents scanners in forensic analysis.
Previously, Origin Forensics employed tripod-mounted 3D laser scanners in their pursuit of digital twins of wrecked vehicles. This earlier method involved a time-consuming process of repeatedly repositioning the scanner around the vehicle, both inside and out, at various heights. The goal was to capture every possible detail.
While significantly better than outdated techniques like plumb bobs and tape measures which Dr. Carter used early in his career, tripod-based scanners still fell short in delivering the level of detail needed for a truly convincing digital twin. Moreover, the tripod-based workflow was significantly slower. Each scan required several minutes, not including the time spent on repositioning. A thorough scan of a single vehicle could easily consume an hour, and sometimes stretched to two or three hours. This inefficiency highlighted the need for a faster, more flexible car accidents scanner.
Forensic Technician Kyle Rothwell utilizing the Artec Leo handheld car accidents scanner to meticulously scan a damaged 2014 Dodge Charger at Spalding’s Auto Parts, Spokane Valley, WA.
Time Efficiency: A Critical Factor for Car Accident Scanners
For Dr. Carter and his team, time is often a luxury. They typically have a limited four to eight-hour window to access a wrecked vehicle, and scanning is just one part of their comprehensive investigation. Their approach is to treat every moment with the vehicle as if it were their last opportunity to examine it. Therefore, any time saved during the scanning phase provides valuable breathing room to ensure a more complete and thorough inspection. The speed and efficiency of a car accidents scanner is paramount.
“Time constraints were a major driver in my search for a better solution than our tripod-based laser scanner,” Dr. Carter explains. “I needed speed and flexibility, which Leo delivers perfectly. Its cordless, computer-free operation eliminates any slowdown. Now, I no longer feel pressured to rush other aspects of the inspection to allocate sufficient time for vehicle scanning.” The Artec Leo, as a rapid car accidents scanner, addressed this critical need.
Dr. Jarrod Carter Ph.D., employing the Artec Leo car accidents scanner to capture detailed 3D data of a Dodge Minivan at Insurance Auto Auction in Puyallup, WA.
Dr. Carter emphasizes the central role of the vehicle in their work: “The vehicle is at the heart of our analysis. Spending adequate time gathering data for its digital twin is crucial, even when it was a more time-consuming process with older methods. Now, with Leo, we acquire the data for a vehicle’s digital twin much faster. The touchscreen on the back allows me to instantly verify the quality of the 3D mesh and texture capture, ensuring I have everything I need before leaving the site.” This real-time feedback is a game-changer for car accidents scanners.
He further highlights the scanner’s user-friendliness: “If I miss a section or need more detail in a specific area, I can simply rescan it with a quick wave of the scanner. Unlike our previous tripod-based workflow, where we wouldn’t discover data gaps until processing back at the office, Leo provides immediate assurance. When we leave the vehicle, we’re confident we’ve captured everything.” This immediate feedback and ease of use are key advantages of the Artec Leo as a car accidents scanner.
High-Fidelity Textures: Essential for Realistic Digital Twins from Car Accidents Scanners
Dr. Carter also praises the Artec Leo’s exceptional texture capture capabilities. “The fidelity of the texture information is truly remarkable. The color and surface details are photorealistic, or nearly so. And unlike tripod-based scanners, the texture isn’t limited to individual points in the point cloud.” This comprehensive texture mapping is a significant advancement in car accidents scanner technology.
“Instead, the texture fills in the gaps between points. This ‘gap-filling’ feature provides an unexpected benefit: the ability to examine the vehicle from perspectives not originally considered during the inspection. I’m no longer restricted by the photos taken at the scene. I can generate what appear to be new inspection photos of any vehicle aspect, on demand.” The Artec Leo, as a sophisticated car accidents scanner, provides unparalleled flexibility in post-scan analysis.
Dr. Carter continues, “Leo delivers highly accurate scans with more than sufficient geometric data for any analysis we perform. And then, the photorealistic texture brings it all to life. I remember the first time I zoomed in on a vehicle model captured with Leo – it was phenomenal. It looked exactly like the real vehicle, which is precisely what you want in a digital twin. We simply couldn’t achieve this level of fidelity with previous methods. Not even close.” The level of detail achieved by this car accidents scanner is a significant leap forward.
Artec Studio software display illustrating the high-resolution 3D scan of a Dodge Minivan, captured with the Leo car accidents scanner, showcasing exceptional texture and geometric detail.
Since incorporating the Leo, having a lifelike digital twin of the vehicle, down to the smallest detail, has become the standard expectation for Origin Forensics. “Reviewing Leo scans in Artec Studio is like being back at the accident scene, standing next to the vehicle as it was during the inspection. We can visualize the evidence from any angle and perform measurements with exceptional accuracy,” Dr. Carter states. This immersive experience is a testament to the power of advanced car accidents scanners.
Damage Inspection and Analysis using Car Accidents Scanner Data in Artec Studio
Dr. Carter explains a key application of the data from their Leo car accidents scanner: “Once we’ve compiled scans of a damaged vehicle, we align undamaged portions with a 3D model or scan of a similar, undamaged vehicle. Comparing the damaged and undamaged models allows us to quantify the extent of crush on the damaged vehicle. This provides a basis for determining the direction and magnitude of collision forces, and the energy absorbed during the crash.”
“From the absorbed energy and other evidence, we can estimate the change in velocity (delta-V) at impact. Furthermore, comparing damaged and undamaged vehicles, alongside our collision analysis, assists experts in determining occupant injuries and assessing whether vehicle design or manufacturing contributed to or exacerbated those injuries.” The precise data from car accidents scanners is critical for comprehensive accident analysis.
Biomechanical Injury Analysis Enhanced by 3D Car Accidents Scanner Data
Origin Forensics also utilizes data from the Leo car accidents scanner for biomechanical injury analysis. This involves connecting the external crash events to the events involving vehicle occupants. A crucial aspect is analyzing how occupants interacted with the car’s interior from the moment of impact.
Dr. Carter explains, “We correlate occupant injuries to specific elements of the passenger compartment that caused them. We then assess if safety features like airbags or seat belts failed to perform as designed. Could any design or manufacturing changes have prevented these injuries? We analyze every possible scenario, from beginning to end.” This detailed injury analysis is significantly enhanced by the precise vehicle models created by car accidents scanners.
Dr. Carter and Technician Rothwell examining 3D scan data of the 2014 Dodge Charger in Artec Studio, utilizing car accidents scanner data for biomechanical injury analysis.
During client consultations, whether in-person or online, Dr. Carter can share his screen and display the digital twin created with their Leo car accidents scanner. He can then highlight and explain relevant details directly on the 3D model.
Inspecting the Charger’s crush deformation patterns using Artec Studio’s surface distance mapping feature, demonstrating the analytical capabilities of car accidents scanner data.
“Navigating a detailed 3D model is a valuable complement to static 2D photos, which are limited by a fixed perspective. Clients often inquire about specific vehicle aspects, and we can instantly show them, as if we were standing next to the actual vehicle or viewing a photo from that exact viewpoint,” Dr. Carter notes. This interactive 3D visualization, enabled by car accidents scanners, significantly enhances client communication and understanding.
Comprehensive Vehicle Damage Reports with Leo Car Accidents Scanner
Following initial consultations, written reports and deposition or trial testimonies may be required. Generating exhibits that clearly illustrate the nature and extent of vehicle damage is crucial. 3D models from Leo car accidents scanner scans are invaluable assets for creating compelling visual exhibits.
Forensic Technician Kyle Rothwell, Origin Forensics’ in-house Leo expert, describes his Artec Studio workflow: “After importing Leo scans, I start with Global Registration, then Outlier Removal on each scan group, followed by alignment.” These steps ensure data accuracy and clarity from the car accidents scanner.
Rothwell processing the Leo car accidents scanner scans of the 2014 Dodge Charger in Artec Studio, preparing the 3D model for analysis and reporting.
“Next, I clean up any extraneous geometry like glass fragments, dirt, or asphalt. Once the raw data is registered, aligned, and cleaned, I orient the scans to set the ground plane and align the vehicle’s right side in the view.” Rothwell continues, “Then, I perform Sharp Fusion, followed by Fast Mesh Simplification. For vehicles, a mesh density of 2 to 5 million triangles is suitable for our needs. Finally, I apply texture information, reduce glare, and export the model, usually in .OBJ format with an 8K .PNG texture map to preserve fine details.” This detailed process ensures the highest quality output from the car accidents scanner data.
3D Digital Twins: Surpassing Reality with Car Accidents Scanners
While most of Origin Forensics’ cases are settled out of court, their Leo car accidents scanner provides a powerful tool for trials. It allows them to present a true-to-life, virtual representation of the vehicle directly to the jury.
“It’s even better than examining the actual vehicle,” Dr. Carter explains, “because with the digital twin, I can zoom, rotate, and display any damage detail from any angle or magnification. And this evidence is fresh from the accident scene, accurately reflecting what I observed during my inspection.” The presentation capabilities of car accidents scanners in court are transformative.
Preparing for inspection in Artec Studio: merging the Charger scan with an exemplar 3D model of the same vehicle, demonstrating the use of car accidents scanner data for comparative analysis.
Dr. Carter envisions future courtroom presentations: “In the near future, jurors may have individual monitors or VR goggles to view these exhibits. This would amplify the impact of Leo scan data, allowing guided tours around or inside the vehicle, highlighting key aspects on demand.” The immersive potential of car accidents scanner technology in legal settings is immense.
“Previously, bringing the actual vehicle to court was expensive and not always permitted. With Leo data, we bring the car to the courtroom virtually, allowing jurors to ‘walk around’ it,” he concludes. This virtual presence, enabled by car accidents scanners, is a significant advantage.
Using Artec Studio’s surface distance mapping to visually inspect the crashed Charger’s damage, highlighting the detailed analytical capabilities of car accidents scanner data.
Dr. Carter’s journey to the Artec Leo began with online research. He discovered the YouTube channel of Artec Ambassador Digitize Designs and contacted Bo Helmrich, their 3D Scanning Expert. Helmrich showcased the Artec Leo by providing videos of the scanning process and sample vehicle scan data.
For a demonstration, Helmrich scanned his Toyota Highlander’s exterior with the Leo in just 32 minutes. Processed and ready within 90 minutes, the 3D model impressed Dr. Carter immediately.
“I was blown away by the geometric detail and the textures, which are critical in our work. High-quality textures are only effective with high-quality underlying 3D data, and Leo excels in both areas,” Dr. Carter recalls.
He elaborates, “If the polygonal mesh is flawed, even slightly, no amount of texture can compensate. Fortunately, Leo delivers exceptional results in both geometry and texture. We saw it in the demo, and we see it in every project we use it for today.” The Artec Leo truly stands out as a top-tier car accidents scanner.
User-Friendly Car Accidents Scanner: From Unboxing to Scanning in Minutes
After purchasing their Leo car accidents scanner, Dr. Carter’s team received remote training on scanner operation and Artec Studio software. Rothwell recounts his initial experience:
“Learning to use Leo on smaller objects, like a Pelican case, was a joy. It was ready to go right out of the box, generating detailed models in minutes. Larger objects were initially more challenging, so I adapted my approach.”
He explains his refined technique: “Breaking down projects into smaller sections works best. I scan each vehicle in sections and load them individually into Artec Studio. This ensures consistent and accurate results every time.” This adaptable workflow highlights the versatility of the car accidents scanner.
When asked about Leo’s impact, Rothwell states, “Comparing our pre-Leo scanning methods is like comparing night and day. There’s simply no comparison.”
Forensic Technician Kyle Rothwell scanning a vehicle with the Artec Leo handheld car accidents scanner, demonstrating the ease of use and portability of the device.
He concludes, “Leo is in a different league. Operationally, the real-time feedback during scanning, the ability to capture fine details, and the quality of color texture information truly set Leo apart as a car accidents scanner.”
With their extensive engineering backgrounds and accident reconstruction expertise, Origin Forensics is frequently sought after for complex accident investigations. Their analysis often extends to occupant injury evaluation.
This expertise is why leading companies and agencies like Chrysler, Ford Motors, Honda, Jeep, Nissan, Progressive, Safeco, Toyota, and others consistently rely on Origin Forensics. Their thorough investigations, detailed reports, and honest consultations ensure repeat business and frequent referrals.
Origin Forensics’ guiding motto, “Veritas, Fidelitas, Claritas” (Truth, Faithfulness, Clarity), defines their mission: to uncover the truth, faithfully represent evidence using cutting-edge technologies, and present findings with utmost clarity.
Dr. Carter emphasizes Leo’s crucial role in their mission: “I strive to push the boundaries of forensic accident reconstruction, which requires continuously seeking the best technologies. This allows us to deliver exceptional services and solutions to our clients. That’s why I chose the Artec Leo. It gives us a competitive edge unmatched by anything else on the market,” solidifying its position as a leading tool in car accidents scanner technology.
