More in-depth details, more findings: accident research optimizes 3D measurements

Our accident research team is regularly on the road, gathering information and developing corresponding 3D street models, always with the goal of achieving the best possible results for further development activities in order to reduce accident damage to nearly zero. We’ve been extremely well-positioned so far, but we want more: more information, more details, more results.

For this reason, our team optimized the way it investigates and analyzes accident sites and vehicles so that they can now create extremely realistic 3D representations. That translates to even better opportunities to represent accident sites and vehicle damage. What forms the foundation is the detailed photo documentation of the accident scene and the vehicle involved in the accident. Back at the office, the team can use photogrammetry to create detailed 3D models and scatter plots. By comparing these with a CAD model of the accident vehicle, you can precisely analyze and digitize vehicle damage and deformation details, thus allowing you to load up databases faster, more extensively and more precisely. Visual references are provided for the data analyses. With the help of standard Windows 3D app, we can zoom into accident sites, do virtual “flyovers” of the accident scene or more realistically assess the survival space for the occupant of a vehicle involved in an accident. In this case individual photos would supply detailed information such as spacing or torsions (of a seat for instance) only to a certain extent. With the optimized 3D models however, all of the relevant data and information is identifiable.

With its activities, the team is making an important contribution in advancing our safety technologies. After all, the models we create are of interest to more than just accident research. They also offer our functions developers a real test environment for virtual testing. What that means is, the more precise the accident information and the more realistic the 3D models, the more comprehensive the downstream analyses, tests and enhancements. In order to provide constant quality over the long-term, all of the equipment – cameras, computers, storage capacity – is tested on a regular basis. The combination of the right equipment and our strong, first-rate team enables VAIVA to carry out high-level accident research.