Method for automated reconstruction of a car's path during crash from GPS/INS data using a Kalman filter

Abstract

This article presents a method for automated reconstruction of a car's path during crash. Unlike conventional methods, which rely on indirect measurements like tire marks, property damage, etc. and on human intervention, the presented method uses only data from direct measurements, made by an EDR device. The method is compatible with devices built with low cost MEMS sensors. The path reconstruction is done fully automated, using a Kalman filter, similar to the ones used in inertial navigation.The test results show that the method has practical value as a source of information for the final expert report in a car crash investigation. It can also be used to perform a remote crash reconstruction if the data is sent over e.g. mobile network, thus being of benefit even to emergency call center operators.