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Case Closed: Spearhead Interactive solves legal case by bringing Virtual Reality into the Courtroom

02 November 2016

 

Middlesbrough-based emerging technology agency Spearhead Interactive have created what is believed to be the world's first Virtual Reality visualisation that has led to the closing of a real-world court case.

A view of the 3D virtual reality replication of the collision.
A view of the 3D virtual reality replication of the collision.

Developed in just four weeks, the award-winning team were commissioned to replicate the scene of a road traffic collision in order to solve a dispute which had been ongoing for a number of years and had cost a significant amount of money. Despite Spearhead Interactive being called as expert witnesses, the case was settled soon after solicitors received the software.

By using the latest 3D technology, the company created a 3D model of the real-world environment, animated 3D models of the vehicles involved and provided tools for users to move around, interact with the scene and witness the incident from a number of different positions; including placing the user in the drivers’ seats and from known witness locations in order to validate or invalidate statements.

Spearhead Interactive is an Emerging Technology Agency based in Middlesbrough, North-East England. Established in February 2013 through a DigitalCity Fellowship and currently incubated within the Phoenix Building at Teesside University, the business is known for combining ideas with emerging technology in order to create innovative solutions to commercial business challenges.

Specialising in the development of real-time 3D software and apps, augmented reality and virtual reality software, Spearhead Interactive brings 3D models to life through the development and integration of animation, functionality, data and systems, to benefit any activity or replicate and refine any process.

Managing Director of Spearhead Interactive, Dan Riley believes that the technology has the potential to be a significant legal tool to aid in case resolution and provide time and cost savings across a range of professional areas.

He said: 'The final software was submitted to the courts as a PC application that users can view either on a monitor or through a Virtual Reality headset, providing unprecedented levels of immersion and enabling users to experience, replay and discuss events as if they were there themselves.'

The replica 3D model of the environment was created in partnership with Precision Geomatics, a laser scanning company based in Sunderland who produced digital point cloud scans of the site. Kevin Taylor of KNC was the lead forensic investigator on the case who also provided Spearhead Interactive with the data that the team needed in order to produce an accurate representation of the collision.

Of the collaboration, Dan said: 'Each of the partners helped to ensure that every detail of the visualisation was as accurate as possible. Having access to quality laser scan data of the scene and full forensic information we were able to create a visualisation that matched reality as much as it could with the evidence we had to hand; from the correct speed and rotation of the tyres on the vehicles, to the view from the mirrors on the vehicles.

'One of the only elements we were unable to determine were whether or not the headlights of the vehicles were used at any point, so we also added the ability to turn these on and off for each vehicle anyway, so users could demonstrate different scenarios.'

Indeed, Spearhead Interactive went to great lengths to ensure their work was accurate, with Dan even calling the UK MET office for information on temperature, weather conditions, sun position and wind speed, just in case they may have played a role in the collision.

Dan said: 'We recognise the importance in getting this type of work right, and doing the best possible job; not just from a corporate and client perspective, but also as a duty of care to all of those involved. We remained impartial throughout with no knowledge of whether we were acting on behalf of the prosecution or the defence.

'Our job was simply to visualise the facts and provide a way for those involved to access the truth about what happened.'

Submitted to courts earlier in 2016, the firm is only now able to talk about the high-tech solution that could have a profound impact in legal sectors around the world.

Spearhead Interactive are hosting an open day for legal and emergency service sectors on Friday 4th November 2016, with presentations scheduled for 8.30-10am, 12-1.30pm and 4.30-6pm.


 
 
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