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| The Computer Visualization and Forensic Illustration FAQ We receive numerous questions about computer visuals and animation for research, investigations, conservation and law. We have taken this opportunity to answer some of your most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). We are available online or by voice (see below) for any additional questions. 1. Are Forensic Visualization services used exclusively for trial evidence exhibits? No, graphic visualization is a very powerful investigative research tool. Many expert scientists, engineers, educators, businesses, publishers and attorneys use computer visualization services well before trial or for independent development projects. Computer modeling and image processing tools are used for analyzing images, designing or reconstructing evidential events, objects, apparatus, and areas that experts need to examine. 3D computer models, for example, can be examined from any viewpoint or motion. These models and images are used to archive or transmit the status of case project research among other experts, curators, art directors or counsel teams. We provide drafting and design services for protypes, patent applications, graphic art, web collateral, fabrication and construction plans and documents. Site documentation and digital conservation consulting services helps preserve the essential fact data about an incident, appuratus or project including structural assemblies, motion paths, evidence or specimen locations, materials inventory, chronologies, examplar research, witness verification, origin details or fracture measurements and a host of other initial time critical tasks. To gather data we may review case project files, surveys, prior art patents, depositions, photographs, incident reports, meet with experts, monitor tests or research events and site history. We are experienced case investigators and integrate seamlessly with your team because we do not provide any other services but computer graphics. 2. How do you actually use the new technologies? Imaged data (photos, video, raster files, etc. ) and site or object characteristics (measurements, geometry, vector files, etc.) are combined and synthesized as 3D solid computer models (digital datasets) which are accessible domains of information. These domain models can be used to present definitive illustrations, animated fly-arounds and walk-throughs, multiple observer viewpoints, dynamic operations (hyperlinks), event reenactments, and artistic special effects. No object is too small or too large to be fully observed. Topology layers may be made transparent to reveal features or eliminate misleading information. Real world textures can be mapped to construct photorealistic environments. Image processing and solid modeling can recreate pre-and post-incident devices and environments even when the objects or incident scene has been altered or is not available. Presentations or trial exhibits are evolved from the 3D model to create video or multimedia "Tutorials" that explain physical and scientific laws, history, or industry standards, "Illustrations" that visually depict expert scholarly opinion or "Recreations" that document incident conditions, environments or display data and test results. 3. Why is there so much emphasis on the visuals? Visual technologies take advantage of our most important tool for understanding: our eyes. We can absorb and process enormous amounts of information using this highly evolved key sense. We have entered a radical new era of image understanding by using computer visualization for forming opinions and making difficult decisions. Graphical models and animation are an art form that can impart emotion and meaning to science and law. 4. What can the graphics and visuals do for me in the courtroom, boardroom or meeting? Psychological studies show that people in groups (juries, committees, classes, etc.) form opinions very quickly. Our objective is to offer judge, jury, examiners or students the visual premises of your case research very early on so they can learn enough to make a decision that is reinforced throughout the trial, meeting or application period. 5. What about admissibility and foundation? The federal rules of evidence require that the item provide fair and accurate depiction of evidence and that the item is relevant, clear and used to explain an expert opinion or summarize writings, recordings or photography. The illustrative item shall relate to other evidence and is presented to assist and help the examiners of fact. Computer graphics are admitted similarly to photographic evidence. We are available for disclosure, deposition or to appear as fact witnesses for foundation. 5. Are AEC/Forensic Graphics services available in every state and internationally? We have worked on hundreds of complex multi-party cases and projects throughout the U.S. and Europe. We have the internet telecommunication expertise and equipment to instantly and simultaneously deliver workproduct to your office, staff, clients, consultants, colleagues, site, hotel, classroom or courtroom at all hours of the day. Computer telephony is a technology that often results in a higher rate of personalized and efficient communication for engineering and business. We will advise and assist installation of a seamless secure telecommunication system if your sites are not currently internet or Web connected. 6. What's available and what are the costs? • Preliminaries, conceptual drafts, story boards, patent informals and processed images are faxed, ftp or emailed directly to your offices or designated operations center. All images and data files are instantly accessible. • VHS video tapes of concept development preliminaries are sent overnight FedEX. High speed network access can be arranged. • CD or laser disc multimedia case presentations can provide hundreds of pages of documents, graphs, photographs (with zoom, panoramas and highlights!), animation and live video on a single disc. • Touch screen kiosks can provide 24 hour automated, accessible presentations. • Large full color court boards: printing and mounting generally run about $24 per square foot. Still images are very economical alternatives to animations. (Boards can also be downloaded to an internet printer vendor in your area.) • VHS Quicktime Fly-Thru animatics run as low as $3500. Labor rate is $60hr. Full motion animation, effects and video editing are available. • 3D Models can be delivered as Object, Panoramic and Animated QuickTime movies. • Computer process and rendering time are charged separately. All rates subject to changes. • Studio and video editing time per quote. 7. What is your commitment to my project? Our goal is to provide you with the best quality visuals possible, but equally important is our desire to keep you informed of the estimated charges that are anticipated. With this in mind, there will be a retainer and an initial budget established at the conclusion of our first consultation. This budget will not be increased without authorization. 8. How can we contact you? AEC Home Page WebSite www.artengineering.com We are available online 24 hours a day via email: macbloom@aol.com If you need to talk to us right away, please call the voice line: 650-854-5535. [ AEC Home Page ][ Forensic Graphics Page ] [ CAD Computer Design Page ] |
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