IT Forensics · Drones

Forensically reconstructing control commands – forensically analysing the pilot’s inputs

In addition to simply recording position and sensor data, some systems also log the pilot’s specific control inputs, such as control stick deflections or special functions that have been activated.

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Such a recording enables a detailed reconstruction of how a pilot actually reacted in a particular situation, which can be particularly valuable when assessing operational errors.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

The examination is, as a matter of principle, carried out exclusively on a forensic copy, a forensic image or a data source captured in a technically equivalent manner that preserves the integrity of the evidence. The original evidence remains unchanged and is stored in a manner that preserves its integrity.

Our services

We analyse the available control command data and use it to reconstruct the pilot’s actual inputs during the relevant period of an incident.

Typical areas of application

•Reconstruction of actual control inputs prior to an incident
•Investigation into operator error as a cause of accidents
•Distinguishing between human error and technical failure
•Supplementary information on accident reconstructions
•Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
•Assessment of drone incidents under insurance law

This is how a tax order analysis is carried out

Once the data has been saved, the available control command data is extracted and chronologically ordered within the flight sequence. A comparison is then carried out with the actual observed flight response in order to assess the plausibility and technical feasibility of the input data.

Why is instruction analysis relevant in a forensic context?

Evidence of the specific action the pilot took immediately prior to an incident may be decisive in determining whether it was a human error or a technical failure.

If the drone fails to respond to a recognisable control input, this may also indicate a technical fault, which will be investigated separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are control commands recorded for every drone?+
Not every model is covered in the same level of detail; this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Can control commands be tampered with retrospectively?+
In principle, this is conceivable, which is why any such anomalies are always critically cross-checked against other data sources.
How are control commands synchronised with flight behaviour?+
By comparing the input data with the actual recorded position, altitude and speed values over time.

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LanCologne – IT Forensics Drones Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into „the forensic reconstruction of command sequences"? LanCologne can assist you with the collection of digital evidence that meets legal standards, as well as the transparent analysis of relevant drone artefacts.

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