IT Forensics · Drones

Forensically reconstructing sensor faults and warning messages – Forensically analysing system-generated error messages

During operation, drones continuously monitor the functionality of their various sensors and, if any irregularities are detected, generate warning or error messages, some of which are documented.

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A systematic analysis of these reports can help to distinguish technical causes of unusual flight behaviour from other possible explanations, such as operator error.

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 sensor error and warning logs and place them in chronological order within the sequence of events to systematically investigate the technical causes.

Typical areas of application

Reconstruction of technical error messages prior to an incident
Distinguishing between technical causes and operator errors
Investigation of recurring sensor problems
Supplementing crash and collision investigations
Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
Forensic analysis of motor and rotor diagnostic data

This is how an analysis of sensor faults and warning messages is carried out

Once the data has been backed up, documented error and warning messages are extracted and organised chronologically. Particular attention is paid to messages issued immediately prior to the relevant event, which are correlated with additional sensor data.

Why is the analysis of sensor faults and warning messages relevant from a forensic perspective?

An error message logged immediately before a crash can provide strong evidence of a technical cause and thus have a significant impact on the assessment of an incident.

Recurring warning messages that appeared before the incident itself may also indicate a known technical problem that has not yet been resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all sensor faults logged?+
Not necessarily to the same extent; this depends on the specific model and its diagnostic functions.
Can warning messages be ignored by the pilot?+
Technically, yes, which is why additional checks are carried out to determine whether and how a message was actually displayed to the pilot.
How are recurring errors assessed?+
They are monitored over the course of several flights in order to identify any potential systematic, unresolved issues.

LanCologne – IT Forensics Drones Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into „forensic reconstruction of sensor errors and warning messages"? LanCologne can assist you with the collection of digital evidence in a manner that stands up in court, as well as the transparent analysis of relevant drone artefacts.

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