Infotainment System
iVe (ˈīvē) is a vehicle system forensic tool that acquires user infotainment data from vehicles and allows forensic engineers a means to quickly and intuitively analyze it. Vehicle infotainment and telematics systems store a vast amount of data such as recent destinations, favorite locations, call logs, contact lists, SMS messages, emails, pictures, videos, social media feeds, and the navigation history of everywhere the vehicle has been. Many systems record events such as when and where a vehicle’s lights are turned on, which doors are opened and closed at specific locations, and even where the vehicle is when Bluetooth devices connect.
Supported Vehicles
iVe supports BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Ford, GMC, HUMMER, Jeep, Lincoln, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Nissan, Pontiac, Ram, Saturn, SEAT, Skoda, SRT, Toyota, and Volkswagen and is adding new models every year. For a full list of supported vehicles by VIN or trim level, please reach out to us by dialing 888-873-0012 or by email.
Using Infotainment Data: Vehicle Collisions
Although our accident reconstructionists typically obtain crash data from the event data recorders, the iVe infotainment system can be an additional tool to help with certain cases. Older vehicles have filament bulbs which can be examined after an accident to identify whether or not the lights were on during the accident. Newer vehicles have LED lights. If examined, these will not indicate whether or not they were engaged. However, the infotainment system of the vehicle is often connected with the vehicle network that controls these LED lights. Depending on the vehicle, it will provide you with information as to when (date and time) the lights were on or off. Please visit our Accident Reconstruction page for more information.
Using Infotainment Data: Theft and Hit & Run Cases
The information obtained from infotainment downloads can be valuable in investigating cases involving theft. For instance, if a vehicle is reported stolen, and a phone was tethered to the vehicle at the time it was reported stolen (or just before), our experts can obtain information about the specific phone, to whom it belongs, and time and location information. The data may contain text messages, calls, and possibly vehicle locations via GPS. This information along with a vehicle inspection and key/transponder analysis could solidify a case. The navigational feature would also be useful for pedestrian or hit and run events. Basically, the information can help an investigator determine who was in the vehicle at the time of the incident and if the provided story matches the evidence. The information can also be useful in investigating “phantom” vehicle cases where someone claims a vehicle was hit while parked. Please visit our Automotive and Key Analysis pages for more information.
Featured Experts for this Forensic Service
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Gabriel Alexander, P.E., ACTAR | Professional Engineer / Accident Reconstructionist |
| Jeremy Hoffpauir, P.E., ACTAR | Professional Engineer / Accident Reconstructionist |
| Matthew Ivory, P.E. | Professional Engineer / Accident Reconstructionist |
| Chris Owens, Sr. | Accident Reconstructionist |
| Jeffrey Stark, P.E., CFL | Professional Engineer / Certified Forensic Locksmith |
