Abstract: A system for performing multi-level video processing within a vehicle includes a pre-processing module for determining an encoding mode and enabling one or more levels of encoding based on the encoding mode. The pre-processing module further receives a video stream from a camera attached to the vehicle via a vehicular communication network and encodes the video stream based on the encoding mode to produce a packet stream output. The system further includes a video decoder for receiving the packet stream output and decoding the packet stream output in accordance with the encoding mode to produce a decoded video output.

Abstract: A vehicle network link module includes network fabric ports, a port, a switching circuit, and a link manager. The network fabric ports are operable for coupling to corresponding network fabric ports of another vehicle network fabric link module. The port is operable for coupling to a port of a vehicle network module. The switching circuit is operable to connect an active network fabric port to the port. The link manager determines whether vehicle network packet conveyance via the active network fabric port has degenerated below a threshold. When the vehicle network packet conveyance has degenerated below a threshold, the link manager determines use mode of the active network fabric port. The link manager processing module then selects a new active network fabric port based on the use mode. The link manager then activates the new active network fabric port for coupling via the switching circuit to the port.

Abstract: A vehicle black box includes a memory device for receiving and storing real-time data associated with the vehicle during a recording time window. Upon determining that an accident has occurred, circuitry freezes the recording time window and stores the real-time data within the frozen recording time window within a one-time programmable (OTP) memory.

Abstract: A wired and wireless vehicle communication network includes network node modules, switch modules, bridge-routing modules, and a network manager. The network manager is operable to determine a wired packet communication mode and/or a wireless packet communication mode. When the network is in the wireless packet communication mode, the network manager coordinates wireless communication of packets among the network node modules, the switch modules, and the bridge-routing modules based on individual content of the packets and wireless channel mapping. When the network is in the wired packet communication mode, the network manager coordinates wired communication of packets among the network node modules, the switch modules, and the bridge-routing modules based on the individual content of the packets and in accordance with a global vehicle network communication protocol.

Abstract: A data bridge controls packet transfers between network fabrics forming a closed network, such as a vehicular network. The data bridge includes two or more sets of modules, each of which communicates with a different network fabric. When a packet is to be delivered between network fabrics, a first set of modules, which is used to communicate with a first network fabric, decides whether to accept the packet or discard it. If the packet is accepted, it is delivered to a second set of modules, which is used for communicating with a second network fabric. The second set of modules makes a second, independent decision about whether the packet will be sent to the second network fabric. Each set of modules can base its decision on packet content type, and may discard any packet not to be delivered to the other network.

Abstract: A data bridge controls the transfer of packets between different priority network fabrics of a closed network, e.g. high and low priority network fabrics a vehicular network. Processing circuitry determines first priority routing of a first packet from the first network fabric to the second network fabric based on packet content type of the first packet and priority conditions of the second network fabric. A determination is also made regarding whether a second packet is to be delivered from the second network fabric to the first network fabric. If the second packet is to be delivered, second priority routing of the second packet is made based on packet content type of the second packet and priority conditions of the first network fabric.

Abstract: A network node module includes a processing module and memory. The processing module is operable to generate a header section of a frame for transmission within a unified vehicle communication network. The header section includes a preamble, routing information, and a vehicle network field, which includes information that identifies a type of the frame. The processing module is further operable to generate a payload section of the frame. The payload section includes data payload and an integrity check field. The processing module is further operable to transmit the frame to the unified vehicle communication network in accordance with a global vehicle network communication protocol.

Abstract: A switching module can route packets between a network fabric and a local network, both of which form a closed network such as a vehicular network. The switching module provides local network management functions, and handles packet transfers between the local network and the network fabric. The switching module uses network information, which can include information about packet content type and network topology, to determine a packet's priority, and an appropriate switching protocol to use for processing and routing packets.

Abstract: A vehicle network node module includes device buffers, a network buffer, a switch circuit, and a processing module. The device buffers temporarily store outgoing device packets from, and temporarily store incoming device packets for, vehicle devices in accordance with a locally managed prioritization scheme. The network buffer receives incoming network packets from, and outputs the outgoing network packets to, a vehicle network fabric in accordance with a global vehicle network protocol. The network buffer also temporarily stores the incoming network packets and the outgoing network packets in accordance with the locally managed prioritization scheme. The switching circuit selectively couples the network buffer to individual ones of the device buffers in accordance with the locally managed prioritization scheme.

Abstract: A vehicular network is a closed network with known sources, destinations, and network connections that can be mapped in advance, and used to identify network resources needed to transmit a packet from a source to a destination. A network module can determine the source destination, and a priority of a packet based on the packet's content. Using the source and destination information, along with a network topology data, the network module can determine if two packets need the same network resources to be delivered to their destination. When the two packets do not use the same resources, there is no conflict, and the packets can be transmitted concurrently regardless of whether one of the packets has a higher priority than another packet. If there is a conflict, the network module transmits the packets based on the packets' priorities.

Abstract: There is provided a system for secure profile setting that includes at least one shared device and an RFID reader module embedded in the at least one shared device. The system further includes a database that is in communication with the at least one shared device. In the system, an RFID transponder module associated with a user transmits a signal that enables the at least one shared device to identify the user. The RFID transponder module can include a fingerprint scanner module, which can be used to acquire a user's fingerprint data to authenticate the user. Thus, after identifying the user, the at least one shared device retrieves a profile corresponding to the user from the database and sets the profile.

Abstract: A connector integrates a transformer and a “phantom” power provision, thus enabling a reduction in size along with an increase in versatility for electronic communication. The transformer may comprise a pair of magnetic transformers. The power source may be connected to center taps of the magnetic transformers for providing a bias voltage to the connector.