Abstract: A system for making a telephone call in a vehicle in which information concerning the traffic situation of a first vehicle is electronically processed and sent to a second vehicle. By apparatuses of further electronic processing, only relevant information concerning the traffic situation, which is in the field of view of the device of the first vehicle, is transmitted to the receiving party together with the telephone conversation. Unimportant details of the environment are able to be suppressed.

Abstract: A method and terminal for receiving and processing traffic information and a method and apparatus for providing the traffic information are disclosed. According to an embodiment, the method for receiving traffic information includes reading region information included in received traffic information, determining whether a first region indicated by the region information overlaps with a second region corresponding to location information on which traffic information is desired, and decoding the traffic information including the region information indicating the first region if the determination result indicates that the first and second regions overlap.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically communicating traffic information from a traffic probe vehicle to a traffic information and management system when the probe vehicle is operated within an active traffic information reporting region. Geographic information about a traffic reporting region, or plurality of regions, is stored in the probe vehicle as an array of geographic cells so as to reduce the data storage requirements. The geographic cells have associated with them certain cell parameters related to the cell, such as a recording priority, a recording interval and a reporting interval. The recording priority of a cell may be associated with certain roadway types located within that cell. As a probe vehicle travels within an active traffic information reporting region, its location is established within the traffic information reporting region and a corresponding geographic cell.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation apparatus enabling a user to know whether a data item for display is the latest updated one or has old contents, thereby allowing him/her to confidently drive according to a guidance route provided by navigation. The vehicle navigation apparatus is adapted to update a database by receiving difference data. The navigation apparatus displays not only the data item for display but also freshness information on the data, based on the difference data and storage contents in the pre-update database. The freshness information may indicate whether the freshness of the data item for display is guaranteed or not, and may be displayed in a manner according to the freshness of the data item.

Abstract: The temperature of an operator circuit is measured. A relationship between the temperature of the operator circuit and characteristics of the operator circuit is determined. The relationship is applied to the measured temperature of the operator circuit to create an adjustment action. The detection threshold is adjusted by the adjustment action.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting incidents along a roadway are provided. A plurality of readers are spaced at intervals along a roadway for reading uniquely identified data from each of a plurality of vehicles. These readings are correlated to obtain information on each of the vehicles and to determine the number of vehicles potentially affected by incidents along the roadway. Finally, the number of each of the vehicles potentially affected by incidents is compared to a sample threshold in order to determine if a traffic incident has occurred.

Abstract: A decentralized, mobile system for reporting and monitoring vehicular traffic status. A vehicle has a position determining device, a transceiver, and a local display and controller connected to a processor. The transceiver receives, transmits, and repeats local traffic and vehicle information, such as location, direction, and speed. The processor is programmed to execute processes including receiving messages, repeating received messages, transmitting messages, reporting vehicle data through a vehicle message, and displaying traffic status information based on the received data.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting load of traffic of vehicles that are travelling according to non reference route plan, provided with Dynamic Route Guidance capability of their PMMS, in a Forward Time Interval related Route Segment and according to a predetermined protocol between mobile systems and a non mobile system platform of a SODMS. Using mobile units, a traffic prediction query is receiving according to a predetermined differential traffic load match process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of conducting surveillance of stolen vehicles. Stolen vehicle information is downloaded from a database to a central server. At the central server, vehicle information is parsed to the specific requirements. Each subscribing jurisdiction downloads its area-specific stolen vehicle database to a subscriber workstation, e.g., via the Internet or an intranet. Police cars have on-board mobile surveillance points having a camera and a processor. A copy of the area-specific stolen vehicle database is loaded into each car's processor. The mobile surveillance point reads license plates of vehicles in traffic, and the processor compares the license plates to stolen plate numbers stored in the database. The processor activates a signal to alert the officer. Stationary checkpoints located in the jurisdiction have a stationary surveillance point having a camera and a processor. The surveillance system stores images and creates a database of all vehicle plates in the area.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring system comprises at least one sensor station (2) and an interferometric interrogation system (9); wherein the at least one sensor station (2) comprises at least one optical fiber sensor (5) deployed in a highway (1); and wherein the interferometric interrogation system (9) is adapted to respond to an optical phase shift produced in the at least one optical fiber sensor (5) due to a force applied by a vehicle passing the at least one sensor station (2).

Abstract: A method and system for determining the vacancy of a parking space is described that allows a customer to remotely receive information about parking space availability before arriving at a parking lot or structure. This system allows the customer to determine whether there are parking spaces available to park a vehicle and where such parking space(s) are located before the customer arrives at the parking lot or structure.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling and processing vehicular traffic data and information, comprising: (a) transforming a spatial representation of a road network into a network of spatially interdependent and interrelated oriented road sections, for forming an oriented road section network; (b) acquiring a variety of the vehicular traffic data and information associated with the oriented road section network, from a variety of sources; (c) prioritizing, filtering, and controlling, the vehicular traffic data and information acquired from each of the variety of sources; (d) calculating a mean normalized travel time (NTT) value for each oriented road section of said oriented road section network using the prioritized, filtered, and controlled, vehicular traffic data and information associated with each source, for forming a partial current vehicular traffic situation picture associated with each source; (e) fusing the partial current traffic situation picture associated with each source, for generating a single co

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for outputting traffic information in a motor vehicle. In order to present the driver with traffic information in such a way that he can adapt his driving behaviour and/or his selection of a route for his journey to the respective current traffic situation in time, there is a provision that traffic messages are stored together with the respective position of the route section to which they relate. The positions of the traffic messages are then compared with the respective position of a motor vehicle in which the traffic information is to be output in order to detect the distances between the respective position of the traffic messages and the position of this motor vehicle. The traffic messages are then output sorted according to distances, starting with the smallest distance.

Abstract: A navigation device, comprising a processor and one of a visual output device and an audio output device in communication with the processor. The processor calculates a geographic position of the device and provides one of a visual alert via the visual output device and an audio alert via the audio output device when the geographic position of the device approaches a predetermined geographic position.

Abstract: An image processing method comprises the steps of generating a road image by photographing a road on which a vehicle is traveling; performing a brightness averaging process of the road image; filtering the road image having undergone the brightness averaging process to detect lane markers; performing an inverse perspective process on the filtered road image; compressing the road image having undergone the inverse perspective process; determining slope in the lane markers from the compressed road image; determining a curvature in the road from the determined slope in the lane markers; and determining a drive direction and a lane deviation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting load of traffic of vehicles that are travelling according to non reference route plan, provided with Dynamic Route Guidance capability of their PMMS, in a Forward Time Interval related Route Segment and according to a predetermined protocol between mobile systems and a non mobile system platform of a SODMS. Using mobile units, a traffic prediction query is receiving according, to a predetermined differential traffic load match process.

Abstract: A system and method have been provided for classifying electronic signatures, obtained through the detection of a vehicle with a single loop inductive sensor, into one of a plurality of vehicle classification groups. A neural networking process is able to learn the plurality of vehicle classifications. In response to an electronic signature stimulus, the neural networking process is able to recall the classification group corresponding to the signature.

Abstract: A vehicular traffic monitoring system communicates with a plurality of mobile communication devices carried in moving vehicles and capable of determining their respective geographic positions and velocities. A data collector receives data samples from the plurality of mobile communication devices, each data sample comprising instantaneous location and velocity information of a respective mobile telephone at a respective time. A road segment identifier is coupled to the data at the collector for matching data samples wherein a respective instantaneous location corresponds to one of a plurality of road segments monitored by the traffic monitoring system. A sliding average calculator coupled to the road segment identifier determines an average speed corresponding to matched data samples for a particular one of the road segments in response to a predetermined sliding window.

Abstract: Roadside wireless devices are installed at roadside positions corresponding to the traffic lanes entering an intersection. Roadside wireless devices are also installed at roadside positions corresponding to the traffic lanes exiting an intersection. The roadside wireless devices on the entrance side receive an identification number from vehicle-mounted wireless ID devices of vehicles entering the intersection and transmit them to a roadside traffic monitoring device. Thereafter, the roadside wireless devices on the exit side receive an identification number from the vehicle-mounted wireless ID devices of vehicles exiting the intersection and transmit them to the roadside traffic monitoring device. From the identification numbers received, the roadside traffic monitoring device is able to determine the entrance from which a vehicle judged to be the same one had entered and the exit from which it exited, along with the type of vehicle.

Abstract: A travel information system broadcasts a stream of traffic event information relative to a given road network and a information collecting devices carried in vehicles travelling within the road network each filter among the stream of traffic event information to display only those traffic events relative to a selected travel route of the host vehicle. Each stored travel route is defined by placing the information device in a learn mode to collect a sequence of current vehicle position values during travel along the route. The information device need not include a costly and difficult to maintain large scale database representing the road network. The device thereby constructs and maintains a collection of frequent travel routes specific to the vehicle carrying the device and need not be updated to reflect changes in the road network, but rather allows the user to simply redefine the stored travel routes in light of current road usage and route selection.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling and processing vehicular traffic data and information, comprising: (a) transforming a spatial representation of a road network into a network of spatially interdependent and interrelated oriented road sections, for forming an oriented road section network; (b) acquiring a variety of the vehicular traffic data and information associated with the oriented road section network, from a variety of sources; (c) prioritizing, filtering, and controlling, the vehicular traffic data and information acquired from each of the variety of sources; (d) calculating a mean normalized travel time (NTT) value for each oriented road section of said oriented road section network using the prioritized, filtered, and controlled, vehicular traffic data and information associated with each source, for forming a partial current vehicular traffic situation picture associated with each source; (e) fusing the partial current traffic situation picture associated with each source, for generating a single co

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting inductance, which is generally disposed outside of the roadway surface. The apparatus includes at least one large aperture wire-loop deployed beside the roadway, on either or both sides, to detect vehicular traffic passing nearby. Alternatively, the apparatus includes at least one large aperture wire-loop deployed such that vehicular traffic passes through the opening defined by the wire-loop(s).

Abstract: Techniques for determination of network parameters in, e.g., a processor-implemented system for characterizing, adjusting or optimizing the performance of a wireless network. In an illustrative embodiment, values of one or more link parameters of the wireless network are interpolated along edges in a mesh of data points derived at least in part from road location data characterizing an area serviced by the wireless network. A measure of network performance, e.g., a coverage measure based on pilot signal-to-interference ratio, may be generated using the interpolated values. The edges of the mesh have associated therewith a set of edge weights representative of traffic in the wireless network. The edge weights may be adjusted so as to be in agreement with available network traffic data.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of traffic intersections comprising (a) storing traffic flow data and related time data at each traffic intersection in a data storage unit; (b) periodically downloading the traffic flow data and the time data to a computer; (c) using the computer to generate a new set of operating parameters based upon the traffic flow data and the time data; and (d) controlling the plurality of traffic intersections with the new set of operating parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling and processing vehicular traffic data and information, comprising: (a) transforming a spatial representation of a road network into a network of spatially interdependent and interrelated oriented road sections, for forming an oriented road section network; (b) acquiring a variety of the vehicular traffic data and information associated with the oriented road section network, from a variety of sources; (c) prioritizing, filtering, and controlling, the vehicular traffic data and information acquired from each of the variety of sources; (d) calculating a mean normalized travel time (NTT) value for each oriented road section of said oriented road section network using the prioritized, filtered, and controlled, vehicular traffic data and information associated with each source, for forming a partial current vehicular traffic situation picture associated with each source; (e) fusing the partial current traffic situation picture associated with each source, for generating a single co

Abstract: In a method for monitoring and controlling traffic states in a road traffic system current or predicted traffic states are determined for one or more points and a distinction is made between the three types of traffic states: free-flowing traffic, slow-moving traffic and stationary traffic. Vehicle inflow into the traffic system is then controlled as a function of the detected traffic states. The state monitoring method is configured to detect phase transitions between free-flowing and slow-moving traffic and/or stationary traffic states, which can be detected or predicted by means of specified criteria. Furthermore, according to the invention the vehicle inflow into the monitored traffic system section is controlled as a function of detected phase transitions between free-flowing and slow-moving traffic.

Abstract: System and method for mapping parameters of a queue of a road congestion. Length of the road congestion, motion rate and average arrival rate to the road congestion may be used to determine an expected delay in traveling as well as trends, using special radio systems and also existing radio networks such as Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMN) and Private/Public Data Networks (PDN). The mapping is performed relative to a front end of a queue of a road congestion. The mapping system may construct snapshots of mapping samples received from a small percentage of pre-designated probes. The mapping samples are received in response to predefined broadcast control messages. The determination of the length of a road congestion may be based on a direct approach, in dynamic conditions that include variations in the arrival rate of vehicles to the road congestion and the departure rate of vehicles from the congestion over time.

Abstract: System and method for mapping parameters of traffic congestion, for example, a road congestion, relative to a focus is disclosed. Mapping of the road congestion may include determination of an average length of the road congestion over a time interval, motion rate in the road congestion and arrival rate to the road congestion. These parameters, in turn, may be used to determine an expected delay in traveling throughout the road congestion as well as trends, i.e., changes with time, in the road congestion. The mapping is performed relative to the mapping focus, typically the front end of a road congestion. The mapping system may construct snapshots of mapping samples received from a small percentage of predestinated probes, e.g., a small percentage of vehicles equipped with an appropriate receiver and transmitter. The mapping samples are preferably received in response to predefined broadcast queries sent from the mapping system.

Abstract: A road traffic information processing apparatus determines the continuity of road conditions of a traffic jam, control, etc., in a traffic information link (v1, v2) received by road traffic information reception section and the continuity of road conditions of a traffic jam, control, etc., existing in traffic information links of different roads.

Abstract: A long-standing problem in traffic control is optimization of the flow of vehicles through a given road network. The present invention describes the network system wide control by means of which real time adjustments of the timings of all signals in a traffic network are made in such a way as to achieve an overall reduction in congestion conditions. First, signals obtained from vehicular-based cellular phones and from GPS based technology whenever available are used for collecting location information on moving vehicles. This location information is obtainable from wireless location systems such as GSM in Europe, CDMA in the USA, or PDC in Japan, and depends on supporting technologies, which are in the process of perpetual improvement. It is further used as an input for an Intelligent Traffic Control System that utilizes the cellular network's capabilities to provide sufficiently reliable position information that is stored in the form of records of vehicle phone coordinates, time stamps, etc.

Abstract: Location information obtained and continuously updated from vehicular-based cellular phones is collected, processed and used as a basis for input to Intelligent Transportation Systems, in particular to Real Time Urban Traffic Guidance for Vehicular Congestion and Intelligent Traffic Control Systems. Location information that forms the basis of the present invention is obtainable from wireless location systems such as GSM in Europe, CDMA in the USA, or PDC in Japan, and depends on supporting technologies, which are in the process of perpetual improvement. Relying on cellular networks location system capabilities to provide moderately reliable position information, the records of vehicle phones coordinates, timing, etc., are collected, updated and stored in the Traffic Service Center database.

Abstract: There are provided a vehicle detection apparatus and a vehicle detection method which are capable of detecting a sound source even when a plurality of vehicles are traveling simultaneously or when there are noises produced from something other than the desired vehicle and calculating the location in the vehicle traveling direction and the lane direction of the sound source and the number of passing vehicles.

Abstract: A system for providing traffic information to a plurality of mobile users connected to a network. The system comprises a plurality of traffic monitors, each comprising at least a traffic detector and a transmitter, the traffic detector generating a signal in response to vehicular traffic and the transmitter transmitting the signal. A receiver receives the signals from the traffic monitors. A computer system is connected to the receiver and is further connected to the network. The computer system in response to a request signal received from one of the users transmits in response thereto information representative of the signals transmitted by the traffic monitoring units. Alternative systems for gathering traffic information are disclosed.

Abstract: From a body located at a distance above the surface of the earth, an image is recorded of a region that is located underneath the body on or above the surface of the earth and that has a diameter of at least one kilometer. The recorded image is fully geocoded and comprises a grid dimension small enough that vehicle densities located in the region can be recognized. The recorded image is evaluated with respect to these vehicle densities and the spatial allocation thereof to the associated roadways. The method is used for acquisition of the state of street traffic over a large area.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamic and interactive navigation is presented. A navigation request is received from a user. The navigation request comprises an originating location description, a destination location description, and at least one criterion to be satisfied by a desired route. Dynamic condition information associated with at least one route between the originating location and the destination location is retrieved. Based on the dynamic condition information, a desired route between the originating location and the destination location is determined.

Abstract: A method for determining the traffic situation is based on traffic data which are obtained from reporting vehicles moving in the traffic, for a traffic network with traffic-controlled network nodes and roadway sections connecting them. Traffic data indicative of travel times on the roadway sections are obtained by reporting vehicles moving in the traffic, and are used to determine travel times on a roadway-section-specific basis. The mean number of vehicles in the queue, the mean number of vehicles, the mean vehicle speed outside the queue, the mean waiting time in the queue and/or the mean vehicle density outside the queue are determined from these travel times for the respective roadway section.

Abstract: Roadside wireless devices (1) are installed at roadside positions corresponding to the traffic lanes entering an intersection. Roadside wireless devices (1) are also installed at roadside positions corresponding to the traffic lanes exiting an intersection. The roadside wireless devices (1) on the entrance side receive an identification number from vehicle-mounted wireless ID devices (3) of vehicles entering the intersection and transmit them to a roadside traffic monitoring device (2). Thereafter, the roadside wireless devices (1) on the exit side receive an identification number from the vehicle-mounted wireless ID devices (3) of vehicles exiting the intersection and transmit them to the roadside traffic monitoring device (2). From the identification numbers received, the roadside traffic monitoring device (2) is able to determine the entrance from which a vehicle judged to be the same one had entered and the exit from which it exited, along with the type of vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for traffic monitoring and prediction of traffic intensity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and means for control of traffic on a network by route control. The method and the means are based on functions in a traffic management system. The invention includes control of traffic from a first route, which passes a bottleneck, which can be a part of the network, e g a node or a link, with low capacity relative to the demand of traffic through the node or the link,—to at least another alternative route. That alternative route is separated from the first route at a node upstream of the bottleneck and is routing at least parts of the traffic another road passing the bottleneck of the first route. The method is built on several cooperating method steps and route control can be applied on several different hierarchic levels in the network, locally and more comprehensive. Essential method steps are estimating and controlling traffic margins on selected links and nodes in the network and utilizing those margins at the route control.

Abstract: Vehicle detector arrangement comprising at least one detector unit (8) comprising at least one sensor (47, 48, 49, 50), a transmission/reception unit (54), an energy supply unit and a control unit (51, 52, 53), whereby the energy supply unit comprises a solar cell module (3). The transmission/reception unit (54), the energy supply unit and the control unit (51, 52, 53) are accommodated in a housing (27, 28) and connected to the at least one detector unit (8), whereby the solar cell module (3) is secured to the outside of the housing (27, 28). As a result of what is thus autonomous functioning of the vehicle detector arrangement, it can be simply secured, for example, to a bridge (6), and complicated installation jobs for power supply and data transmission, for example to a traffic routing center, are avoided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for signaling local traffic disturbances wherein a decentralized communication between vehicles is performed by exchanging their respective vehicle data. Through repeated evaluation of these individual vehicle data, each reference vehicle may determine a group of vehicles having relevance for itself from within a maximum group of vehicles and compare the group behavior of the relevant group with its own behavior. The results of this comparison are indicated in the reference vehicle, whereby a homogeneous flow of traffic may be generated, and the occurrence of accidents is reduced.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for mapping parameters of a queue of a traffic congestion, for example, a road congestion. Mapping of the road congestion may include determination of an average length of the road congestion over a time interval, motion rate in the road congestion and average arrival rate to the road congestion. These parameters, in turn, may be used to determine an expected delay in traveling throughout the road congestion as well as trends, i.e., changes with time, in the road congestion, using special radio systems and also existing radio networks such as Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMN) and Private/Public Data Networks (PDN). Examples of PLMN are GSM, IS-54, IS-136, PCS-1900, IS-95, GPRS and EDGE for GSM, WCDMA, cdma 2000, and others. Examples of PDN are Mobitex, CDPD and others.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for mapping parameters of a traffic congestion, for example, a road congestion, relative to a focus. Mapping of the road congestion may include determination of an average length of the road congestion over a time interval, motion rate in the road congestion and arrival rate to the road congestion. These parameters, in turn, maybe used to determine an expected delay in traveling throughout the road congestion as well as trends, i.e., changes with time, in the road congestion. The mapping is performed relative to the mapping focus, typically the front end of a road congestion. The mapping system may construct snapshots of mapping samples received from a small percentage of predesignated probes, e.g., a small percentage of vehicles equipped with an appropriate receiver and transmitter. The mapping samples are preferably received in response to predefined broadcast queries sent from the mapping system.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a plurality of successive induction measurements, collectively known as the “inductive signature” of a vehicle, and classifying the vehicle described by the measured inductive signature. The system includes a blade-type wire-loop configuration, or blade sensor and a corresponding measurement circuit employing a discrete measurement technique, as opposed to the frequency counting technique of the prior art. The system and method produce repeatable inductive signatures at a high resolution that allows for accurate identification and classification of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for determining traffic data at points of interest in a traffic system from: vehicle data which are transmitted to a center from a plurality of vehicles relating to mean speeds (which have been determined over a time interval) of in each case one vehicle; stationary detector data which are transmitted to the center by stationary detectors in each case relating to the mean speed of vehicles passing a stationary detector in a time interval, wherein vehicle speeds at a point of interest are determined in the center, with the speeds which have been transmitted as vehicle data to the center being associated with defined points in the traffic system, and with vehicle speeds being calculated at in each case one point of interest by interpolation of at least two vehicle data items, namely by interpolation of stationary detector data measured in each case at at least one point in the traffic system and/or of vehicle data associated with at least one point in the traffic system.

Abstract: An efficient and trouble-proof location referencing of information transmitted from a information provider to the terminal unit is made possible by a method for spatial allocation of information, referring to a location in a terminal unit, wherein the information is sent from an information provider (6) to the terminal unit together with location coordinate data which is associated with this information and which concerns the geographic coordinates (geographic longitude and latitude) of the location and with supplemental location data the allocation of the information to a location is carried out in the terminal unit: based on a comparison of the transmitted location coordinate data relating to the information with location coordinate data in a reference file in the terminal unit; and based on a comparison of the transmitted supplemental location data relating to the information (1, 2) with supplemental location data (4, 5) in the reference file (10) in the terminal unit (8), and by means of a terminal uni

Abstract: The method and the means concern a system for control of motorway traffic, with focus on access control. The network characteristics of the traffic, according to the invention, is treated by traffic control functions based on the traffic as well as the access itself, as at the closest section upstream the access, and at connected parts of the road network. The invention goal is safer traffic and an effective utilization of the motorway. The system is creating possibilities for a dynamic traffic management with control of traffic flows. A smoother and better controlled weaving process is effected by preparatory actions and the functions create more margins, as well in space as in time, for the performance of the usually complicated and dangerous driving procedures on the motorway. Modern information technology is used as a means for carrying out the invented solutions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting data on traffic conditions from a distributed automotive computing system having a plurality of automotive computing systems. Data regarding traffic conditions is collected from each of the plurality of distributed automotive computing systems, wherein each of the plurality of automotive computing systems is located in a plurality of automobiles, wherein the data is collected data. The collected data is compared with current data regarding traffic conditions. Changes present between the collected data regarding traffic conditions with the current data regarding traffic conditions is identified. The changes are sent to selected automotive computing systems within the plurality of automotive computing systems.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a position of a traffic information, in particular a traffic obstruction on a traffic way in digital coding messages includes using for coding and decoding of messages transmitter- and receiver- side location data banks, coding a rough position of a traffic information by referencing to the traffic way and at least one location contained in the location data bank on the traffic way, and additionally to the location, transmitting a section part between the position and the location.

Abstract: A traffic recording system for recording vehicular traffic events on a roadway having one or more lanes of traffic has a power control unit and a timer counter. Multilane roadway sensors sense roadway traffic and generates analog signals for vehicles traversing the traffic lanes. Each lane has a lane circuit having a sensor amplifier for processing incoming analog signals and converting the analog signals to digital square wave signal with fast rise time, a latch circuit connected to the sensor amplifier for latching sensor amplifier data. A data storage unit has removable data storage media, such as flashcards. A second latch circuit is connected to the timer counter, and a timing and power control logic circuit connected to receive signals from the sensor amplifier.