Abstract: A retroactive recording device, having a main recording medium, temporarily stores past information in a memory. In particular, an audio tape recorder includes a solid state retroactive memory which is operated continuously to temporarily store a past time interval of digital audio information. To begin retroactive recording, all or a portion of the past information stored in the retroactive memory is transferred to the recording medium. After transferring the desired past information, recording is continued in real time. In one embodiment, where the recording medium is a magnetic audio tape, temporarily stored past information is transferred to the audio tape by operating the audio tape transport mechanism at a higher than normal speed so as to catch up to present time. In another embodiment, where the recording medium is a non-volatile memory, temporarily stored past audio information is transferred to the non-volatile memory, and the present recording is continued in real time.

Abstract: A method and system of determining a cost of automobile insurance based upon monitoring, recording and communicating data representative of operator and vehicle driving characteristics. The cost is adjustable retrospectively and can be prospectively set by relating the driving characteristics to predetermined safety standards. The method comprises steps of monitoring a plurality of raw data elements representative of an operating state of the vehicle or an action of the operator. Selected ones of the raw data elements are recorded when the ones are determined to have an identified relationship to safety standards. The selected ones are consolidated for processing against an insurer profile and for identifying a surcharge or discount to be applied to a base cost of automobile insurance. A final cost is produced from the base costs and the surcharges or discounts.

Abstract: A method for recording operational data relating to submarine operations is provided including means for playing back the recorded data thereby proing a near real time playback and analysis for the submarine's crew and/or shore based facilities.

Abstract: A picture signal record/playback apparatus and method thereof for a time lapse VCR which makes it possible to operate with enhanced stability and greater accuracy in providing picture signals. The apparatus includes a memory unit for storing therein by a per frame unit a plurality of frame picture signals respectively having an inter-frame input time interval, a memory control unit for consecutively reading the picture signals for the plurality of frames from the memory unit so as not to have a time interval therebetween, and a recording unit for recording on a magnetic tape media the plurality of frame picture signals being consecutively read.

Abstract: A recording apparatus and process for conserving space on a recording medium of a security system includes the steps of detecting a motion amount from the image picked up by a camera, while recording the image, comparing the detected motion amount to a predetermined threshold, and increasing a counted value when the motion amount is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold, and resetting the counted value when the motion amount is higher than the predetermined threshold, and comparing the counted value to a reset value, and when the former is higher the latter, rewinding until the counted value becomes zero, and then return to the step of detecting a motion amount. Therefore, motion of a recorded image signal is detected and compared. A recorded part is found, in which no motion occurs for a predetermined period of time. Recording is again performed, to overwrite this part where no motion occurred. This increases the available recording time, and economizes use of space of the recording medium.

Abstract: A video camera is connected to a video signal amplifier through a video signal input terminal. The video signal amplifier is connected to the input side of an image memory through an A/D converter which converts analog video signals into image data which are digital signals. The image memory is provided with a semiconductor memory for storing video signals converted into digital signals. Thus, it becomes possible to continuously record images from before the opening of a door until after the opening of the door and to thus obtain a magnetic recording and playback apparatus of high monitoring effects.

Abstract: A supplied time code is multiplied to generate detailed time data. The detailed time data are latched at a given time in an input signal. The latched time data are converted into converted time data having a given data format. The converted time data are recorded in the same transmission path as the output signal.

Abstract: A video security system (10) capable of monitoring and recording fixed and moving targets and recording management information into a video signal such that the text can be removed from the video image produced by the video signal at playback of the recorded video signal. The VSS (10) allows a camera (70b) to switch (toggle) between two or more view positions of interest and to set the view positions into memory by pressing a single switch. The cameras (70b) are controlled to move rapidly, but accurately, between the positions within controlled parameters of speed and acceleration--including a period of substantially zero acceleration between changes in the rate of acceleration.

Abstract: A recording apparatus that can implement an endless recording function and a prealert recording function for video and audio data using a single random access recording medium having excellent random accessibility will be provided. The recording apparatus includes: an input section 101 that receives data; a recording section 103 that has a random access recording medium and makes a data recording onto the random access recording medium; and a control section 104 that sequentially records data onto recording sectors by controlling data transfer between the input section and the recording section. By causing the control section to repetitively overwrite data to a recording area, the endless recording function can be implemented.

Abstract: A light switch cover plate having mechanism for recording and playing back an audio sample through a speaker when the light switch is turned either on or off. Several messages can be recorded and they can be played back serially or randomly.

Abstract: Video surveillance system which records compressed video signals on a record medium that have been compressed at a controllably selectable compression ratio. An image is picked-up by a camera and a video signal is produced therefrom. The video signal is compressed at a selectable compression ratio depending on the occurrence of a predetermined condition and the compressed video signal is recorded on a record medium. If the occurrence of a predetermined condition or event (or events) is not detected, the compression ratio is established to be a relatively high compression ratio, whereas upon the detection of the occurrence of the predetermined condition or event, the compression ratio is established to be a relatively low compression ratio. In addition, the compressed video signal may be recorded intermittently or continuously on the record medium depending on whether the predetermined condition is detected.

Abstract: A power monitoring system with associated signal processing and storage capabilities. Each leg of a three-phase power signal is simultaneously sampled on a plurality of channels to capture the instantaneous content of the power signal without time-skewing between the channels. In a further embodiment, the sampled data is converted into the frequency domain and parameters relating to the power quality of the power signal is derived from frequency-domain data.

Abstract: In a method for storing vibration waveform data sequentially detected by a vibration sensor. The vibration storing method includes detection of a reference level terminal point (P.sub.3) between a preestablished reference level and a vibration waveform. The detected reference level terminal point serves as a trigger. Also, vibration waveform data from a predetermined point (P.sub.0) before a reference level starting point (P.sub.1) to a predetermined point (P.sub.4) after the reference level terminal point (P.sub.3) are stored in a memory. A first preliminary memory and a second preliminary memory are utilized so that the vibration waveform data from those two memories are alternately transferred and stored.

Abstract: An automatic switching circuit of recording mode in an image recording and reproduction apparatus, and wherein, when the image recording apparatus is recording intermittently and movement is detected, the recording mode is automatically switched for continued recording of pictorial images. This results in the conservation of recording media and saves delaying element by performing the detection of movement in the diagonal direction of a screen.

Abstract: A power monitoring system with associated signal processing and storage capabilities. An input signal is sampled and the samples are compared to a threshold to identify an impulse. The system analyzes the length of each impulse to dynamically adapt a memory storage size to store a number of samples occurring during an impulse period. In a further embodiment, the input signal must remain below a second threshold for a fixed number of samples before storing of the samples is terminated.

Abstract: A power monitoring system with associated signal processing and storage capabilities. Disturbances on an electrical signal are evaluated based upon a quality factor and the disturbance and associated quality factor are stored. Disturbances with the lowest quality factor are deleted from storage when the storage device becomes full.

Abstract: A power monitoring system with associated signal processing and storage capabilities. Historical data for an electrical signal is retained and displayed by dividing the electrical signal in the time domain into segments herein referred to as events. A detected disturbance of the electrical signal forms a boundary between two events. For each such boundary, the steady-state value of a signal parameter such as root-mean-square (rms) voltage is stored for the two events delimited by the boundary. Samples of the electrical signal immediately surrounding the boundary are stored so that disturbances of interest can be closely inspected.

Abstract: A power monitoring system with associated signal processing and storage capabilities. Impulses that are superimposed on an alternating-current electrical signal are identified and evaluated based upon amplitude, duration, and phase position. Impulses that are not substantially similar to impulses on immediately preceding cycles of the input signal are recorded. In a further embodiment, if a series of substantially identical impulses occurs, a count of the number of impulses is stored, and detailed data is stored for only the first impulse in the series. In another embodiment, the impulses are ranked according to a quality factor, and data for the impulse with the lowest quality factor is deleted from a storage device when the device becomes full.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor system is provided for detecting failures or terrorist events in commercial aviation and is adapted for assisting in the detection and post event analysis of such events. The system is adapted for use in combination with a comprehensive multi-media safety and surveillance system, utilizing both visual and audio information as well as critical data to the flight crew, and to a ground tracking station, and recording the information and data generated during flight. A plurality of acoustic sensors are strategically and systematically placed about an airframe. The sensors are adapted for communicating with a monitor/recording system and may be hard wired or utilize wireless communications therewith. In the event of a catastrophic event, such as a bomb explosion, a gunshot or structural failure an acoustic event would be recorded for later analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording time history data of physical variables during a recording session divided into discrete time windows each uniquely paired with a discrete segment of memory. Each recordable event is stored in the segment of memory corresponding to the time window during which it occurred. If the corresponding segment of memory is filled, the event is processed using an overwrite scheme that considers for replacement only those events in that segment of memory.

Abstract: A video security system (10) capable of monitoring and recording fixed and moving targets and recording management information into a video signal such that the text can be removed from the video image produced by the video signal at playback of the recorded video signal. The VSS (10) allows a camera (70b) to switch (toggle) between two or more view positions of interest and to set the view positions into memory by pressing a single switch. The cameras (70b) are controlled to move rapidly, but accurately, between the positions within controlled parameters of speed and acceleration--including a period of substantially zero acceleration between changes in the rate of acceleration.

Abstract: A system for monitoring, recording, and analyzing operational and incident data from a machine, particularly a vehicle. The system includes a computer controlled device, mounted onboard the machine, which collects and records data supplied to it from a variety of sensors positioned to sense operational parameters of the machine. The device provides for storing operational data at one frequency while storing data surrounding an incident or triggering event at a higher frequency, thus, recording incident data with a higher resolution than that associated with normal operating data. The incident data is stored at a higher frequency for predetermined periods both before and after the incident or triggering event.

Abstract: A time lapse VTR carrying out field extraction recording includes a gate for extracting intermittently a supplied video signal at a ratio of one field to every three fields, a switching circuit for designating selectively a tape running speed of either 1/9 or 1/12 the tape running speed of a SP mode in the VHS system, and a servo control circuit for driving a capstan motor to run a magnetic tape at the designated tape running speed. The video signal extracted intermittently by the gate circuit is recorded at an azimuth angle differing from each field by a plurality of video heads on a magnetic head running at the designated tape running speed. As a result, the reproduction compatibility of a magnetic tape having field extraction recorded by a time lapse VTR with an EP mode of a conventional VTR of the VHS system is ensured.

Abstract: An image manipulating system according to the present invention can perform interval recording for repeatedly recording supplied image information at predetermined time intervals. Herein, a limit value of recording time intervals designative depending on an applicable type of information recording medium; such as, a memory card, floppy disk, hard disk, or the like is stored for each type of information recording medium in an EEPROM. A CPU prevents selection of a recording time interval exceeding the limit value, and eventually sets a time interval. Thus, the present invention provides a user-friendly image manipulating system capable of achieving interval recording in as strict compliance as is possible responsive to a demand.

Abstract: A voice recording and playback apparatus includes a memory unit having addressable memory regions, a voice input unit for converting a user voice input into an electrical signal, and a processor for storing the electrical signal from the voice input unit as a voice message in the memory unit. A recording address generator, which includes a recording address decoder and a plurality of recording switches for connecting a respective input of the recording address decoder to a voltage source, provides a corresponding recording address to the processor to enable the latter to store the voice message in a corresponding one of the memory regions of the memory unit when one of the recording switches is closed.

Abstract: A sound collecting system and a sound reproducing apparatus by means of which an actual audio image can be reproduced. The sound collecting system includes a plurality of microphones for producing sound signals and a plurality of position detecting apparatus for detecting locations of the microphones and/or positions of sound sources to produce position signals. The sound signals and the position signals are multiplexed by a plurality of multiplexers, and the multiplexed signals are stored into respective audio channels or different channels by a signal recording apparatus. The multiplexing may be performed by a frequency multiplexing method, a time division multiplexing method or the like. Since also position information is stored into corresponding audio channels together with acoustic sound signals, at the reproducing stage, reproduction is possible taking the positions into consideration and an actual audio image can be produced.

Abstract: A composite of an audio and/or video recorder mounted and securable on a handgun holster having a holster-mounted recorder-activation switch activatable of the recorder upon withdrawal of the handgun from the holster, remaining activated until return of the handgun to the holster. Other weapon holsters also each with a recorder activation switch in each holster are activateable when the weapon is withdrawn, mounted in parallel electrical circuitry with the handgun-activation switch, for additional weapons such as mase and a baton.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention generally concerns environmental recording apparatuses for photographing events occurring during a seismic event. The environmental recording apparatus includes a base securely fastened to a mounting surface. Disposed on the base is a seismic isolation structure. Secured on the seismic isolation structure is a camera mount which receives a camera. A motion sensing switch secured to the mounting surface activates the camera in response to a seismic acceleration which exceeds a preestablished threshold is secured to the base. An electrical signal cable connects the motion sensing switch to the camera to couple an electrical signal from the motion sensing switch to a camera during a seismic event. An inner and outer protective housings enclose the camera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for debriefing aircraft A/C operations. The method comprises forwarding selected flight data obtained, e.g. from a suitable GPS receiver, collected on the aircraft computer to a monitoring device, encoding from said monitoring device the digital data by an Asynchronous protocol, e.g. RS-232 protocol, onto the cassette of the AVTR and thereafter subjecting the cassette on the ground to a data reduction process, thus obtaining a display file. The GPS receiver is, for example, a commercial code receiver which may be connected to one antenna only. The data received from the GPS receiver are being forwarded to the monitoring device, encoded simultaneously with the other flight data and, by the same method, correcting on the ground in the course of the reduction process the Inertial Navigation System (INS) position drifts. Differential GPS technique may be used on the ground. Several individual display files may be syunchronized into a single display file.

Abstract: A non-erasing audio and/or video tamper-proof recorder is mounted on a belt secured to the body of the taping person, and uses a preidentified recording substrate such as a tape or disk or cassette of which its assigned code identity is maintained in separate distant locked records and stationary files thereof by separate security storage personnel after recording is completed on the recording substrate. There is body mounting structure that secures the recorder in a security fashion avoiding ability to rapidly remove the recorder and/or its enclosed recording substrate from the body of the taping person. The recorder includes multiple coordinated turn-off switching elements requiring use of both hands to terminate (turn-off) taping. The recorder contains a microphone and/or video lense positioned in an orientation for recording events occuring substantially in front of the person wearing the mounted recorder.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for storing and retrieving audio data simultaneously. A digital audio logger is provided with a digital audio tape (DAT) for permanent storage of audio data and with a random access storage (RAS) device that provides fast retrieval of audio. Both the DAT and RAS devices have audio written from a buffer that initially stores audio data temporarily. Two pointers are provided for the RAS device. Because of the randomness characteristic of the RAS device, data can be retrieved rapidly with a first one of the pointers and for this reason has advantages in fast retrieval. The RAS device communicates with a supervisor whereby data can be retrieved therefrom through the first pointer while the RAS device is receiving data from the buffer through the second pointer.

Abstract: A sound collecting system and a sound reproducing apparatus by means of which an actual audio image can be reproduced. The sound collecting system includes a plurality of microphones for producing sound signals and a plurality of position detecting apparatus for detecting locations of the microphones and/or positions of sound sources to produce position signals. The sound signals and the position signals are multiplexed by a plurality of multiplexers, and the multiplexed signals are stored into respective audio channels or different channels by a signal recording apparatus. The multiplexing may be performed by a frequency multiplexing method, a time division multiplexing method or the like. Since also position information is stored into corresponding audio channels together with acoustic sound signals, at the reproducing stage, reproduction is possible taking the positions into consideration and an actual audio image can be produced.

Abstract: A system for recording analogue and/or digital signals (especially analogue voice signals) on magnetic tape has a plurality of individual input channels and a time division multiplexing circuit which samples the analogue signals in the input channels cyclically, in a pre-arranged sequence. The samples are output to a single output channel for recording on a standard VHS magnetic tape. In the replay mode, recorded signals are distributed to respective output channels by a demultiplexing circuit.

Abstract: A sound repeater unit is to be used with an audio input equipment, such as a cassette or video tape recorder, and an audio output equipment, such as a television set or a loudspeaker. The audio input equipment has a control unit which is actuated so as to operate the audio input equipment in a paused state. The sound repeater unit includes a pause control circuit receiving an activating signal from the control unit and a programmable signal repeating circuit controlled by the pause control circuit so as to record continuously an audio frequency output of the audio input equipment while overwriting a previously recorded audio frequency output of the latter. The pause control circuit further controls the signal repeating circuit so as to output repeatedly a portion of the audio frequency output, which portion was recorded within a predetermined time period immediately before the audio input equipment was paused.

Abstract: Informational data is efficiently recorded on a recording medium in response to an input signal containing information and pauses of different intervals. Information following each pause is captured for recording and space occupied on the recording medium for recording of the pauses is minimized. A stream of input data corresponding to the input signal is supplied by operation of a controller selectively to a first buffer and a second buffer arrangement. The input signal is also coupled to a record signal generating circuit that produces a record signal in response to an input signal having information of a certain duration, and produces a no-record signal in response to a pause in the input signal of a determined interval.

Abstract: A device or arrangement for recording video and/or audio data with at least one receiving and recording device and a connected or integrated additional audio and/or video data storage means of limited capacity, of 2 to 10 minutes, preferably 3.5 to 6.5 minutes which, when the receiving device is set in operation, commences storage of the data received and stores it in the same sequence as reception and for the storage period corresponding to the limited storage capacity and then in the sequence in which it is stored erases it or disposes of it and accordingly fills up the storage space with the continuously received data and upon commencement of the per se known storage on per se known storage material (recording tape cassettes, video cassettes) either stops or continuously transfers the received data for recording purposes, with a time lag corresponding to the limited capacity of the interim storage means, to the per se known recording carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the unattended recording of game animal sound activities in hunting areas by combining an external microphone and a sound recording apparatus housed within a weather resistent case. The sound recording apparatus includes a high gain amplifier so that sounds over a wide geographic area may be detected. The output of the high gain amplifier is fed into a standard cassette tape recorder. The entire apparatus is provided with a digital clock and means for taking the output of the digital clock and turning the apparatus on and off at selected time intervals in order to take a sample of sound activity over an extended time interval without requiring the hunter to spend an excessively lengthy amount of time in reviewing the recorded sounds.

Abstract: A time indexed voice recording system wherein tone coded time signals are received on one channel of an entertainment grade stereophonic tape recorder and the desired voice signals entered into the other channel. The recording system is portable in nature and especially adapted for use in airborne missions where it can be placed within the clothing of an aircrewmember in even the smallest of aircraft cockpits. The tone code in the disclosed system is generated by a telephone compatible microcircuit system which also includes a microcomputer and software for system controlling purposes. The disclosure includes a flow diagram of the microcomputer software as well as a complete assembly language listing.

Abstract: A digital movement data recording apparatus which controls reduction of an available portion of a record medium, particularly of an ID record area of a record medium, to increase the period of time over which movement data can be recorded. The apparatus comprises time counting means for starting counting of a time in response to ending of a movement of the vehicle, judging means for judging, in response to starting of a movement of the vehicle, whether or not the counted time remains within a predetermined range, and erasing means for erasing, when the counted time remains within the predetermined range, last time data recorded in a movement data record area of the record medium and representative of an ending time of a movement of the vehicle and address data recorded in the ID record area of the record medium and representative of the address of the movement data record area of the record medium at which the last time data are recorded.

Abstract: An automated system for detecting and recording lightning strikes in the vicinity of power lines. In one embodiment of the invention, the automated system includes a toroid surge sensor; a phototransistor optical sensor located within a pole mounted housing; a magnetic loop sensor; a control circuit for, one or more cameras and/or video camcorders; and a power supply all contained within a weather-tight housing. The sensors are used to detect a lightning strike and to output a signal which is transmitted via the control circuit to activate the cameras or camcorder.

Abstract: A fast frame recorder records images of an event at a fast frame rate and plays back the images at a slower frame rate to facilitate analysis of the event. Disclosed is a fast frame recorder having solid state memory capable of continuously recording an event in a circular or FIFO format until an external trigger terminates recording. By varying the delay of the external trigger, the number of image frames recorded before and after the triggering event may be varied.

Abstract: A fast frame recorder records images of an event at a fast frame rate and plays back the images at a slower frame rate to facilitate analysis of the event. Disclosed is a solid state fast frame recorder having a solid state imager, which is selectively operable at different frame rates and having a solid state memory for storing a plurality of image frames. A programmable control system controls the memory to store temporally nonconsecutive images from the imager according to a preselected program. Both temporally nonconsecutive single image frames and bursts of temporally consecutive image frames may be stored. The number of image frames in a stored burst and the frame rate of the stored burst may be selectively varied.

Abstract: A vehicular surveillance system comprising a video recorder and monitor in a housing mounted within the passenger compartment of the vehicle to a bracket and a small camera rotatably mounted to the windshield of the vehicle. An FM microphone transmits audio signals to the vehicle's antenna whence it is carried to the recorder by a cable and added to the video images. Date and time information is superimposed on the video image on the top right of the image so as to interfere as little as possible with the image being recorded. The video recorder has a locking mechanism to prevent ejecting the video cassette by unauthorized personnel and its on/off switch is combined with the start record/stop recording function so that one button applies power to the system and starts the recording after a short delay. The housing may be removed from the vehicle for portable use in presenting recorded events as evidence and both video recorder and monitor may operate on the car battery or standard household current.

Abstract: A light weight data recorder employs a non-volatile electronic memory to store several channels of data occurring before and after a triggering event. Data may be retained in the memory with the aid of a NiCad battery. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, which may be user defined, the input of new data into the memory will be terminated after a selectable predetermined time has passed. This allows data to be recorded both before and after a specified event. The triggering event may be derived by sensing a change in the signal level of one of the data inputs by a predetermined amount, or it may be a specially generated signal. Once a triggering event has occurred, the data retained in memory is protected. Circuit means are provided to retrieve the stored data without destroying it. Another circuit permits recording of new data in the memory only after a unique signal has been detected.

Abstract: In an audio/video information recording/playback apparatus with repeating monitor function which includes an endless type recording medium T-1 of about twenty seconds for one cycle and a main recording medium T-2 with tape ends, while both media are driven simultaneously in a recording mode to record broadcasting or other external information, if a viewer wants to repeatedly monitor a part of this information, he can set the T-1 to a repeating playback mode by pushing a playback button of a remote control box and the desired part can be repeatedly played back for repeated monitoring by a TV set. During this playback of T-1, T-2 is continuously driven in the recording mode to continuously keep recording the information.

Abstract: A recorder for recording and playing back information. The recorder is particularly useful in vehicles such as aircraft and space vehicles. The recorder has no moving parts and has a plurality of power levels. The recorder has the capability of detecting errors in its memory and to avoid using portions of the memory that have errors. The recorder has multiple channels that can be programmed for input or output use. On demand memory assignment capability permits maximum use of the memory array.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted surveillance system is disclosed. The system comprises a camera and a control head mounted within the police vehicle and a video recorder housed in a fireproof, bulletproof and environmentally controlled vault mounted in the trunk of the vehicle. The surveillance system also includes a wireless microphone. The system may be manually or automatically activated and is powered off the battery of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of taking pictures of a quick-moving object by means of a video apparatus, whereby the quick-moving object, e.g. a paper web, is exposed to a short light impulse and a light impulse reflected from the object is used to produce an image on an image sensor of semiconductor type in the camera. The light impulse brings dot detectors of the image sensor into a detection state corresponding to the light intensity of each dot, where they remain after the end of the light impulse, whereby the image remains in the storage of the image sensor and can in a normal way by read and recorded on a video tape in the video tape recorder.

Abstract: A selectively mobile system with an infrared scanner and video camera having a common area of focus and apparatus for detecting location permits detection of subterranean geological anomalies. Infrared and visual images are simultaneously successively recorded on videotape together with related location data and other relevant information. Video recorded infrared, video and location data are selectively captured on successive frames. Such frames are recorded for further analysis.

Abstract: A multi-channel electronic waveform recorder, for storing waveform data and time of occurrence information, i.e., a "time-tag", for each stored value of an input waveform, is disclosed. Specifically, each channel of the waveform recorder compares a previously stored value of a corresponding input signal to a current value .Iadd.of that signal.Iaddend., and .[.stores.]. .Iadd.is able to store .Iaddend.the current value whenever the difference between the input signal and the previously stored value is a predetermined amount. .Iadd.Each or any selected sub-set of all the channels, through an appropriate switch setting, can determine points in time when, in response to the difference occurring for that channel, all the channels will simultaneously store the current value of these respective input signals. .Iaddend.