Abstract: The interference detection and characterization system of this invention supports modern communication systems which have to contend with a variety of intentional and unintentional interference souces. As an add-on to existing communications equipment, the invention employs novel signal processing techniques to automatically detect the presence of communications channel irregularities in near real-time and alert the attending operator. Information provided to the operator through a user-friendly interface is used to characterize the type of interference and its degree of severity. Once characterized, the information is used by the operator to take corrective actions including the activation of alternative communication plans or, in some instances, mitigation of the interference. Since output from the system of this invention lends itself well to expert system and neural network environments, such systems could be employed to further aid the operator.

Abstract: A multiple transmission system for use in a vehicle, in which a second node having a control function sends an command to first nodes of an ordinary type when an transmission error higher than a certain level takes place or at certain time intervals to effect system refreshment which resides in the following operation. Each of the first nodes, which has received the command, sends its status information (e.g., the status of an input device element such as a sensor or switch) to the other nodes. The other nodes which receive this information initialize their status (e.g., the status of an output device element such as an actuator or a motor) according to the received status information.