Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a device for protecting a backup camera in a vehicle. The device may include a retractable semicircular shield configured to cover a backup camera in a vehicle when the vehicle is in any operation state other than reverse. The shield may be operatively connected to a camera activation system in the vehicle, wherein the shield is configured to retract into an area of the vehicle proximate to the backup camera when the camera activation system is activated, such as when the vehicle is put into reverse.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and mechanism for consolidating data. According to an embodiment of the invention, consolidation is performed based upon transformation rules established for data to be consolidated. An aspect of an embodiment of the invention relates to performing data transformations to resolve potential consolidation conflict issues. Another aspect of an embodiment of the invention relates to validation procedures performed after transformation.