Abstract: A method is provided for determining rotational data from a random pulse pair generated by an encoder device, comprising the steps of: (a) monitoring the rotation of the rotating member using the encoder device; (b) receiving a plurality of pulses from the encoder device, where each of the pulses is indicative of a rotational distance that has been traveled by the rotating member; (c) storing a time value for each of the pulses that has occurred during the previous revolution of the rotating member; (d) identifying a first pulse and a second pulse that have occurred in the current revolution of the rotating member; (e) computing a time difference between the first pulse and the second pulse using a first time value for the first pulse that corresponds to the current revolution of the rotating member and a second time value for the second pulse that corresponds to a previous revolution of the rotating member; and then (f) using the time difference to determine a rotational speed, thereby determining rotational

Abstract: A system for remote testing of a plurality of vehicles on a test track includes a plurality of guide wires and position transponders embedded in the track. Each vehicle to be tested includes an onboard vehicle controller (VCON) which in turn includes various servo components for operating the steering wheel, shift lever, brake and accelerator pedals of the vehicle. A base computer receives desired missions from an operating computer, and the base computer loads a respective mission into each VCON via an rf link. Then, the base computer monitors the vehicles for proper, safe operation. The VCONs execute the missions loaded by the base station and periodically report their status to the base computer.