Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic system for use on vehicles. Some embodiments of the system use an integrated power supply to power all of the electronic components of the electronic system. The electronic system may include various microprocessors, sensors, communication systems, displays, lights, speakers, switches, power control systems, and expansion ports.

Abstract: There is provided a method for detecting the possibility of rollover of a vehicle, including the steps of: detecting an actual roll angular velocity of the vehicle; obtaining an actual roll angle of the vehicle; determining an actual lateral acceleration of the vehicle; providing a two-dimensional map correlating values of the roll angular velocity with values of the roll angle to define a rollover judgment threshold; changing the threshold based on the actual roll angle and the actual lateral acceleration; forming a plot of the actual roll angular velocity versus the actual roll angle on the two-dimensional map; and judging that there is a possibility that the vehicle rolls over when the plot exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting a vehicle rollover are provided, which apparatus and method use the signals from tire sensors to determine the plausibility of the detection of a vehicle rollover.

Abstract: A vehicle capable of an extraordinary mode of motorized motion programmed to draw the attention of an operator. When one or more sensors sense a condition requiring attention of the operator, a periodic acceleration is superposed upon the motion of the ground-contacting members. The extraordinary mode of locomotion may include a mode where the vehicle alternates between braking and speeding up and braking over each period of the modulation.

Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle alarm system includes an acceleration sensor acting as a tilt sensor, a microcomputer, a first power source for supplying a first voltage to the microcomputer, and a second power source for supplying a second voltage to the acceleration sensor. The microcomputer calculates a tilt angle of a vehicle from output of the acceleration sensor and activates an alarm in accordance with the tilt angle. If the second voltage is outside a predetermined voltage range, for example, due to a reduction in battery voltage, the microcomputer temporarily stops to activate the alarm to prevent a false alarm. The microcomputer monitors the second voltage not the battery voltage. Thus, even when the second voltage is outside the threshold range, for example, due to a breakdown in the second power source, the false alarm can be prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling the operation of presence-detection devices and to the implementation method thereof. The inventive system comprises: external presence detection means which are used to detect objects entering a determined surveillance area outside a motor vehicle and which are powered by a power source, an electronic system, and means which are used to detect the state of a closure device belonging to a door of said vehicle and which are associated with and co-operate with the electronic system in order to control the power source. Optionally, internal presence detection means and inclination detection means, which are included in the system, can be taken into account when said control operation is being performed. The inventive system also varies the surveillance area and adapts same as a function of the inclination of the vehicle in relation to the ground plane. The invention also relates to a method which uses the inventive control system.

Abstract: A control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle (10) includes a lateral acceleration sensor (32) for generating a lateral acceleration signal, a yaw rate sensor (28) for generating a yaw rate signal, and a safety system. The safety system (44) and the sensors are coupled to a controller (26). The controller (26) determines a front lateral tire force and a rear lateral tire force from the vehicle yaw rate signal and the vehicle lateral acceleration signal; determines a calculated lateral velocity from the front lateral tire force, the rear lateral tire force, and a bank angle; determines a calculated yaw rate from the front lateral tire force and the rear lateral tire force; and controls the safety system in response to the calculated lateral velocity and the calculated yaw rate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an antitheft apparatus mounted on a vehicle for protecting the vehicle from theft. The vehicle has a remote control device that controls a vehicle component of the vehicle in accordance with a control signal transmitted from a terminal. The antitheft apparatus includes an intruder detection part for detecting intrusion of an intruder, and an intrusion detection control part for controlling the detecting function of the intruder detection part during a period when the vehicle component is being controlled by the remote control device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-theft alarm system for vehicle wheels. The system comprises at least one wireless measuring module for determining kinetic state information characterizing the kinetic state of a vehicle wheel on the basis of acceleration measurement. The wireless measuring module is further configured to be attached to the vehicle wheel, to generate a wireless data transfer signal on the basis of the kinetic state information and transmit the wireless data transfer signal. The system further comprises at least one wireless central processing unit, which is configured to receive the wireless data transfer signal and execute a predetermined alarm function when the wireless data transfer signal fulfils predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A method for sensitizing the roll signal for a rollover control system (18) is provided. A sensitizing method for controlling a vehicle includes when the relative roll angle reaches a threshold, initiating a wheel departure angle determination, boosting control effort and controlling a safety system (38) in response to the computed roll angles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for detecting a vehicle rollover or near-rollover event that may precede a rollover of a vehicle. The system comprises controller connected to at least one right and at least one left vehicle tire pressure sensor, performing the assessment of pressure signals on the basis of pressure characteristics corresponding to rollover or near-rollover events, and generating an output activation signal that determines the vehicle rollover or near-rollover event if said assessment is positive. The controller is preferably connected to at least one additional sensor and performs the additional assessment of this sensor signal on the basis of this signal characteristics corresponding to rollover or near-rollover events. The protection devices are activated sequentially, starting with the resetable protection devices, in dependence of estimated rollover confidence.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle security system, which includes a security controller and a remote controller. The security controller is electrically connected to sensors and alarms, respectively, and has a memory storing an anti-thief alert grade table. The anti-thief alert grade table records at least two alert grades each having a respective sensitivity default value corresponding to each sensor. The sensitivity default value of each alert grade for each sensor defines the critical actuation value of the respective sensor for the respective alert grade. The remote controller has a control button for pressing to control the security controller to enter the desired alert grade of the alert mode.

Abstract: Impending rollover events are detected by recognizing a plow phase increase in lateral acceleration, coupled with a significant trip phase roll rate. The plow phase increase is recognized by modeling a typical soil trip lateral acceleration characteristic and computing a cross-correlation between the measured lateral acceleration and the modeled acceleration. The correlation is compared to a threshold that varies with the measured roll rate to reliably discriminate rollover events from near-rollover events while enabling timely deployment of suitable occupant restraints.

Abstract: A vehicle theft prevention apparatus has a gyro, a G sensor, and a microcomputer in a case, thereby being capable of detecting a tilt of a vehicle and of detecting inertia applied to the vehicle. An outer surface of the case has a light detector that detects an approach of a suspicious person toward the vehicle. The vehicle theft prevention apparatus has an improved characteristic in terms of ease of installation in the vehicle and cost effectiveness.

Abstract: Impending rollover events are detected based on vehicle roll rate, roll angle and lateral acceleration, and an assessment of the relative polarities of vehicle roll rate and lateral acceleration. When the vehicle roll rate and lateral acceleration are opposite in polarity, the roll rate vs. roll angle thresholds used to distinguish between rollover events and non-rollover events are more sensitive than for conditions for which the vehicle roll rate and lateral acceleration are of the same polarity. Additionally, the roll rate vs. roll angle thresholds are adaptively modified based on roll angle and lateral acceleration to provide increased detection sensitivity under conditions that typically precede a rollover event, and reduced detection sensitivity under conditions for which a rollover event is unlikely.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an antitheft device whereby the detection accuracy of an unauthorized intruder into a vehicle can be improved, comprising a section for judging whether or not there is an approaching object T toward a vehicle M based on information obtained from a surround monitoring sensor for monitoring the surround of the vehicle M, a section for judging whether or not the approaching object T toward the vehicle M is a suspicious person based on information obtained from a motion sensor for monitoring the periphery and/or the inside of the vehicle M when it is judged that there is an approaching object T toward the vehicle M, and a section for conducting processing such as lighting-on of an indicator when the approaching object T toward the vehicle M is judged to be a suspicious person.

Abstract: A wireless position sensing device is provided for monitoring railyard equipment status. The device comprises a gravity sensing mechanism for sensing an angular displacement with respect to a substantially vertical line, and for generating a displacement signal upon sensing a change in angular displacement exceeding approximately 40 degrees. A processing mechanism, operatively coupled to the gravity sensing mechanism, receives the displacement signal. A radio frequency transmitter, responsive to the processing mechanism, transmits a data signal indicative of the angular displacement. The processing mechanism is programmed to activate the radio frequency transmitter upon receipt of the displacement signal. The gravity sensing mechanism is affixed, attached, or mechanically coupled to railyard equipment comprising at least one of a manually operated rail switch or a safety indicator.

Abstract: A vehicle air bag control system includes an impact detector for detecting impact on a vehicle and for outputting an impact detection signal, an air bag deployment determination means for outputting a deployment command when the impact detection signal is more than a predetermined value, a state estimation means for estimating whether a vehicle engine is stopped during an idling stop, and a power control means for driving the impact detector, the air bag deployment determination means and the state estimation means when the vehicle engine is stopped during an idling stop as indicated by the state estimation means.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and bus controllers (12) for monitoring an event of interest via a network bus (14) and creating an asynchronous event trigger on the network bus indicating that the event occurred. Importantly, the systems, methods, and bus controllers (12) of the present invention use either one or several network devices (16, 18) that are connected to the network bus (14) and monitor the occurrence of an event of interest. These network devices (16, 18) are configure through commands from the bus controller (12) to indicate on the network bus (14) typically by a pulse signal, when the event of interest has occurred. The indication from the network device (16, 18) that the event has occurred is used by the bus controller (12) and other network devices (16, 18, 20) on the network bus (14) to configure timing for commands or to perform desired actions in synchronization with the occurrence of the event of interest.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a technique for providing location-based functionality comprises providing functionality, wherein the functionality uses information provided by a location-aware device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle security system. The invention provides a vehicle security system which can be armed and disarmed via a remote control device, e.g. an RF device. The system includes also sensing means which can sense a predetermined event indicative of the presence of a person at the vehicle, such as knocking on the vehicle. For disarming the system, it requires a disarm signal from a compatible remote control device as well as the predetermined event to occur within a predetermined short time period. Where a number of such systems are installed on a number of vehicles on the same lot, e.g. a dealership showroom, and are armed, one of them may be selectively disarmed via a remote control device common to all of the systems. Only the system which senses the predetermined event in addition to a disarm signal will be disarmed.

Abstract: A driving assistance system and method for providing driving condition information to a driver via a seat with a haptic signal. A set of state signals of the vehicle with respect to a lane on the road is generated. The set of state signals include at least a lateral position signal that indicates a lateral positional relationship of the vehicle with respect to the lane and a heading angle signal that indicates a heading angle of the vehicle with respect to the lane. A haptic signal is generated based on the set of state signals to convey information regarding the lateral positional relationship of the vehicle with respect to the lane and the heading angle of the vehicle with respect to the lane.

Abstract: An automotive burglar alarm unit has an intrusion or equivalent security sensor. The burglar alarm unit can operate in an alarm set state for generating alarm, with a security sensor OFF mode for invalidating a signal of the security sensor. A user can use a portable phone to transmit a sensor ON signal via an information center. When the burglar alarm unit receives the sensor ON signal, the burglar alarm unit shifts into an alarm set state of security sensor ON mode so that the burglar alarm unit can generate alarm in response to a signal of the security sensor. Furthermore, the user can transmit a sensor OFF signal. In response to the sensor OFF signal, the burglar alarm unit shifts into an alarm set state of security sensor OFF mode so that no alarm is generated based on the signal of the security sensor.

Abstract: A tamper and theft detection alarm system is provided for a motorcycle, bicycle or other two-wheeled vehicle. The alarm system is configured to detect vehicle movement or theft by monitoring the tilt angle of the vehicle, and once a change in the tilt angle is detected, notifying the rider or owner by wireless cellular telephone. In certain embodiments the motorcycle or bicycle alarm system is additionally provided with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver configured to receive signals from the United States govemment's Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites or other similar global position locating systems and then interpreting the satellite signals to calculate the vehicle location in global coordinates and then providing these coordinates via synthesized speech to the owner via wireless cellular telephony.

Abstract: A roll over detector for a vehicle is disclosed, which includes a roll over phenomenon detecting circuit that detects a roll over phenomenon of the vehicle based on a relationship between at least a type of physical quantity representative of a roll state of the vehicle and a predetermined threshold; a reacting roll phenomenon detecting circuit that detects a reacting roll phenomenon of the vehicle based on a predetermined criterion, which reacting roll phenomenon occurs in reaction to the roll phenomenon in an opposite direction; and a threshold changing circuit that changes the predetermined threshold from a first threshold to a second threshold so that the roll over phenomenon becomes difficult to be detected by the roll over phenomenon detecting circuit if the reacting roll phenomenon is detected by the reacting roll phenomenon detecting circuit.

Abstract: An IG key monitor sends out an anti-theft instruction to a GAIN switching part, in case that an IG key SW (ignition key switch) was turned to an OFF state. The GAIN switching part receives the anti-theft instruction from the IG key monitor, and then, switches detection sensitivity of an acceleration sensor to second detection sensitivity (which is detection sensitivity available for inclination judgment of a vehicle, and for example, is approximately ±2 G). An inclination judgment part judges whether or not a vehicle is inclined on the basis of a detection result of the acceleration sensor whose detection sensitivity was switched as described above, and outputs an anti-theft alarm through an alarm part, in case that an output of the acceleration sensor exceeds 0.1 G.

Abstract: A monitoring system which can monitor a plurality of vehicles (1) includes vibration sensing units (15) each sensing a vibration of the associated vehicle (1), a sensed time specifying unit (20b) which specifies an instant at which the vibration of the vehicle (1) is sensed by the vibration sensing unit, and an abnormality determining unit (20a) which determines, when a vibration of one of the vehicles (1) is sensed by the associated vibration sensing unit (15), whether the vibration is caused by preparations for theft with respect to the vehicle (1) or the vibration is caused by environmental influences on the vehicle (1). The abnormality determining unit (20a) carries out the determination on ground of sensing results obtained by the vibration sensing units (15) of the respective vehicles (1) and a result of specification carried out by the sensed time specifying unit (20b).

Abstract: A sensor device includes a G sensor producing an electric signal in accordance with physical displacement of its sensing portion and a casing mounting this G sensor. A casing chamber is sealed with a potting material so that the G sensor is covered with the potting material. The potting material has the role of surely damping the high-frequency vibration which generally causes resonance. Thus, the G sensor can accurately detect the collision and vibration without being adversely influenced by the resonance.

Abstract: Described herein are a transient event detector (35) comprising electrical circuitry (50) suitable to detect a transient event, and a container (34) having a wall with at least two electrically conductive contacts (23, 44) electrically connected to the electrical circuitry (50), each of the at least two electrically conductive contacts (23, 44) being electrically isolated from each other, and a movable electrically conductive piece (36) that intermittently connects at least two of the at least two electrically conductive contacts when the electrically conductive piece (36) is in motion. An RF circuit (54) couples to a loop antenna (25) having a tuning capacitor (26) formed as conductive pads (26?, 26?) juxtaposed on opposing sides of a planar dielectric substrate (92). The tuning capacitor (26) has a hole (27) through it, and the hole has a size that is selected to cause the loop antenna (25) to exhibit a desired resonance frequency.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for recognizing the movement of a motor vehicle as well as a process for using an acceleration sensor in a device for blocking the starting of a motor vehicle. Reliable information is obtained on whether or not the motor vehicle was moved. In the process for recognizing the movement of a motor vehicle, the accelerating forces acting on the motor vehicle are measured for this purpose as time-dependent functions and are subjected to a discrete Fourier analysis. If the majority of the frequencies determined is below a preset limit frequency, e.g., 0.3 Hz, movement of the motor vehicle is assumed, and an irrelevant vibration is otherwise assumed. An acceleration sensor is used in a device for blocking the starting of a motor vehicle and/or to demonstrate an inadmissible circumventing of the blocking.

Abstract: An alarm device including a sensor having sufficiently high detection sensitivity. The sensor 51 in the alarm device 41 is disposed such that a plane M perpendicular to the detection direction P of the sensor 51 is aligned at a specified angle ? with respect to a plane V perpendicular to the sun visor 72 (the lower surface 61a), were the specified angle ? should be set to be an approximately mean value of the expected minimum angle ?=0° and the expected maximum angle ?=40° (in this case, ?=20°). In other words, the plane M perpendicular to the detection direction P of the sensor 51 should be aligned at an angle ?(?=90°??) of less than 90° with respect to the sun visor 72 (the lower surface 61a). The alarm device may be mounted onto a vehicle for preventing the vehicle theft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the area of technical rolling bodies, especially their supports, wherein the forces exerted in that area are detected with sensors in order to generate electrical energy and to detect changes in the state of the area. At least one of the sensors (2, 3, 4) arranged in the area of the technical rolling bodies is actively impinged upon with electrical energy and introduces impulses that can be evaluated in the support (1) of the sensor (2, 3, 4) working as actuator. Thus, impulses that can be evaluated can be detected at any given time by the sensors (2, 3, 4) in the area (1) of the technical rolling bodies during monitoring with an electrical evaluation unit.

Abstract: A vehicle trunk safety device indicates the presence of an individual within the trunk.

Abstract: An image capture detection system including a short range radio transmitter (13) and a short range radio receiver and decoder (12) installed in or on an image capture device (10). The system further comprises a remote detection unit (14) also comprising a short range radio transmitter (18) and a short range radio receiver and decoder (16). In use, the remote detection unit (14) transmits intermittent query signals (22) which are received by the receiver (12) in the image capture device (10) when the remote detection unit (14) is within a predetermined distance or range thereof. In response to receipt of the query signals (22), the transmitter (13) in the image capture device (10) is arranged to transmit an indicator signal (24) which is received by the remote detection unit (14). The remote detection unit (14) is arranged to generate a warning signal in response to receipt of the indicator signal ((24).

Abstract: A multifunction car theft alarm lock with tire pressure sensing device, includes a lock unit adapted to lock the steering wheel of a car, a sensor module providing multiple sensing modes to enhance the anti-theft function, and tire pressure sensors adapted to detect tire pressure of the car and adapted to enable an audio visual alarm if tire pressure drops below a predetermined value.

Abstract: It is customary to use signals from a motor vehicle central control in order to operate braking equipment for motor vehicles which automatically produces braking forces for states of standstill of a motor vehicle which are capable of holding a motor vehicle at a standstill. The signals which are provided by the central control are used to determine whether or not the motor vehicle is at a standstill. It is consequently also necessary to operate the central control during a state of standstill for the motor vehicle in order to produce the required braking forces. The braking equipment can no longer be operated as desired if the central control fails or malfunctions. These problems are solved by the invention, which provides standstill recognition for motor vehicles which enables braking equipment which automatically produces braking forces during standstill to be automatically controlled.

Abstract: A vehicle capable of an extraordinary mode of motorized motion programmed to draw the attention of an operator. When one or more sensors sense a condition requiring attention of the operator, a periodic acceleration is superposed upon the motion of the ground-contacting members. The extraordinary mode of locomotion may include a mode where the vehicle alternates between braking and speeding up and braking over each period of the modulation.

Abstract: A closed pneumatic sound sensor is incorporated in a driver's seat and catches a signal representative of a movement of the body of the driver, and a continuation time period within which the level of the signal does not reach a fixed level is detected. Simultaneously, a signal which is generated only when the vehicle is running is caught from the vehicle, and the two signals are compared with each other by an arithmetic operation circuit. Only when both of the signals are present and a particular tendency appears in the continuation time period of the signal representative of a movement of the body, an alarm is generated. A less expensive doze-at-the-wheel alarming apparatus which does not require cumbersome mounting and does not operate when the vehicle is not running is provided.

Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) having a safety system includes a controller (26) determining a first body to road angle; determining a second body to road angle; determining a final body to road angle from the first body to road angle and the second body to road angle; and controlling the safety system in response to the final body to road signal.

Abstract: An activation device for a passenger protection apparatus is made up of a sensor for detecting a roll angular velocity of a vehicle, a unit for calculating a roll relative angle on the basis of the roll angular velocity, and a unit for making a judgment indicating a roll of the vehicle when the velocity and the angle satisfy a threshold condition. A control unit activates an air bag when making a judgment indicating a roll. A vehicle collision state is discriminated on the basis of right-hand and left-hand accelerations detected by acceleration sensors and the threshold condition for the judgment on a roll of the vehicle is switched in accordance with the collision state. This enables a trip-over type roll to be detected at an early stage for activating the passenger protection apparatus quickly.

Abstract: In a case where an intruder is detected in a house, a detection signal is outputted from a home security communication device, and is notified to a monitor center through an in-area communication management device by a wireless connection. The monitor center notifies a portable telephone owned by a resident of the house that the intruder exists in the house and also notifies houses to in the area that the intruder exists in the house.

Abstract: A car alarm is providing including an annunciator for providing an alarm signal from a car alarm system and n automatic dialer that provides automatic dialing capabilities to a wireless phone or pager upon initiation of said annunciator.

Abstract: An alarm system having the capability to self-adjust or self-calibrate itself is disclosed. The system includes an alarm controller and at least one sensor that generates a signal that corresponds to the magnitude of a detected event. The signal evaluator is part of the alarm controller and receives the magnitude signal from the sensor. The signal evaluator compares the magnitude signal to a user-defined or preset alarm sensor sensitivity threshold and generates an alarm signal if the magnitude signal exceeds the alarm signal sensitivity threshold. If repeated alarm signals are generated, an alarm threshold adjuster will adjust the sensor sensitivity threshold to a point where repeated magnitude signals will be ignored. The system will reset itself to the original user-defined or preset sensor sensitivity threshold levels after a predetermined time of no alarm signal generation. The alarm signals generated will activate an alarm annunciator, which generates an alarm.

Abstract: A method is provided capable of improving the accuracy of estimations of quantities that represent the state of a vehicle, such as vehicle speed, wheel slip ratio, wheel speed along the ground, longitudinal wheel force and the vehicle body sideslip angle, or values related to the quantities that represent the vehicle state, using a simple and inexpensive method. A tire longitudinal force computing unit 81 calculates longitudinal forces F1 to F4 of each of the wheels by substituting a coefficient of friction ?, which is adjusted such that a deviation between a detected value of a longitudinal acceleration Gx and an estimated longitudinal acceleration Gxe is zero, an estimated vehicle speed Ve, slip ratios S1 to S4 of each of the wheels calculated based on detected values of sensors 11 and 31, loads W1 to W4 of each of the wheels, calculated based on detected values of sensors 12 and 61, and lateral forces Y1 to Y4, into an equation related to a predetermined tire dynamics model.

Abstract: An improved method for detecting the presence of humans or animals concealed within in a vehicle uses a combination of the continuous wavelet transform and a ratio-based energy calculation to determine whether the motion detected using seismic sensors placed on the vehicle is due to the presence of a heartbeat within the vehicle or is the result of motion caused by external factors such as the wind. The method performs well in the presence of light to moderate ambient wind levels, producing far fewer false alarm indications. The new method significantly improves the range of ambient environmental conditions under which human presence detection systems can reliably operate.

Abstract: A vehicle trunk release mechanism for releasing a trunk lid of a vehicle from within the interior of the trunk has a contact mat and an actuator, which is responsive to repeated contact with the contact mat.

Abstract: To make it possible to take appropriate action promptly in response to a report from a vehicle of an abnormality such as a theft, an accident, or a failure. A terminal apparatus is included in vehicles to transmit an abnormality report and thereby providing a notification of the occurrence of an abnormality to a control apparatus. The terminal apparatus includes abnormality information C from an abnormality detecting sensor, identifying information A of the vehicle, attribute information D for indicating attributes of the vehicle itself, and position information D of the vehicle. The control apparatus can thereby detect the occurrence of the abnormality of the vehicle, identify the vehicle having the abnormality, identify the attributes of the vehicle having the abnormality, and identify the location where the abnormality has occurred. It is thus possible to take appropriate action promptly such as sending an appropriate report and sending an appropriate request to a maintenance service.

Abstract: A method and vehicle occupant restraint system for a motor vehicle, in which the webbing movement of a seat belt wound on a belt reel 1 caused by the body of the belted-in vehicle occupant is scanned and corresponding measurement data are fed to an evaluating device 3, wherein measurement data relating to the rotating movement of a rotor 2, in particular the electric motor rotor, which serves in tightening the seat belt webbing, may additionally be fed to this evaluating device 3.

Abstract: A vibration monitor is mounted on a vehicle for monitoring vibrations in the axles and wheels of the vehicle which may indicate some type of failure associated with the wheels. The monitor includes sensors mounted on the axles which are connected to a control box for disabling the vehicle in response to receipt of a vibration signal from the sensors. The control box is arranged to vent the air brake circuit of the truck for applying the brakes of the truck if the control box receives a vibration signal from the sensors having a magnitude which exceeds an acceleration threshold and a duration which exceeds a time threshold determined by the control box. In one embodiment, electrical acceleration sensors are provided which transmit the vibration signals to the control box using an intermittent RF signal having a unique identification signal for indicating which sensor has recorded each vibration signal.

Abstract: A modular traffic information system comprising a central processing unit positionable in a vehicle and a data storage unit; a viewable display unit positionable in a vehicle and adapted to act as a user interface between the central processing unit and an operator; an addressable bus coupled to the central processing unit; and at least one electronic component positioned within a vehicle and removably coupled to the central processing unit through the bus, the electronic component selected from the class of electronic components including receivers, transmitters and supplemental electronic components.