Abstract: Data obtained by a tachograph and stored in a memory of the tachograph in a first memory region in a predetermined first data format is processed according to a predetermined processing rule and is stored in a predetermined second data format, which differs from the predetermined first data format, in a second memory region. At least part of the data stored previously in the second memory region is read depending on an inquiry of an external reading unit in relation to the tachograph and is put out via a data interface of the tachograph while maintaining the predetermined second data format.

Abstract: This invention teaches an inventive method for tracking trip data in relation to geographic position for a vehicle. The first steps in the method involve recording trip data periodically and recording geographic position periodically. Each trip data recording is time stamped. Each geographic position recording is time stamped. The next step is saving the recorded trip data and geographic position to a database. The final step in the inventive method is graphically displaying the trip data and the geographic position, as a function of time, from the database. This invention also covers an apparatus and a system for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: A system and method for vehicle detection and tracking in tunnels is provided. The method comprises the steps of capturing a plurality of image frames viewing at least one traffic lane; extracting at least one feature from the plurality of image frames; detecting at least one object indicative of a vehicle from the extracted feature; and tracking the detected vehicle over time to determine the detected vehicle's velocity. The system comprising at least one image capture device for capturing a plurality of image frames viewing at least one traffic lane; and a processor adapted for extracting at least one feature from the plurality of image frames, detecting at least one object indicative of a vehicle from the extracted feature, and tracking the detected vehicle over time to determine the detected vehicle's velocity.

Abstract: In a vehicle operation recorder for motor vehicles, the recording devices are permanently undetachably connected to the display devices, the diagram chart carrier is arranged in a separate compartment of the casing which is offset laterally or rearwardly in relation to the main instrument dial, and the marker pens are arranged above the diagram chart in likewise laterally offset relation to the main instrument dial and are connected to the recording devices by a rigid bridge member.

Abstract: This invention is a means for detecting and logging the number of instances that predetermined speeds have been exceeded. This device can be used by car owners to monitor their driving habits as well as those of others using the car. Also the device of the present invention can be used by insurance companies in determining insurance rates based on driving performance.

Abstract: An improved electronic data recorder for use in a vehicle includes a housing having a pair of connectors. The housing encloses a modular converter, a printer module, a continuous roll of paper, a modular paper advance mechanism, conversion electronics, and memory and computation electronics. Also included in the housing are a driver code input keypad, a clock and date display, and keys for selecting a variety of functions. The data recorder connects to a free end of a rotatable odometer-speedometer cable between a rotating part of a vehicle to which the cable is attached and the vehicle odometer-speedometer. The data recorder also connects to the vehicle battery and ignition switch. The rotational motion of the cable is communicated into the housing of the data recorder by one of the connectors and from there into the modular converter. The converter converts the rotational motion into a plurality of unique electrical signals representative of mileage.

Abstract: A vehicle such as a speedboat or racing car is equipped with a magnetic sensing coil (22) for producing electrical signals in response to detection of magnets disposed at one or more positions along the course. In the case of buoy-mounted markers, the magnets (26) may be mounted on certain of the buoys (10,13,14,17). The output from the sensing coil (22) is used to control on-board timing circuitry to enable the average vehicle speed over the course to be determined and displayed.

Abstract: The apparatus measures the braking of the vehicle and the turning action on the wheels, secondarily the speed and the acceleration or the running of the engine. It records these measurements graphically and simultaneously so that, if necessary, the driver may correct his mistakes. A warning is activated if the vehicle is braked and its wheels are turned at the same time. This warning is graphic, audible or visual. The apparatus is useful for driving instruction and tests.

Abstract: A system for evaluating whether a work-performing robot can perform a series of programmed motions is disclosed which includes means for continuously comparing the velocity of the various links of a robot simulator, which is manually moved through the sequence of motions to be programmed, against predetermined velocity limits associated with the corresponding links of the work-performing robot which will reproduce the programmed steps, and providing humanly perceptible alarm indications uniquely identifiable with the various robot links when the motions manually programmed on the robot simulator exceed the velocity limits of the work-performing robot. Additionally, the individual velocities of the various robot simulator links are summed, and the sum continuously compared against the power limit of the hydraulic pump driving the link actuators of the work-performing robot.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for monitoring the operation of a motor vehicle subjected to a decelerative force, wherein the vehicle's throttle opening is sensed, an indication is given when the throttle opening exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the decelerative force is sensed, and wherein said predetermined value is varied automatically as said decelerative force on the vehicle varies. If the throttle opening continues to exceed said predetermined value, then a recording is made.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for monitoring the operation of a motor vehicle subjected to a decelerative force, wherein the vehicle's throttle opening is sensed, an indication is given when the throttle opening exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the decelerative force is sensed, and wherein the predetermined value is varied automatically as the decelerative force on the vehicle varies. If the throttle opening continues to exceed the predetermined value, then a recording is made.

Abstract: An excessive speed and theft deterrent system wherein a signal is generated having a magnitude which is proportional to the speed of the vehicle. A comparator generates an output signal when the magnitude of the generated signal is greater than a preselected voltage level. In response to the output signal, a pulse train is generated having a predetermined pulse rate wherein the pulse train is counted to thereby indicate a total time in which the vehicle is operated at speeds exceeding a predetermined speed. The system also includes sounding devices for generating a warning signal when a door or the ignition system is operated without authorization.

Abstract: An electronic tachograph for providing a chart recording of the speed of a vehicle and the distance travelled by the vehicle in relation to time includes an input transducer coupled to the vehicle drive to provide distance pulses representing the distance travelled by the vehicle, a sampling circuit which samples the distance pulses at a predetermined rate and provides pulses to a speed counter and a distance counter which responsively provide control outputs representative of the speed of the vehicle and the distance travelled by the vehicle for controlling stepping motors which effect the positioning of a speedometer shaft and the incrementing of an odometer, and for moving a speed stylus and an odometer stylus on a recording chart which is driven by a further stepping motor controlled by outputs of a time base generator which supplies timing pulses to the sampling circuit and the speed control circuits.

Abstract: A device for recording speed operating conditions of a wheeled vehicle having wheels on which it travels, comprises a housing having at least one speed information recording stylus, and preferably at least one excess speed information recording stylus. The housing includes a connection for obtaining information of the speed of travel of the vehicle and for imparting the information to the stylus for recording on a continuous recording medium which is moved past each stylus. A presettable arrangement is provided for indicating on the excess speed information recording stylus whenever a predetermined speed is exceeded. The recording medium is driven by a drive which may, for example, be a constant speed drive, and the medium is advantageously long enough so that it may operate for at least 10,000 km. The housing for the device is advantageously of a size of a small car radio, such as one having maximum dimensions of 8 cm in height, 20 cm in width and 30 cm in depth.

Abstract: A housing of the apparatus has two sections which are relatively pivotable between an open and a closed position. A drive is provided in one of these sections for rotating the record carrier and includes a rotary support for the record carrier and a spindle which extends through a center opening of the record carrier. A self-centering element is provided in the other housing section, being mounted therein with freedom of play so that it can center itself relative to the spindle in response to movement of the housing sections towards their closed position, the element being adapted to snap in its centered position against a record carrier on the support when the housing sections move to their closed position, so that the element rotates with the support and record carrier.

Abstract: A membrane-air pump functioning as a tachometer, having a first flow circuit whose pneumatic flow or pressure values serve as speed-dependent guide parameters for control or regulating apparatus. A second flow circuit leads from the pressure or delivery side of the membrane-air pump to the suction side thereof, and in which there is incorporated a flow throttle and a spring-loaded relief pressure valve in series connection with the second flow circuit. Preferably, the flow throttle, as well as the relief pressure valve are adjustable.