Abstract: A selectively mobile system with an infrared scanner and video camera having a common area of focus and apparatus for detecting location permits detection of subterranean geological anomalies. Infrared and visual images are simultaneously successively recorded on videotape together with related location data and other relevant information. Video recorded infrared, video and location data are selectively captured on successive frames. Such frames are recorded for further analysis.

Abstract: A multichannel communications recorder or logger. The recorder is formed from modular elements which may be configured into a large number of selectable configurations. In each configuration one or more record decks is controlled by a control module which includes a system control microprocessor and a CRT control microprocessor. Control is provided by a user selecting to implement functions defined in accordance with a particular page displayed. Access to various pages is controlled by various levels of passwords with the highest level being used by a service person and lower levels being provided to users of the system. Because of the need to provide physical security for recorded tapes, each tape deck is provided with a door secured by an electro-mechanical lock. Because of the need to maintain continuous monitoring in many applications, the system is provided with the capability to be configured in configurations providing back-up for selected channels.

Abstract: A drop height recorder apparatus includes a housing suitable for packaging for shipment from an origin point to a destination point, a triaxial accelerometer provides three signals to corresponding high gain and low gain channels. The three high gain channel signals are full wave rectified to change any negative signals to positive signals for summing into a single high gain "zero G" (free-fall) channel. AN analog to digital converter is connected to the three low gain channels, the single high gain channel, and to auxiliary sensors for digitizing the analog signals. A recorder has a programmable controller connected to the ADC for setting the digital sampling rate. The digitized low gain channel signals are passed through a digital trigger threshold comparator for comparison with a reference signal for generating event detecting trigger signals on the way to a delay memory which also receives the digitized high gain zero G signal and auxiliary signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for logging data corresponding to the motion of a vehicle. Programmable variables in the logger are set when it is connected to a remote indicating device. The logger is then installed in the vehicle and connected to power and motion sensor lines. The logger monitors electrical signals from the motion sensor and determines the relative speed of the vehicle. Information is stored in the memory of the logger for each stop of the vehicle. Such information may include the maximum speed since the last stop, the distance, date, and time the maximum speed occurred, and the distance, date, time, and duration of the stop and any short intermediate stops. The logger contains circuitry for merging together information data groups for each stop in the memory, thereby allowing the longest stops to define the boundaries of the data information groups.

Abstract: Each engine of a multi-engine aircraft is monitored to determine if it has become inoperative during a critical flight mode such as takeoff or landing. If so, the propeller of the inoperative engine is feathered and the remaining engine or engines is uptrimmed. A "state machine" indicative of the various states of the aircraft is established and the present state of the aircraft is stored in a non-volatile memory; if an electrical power interruption occurs during a critical flight mode the identity of the present operating state may be quickly recalled for immediate refeathering of an inoperative engine and reuptrimming of the remaining engine or engines.

Abstract: An easy to use audio-visual video tape recording system mounted in or on a land vehicle. The system is automatically activated when the ignition is turned `ON` to record events forward and rearward simultaneously. In addition the following are recorded simultaneously as they occur: left turn signal, right turn signal, velocity in miles or kilometers per hour, brakes applied, safety belt fastened, date, time (24 hour clock), and vehicle identification. All the previously mentioned events would be shown on a television screen during a replay of the video tape. Certain modes of recordation would not apply to a mounting on a water-borne vehicle. This invention will be of great value toward settling insurance claims, contesting the issuance of unfair/unfounded traffic citations . . . etc. It will be an important tool for delivery companies in that they can show where the delivery vehicle was at any time.

Abstract: An in flight damage assessment and surveillance system for aircraft using imaging apparatus for capturing optical images of predetermined portions of the aircraft disposed along the exterior of said aircraft in a manner such that the flight characteristics of the aircraft remain substantially unaltered. The images captured are recorded on a storage media mounted within the aircraft and having an enclosure which provides for the survival of the storage media even when subjected to the harsh environment of an aircraft crash. A display for displaying the captured optical images to aircraft crew members is also positioned within the aircraft along with apparatus for interfacing the imaging apparatus to recording apparatus and the display. The system can also include second imaging apparatus for capturing optical images of selected portions of the interior of the aircraft as well as a telemetry device for transmitting images to or from ground based stations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for data storage in, for example, a black box for an aircraft. A static digital memory is divided into three portions, A, B and C. Data is read into successive sequential portions of wrap-around memory portion A. When an interrupt signal is received, e.g., due to a crash, the memory part A address to which the last data was input is entered into memory part B, along with an indication of which parameter was entered at that address. Data then is stored in sequential portions of memory part C until the end thereof is reached. To read the data, the last address to which data was entered in part A is read from memory part B, data is read from the position immediately following that entry to the end of part A, then from the beginning of part A through to the last entry. Data then is read from memory part C. The resultant data represents a period of time from shortly before, e.g., 0.3 ms, to some time, e.g., a couple of seconds, after the interrupt signal.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted surveillance system is disclosed. The system comprises a camera and a control head mounted within the police vehicle and a video recorder housed in a fireproof, bulletproof and environmentally controlled vault mounted in the trunk of the vehicle. The surveillance system also includes a wireless microphone. The system may be manually or automatically activated and is powered off the battery of the vehicle.

Abstract: A comprehensive turbine engine monitoring and recording system includes an electronics unit which may be engine mounted, and which contains at least a nonvolatile memory and a data-processor, for use with a remote unit suitable for either cockpit mounting or for accessing by a ground portable unit which may include an additional data-processor and display and/or printer units. Raw input data is supplied to the electronics unit, and this input information may include engine and outside air temperature, torque, engine speed, vibration, altitude and airspeed data, for examples. Exceedance data relative to the operation of the aircraft above pre-defined limits of temperature, torque and speed are recorded, with the details of each exceedance being permanently stored.

Abstract: A drop out trigger captures waveform data when a normally continuous input signal is disrupted or interrupted. In the preferred embodiment, a conventional trigger detects a parameter periodically satisfied by the continuous signal and resets a timer whenever a trigger event occurs. The alarm count of the timer is set for an interval slightly larger than the periodic interval. If the timer reaches the alarm count, a measurement signal is generated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combined flight data recorder data aquisition circuitry (10) and airborne integrated data circuitry (12) that can be variously packaged to supplement and update existing aircraft systems or serve as a standalone flight data recording and/or airborne integrated data system. The flight data recorder system circuitry (10) and airborne integrated data system circuitry (12) are separately programmed microprocessor based systems that are capable of processing aircraft parametric signals provided by a variety of aircraft signal sources. In the disclosed arrangement, the airborne integrated data system circuitry (12) is arranged and programmed to automatically monitor engine start and shutdown procedures, aircraft takeoff and cruise and to provide a landing report that indicates fuel consumption and landing weight.

Abstract: When a standby command is issued in a long-period recording (intermittent recording) mode, a control circuit 70 stops the rotation of a rotating drum 60 and a capstan shaft 72 with a magnetic tape 20 being maintained in a loaded state. Then, a back tension arm 310 is moved and rotating torques are applied to a feed reel 11 and a take-up reel 12 in opposite directions, whereby a prescribed back tension is applied to the magnetic tape 20.

Abstract: Signal units of information stored in electronic memory are arranged in frames which are separated in memory by configurable end of data pointers, each frame stored with a first configuration pointer indicating a present frame, the storing of each present frame changing the preceding frame pointer to a second configuration, whereby loss of frame data due to power interruption during storage is limited to the identifiable present frame.

Abstract: In the on-line system, information called journal indicative of the hysteresis of process are written in turn in magnetic tape. At each process, journal information is added with information indicative of journal and the date on which the journal information was written. At the time of system resuming process after system down, the information added to journal at each process is read in order that the magnetic tape being read is decided to have recorded thereon the journal to be used for the system resuming process.

Abstract: Flight parameter data is real time sampled in successive sample frames and temporarily stored in memory for one or more sample frame intervals, the stored sample values are examined to detect extremes in parameter values with time, periodic ones of the temporarily stored sample frames are permanently stored in memory at fixed frame intervals notwithstanding the presence or absence of extreme values in the sample set data, sampled frames intermediate to the fixed frames are stored only in the presence of extreme sample values amoung selected ones of the sensed flight parameters.

Abstract: A real-time recall feature for an engine data processor (20). An engine mounted data processor (20) inputs a plurality of engine operating parameters from a gas turbine engine (10). These parameters are fault checked and reformatted by the processor (20) before being output on a serial transmission channel (XCH) to an airframe mounted permanent recording apparatus (30). A set of the most recent engine profiles are stored in a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) which is constantly updated by overlaying the oldest data with the most recent. A switch (52) generates a signal (FRZ) to terminate storage of the profiles and freeze the contents of the (DRAM). The memory remains frozen having captured the most recent engine profiles associated with the generation time of the signal (FRZ) until unloaded over the channel (XCH) to recorder (30). The output of the (DRAM) is in response to a signal (RPL) generated by switch (52).

Abstract: An information signal (INF) which is transmitted in coded form (CINF) from a signal source (RC) to a signal receiver (4, 5) is decoded at the receiver and at the same time marked (MINF) by the introduction of an identification information (ID) which is characteristic of the receiver or its possessor. The signal from a video disc (RC) carrying a coded programme is decoded and marked before it is supplied to a television set (6). Via said identification information of so-called pirate copy is directly traceable to its originator. Thereby a protection against such copying is obtained. A device for the playback of a video disc of this type comprises a decoding and modification unit to which the necessary decoding information and identification information may be supplied from a personal data carrier (ID).

Abstract: A system for detecting and recording disturbances, e.g., transients, in periodic signals, wherein the system has a delay memory for storing sampled digital signal values of the periodic signals, is disclosed. In order to reduce the amount of data needed to be recorded, the sampled digital values are interim-stored in a read/write memory, from which the samples are read out each period of the periodic signal via an address control. The interim stored digital samples, which are the samples for the period of the periodic signal existing in time immediately preceding the present period, along with the samples from the present period, are fed to a digital comparator. The digital comparator compares the samples for the two signal periods, and depending on whether the samples differ by a predetermined threshold, generates a start or stop signal to an output device coupled to the delay memory for recording the occurrence of the disturbance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing and recording diverse operational and performance characteristics of automotive vehicles and the like has a plurality of transducers directly associated with different mechanical functions of the vehicle for sensing their operating characteristics in relation to time as well as generating analog signals representative of certain functions and combining them with digital signals representing other functions. A signal converter encodes signals from the transducers and converts the signals in predetermined order into digital data signals. Each succession of signals generated are temporarily stored. A recorder then records information stored serially and enables ready access to and identification of each event or condition.

Abstract: Sound associated with a scene which a still camera shot is picked up over a desired period of time starting from the instant which is a given time before the instant of depression of a release button of the camera. A shift register serves as a delay element for delaying an input time-serial digitized audio signal by the desired period of time, before the audio signal is written into an audio track of a magnetic disc which also has a video track for storing a video signal associated with the audio signal. During reproduction, one may hear the sound through a loudspeaker while watching the still picture displayed on a CRT or the like. The same sound may be reproduced repeatedly over a desired period of time.

Abstract: A flight data recording system includes a digital flight data recorder (DFDR) and a digital flight data acquisition unit (DFDAU) having a signal processor and nonvolatile memory for storing signals representative of a deterministic flight mode algorithm which defines a generic aircraft flight profile by preselected modes, each mode defining a flight profile operating station, the deterministic flight mode algorithm defining the nominal values of some number of sensed flight data parameters in terms of the sensed values of some number of the remaining other sensed flight parameters. At each such station, the signal processor comparing the actual sensed mandatory flight parameter value with the corresponding determined value to establish sensor accuracy.

Abstract: An improved referencing device for identifying for future reference a portion of a data record as it is being recorded for use in combination with a shorthand machine generating electrical output signals corresponding to the keys depressed, a recording medium, and recorder associated with said shorthand machine for making a data record of the signals generated thereby on said recording medium. The referencing device comprises means for generating a reference signal separate and independent from the output signal generated by said shorthand machine and for inputting said reference signal to said data recorder for making a record of the referencing signal on the recording medium. A portion of the data record may then be identified for future reference by the reference signal record.

Abstract: A digital flight data recorder receives sensed parameter information in serial data format in successive data frames and first circulates the information in a first-in first-out (FIFO) sequence through a minor memory to preserve the data received over a most recent real time interval, after which the data is compressed to a smaller data base including periodic slow interval samples and intermediate exceedance parameter samples which are stored in a major memory for later retrieval.

Abstract: The invention consists of an apparatus for recording accidental events relating to movable devices such as automotive vehicles, which events can be sensed by optical observation, and comprises: detecting means for receiving the images of the event and transforming them into electric signals; a signal storing circuit comprising one or more analog memories, wherein the recording of successive events is carried out by automatically erasing the oldest image; and sensor means for assuring automatic interruption of the incoming signal flow from the image detecting means to the memories to achieve the automatic nonerasable storage of images corresponding to a predetermined period immediately preceding and contemporary to the accidental event.

Abstract: A power outage indicating circuit for recording apparatus of the type which records data pulses along with a time reference on magnetic tape includes a silicon controlled rectifier which is normally maintained conducting to maintain a timing capacitor charged as long as power is supplied to the power outage circuit. Upon loss of power, the SCR device is rendered nonconducting permitting the timing capacitor to discharge. After power has been restored, the SCR device is triggered into conduction in response to the closing of a cam operated outage switch and supplies charging current to the timing capacitor. While the capacitor is charging, the charging current enables a time track head driver circuit to effect reversal of the direction of current flow through the winding of a time track recording head, causing an outage pulse to be recorded on the magnetic tape. A delay circuit prevents the power outage circuit from responding to line transients.

Abstract: A digital data recorder is adapted for receiving a plurality of parallel input data members for defining a single input signal. Any of the input data members may change in identity during the presentation of the single input signal, and the recorder gives priority identity to any input data member which is of the priority identity for any time during the presentation. The recorder produces a serial, digital data output signal comprising a finite sequence of binary data bits in one-to-one correspondence with the parallel input data members, with the binary state of the bit corresponding to the identity of the input member. The serial, digital output signal is suitable for recording on the single channel of a magnetic tape for fully defining the input signal. The recorder is described in detail as adapted for recording the words taken by a shorthand machine.

Abstract: All messages broadcast through a two-way radio by a police officer from his vehicle, are recorded on an endless tape loop of a playback recorder. An alerting signal generated by a pretuned oscillator is simultaneously recorded on the tape with each message. Playback operation of the recorder is initiated by a remote radio trigger device so as to replay and transmit the recorded message and altering signal through the vehicle radio for a timed duration.

Abstract: A system for monitoring evolutive information data picked up at various pts in associated informatics equipment and analyzing selected information data sequences comprises means for permanently recording information data on a continuous track magnetic carrier having automatic erase means at the end of each track. Recorded sequences of information data are controllably displayed after the data has been written in. At the write-to-read switching operation, an index marking the origin of the information sequences to be displayed is recorded on a special track of the carrier and said index is thereafter used for synchronization of the display on a CRT. A clock pulse counter circuit under the control of an operator enables him to vary the origin of the displays.

Abstract: A data recorder comprising a recording medium in the form of an endless loop of magnetic tape, and one or more magnetic heads, the magnetic tape being wound around former means comprising a plurality of rotatable members to provide a tape store, the rotatable members and inner turn of tape defining within the center of the store an area in which the or each magnetic head is mounted.

Abstract: A voice actuated voice logging recorder includes logging decks and a recall deck such that voice data may be recorded or played back in the recall deck without interruption of the recording of voice data onto the tape of the logging deck. The invention further includes networks for recording a time code modulated by a unique signal indicative of the beginning of each message of voice data and for automatically repositioning the tape of the recall deck in response to the detection of the unique signal.

Abstract: A multispeed ECG magnetic tape scanning device for processing and observing in a relatively short interval of time large quantities of ECG signals from two pairs of ECG leads. The information from the two pairs of leads is provided simultaneously on a single oscilloscope tube as one trace above the other, either in real time or at a high speed multiple as a superimposed ECG presentation, or superimposed on each other so as to provide superimposition of the already superimposed ECG signals. An arrhythmia bar graph is also represented on the CRT tube. The playback is in real time, or at multiple high speed playback speeds of 30, 60 and 120 times real time. The playback amplifiers have specific amplitude and frequency responses which are logically switched upon the selection of a particular playback speed to provide accuracy in the reproduced ECG information.

Abstract: A video surveillance system which records the outputs of a plurality of video cameras in sequence normally operates in a time lapse mode so that video signals are recorded at spaced intervals of time to conserve video recording tape. When an emergency situation occurs in the installation being surveilled, an alarm button is depressed which automatically switches the system into a real time mode in which the video signals are recorded continuously so that there is no loss of useful information during the emergency.