Abstract: A method is provided for extracting at least one usable data item flowing on a communication bus of a machine. The at least one usable data item is representative of a parameter of the machine, The method includes the following steps: receiving a configuration file including information relating to the coding of the at least one usable data item to be extracted; analyzing the information contained in the configuration file in order to enable the identification of the at least one usable data item to be extracted from all the data flowing on the communication bus; collecting the identified at least one usable data item; transmitting the collected at least one usable data item to a server that is remote from the machine.

Abstract: Among other things, a documentation of a crash involving a vehicle is generated automatically. Telematics data is received that has been produced by one or more sensors associated with a telematics device at the vehicle. Based on the telematics data, a vehicle crash period is determined that begins at a start time and ends at an end time of the vehicle crash. Based on the telematics data, one or more metrics are determined associated with the vehicle during the vehicle crash period. Based on one or more metrics, a human-readable documentation of the vehicle crash is generated automatically.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of computing performance for an aircraft, comprises the steps of collecting data from a plurality of data sources comprising data sources of avionics type and external data sources of non-avionics type; processing the data collected in an electronic device of EFB or electronic flight bag type; and undertaking the performance computation. Developments describe the extraction of data from images or audio streams; the manipulation of data of alarm, INOP, aircraft status, air conditioning and anti-ice, runway, ATIS, meteorological and/or NOTAM type; the interfaces with an FPS or flight planning system and/or a CMS or centralized maintenance system. System aspects and software aspects are described.

Abstract: An ejectable flight data recorder for robust retention of flight data and aiding in locating an aircraft after an emergency situation comprises: a buoyant housing comprising an internal cavity, a door for access to at least a portion of the internal cavity, and an aerodynamic outer shape having a longitudinal axis; an energy-dissipating nose cone for reducing an impact load on the housing when the flight data recorder impacts a water surface; a nonvolatile memory configured to store flight data; a position sensor for detecting a geographic position of the flight data recorder; a radio transmitter; an antenna electrically coupled to the radio transmitter; a sustainable power system; and a hydrophone for acoustically tracking a sinking trajectory of the aircraft in a body of water.

Abstract: A high voltage shut down system and method for an electric vehicle are provided, which perform a high voltage shut down function in connection with a collision detection signal (airbag expansion signal) generated from an airbag controller even when a vehicle is being charged. The high voltage shut down system a third power supply controller which is in an operable state for transmitting power when the vehicle starts and is charged. An airbag control unit is operated by receiving power through the third power supply controller, and is configured to generate an airbag expansion signal when detecting an occurrence of a collision of the vehicle. A high voltage controller is configured to perform a high voltage shut down function in response to receiving the airbag expansion signal.

Abstract: A front impact mitigation system for a host vehicle and a method for operating a front impact mitigation system. The front impact mitigation system can take into account the position of a rear object that trails the host vehicle to develop a modified front impact mitigation control signal that at least partially mitigates the likelihood of certain rear impact collisions between the rear object and the host vehicle when the host vehicle is responding to the presence of an impending leading obstacle. A modified front impact mitigation control signal may be developed to account for the speed of the host vehicle and the distance that the rear object trails the host vehicle.

Abstract: A wireless communication device for collecting vehicle on-board diagnostics (OBD) data is disclosed, together with associated methods of handling OBD data in such wireless communication devices. In embodiments, the wireless communication device is arranged to determine when it has been disconnected from the vehicle OBD port and to correct previously stored time-stamped OBD data by synchronizing with an external reference clock signal provided by an external mobile telecommunications device before the corrected OBD data is transmitted to the external device. In other embodiments, the wireless communication device comprises a processor configured to aggregate collected OBD data into risk profile data comprising one or more scalar indicators and/or histogram indicators, and the device is further arranged to store the risk profile data in memory until the device is paired with an external mobile telecommunications device and a data transmission instruction is received.

Abstract: An ejectable flight data recorder for robust retention of flight data and aiding in locating an aircraft after an emergency situation comprises: a buoyant housing comprising an internal cavity, a door for access to at least a portion of the internal cavity, and an aerodynamic outer shape having a longitudinal axis; an energy-dissipating nose cone for reducing an impact load on the housing when the flight data recorder impacts a water surface; a nonvolatile memory configured to store flight data; a position sensor for detecting a geographic position of the flight data recorder; a radio transmitter; an antenna electrically coupled to the radio transmitter; a sustainable power system; and a hydrophone for acoustically tracking a sinking trajectory of the aircraft in a body of water.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for notifying a driver of an open vehicle access. The apparatus includes an electronic control module for informing a vehicle driver that a vehicle access is not secured, the electronic control module configured to determine if a transmission of the vehicle is in either a park status or a neutral status, determine if all keys for the vehicle are located outside a predetermined distance from the vehicle and determine if a displacement sensor indicates that a vehicle access is not closed. When the vehicle is in the park or neutral status, the key is located at a distance greater than the predetermined distance from the vehicle, and at least one vehicle access is indicated as being not closed, then an access open message is generated and sent to the driver.

Abstract: When the temperature of a main CPU detected by a temperature sensor exceeds a set temperature, a sub CPU drives a drive unit of an optical disc under the condition where the operation of the main CPU is suspended to stop the rise in temperature caused by the main CPU. In this case, cooling of the main CPU advances by the wind based on the driving of the optical disc, and as a result, the suspension time of data reading from the optical disc or data writing to the optical disc until the main CPU restarts can be shortened.

Abstract: A deployable airfoil unit is disclosed. It has a housing comprising a front surface and a rear surface joined by a top surface, two opposing side surfaces, and a bottom surface. The top surface and the front surface form an acute angle, and the top surface is larger than the bottom surface. A memory is configured to store flight data or cockpit voice data. A center of mass in the unit is configurable.

Abstract: A device for acquiring and recording data captured in an aircraft including a plurality of sources of data streams to be recorded, at least one source of dated values of recording parameters, and a recording mechanism recording data from the data streams and parameter values, on at least one non-volatile information medium. The recording mechanism is adapted to store, in separate files, the data of the various streams of data associated with the dated values of recording parameters.

Abstract: A method of storing digital data in a moving vehicle includes providing first and second digital data storage devices in the vehicle and, while the vehicle is moving, transmitting the digital data to the first digital data storage device and maintaining the second digital data storage device in an “off” or “sleep” mode. While the vehicle is stationary, the second digital data storage device is activated into an “on” mode data is transferred from the first to the second digital data storage device.

Abstract: An emergency reporting apparatus including an emergency signal outputting part that outputs an emergency signal when a vehicle is in an emergency status and a logic circuit part that stores an emergency signal output by the emergency signal outputting part with a logic circuit. Furthermore, an emergency reporting apparatus conducts an emergency report with respect to the outside based on the emergency signal output from the emergency signal outputting part.

Abstract: A gray code encoding and decoding method applied to holographic storage devices is proposed. The encoding method uses gray levels of a 2D detector to encode a certain amount of original bits of the original data, and then sends them to a spatial light modulator (SLM) for encryption. The decoding method corrects the received gray levels to the original gray levels, and then compares the maximum gray level with the original gray levels to decode the original gray level into binary data. The proposed encoding and decoding method can better make use of storage locations of the 2D detector and get a code rate close to 1.

Abstract: A CAN driver receives vehicle information sent onto CAN. A diagnosis information acquiring module monitors whether an operation of a diagnosis record ECU itself is normal or not and thus generates diagnosis information. A timestamp information generating module generates timestamp information A per sec and generates timestamp information B in which a time difference from the generation timing of the timestamp information A is expressed on the unit of 1/100 sec. A diagnosis record module, each time the timestamp information generating module generates the timestamp information A, transfers a first type record containing the timestamp information A and the diagnosis information generated at this point of time to a memory manager, and transfers a second type record containing the vehicle information and the timestamp information B generated at this point of time to the memory manager.

Abstract: An electronic device that can reduce a noise caused by a signal or data being always output. A vehicle-mounted device includes: a player that reads out and outputs data recorded in a CD or a DVD (i.e., a TBCK signal, a TSD0 signal, and a TWS signal); a controller that receives the data (i.e., the TBCK signal, the TSD0 signal, and the TWS signal) output from the player, and executes various controls based on the received data; and an interrupt unit that interrupts transmission of the data recorded in the CD or the DVD to the controller controller until the CD or the DVD is inserted into the player.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus mounted on a vehicle and imaging a vicinity of the vehicle, includes a photographic lens, an image pickup device, an accident detection sensor, an image processing section, and a recording section. The image pickup device generates an image signal by performing photoelectric conversion of an object image based on a light flux from the photographic lens. The accident detection sensor detects an accident occurrence based on a shock to the vehicle. The image processing section generates first accident image data and second accident image data which photograph the same accident situation at an accident occurrence, based on the image signal. The recording section records the first accident image data and the second accident image data in different states of security levels regarding data credibility, respectively.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an aircraft video data recorder (VDR) system including a nonvolatile digital memory array, a signal generating device adapted to generate a data signal representing a flight condition of the aircraft, at least one IP encoder for converting the data signal to an IP format signal including data formatted in IP format, an interface for introducing the IP format signal to the memory array, and a hardened housing adapted to preserve from damage in the event of an aircraft crash the digital memory array.

Abstract: An apparatus for suitable for obtaining an image of a dental structure has an illuminator member placed proximate the area to be imaged. The illuminator member has a support structure (30) for retaining the illuminator member in position proximate the area to be imaged. A reference (22) is coupled to the support structure (30) of the illuminator member and disposed within the area to be imaged. At least one light source (24) is coupled to the support structure (30) of the illuminator member for directing imaging illumination toward the area to be imaged. A camera (12) records an image from within the area to be imaged using the imaging illumination from the illuminator member, wherein the image comprises the reference (22).

Abstract: A body device has a dual mode function and includes: a play-back mode setting unit for selecting a plurality of play-back modes such as a CD mode, an AM mode, an FM mode and so on; and a control unit for controlling the play-back mode setting unit so as to select an arbitrary one of the play-back modes in response to a predetermined operation on the front side or the rear side. When an operation to select and demand the FM mode on the rear side in a dual mode while the front side is in the AM mode, the control unit inhibits the FM mode selection on the rear side so that the AM mode on the front side may not be changed into the FM mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording information in a vehicle data recorder device. The vehicle data recorder device includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a crash survivable unit having memory, and a microcontroller in data communication with the IMU and the memory. The microcontroller receives angular rate information and acceleration information from the IMU and stores the received angular rate information and acceleration information in the memory. The IMU includes two or more MEMS gyroscopes or ring laser gyroscopes. In one example, the microcontroller stores angular rate information and acceleration information in the memory until a threshold event has occurred. The threshold event includes at least one of the angular rate information or acceleration information indicating zero with respect to a rotating earth coordinate frame for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Providing a reproducing apparatus of an in-car disk player, a method and a program for controlling reproducing apparatus. The reproducing apparatus, which is portable and can be carried home, has reproducing means for reproducing data recorded in a disk-shaped recording medium, a sensor section for detecting the state of a vehicle, and control means for changing a reproducing speed of the reproducing means based on the result detected by the sensor section, and can surely copy data recorded in an optical disk to a recording apparatus such as a hard disk drive apparatus, even inside a vehicle, without an excessive vibration countermeasure such as cushions, by changing a reproduction speed of a disk-shaped recording medium.

Abstract: An audio safety apparatus for vehicles and equipment that operate in a reverse mode using Electro-mechanical or mechanical means adaptable to various electro-mechanical applications. The apparatus is used for cars, buses, trucks, planes or any other vehicle that moves and has a battery as part of its power supply. The audio safety apparatus has a backing safety system, a school bus stop sign arm safety system, and a driver information safety system. Through a system of hardware connected to a CPU (central processing unit), a sound chip and a waterproof speaker, the apparatus is programmed to recognize dangerous vehicle situations and alert the operator of a vehicle in an audible manner before accidents occur. The audio safety apparatus includes a driver inspection program for use before the vehicle is put in operation or put to motion.

Abstract: The navigation apparatus is provided with: an operating unit which is used for entering type of use of movement of an automobile; a position-recognition unit which calculates at least a distance traveled by the automobile under the entered type of use; and a control unit which detects starting-point data indicating a starting-point where the automobile starts moving, and ending-point data indicating an ending-point where the automobile stops moving; and which records the calculated distance, the detected starting-point data, and the detected ending-point data on an external recording device according to the entered type of use.

Abstract: A vehicle drive control apparatus includes buffers, as a recording portion, set for each of a plurality of storage items, each of the plurality of storage items having a different sampling cycle, and a controller that samples variable quantities, that indicate a status of a vehicle that changes with a running of the vehicle, at a sampling cycle set for each of the plurality of storage items and records the variable quantities in each of the buffers as storage data.

Abstract: A method for the reproduction of information, as well as an arrangement therefor, are proposed, in which upon the arrival of information from a first information source, that information is recorded; if no information from a further information source is present, the information from the first information source is reproduced; if information from a further information source is present, that information is reproduced on a priority basis before the information from the first information source; and if, during the reproduction of information from the first information source, information from a further information source arrives, reproduction of the information from the first information source is interrupted, and the information from the further information source is reproduced, in which after completion of the reproduction of the information from the further information source, any information from the first information source not reproduced or not completely reproduced can be reproduced from the recording sy

Abstract: An automotive audio system includes a first unit for acquiring a sound signal to be reproduced, a second unit for controlling the first unit by means of a control signal and also reproducing the supplied sound signal, and a bus for establishing communication between the first unit and the second unit. The control signal and the sound signal are transferred in digital format between the first unit and the second unit via the bus.

Abstract: “A portable MP3 player has two operation modes. In a first mode, the portable MP3 player operates independently. A controller in the MP3 player reads first MP3 files from internal memory and a MP3 decoder is utilized for decoding the MP3 files. In addition, the audio data are output to an earphone or a speaker. In a second mode, a ducking station is provided for placing the portable MP3 player, which has an extended memory device, e.g. CD-ROM, for storing second MP3 files. The controller of the portable MP3 player accesses the second MP3 files via interfaces that are connected when the portable MP3 player is placed on the ducking station. The MP3 decoder of the portable player is also utilized to decode the second MP3 files and the corresponding audio data are output through the ducking station.

Abstract: A method for recording data from parameter values captured using sensors in a vehicle, particularly for the reconstruction of accidents, as well as a memory device and a device for recording such data, it being possible to record all relevant data continuously using low memory volume, and to save it permanently in a short period of time. For this purpose, the parameter values and/or data calculated from them are recorded at increasing time intervals for the instantaneous capturing point in time at decreasing density. A suitable storage device has a RAM (random access memory) for recording the data in each case over a certain time space and in a nonvolatile memory (such as EEPROM), to which the recorded data can be transmitted in parallel from the RAM within a few ms. An ASIC is suitable for its implementation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Motor Vehicle Recorder System device, which consists of a recorder device, microphones and a camera system installed in an automobile to record a conversation or other events. The invention reveals a recorder installed in a motor vehicle with a microphone positioned on the driver's side and a camera system preferably concealed in a decorative ornament. This recording system can be activated by either a foot switch, a voice activation switch, a remote wireless switch, or an airbag deployment. The system of the invention also includes activation in several different modes: (1) silent activation, (2) signal activation, (3) compliance activation whereby there is a message announcing that the incident is being recorded, and (4) automatic shut down of all other sound systems in the motor vehicle to allow this invention to function and record without background noise.

Abstract: A vehicle horn has data representing audio horn signals recorded in a memory. The horn includes a digital counter responsive to clock signals from an oscillator to sequentially read the horn audio data from the memory, provide the data to a D/A converter and the output audio signal to a speaker for broadcast.

Abstract: A motor vehicle data collection, monitoring and management system is provided for ready connection to the vehicle's onboard data network through the data interface provided by the vehicle manufacturer. The data collected includes data available on the manufacturer's network, such as network data traffic between control modules, as well as data from discrete components located outside of the motor vehicle network. The data collecting and monitoring system exhibits power saving features including automatic shutdown when the motor vehicle is switched off. A methodology for configuring the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting double sided printed circuit boards during printing a solder past pattern or the like on the second side of the printed circuit board after the first side is already loaded. The apparatus includes components for holding the printed circuit boards in position and support posts with different footprints for supporting the printed circuit board at locations on the first side not occupied by components. The apparatus uses a vacuum chamber and/or vacuum cups for holding the printed circuit board in place. It further includes components for proper positioning the printed circuit boards prior to holding the same in position.

Abstract: Simplified navigation directions are provided when a navigation compact disk is not available in a shared compact disk reader. In a preferred arrangement, simplified navigation directions include heading to desired destination and/or distance to desired destination. An audio compact disk may be played while the simplified directions are provided. When a navigation compact disk is available in a shared compact disk reader, detailed directions may be calculated and provided.

Abstract: A mobile object information recording apparatus includes first and second cameras and various vehicle condition sensors for detecting mobile object information representing the status of a vehicle. An abnormal level detector detects an abnormal level of the vehicle on the basis of the acceleration detected by a 3-dimensional sensor. A data amount setting unit sets the amount of data to be stored in a file area to a value corresponding to the detected abnormal level, and memory controller stores, into the file area, mobile object information with a length of time corresponding to the determined amount of data, including periods immediately before and after the moment at which the abnormal level is detected, such as when a collision occurs, whereby the mobile object information is stored in a highly efficient fashion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Motor Vehicle Recorder System device, which consists of a tape recorder and sensitive microphone system installed in an automobile to record a conversation. The invention reveals a mini-tape recorder installed in a motor vehicle with a mini-microphone positioned on the driver's side. This recording system can be activated by either a foot switch or alternatively by voice activation. This Motor Vehicle Recorder System invention also includes activation in several different modes: (1) silent activation, (2) signal activation, (3) compliance activation whereby there is a message announcing that the incident is being recorded, and (4) automatic shut down of all other sound systems in the motor vehicle to allow this invention to function and record without background noise.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a security feature that protects against theft of compact discs (“CDs”) left in a compact disc player in a vehicle is implemented in a conventional compact disc player that has a CD insertion/ejection servo mechanism, a controller that controls the compact disc player including the insertion/ejection servo mechanism, and an eject switch coupled to the controller. The controller is configured so that it knows the state of the ignition switch, typically from a signal or data from a controller in the vehicle, such as a body controller, engine controller or transmission controller. The controller senses whether the eject switch is actuated when the ignition switch is turned from off to on. Each time that the controller senses that the eject switch is actuated when the ignition switch is turned from off to on, the controller transitions between a security off state and a security on state.

Abstract: A data acquisition module that monitors the operation and duration of the operation of an electrical vehicle device, such as starter motor, and is readily mounted at an inconspicuous location in the vehicle. The data acquisition module stores each activation of the vehicle device and its duration in an electrical erasable programmable read-only memory to be downloaded at a future time. A microprocessor and a bank of EEPROMs are provided where the activation count is stored in the microprocessor and the duration is stored in the bank of EEPROMs. The address of a particular EEPROM is the location where an event duration is stored.

Abstract: A vehicle data recorder useful in recording and accessing data from a vehicle accident comprised of; a microprocessor based system that will have in the preferred embodiment four inputs from the host vehicle, and four inputs from the internal sensors. The apparatus is arranged with a three-stage memory to record and retain the information and is equipped with a series and parallel connectors to provide instant on scene access to the accident data. This invention includes a plurality of internally mounted devices necessary to determine vehicle direction, rollover detection, and impact forces. The plurality of inputs from the host vehicle include in the preferred embodiment, the speed of the vehicle, seat belt use, brake activation, and whether or not the transmission is in forward or reverse gear.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of performing an automatic tape ejection operation in an automobile-installed video cassette recorder comprises an input power detector for detecting an electrical disconnection between an automobile battery and the video cassette recorder when the automobile is turned off, a system controller, upon detecting the disconnection of the electrical power, for generating a switching control signal for a predetermined time period and a switch circuit, in response to the switching control signal, for electrically connecting the battery to a deck mechanism for the predetermined time period in which the tape ejection operation is executed.

Abstract: A system for monitoring, recording, and analyzing operational and incident data from a machine, particularly a vehicle. The system includes a computer controlled device, mounted onboard the machine, which collects and records data supplied to it from a variety of sensors positioned to sense operational parameters of the machine. The device provides for storing operational data at one frequency while storing data surrounding an incident or triggering event at a higher frequency, thus, recording incident data with a higher resolution than that associated with normal operating data. The incident data is stored at a higher frequency for predetermined periods both before and after the incident or triggering event.

Abstract: A spare voice channel on a cockpit voice recorder (CVR) is used to record flight data. Data from an accelerometer and other sensors in an aircraft are digitized and collected by a microprocessor once each second and are collated and arranged in an industry standard format, and an encoder converts the formatted data into an industry standard code for recording on the CVR. During transmission of data to the CVR, fresh data is collected for the next transmission.

Abstract: A portable video cassette camera or minicam, preferably a palmcorder, is placed within a vehicle so as to monitor the activity within the passenger compartment. The minicam is contained in a box fastened to a wall within the vehicle so as to prevent the theft of the minicam. The minicam is mounted on a base adapted to fit snugly inside the box, the door of the box is opened, the base and minicam are placed inside the box once the minicam is set to record, and the door is closed. The minicam records the activity occurring in the passenger compartment through a solar cool glass window located in the door of the box.

Abstract: A vehicle safety and personal message system primarily designed to be incorporated into a vehicle to provide the driver with a pre-recorded speech message pertaining to either a vehicle safety alert or a personal message. The safety alerts include such events as: door ajar, burgler alarm ON or OFF, speed limit exceeded and a fire/police siren detector. The personalized messages includes reminders such as birth dates, anniversaries, meeting date/time and scheduled maintenance periods. All the messages can be recorded in any language and in any local or ethnic jargon and the personal messages may be programmed to occur at anytime within a one-year period. Although the system's primary usage is for vehicles, it can also be adapted for use on many other products that utilize short messages. These products include robotics, ATM machines, telephone answering machines, fire detection devices, toys and numerous other consumer oriented products.

Abstract: An information reproducing system, such as an audio tape player, for automotive use, whereby errors which would otherwise occur when the engine is started are inhibited. The information reproducing system of the invention includes a voltage detector circuit for detecting the voltage of the automobile's battery, an operating unit for operating the recording medium in response to the supply of power from the battery so as to reproduce information stored on the recording medium, and a control unit for controlling the operating unit. In this system, the application of an operation command input to the control unit is inhibited when the voltage detector circuit detects a drop in the voltage of the battery at the time the engine is started. In addition, the inhibition of the operation command input is cancelled when the restoration of the voltage of the battery is detected.

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: 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: 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 portable video cassette camera or minicam, preferably a palmcorder, is placed within a vehicle so as to monitor the activity within the passenger compartment. The minicam is contained in a box fastened to a wall within the vehicle so as to prevent the theft of the minicam. The minicam is mounted on a base adapted to fit snugly inside the box, the door of the box is opened, the base and minicam are placed inside the box once the minicam is set to record, and the door is closed. The minicam records the activity occurring in the passenger compartment through a solar cool glass window located in the door of the box.