Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for evaluating performances of a piece of equipment and equipment operator. One disclosed method includes sensing a plurality of operating parameters of the equipment. The method then includes resolving a plurality of segments the equipment is sequentially performing from the sensed operating parameters to provide a sequence of resolved segments. The method then includes resolving what application the equipment is performing based upon the sequence of resolved segments to provide at least one resolved application. The method then includes applying at least one metric to the resolved application to provide at least one applied application metric. Then, the method includes evaluating the performance of the equipment and operator using the applied application metric. Various systems for installation on existing work equipments or new work equipments such as loaders and excavators are also disclosed.

Abstract: A temporary storage device temporarily stores image data acquired by an imaging device. Each of a plurality of sensors detects a plurality of physical quantities relating to an operation state of a shovel. A control device performs an operation abnormality determination based on detection values detected by the sensors. When an operation is determined to be abnormal, the control device transmits the image data, which corresponds to a period from a first time prior to a time at which the operation is determined to be abnormal to at least the time at which the operation is determined to be abnormal, from the temporary storage device to the abnormality information storage device. Therefore, it is easy to specify a cause of abnormality of the operation state of the shovel.

Abstract: Vehicle event data playback systems have been devised and invented to provide authorized users means for advanced visual review. Detailed circumstances relating to vehicle operation are visually presented in these unique playback systems. In particular, a group of cooperating visual display devices operate in conjunction with each other to effect a detailed visual presentation of a vehicle's operational states. An interested party is afforded a high level of access to many data types in highly graphical and intuitive arrangements. Further, data replay access is enhanced by slow motion, fast forward, loop repeat, among others which have never before been associated with these data types nor with the compound visual presentations first taught in the accompanying disclosure.

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 system and method for determining the time to change the oil of an automatic transmission includes: continuously tracing/storing oil change-related information, which serves as a basis for an oil change, from the point of time when new automatic transmission oil is provided, such as the point in time of a new car purchase or the point in time of an automatic transmission oil change; determining whether or not it is time to change the oil of the automatic transmission on the basis of the oil change-related information, a preset change reference value, an oil temperature reference value, a recommended vehicle travel mileage and the like. When it is determined to be the time to change the oil of the automatic transmission, an automatic transmission oil change signal is generated to inform a driver of the necessity of changing the oil of the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A system includes a processor and one or more vehicle systems, having a component in which errors can be diagnosed through electronic analysis. Also, the processor is configured to obtain instructions for running a vehicle diagnostic test, corresponding to government mandated testing, on the one or more vehicle systems, responsive to a user request. The processor is further configured to execute the test to obtain results.

Abstract: Data transfer systems for vehicle event recorders are provided as: a vehicle event recorder, a vehicle event recorder resident memory, and upload module in conjunction with, a communication port suitable for coupling with, a portable memory device, a server computer datastore, a server download module in conjunction with, a similar cooperating communications port. The portable memory device is arranged to operably couple with the communications ports of both the vehicle event recorder and the server computer and to be repeatedly moved between the two. The upload/download modules are arranged to transfer data to/from the portable memory in an orderly fashion in which no files are removed from the vehicle event recorder resident memory without first having been successfully transferred to the server computer datastore.

Abstract: In a vehicle information management system, a storage includes a storage region arranged to store abnormality data that includes diagnostic data, type information indicating a type of an abnormality, and occurrence number information that indicates the number of occurrences of each abnormality specified by the type information. When the type of an abnormality is specified by an abnormality specifying unit and a new diagnostic data is produced and if the abnormality data of the same type as the specified type is already stored in the storage region in the storage, an updating unit changes the occurrence number information to the latest information and overwrites and saves the diagnostic data in the storage region already stored with the abnormality data of the same type as the specified type.

Abstract: A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collects, charges and distributes portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Vehicle diagnostic data of a vehicle using the portable electrical energy storage device is stored on a diagnostic data storage system of the portable electrical energy storage device during use of a respective portable electrical energy storage device by a respective vehicle. Once the user places the portable electrical energy storage device in the collection, charging and distribution machine, or comes within wireless communications range of a collection, charging and distribution machine, a connection is established between the collection, charging and distribution machine and the portable electrical energy storage device.

Abstract: A method for data communication between a vehicle and fuel pump includes storing vehicle operating data on an onboard recorder in the vehicle, and transmitting the vehicle operating data from the onboard recorder to the fuel pump. The vehicle operating data includes vehicle identification information.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing data in an influencing device, whereby the influencing device is connectable to a vehicle control unit and to a data processing unit. If the influencing device receives a first trigger or a second trigger, the first trigger is checked for a valid assignment to a function implemented in the hardware or software. If there is a valid assignment, the assigned function is started. A first address and/or a second address and/or the value are checked for a valid assignment to a first sub-function or a second sub-function. Depending on the called sub-function, the value is checked and/or manipulated and depending on the result of the check, the checked value and/or the manipulated value are sent by the influencing device to the vehicle control unit and/or to the data processing unit and/or stored in the memory of the influencing device.

Abstract: A telematics system can include a processor, installed in a vehicle, ship, or other mode of transport of people, configured to identify an error state of an telematics component providing a telematics service. The processor can also be configured to communicate the error state to a logger component via a logging message. The logger component may be configured to generate a log file based on the logging message.

Abstract: A method for tracking defective functions in the operation of heater plugs in a diesel engine of a vehicle, provided with a control unit for the control of its heater plugs—the preheater control unit—, by monitoring at least one operating parameter of the heater plugs and/or of the preheater control unit, generating a fault message when the operation parameter so monitored deviates from a predefined nominal value or nominal state of the operating parameter, and storing the fault message. The invention links the fault message to a time parameter, stores the fault message together with the time parameter, searches for further fault messages that are stored in the vehicle and linked to the same time parameter, and combines the fault messages that are linked to the same time parameter.

Abstract: A Driver Risk Assessment System and Method Having Calibrating Automatic Event Scoring is disclosed. The system and method provide robust and reliable event scoring and reporting, while also optimizing data transmission bandwidth. The system includes onboard vehicular driving event detectors that record data related to detected driving events and selectively store or transfer data related to said detected driving events. If elected, the onboard vehicular system will score a detected driving event, compare the local score to historical values previously stored within the onboard system, and upload selective data or data types to a remote server or user if the system concludes that a serious driving event has occurred. Importantly, the onboard event scoring system, if enabled, will continuously evolve and improve in its reliability by being periodically re-calibrated with the ongoing reliability results of manual human review of automated predictive event reports.

Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.

Abstract: A plurality of wireless engine sensors each sense an engine parameter as engine data and transmits wirelessly the engine data regarding the sensed engine parameters and receives data regarding a sampling rate. An engine monitoring module is mounted at the aircraft engine and a wireless sensor transceiver is configured to receive the engine data regarding sensed engine parameters from the wireless engine sensors. A first wireless transmitter is carried by the housing. A memory is carried by the housing. A processor is coupled to the memory, sensor transceiver and the first wireless transmitter and collects and stores in the memory engine data relating to engine parameters and transmits the engine data via the first wireless transmitter.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system having mileage mechanism includes providing a subtotal mileage for a previous location reading along a route; calculating an incremental mileage at a current location reading from the previous location reading; and calculating a total mileage based on the subtotal mileage and the incremental mileage for displaying on a device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring device and to a method for monitoring the function of the components of an agricultural implement, with a vibration sensor for providing signal values containing information on mechanical vibrations generated by moving components of the implement, an operating state detecting device for providing a signal containing information on the operating state of components of the implement, and a calculating device for generating state information on the basis of the state of the components of the implement. The calculating device can be operated to divide the signal values of the vibration sensor on the basis of the corresponding signals of the operating state detecting device into different classes, which correspond to different combinations of the operating states of the components in the detection of the signal values, and to compare the signal values divided into classes or data derived from these signal values with comparison values for generating state information.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes: a plurality of controllers mounted on the vehicle; a data communication network for coupling the plurality of controllers with each other so that the controllers transmit data to and receive data from each other via the data communication network; a failure diagnosis device for diagnosing whether each controller is normal; a failure diagnosis activation device for activating the failure diagnosis device; and an avoiding condition setting device for setting an avoiding condition, which provides to avoid execution of the failure diagnosis when the failure diagnosis device is activated.

Abstract: Method for detecting a fault condition in a vehicular hydraulic circuit during a drive cycle using an electric pump includes monitoring an actual pump torque and monitoring a desired pump torque. A current confidence factor is determined based on the actual pump torque and the desired pump torque. An average confidence factor is iteratively calculated based on the current confidence factor and previously determined confidence factors. The average confidence factor is compared to a fault condition threshold. An absence of the fault condition in the hydraulic circuit is detected when the average confidence factor is at least the fault condition threshold, and a presence of the fault condition in the hydraulic circuit is detected when the average confidence factor is less than the fault condition threshold.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool for a vehicle configured to automatically identify different communication protocols used by Electronic Control Units (ECUs) on-board the vehicle. The diagnostic tool includes a connector connectable to a data port of the vehicle; a data processor and a data storage device configured to store a list of different communication protocols. The data processor automatically initiates communications with the ECUs on-board the vehicle using a first communication protocol and if the data processor receives a response comporting to the first communication protocol, the data processor determines that at least one ECU on-board the vehicle is using the first communication protocol.

Abstract: A platform health monitoring system including an associative memory. The associative memory stores a plurality of known health profiles for a platform. The platform health monitoring system also includes an input device in communication with the associative memory. The input device is configured to receive a current health profile of the platform. The platform health monitoring system also may include a comparator configured to compare, in conjunction with the associative memory, the current health profile with the plurality of known health profile to generate a comparison. The comparator is further configured to generate, based on the comparison and in conjunction with the associative memory, a report on a current health of the platform.

Abstract: A vehicle driving assist apparatus includes an input section to sense a vehicle traveling condition of a vehicle, an output section to present assist information to a driver of the vehicle, and a control section to prepare the assist information in accordance with the vehicle traveling condition sensed by the sensing section. The control section is configured to determine an estimation quantity (such as a driver's receptivity or a driver's responsiveness to the assist information, or a driver's driving behavior), and to adjust the assist information in accordance with the estimation quantity. The control section may be further configured to determine a presentation mode in accordance with the estimation quantity, and to present the assist information through the output section to the driver in the presentation mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a driving evaluation method capable of properly evaluating an efficient driving mode corresponding to road conditions by way of using energy efficiency as a main perspective of evaluation. The driving evaluation method, on the basis of motion data (S2) of a mobile body, calculates an evaluation index and performs driving evaluation, and is characterized in obtaining, from the motion data, evaluation indices A, B, D, and E, which are functions of an acceleration energy Ei injected into the mobile body and a motion distance Li of the mobile body and which have a positive correlation with either one of the acceleration energy or the motion distance and a negative correlation with the other.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking a vehicle-centric data and a user-centric data with respect to a vehicle. A vehicle-based device can be configured with a vehicle-based application in order to collect and cache the vehicle-centric data. Additionally, an existing vehicle data interface can provide such vehicle-centric data and other data. A GPS-enabled wireless communications device configured with a vehicle and user data tracking module can be interfaced with the vehicle-based device via a wireless technology in order to retrieve the vehicle-centric data with respect to the vehicle. The user-centric data can also be collected from the wireless communications device via a wireless application when the user is external to the vehicle. The vehicle-centric data and the user-centric-data can be then transmitted to a centralized server in order to track a historical and real time GPS location and navigation data.

Abstract: A centralized maintenance device installed on-board an aircraft notably carries out the following functions: correlation of data relating to failures, warnings, configurations, operational contexts, flags and the logbook, received by the on-board maintenance system; storage of the data received by the on-board maintenance system in a first database; management of a historical record of the data received and of their correlation; transmission to a man-machine interface of the data received, of their correlation and of a date associated with each item of data; display of the received data, their correlation and the date associated with each item of data, by a man-machine interface of the on-board maintenance system.

Abstract: A trip data management and display system for a vehicle. The system includes a processor, a memory, a user-interface and a display. During a trip traveled by the vehicle, the processor receives data from one or more systems or components. The processor receives input via the user-interface to associate a category and a filename with the received data for storage in the memory. The stored data may then be retrieved for display upon the display of the vehicle. The trip traveled by the vehicle is predefined according to user-settable parameters or is automatically determined based on vehicle characteristics. Instantaneous data corresponding to a trip currently being traveled by the vehicle may also be displayed on the display adjacent to the stored data from memory. The data stored may be managed by a user to associate it with different or multiple categories or to delete particular stored data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recording an image from a vehicle using On Board Diagnostic (OBD) information are provided. A vehicle state information acquirer receives state information about a devices loaded on the vehicle and an OBD terminal provided in the vehicle. A sensor unit senses movement of the vehicle. An image input unit captures images related to vehicle driving. A controller senses a value that is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold received from the sensor unit or receives vehicle state information related to an occurrence of an event is received from the OBD terminal, starts capturing the images through the image input unit, and controls storing of the captured images with the vehicle state information. A memory that stores the captured images with the vehicle state information.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a vehicle is provided that includes at least one sensor, a certified processor, a database, a computer network, and a user portal. The at least one sensor is operable to generate data indicative of a critical condition of the vehicle. The certified processor in communication with the computer network and is operable to receive, process and store the data generated by the at least one sensor. The database is in communication with the computer network and is operable to selectively download and store a replica of the data stored on the certified processor via the computer network. The user portal is in communication with the computer network and is operable to enable a user to download, via the computer network, selected portions of the data stored on the certified processor or selected portions of the replica data stored on the database.

Abstract: A system and method for aircraft taxi gate selection based on passenger connecting flight information. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an aircraft computing system and a ground station system via a communication network provided by the ground station system. Further, aircraft taxi gate selection information and the passenger connecting flight information are substantially simultaneously displayed on a display device to a pilot upon establishing the communication link. Furthermore, the pilot is allowed to select an aircraft taxi gate based on the displayed aircraft taxi gate selection information and passenger connecting flight information.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program for simulating vehicle energy use is provided. The system comprises a server, an energy modeling tool is linked to a server and generates energy consumption data that provides an energy consumption function of a vehicle under consideration. The data logging tool is linked to test vehicles and collects drive cycle data from real-world driving conditions. The data logging tool then communicates the drive cycle data to the server over a network. The fleet management tool is also linked to the server and combines the energy consumption data with the drive cycle data to estimate the energy use of a vehicle under consideration.

Abstract: An energy map for a motor vehicle and a method of making the energy map are disclosed. The energy map includes energy information related to energy consumption and energy recharging of various power sources along various roadway segments. A probe vehicle is used to measure energy consumption and energy recharging for various power sources.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first memory device, a second memory device and a controller. The first memory device stores vehicular data in accident. The second memory device has control data area for storing control data in nonvolatile manner. The controller records the vehicular data stored in the first memory device into the control data area of the second memory device by overwriting the control data in response to vehicular accident. It is possible to increase a recordable amount of vehicular data in vehicular accident without increasing recording capacity exclusively preserved to vehicular data.

Abstract: A system, a method, and a computer program are provided for recording technical issues of an aircraft. A server unit is adapted to store and output data related to technical issues of an aircraft. A client unit sends an access request to a server, which receives and processes this request, permits access to the data and restricts the adding or modifying processing of the data to one client unit at a time. For use during flight tests on board of the aircraft, a snapshot of the data may be transferred to a mobile computer, while the data on the server unit is restricted to read-only. After the flight test, the modified data is transferred back to the server unit and the read-only restriction is removed.

Abstract: A control system for a motor vehicle comprises an output control unit for outputting data related to the operation of the motor vehicle and an operation control unit spatially separated from the output control unit for generating or providing data related to the operation of the motor vehicle. The output control unit comprises a data storage for storing data related to the operation of the motor vehicle and the data related to the operation of the motor vehicle can be read out of the data storage and outputted by the output control unit.

Abstract: A arrangement is provided for the anticipatory assessment of plants to be gathered by a harvesting machine, disclosed as a combine harvester, and includes a non-contact sensor arrangement for the generation of signals representing at least one characteristic of plants located ahead of the machine, a measurement device for recording at least one characteristic of the plants actually gathered by the machine, and an evaluation device for producing calibration data with the aid of signals generated by the measurement device and from statistical parameters derived from the signals of the sensor arrangement and for the calculation of the characteristic of plants to be gathered with the aid of statistical parameters, which were derived from the signals of the sensor arrangement, corresponding to the plants to be gathered, and with the aid of the calibration data.

Abstract: A method for continuously and simultaneously monitoring a plurality of operatively connected mechanical and/or hydraulic drive components provided in at least one drive train in a large hydraulic excavator by virtue of a vibration sensor being positioned in the region of just a single one of the operatively connected drive components, the vibration sensor being connected by a line to an evaluation unit which contains prescribable conspicuousness patterns for all the operatively connected drive components, and the collective measurement signal from all the operatively connected drive components being aligned in conditioned form, as an input frequency, with a limit value—associated with the respective individual drive component—from the conspicuousness pattern.

Abstract: A mobile device stores charge status information of an electric vehicle. The charge status information is received by the mobile device from the electric vehicle via a short range wireless communication protocol in response to a triggering event at the vehicle indicating that the vehicle has been stopped. The mobile device at a later point receives a request from a user, the request involving a current state of charge of the electric vehicle. The mobile device attempts to communicate with electric vehicle to obtain information from the vehicle for responding to the request. If the mobile device is not able to communicate with the vehicle, the mobile device respond's to the user's request using the stored charge status information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing non-authoritative observational data during a coordinated operation, such as a military mission. Actuation of a trigger control initiates a retrieval procedure for collecting observational data from at least one system incorporated in a vehicle. Categories associated with an observational event may be selected to classify the observational data, and the selected category may be stored with the observational data in a memory. The observational data may be stored in the memory as one or more data structures called “tags.” A tag may be transmitted in real time to one or more operators in the coordinated operation via a wireless network. Stored observational information may be reviewed and edited by an operator to add additional annotations to a tag. A secondary review by supervising personnel may determine if the non-authoritative tag should be added to an authoritative source used for planning of future missions.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a root cause of a fault in a serviced vehicle based on analytical symptoms. Parameter identification data associated with identified DTCs is retrieved. Parameter identification data from a plurality of vehicles experiencing the DTCs is collected. A first set of diagnostic rules is generated that identify vehicle operating parameters for executing a DTC algorithm or for triggering a DTC. A second set of diagnostic rules is generated that identify vehicle operating parameters used for selecting field failure data obtained when the DTC is triggered. Statistically significant rules are extracted from the second set of diagnostic rules. The first set of rules and the statistically significant rules are cooperatively applied to the parameter identification data for identifying a subset of the parameter identification data that represents anomalies. A subject matter expert analyzes the anomalies for identifying a root cause of the fault.

Abstract: Method for determining the remaining service life of a component of a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, operated on at least one predefined track section of a track network, wherein the remaining service life is determined for a vehicle component of the vehicle mechanically stressed by the interaction between the vehicle and the track section, after a usage interval of the at least one track section, wherein the remaining service life of the vehicle component is determined from a prior loss of service life preset at the beginning of the usage interval for the vehicle component and from a current loss of service life of the vehicle component associated with the usage interval, and wherein the current loss of service life is determined using an actual measured usage of the at least one track section by the vehicle and a relative loss of service life related to the actual usage of the at least one track section, wherein the relative loss of service life has been determined in advance for the at least one

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a vehicle, includes a computer storing software on a computer readable media, configurable for setting up recording of vehicle operations, selecting from a plurality of customizable triggering operations according to Boolean logic, and a vehicle communication interface detachably connected to the computer, being setup by the computer for recording of vehicle operation while the vehicle is operating and recorded information stored in a computer readable media of the vehicle communication interface being reviewed by the computer, and detachably connected to the vehicle for recording of the vehicle operations.

Abstract: A system and method for fault diagnosis includes receiving information defining a relationship between failure modes and diagnostic trouble codes and extracting diagnostic trouble code data, including set times, frequency data and diagnostic trouble code sequence information for a plurality of diagnostic trouble codes relating to a plurality of failure modes. The system and method further include constructing a Markov chain using the diagnostic trouble code data for each of the plurality of failure modes, training the Markov chain to learn a set of state parameters using the diagnostic trouble code data, and computing a likelihood of a diagnostic trouble code sequence for each of the plurality of failure modes using the trained Markov chains.

Abstract: System for monitoring the status and driving of a vehicle that consists of at least the following: (i) a first adjustable means for detecting vibrations (2) and a first element for adjusting the sensitivity of the vibrating means (5), where this first adjusting element (5) is configured for adapting the system to different types of vibrations, controlling the operation of the first adjustment means (2); (ii) a second adjustable means for timing (3) and a second element for adjusting the sensitivity of the timing means (4), where this second adjusting element (4) is configured for determining the system waiting period between vibrations and lack of vibrations, controlling the operation of the second adjustment means (2); and (iii) a third means for detecting the type of driving (10) that has been configured, at least, to know the nominal status of the vehicle and the status of the vehicle in motion.

Abstract: A controller for determining whether a previously-detected vehicle malfunction still exists. If the malfunction is no longer detected in the sensor signals, a vehicle control system operates in a first operational state or normal operational state with respect to the previously-malfunctioning sensor (e.g., signals from the sensor are used to control the vehicle). If the malfunction continues to be detected, the vehicle control system operates in a second operational state or malfunction state with respect to the malfunctioning sensor in which the signals from the sensor are not used to control the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric control unit may include a behavior check unit, a drive information store unit, a classify unit, a count unit and a condition set unit. The behavior check unit determines whether a vehicle behavior is generated by comparing the vehicle behavior with a detection condition. The drive information store unit stores information of the vehicle behavior in a memory unit drive when the vehicle behavior is generated. The classify unit classifies the vehicle behavior into one of a plurality of behavior classes. The behavior classes are arranged to classify the vehicle behavior according to a magnitude of the vehicle behavior. The count unit controls a counter for each behavior class according to the classification of the vehicle behavior. Based on the counters of each of the behavior classes, the condition set unit sets the detection condition as a boundary condition of one of the behavior classes.

Abstract: The automobile described herein is configured with a system for capturing subjective and objective data related to automobile performance events. The automobile may comprise or be configured with a drivability evaluation system. This drivability evaluation system may be configured to capture subjective driver responses, monitor driver commands, and monitor automobile performance based on the driver commands. Moreover, the system may be employed in real world driving scenarios, where a driver's commands and the associated automobile responses are indicative of actual every day driving.

Abstract: A fuel-saving management system allowing fuel-saving management and associated driver assistance. The system includes, mounted on a vehicle, information detectors detecting various information on the driving state of the vehicle, an information processor, in addition to processing the information detected by the information detectors, generating a warning when processed information satisfies required warning conditions, and an information storage device storing the processed information. In this system, when either a time during which the processed information is maintained to satisfy the required warning conditions, or an elapsed time of the processed information exceeds a previously set time, the information processor stores the occurrence of this overtime event into the information storage device. A setter allowing modification of the required warning conditions, and a printer outputting the information relating to the processed information are also mounted.

Abstract: A system for automatically analysing aircraft systems data is described. The system comprises a data acquisition module operable to acquire aircraft systems data, a data archiving module operable to store aircraft systems data and a data analysis module operable to analyse the aircraft systems data to identify non-predetermined troubleshooting procedures for fault rectification. Automated identification of improved maintenance techniques can thus be provided, with the added benefit that maintenance manuals and procedures may thereby be automatically adapted over time. A related method is also described.

Abstract: A method of logging information about events for an internal combustion engine having an ignition circuit, and an event logging device arranged to implement the method. The method comprises incrementing a current value of a counter (50) at a predetermined rate when the ignition circuit is turned on, detecting that an event has occurred (53), creating a new event record (54) having at least two fields, populating the fields within the new event record with information about the event (55), including at least an event type and the current value of the counter; and storing the new event record (57).