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`to the status of the brakes, headlights and windshield wipers therefrom, together with
`
`the information about the vehicle speed and direction. It is contemplatedthat the person
`
`utilizing the software in the external computer can navigate easily through the data and
`
`examine it using on-screen menus. Retrieved data can be saved in, e. g., ASCII format
`
`5
`
`and, perhaps, exported to other software applications running on the external computer
`
`128, or read back in later on by the vehicle data processor 100 for subsequent
`
`processing and/or storage.
`
`Also included within the vehicle data processor 100 of the present
`
`invention is well-known, commercially-available GPS circuitry 112.
`
`In its broadest
`
`10
`
`sense,
`
`the GPS circuitry may comprise a signal
`
`receiver and transmitter for
`
`communicating with various types of satellite or ground-based radio navigation
`
`systems, as discussed hereinbefore. The GPS 112 may also include signal processing
`
`circuitry which determines the location of the vehicle 104 containing the vehicle data
`
`recorder 100 of the present invention from these transmitted radio signals.
`
`In the
`
`15
`
`alternative, the microcontroller 144 may operate on the received GPS signals for
`
`determining the vehicle location, perhaps by the well-known method of triangulation.
`
`While many different types of global positioning systems are commercially-available,
`
`it is contemplated that the GPS may comprise the Model Magellan GPS 2000, GPS
`
`4000, or TrailblazerXL. In the alternative, the GPS may comprise the Model Garmin
`
`20
`
`GPS 38, GPS 11, GPS 45, or GPS 45 XL. These modern global positioning systems are
`
`rapidly decreasing in cost, thereby making them more popular for various consumer
`
`applications, such as automobiles.
`
`The primary function of such a GPS 1 12 is to determine the position, on
`
`the earth’s surface, of the subject vehicle 104. Once determined, the microcontroller
`
`25
`
`144 stores this vehicle location continuously in SRAM memory 156. Thus, vehicle
`
`location data is also available to the external computer 128 through the serial
`
`communication circuitry 196.
`
`However, of significant importance is that the microcontroller 144 can
`
`store the location of the vehicle 104 at the exact time of the occurrence of the vehicle
`
`30
`
`abnormal condition, regardless of whether the vehicle is subsequently moved from that
`
`position after the occurrence of the abnormal condition. This ability to “freeze” the
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`vehicle location at the time of accident is of significance when reconstructing the
`
`vehicle accident and apportioning liability for improper vehicle operation.
`
`Finally, the vehicle data recorder 100 of the present invention includes
`
`a radio signal transponder 200 that interfaces with the microcontroller 144. The
`
`5
`
`transponder 200 transmits various information to different notified entities 124. In an
`
`exemplary embodiment, the transponder comprises a radio frequency signal generator,
`
`that transmits the aforementioned stored data to the appropriate rescue authorities, such
`
`as police, fire and/or ambulance personnel.
`
`The transponder 200 may transmit signals indicative of various vehicle
`
`10
`
`conditions that are directly determined from the sensed data. For example, the
`
`microcontroller may contain software that determines the severity of the accident,
`
`depending upon the largest magnitude of acceleration sensed by any of the three
`
`accelerometers 108.
`
`In the alternative, other criteria may exist for determining the
`
`severity of the accident.
`
`15
`
`The transponder 200 may simply be a radio frequency transmitter. On
`
`the other hand, the transponder may comprise other communication means, such as a
`
`cellular phone or citizens band radio. It suffices for the broadest scope of the present
`
`invention that the transponder merely comprise some means of transmitting signals
`
`indicative of both the sensed vehicle operating parameter data and operating conditions
`
`20
`
`derived therefrom.
`
`Referring now to FIG. 3, there illustrated is a flowchart of software
`
`executed by the microcontroller 144 primarily in reading in the sensed vehicle
`
`operational data and calculating vehicle velocity therefrom. This routine may represent
`
`one of several routines executed by the microcontroller in implementing the functions
`
`25
`
`of the vehicle data recorder 100 of the present invention. For example, as mentioned
`
`hereinbefore, the microcontroller may execute software routines that determine the
`
`location of the vehicle 104 based on the radio navigation signals sensed by the GPS
`
`signal receiver 1 12. Further, the microcontrollermy execute software which determines
`
`parameters such as the severity of the accident from the sensed acceleration data.
`
`30
`
`With regard to the software routine of FIG. 3, after an enter step 204, the
`
`microcontrollermay execute a step 208 in which it retrieves information regarding the
`
`calibration set points of the various sensors used in the vehicle data recorder 100 of the
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`present invention. This calibration information may be stored as constants in the
`
`E/ROM memory 152.
`
`Next, the microcontroller 144 executes a step 212 in which it initializes
`
`various variables stored in the SRAM 156. These variables are utilized in the various
`
`5
`
`calculations that the microcontroller will execute in calculating the various vehicle
`
`operational parameters.
`
`The microcontroller 144 then executes a step 216 in which it reads the
`
`values of the various sensors utilized with the vehicle data recorder 100 of the present
`
`invention. Referring also to FIG. 2, those sensors include the three gyroscopes 136, the
`
`10
`
`three accelerometers 108, the compass 140, the vehicle lights 176 (e.g., headlights,
`
`taillights, directional lights, parking lights) , the vehicle brakes 180 and the windshield
`
`wipers 184. These values are continuously available to the microcontroller for
`
`calculation purposes from both the ADC 132 and the signal processor 188 of FIG. 2.
`
`The microcontrollerthen executes a step 220 in which it calculates true
`
`15
`
`acceleration by subtracting the “tilt” values, output from each of the three gyroscopes
`
`136, from the corresponding accelerometer output values. As discussed in detail
`
`hereinbefore, such subtraction or “decoupling” of the gyroscope data from the
`
`accelerometer data results in true acceleration readings output from the three
`
`accelerometers 108.
`
`20
`
`The microcontroller 1 44 then executes a step 224 in which it calculates
`
`vehicle velocity in each of the X, Y and Z directions of vehicle travel. The specific
`
`velocity values are calculated by integrating the decoupled acceleration data from the
`
`three accelerometers 108.
`
`Next, the microcontroller executes a step 228 in which it increments a
`
`25
`
`counter by a value of one. This counter was initially set to zero in the initialized
`
`variables step 212. The purpose of this counter is for the microcontroller to read the
`
`sensors and calculate the corresponding acceleration and velocity data ten times before
`
`it eventually writes this data to memory.
`
`Next, the microcontroller checks, in a test 232, to see if the counter
`
`30
`
`equals a value of ten. If not, the microcontroller branches back to the step 216 where
`
`it reads the sensors and calculates acceleration and velocity. Instead, if the counter does
`
`equal ten, the microcontrollerthen resets the counter to zero, in a step 236, and checks,
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`in a test 240, whether the velocity equals zero. If so, the microcontroller 144 branches
`
`back to the step 216 where it reads the sensors and begins the data collection and
`
`calculation process over again.
`
`Instead, if the velocity does not equal zero, then the
`
`microcontroller executes a step 244 where it reads the various sensors. Next, the
`
`5
`
`microcontrollerwrites the various values of the sensed data to the SRAM memory 156
`
`in a step 248.
`
`The microcontroller 144 then checks, in a test 252, the integrity of the
`
`power to the various electronic components within the vehicle data recorder 100 of the
`
`present invention. If the power is above a predetermined threshold, the microcontroller
`
`10
`
`then branches to the step 220 where the microcontroller decouples the gyroscope data
`
`from the accelerometer data to calculate true vehicle acceleration. The microcontroller
`
`then continues on with the routine, as described hereinbefore.
`
`Instead, if there is a
`
`problem with the power, the routine exits in a step 256.
`
`In general, when the microcontroller 144 writes various data values to
`
`15
`
`the SRAM memory 156, the microcontroller initially writes the data into consecutive
`
`memory locations until those locations have been filled. While writing the data to the
`
`memory, the microcontroller may stamp or assign the time-of-day to each data value
`
`in the manner previously described. Once the memory has been filled by the
`
`microcontroller, any new data then gets written over the oldest data. In this way, the
`
`20
`
`memory will always contain the most recent data pertaining to Vehicle operation.
`
`Depending upon the amount of SRAM memory 1 56 provided, together with the number
`
`of sensors within the vehicle data recorder 100 of the present invention, and the
`
`sampling rate of the ADC 132, typically the vehicle data recorder 100 of the present
`
`invention can store anywhere from 1 to 5 hours of data for subsequent retrieval and
`
`25
`
`vehicle accident reconstruction.
`
`Generally, vehicle data is continuously recorded during normal vehicle
`
`operation. The vehicle data recorder 100 then determines that an accident has occurred
`
`when the X-direction accelerometer 108 senses a deceleration value which exceeds a
`
`predetermined threshold. For example, it is generally known that, during a typical
`
`30
`
`vehicle accident, a deceleration value of at least 65 Gs will be achieved. Therefore, the
`
`software executed by the microcontroller can recognize this threshold as the onset or
`
`beginning of an accident and may then restrict the amount of data that is subsequently
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`written to memory once this threshold has occurred. For example, the microcontroller
`
`may write data to memory for the next sixty seconds once that predetermined vehicle
`
`deceleration value has been achieved.
`
`Generally, when a vehicle accident has occurred,the microcontrollerwill
`
`5
`
`continue to sense and write data to memory with regard to the vehicle lights 176, brakes
`
`180 and windshield wipers 184. This data collection may occur for a predetermined
`
`period of time, or until the vehicle speed equals zero, or until the vehicle power goes
`
`below a predetermined threshold. Also, the X—direction accelerometer would continue
`
`to have its data written to memory during the entire duration of the accident. However,
`
`10
`
`since both the Y and Z-direction accelerometers have relatively less maximum
`
`sensitivity, these accelerometers 108 would typically saturate at some point during a
`
`typical accident, and cease to provide useful data. Yet the measured data from these
`
`accelerometers, both prior to the crash and somewhat during the time of the crash,
`
`would nevertheless be still written to memory, to assist in the accident reconstruction
`
`1 5
`
`process.
`
`Typically, the microcontro1ler144 may determine the relative direction
`
`of the vehicle 104 prior to and during any accident by vector summation of the two
`
`acceleration components in the X and Y directions. In the alternative, the compass 140
`
`provides an absolute value of vehicle direction.
`
`20
`
`The vehicle data recorder 100 of the present invention has been
`
`described herein for use on an automobile. However, it is to be understood that the
`
`vehicle data recorder may be utilized on any type of land, water or air-based vehicle or
`
`craft. It suffices for the broadest scope of the present invention that the vehicle data
`
`recorder utilize accelerometers that are affected by gravity such that they produce false
`
`25
`
`acceleration readings when the vehicle is inclined. The vehicle data recorder also
`
`provides gyroscopes 136 that measure identical values of tilt or inclination of the
`
`vehicle data recorder 100, as those values are also measured, undesirably, by the
`
`accelerometers 108. The vehicle data recorder 100 of the present invention then utilizes
`
`the gyroscope data to “decouple” the false acceleration components from the
`
`30
`
`accelerometer outputs due to the effects of gravity.
`
`It should be understood by those skilled in the art that obvious structural
`
`modifications can be made to the embodiments described and illustrated herein without
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`
`departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, reference should be made
`
`primarily to the accompanying claims, rather than the foregoing specification, to
`
`determine the scope of the invention.
`
`Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:
`
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`
`CLAIMS
`
`1.
`
`A device, comprising:
`
`means for sensing acceleration of a vehicle and for providing a
`
`sensed acceleration signal indicative thereof, wherein the sensed acceleration signal
`
`5
`
`contains a first component indicative of any acceleration of the vehicle, and wherein the
`
`sensed acceleration signal contains a second component indicative of any angular
`
`inclination of the acceleration sensing means with respect to a predetermined reference
`
`angular level of inclination; and
`
`10
`
`means and for providing a sensed inclination signal indicative thereof.
`
`means for sensing angular inclination of the acceleration sensing
`
`2.
`
`The device of Claim 1, further comprising signal processing
`
`means, responsive to both the sensed acceleration signal and the sensed inclination
`
`signal, for providing an output acceleration signal indicative of the first component of
`
`the sensed acceleration signal, and further comprising memory means for selectively
`
`15
`
`storing signals therein.
`
`3.
`
`The device of Claim 1, wherein the acceleration sensing means
`
`comprises means for sensing
`
`acceleration of the vehicle in more than one
`
`predetermined directions of vehicle travel and for providing a corresponding directional
`
`sensed acceleration signal for each one of the more than one predetermined directions
`
`20
`
`of vehicle travel.
`
`4.
`
`The device of Claim 1, wherein the acceleration sensing means
`
`comprises at least one accelerometer.
`
`5.
`
`The device of Claim 1, wherein the angular inclination sensing
`
`means comprises means for sensing the angular inclination of the acceleration sensing
`
`25
`
`means in more than one predetermined directions of vehicle travel, and for providing
`
`a corresponding directional sensed angular inclination signal for each one of the more
`
`than one predetermined directions of vehicle travel.
`
`6.
`
`The device of Claim 2, wherein the second component of the
`
`sensed acceleration signal is equal to the sensed inclination signal, and wherein the
`
`30
`
`signal processing means comprises means for comparing the second component of the
`
`sensed acceleration signal to the sensed inclination signal and for subtracting a result
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`Page 000948
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`20
`
`of the comparison from the sensed acceleration signal, whereby the first component of
`
`the sensed acceleration signal results from the subtraction.
`
`7.
`
`The device of Claim 1, wherein the angular inclination sensing
`
`means comprises a gyroscope.
`
`~
`
`5
`
`8.
`
`The device of Claim 2, wherein the signal processing means
`
`comprises means for determining velocity of the vehicle from the output acceleration
`
`signal and for providing a corresponding velocity signal indicative thereof, the signal
`
`processing means comprising means for selectively storing the velocity signal in the
`
`memory means.
`
`10
`
`9.
`
`The device of Claim 8, wherein the signal processing means
`
`comprises means for selectively assigning a time parameter to the velocity signal stored
`
`in the memory means.
`
`10.
`
`The device of Claim 8, wherein the signal processing means
`
`comprises means, responsive to a signal indicative of at least one vehicle component,
`
`15
`
`for selectively storing the vehicle component signals in the memory means.
`
`11.
`
`The device of Claim 10, wherein the at least one vehicle
`
`component is selected from the group consisting of vehicle lights, vehicle brakes and
`
`vehicle windshield wipers.
`
`12.
`
`The device of Claim 10, further comprising communication
`
`20
`
`means for connecting the signal processing means to a computer located external to the
`
`device, the external computer comprising means for selectively downloading the
`
`vehicle component signals and the velocity signal from the memory means and for
`
`reconstructing a vehicle operating condition therefrom.
`
`13.
`
`The device of Claim 2, further comprising global positioning
`
`25
`
`means for receiving at least one navigation signal from a radio navigation system
`
`located external to the device, wherein the signal processing means comprises means
`
`for determining a location of the vehicle from the at least one navigation signal and for
`
`providing a vehicle location signal indicative of the determined location of the vehicle,
`
`the signal processing means also comprising means for selectively storing the vehicle
`
`30
`
`location signal in the memory means.
`
`14.
`
`The device of Claim 13, further comprising transponder means
`
`for selectively transmitting the vehicle location signal outside of the device.
`
`Page 000949
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`2 1
`
`15.
`
`The device of Claim 2, wherein the signal processing means
`
`further comprises means for determining a Vehicle operating condition based upon a
`
`magnitude of the output acceleration signal and for providing a vehicle operating
`
`condition signal indicative of the determined vehicle operating condition, the signal
`
`5
`
`processing means comprising means for selectively storing the vehicle operating
`
`condition signal in the memory means.
`
`16.
`
`The device of Claim 15, wherein the vehicle operating condition
`
`is a severity of contact of the vehicle with another object.
`
`17.
`
`The device of Claim 15, further comprising transponder means
`
`10
`
`for selectively transmitting the vehicle operating condition signal outside of the device.
`
`18.
`
`The device of Claim 15, wherein the signal processing means
`
`comprises means for selectively assigning a time parameter to the vehicle operating
`
`condition signal stored in the memory means.
`
`19.
`
`The device of Claim 18, further comprising transponder means
`
`1 5
`
`for selectively transmitting the vehicle operating condition signal outside of the device.
`
`20.
`
`The device of Claim 2, further comprising means for determining
`
`a direction of travel of the vehicle and for providing a travel direction signal indicative
`
`thereof.
`
`Page 000950
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`WO 98/47109
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`PCT/US98/07704
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`1/3
`
`89$Q25
`
`was
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`tczm8E52
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`mmE.jm:.<m
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`Esnsoo
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`\Ghm
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`Page 000951
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`3/2
`
`m4o:m>
`
`mmzom
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`NNP
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`Page000952
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`
`204
`
`
`208
`
`GET CAUBRAHON
`INFORMAWON
`
`INWMUZE
`VARMBLES
`
`
`
`212
`
`READ SENSORS
`
`
`
`DECOUPLE DATA
`TO FIND ACCELERATION
`
`
`
`216
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`10?
`
`.YES
`
`RESET
`COUNTER
`
`POWER
`
`YES
`
`
`
`Page 000953
`
`256
`
`
`
`FIG. 3
`
`:5 240
`
`.NO
`
`READ SENSORS
`
`244
`
`CALCULATE
`VELOCITY
`
`INCREMENT
`COUNTER
`
`'
`
`23
`
` WRHE TO
`MEMORY
`
`COUNTER
`
`
`
`

`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`OF 5
`A.
`UBJECT MA1TER
`CLASS|FlCATiON
`IPC 6
`GO7C5 08
`
`lr
`
`etlonal Application No
`
`PCT/US 98/07704
`
`According to International Patent Classiiication(lPC) or to both national classification and IPC
`B. FIELDS SEARCHED
`Minimum documentation searched (classification system lollowed byclassitication symbols)
`IPC 6
`G07C
`
`Documentation searched other than minimumdocumentation to the extent that such documents are included in the iieids searched
`
`Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name oi data base and. where practical, search terms used)
`
`0. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`
`Category °
`
`Citation of document, with Indication, where appropriate, at the relevant passages
`
`Relevant to claim No.
`
`EP 0 825 568 A (DATA TEC CO LTD) 25
`February 1998
`see abstract; claims 1—3,14; figures 1—4,6
`see column 1,
`line 53 - column 3,
`line 56
`see column 5,
`line 6 — column 6,
`line 58
`see column 10,
`line 2 — line 34
`see column 11,
`line 54 — column 12,
`
`line 7
`
`EP 0 590 312 A (EATON CORP) 6 April 1994
`see abstract; figures 6,7
`see page 2,
`line 25 — page 3,
`see page 5,
`line 26 - page 7,
`
`line 13
`
`1-9,12,
`15,16,18
`
`10,11,
`13,14,
`17,19,20
`
`1,2,6
`
`Further documents are listed in the continuation of box C.
`‘’ Special categories of cited documents :
`
`“A“ document defining the general state oi the art which is not
`considered to be ot particular relevance
`"E" earlier document but published on or after the international
`"M9 dam
`"L" document which may throw doubts on priority claims) or
`which is cited to establish the pubiicationdate of another
`°“a“°” °' °m°r spec“. '°as°" (35 specmed)
`"O" document reterring to an oral disclosure. use. exhibition or
`other means
`"P" document published prior to the international filing date but
`later than the priority date claimed
`Date of the actual completion of theinternational search
`
`26 August 1993
`Name and mailing address of the ISA
`European Patent Office. PB. 5618 Patentlaan 2
`NL - 2280 HV Ftliswiik
`Tel. (+31-70) 340-2040. Tx. 31 651 epo nl,
`Fax: (+31-70) 340-3016
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (second sheet) (July 1992)
`
`Patent family members are listed in annex.
`,_
`I
`_
`_
`_
`"1" later document published after the international tiling date
`or priority date and not in contlict wnh the application but
`cited to understand the principle ortheory underlying the
`invention
`..X.. documam O, pamcmar relevance: me chimed invention
`cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to
`involve an inventive step when the document is taken alone
`..Y.. documem of pamcular relevance. the claimed invention
`cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the
`document is combined with one or more other such docu-
`ments. such combination being obvious to a person skilled
`i” ‘he an‘
`"&“ document member oi the same patent family
`Date of mailing oi the international search report
`
`03/09/1998
`Authorized officer
`
`Bum” s E
`
`page 1 of 2
`
`Page 000954
`
`

`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`C.(Cont|nuat|on) DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`Category ‘’
`Citation of document, with indicaiion,wnere appropriate, of the relevant passages
`
`lr
`ationai Application No
`
`PCT/US 98/07704
`
`
`Relevant to claim No.
`
`
`
`1,4,5,7
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`13,14,20
`2,3,8,10
`
`1,3-5,7
`
`
`
`
`
`2,8,20
`
`8,10,12
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`13-19
`
`1,10,2O
`
`10,11
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`X
`
`J>-<
`
`X
`
`Y
`
`Y
`
`NO 94 06100 A (WAGNER JEAN JACQUES) 17
`March 1994
`see abstract; figures 2,30
`see page 1,
`line 5 - page 2,
`see page 5,
`line 1 - line 9
`see page 8,
`line 5 - page 13,
`
`line 16
`
`line 9
`
`PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN
`vol. 012, no. 390 (P-772), 18 October 1988
`—& JP 63 132111 A
`(TOKYO KEIKI CO LTD), 4
`June 1988
`see abstract; figure
`
`US 5 446 659 A (YAMANAKI YUICHIRO) 29
`August 1995
`cited in the application
`see abstract; claim 1; figures
`see column 2,
`line 6 — column 5,
`see column 11,
`line 26 - line 29
`
`line 27
`
`US 5 353 023 A (MITSUGI TATSUYA) 4 October
`1994
`see abstract; claims; figures
`see column 1,
`line 5 — column 2,
`see column 7,
`line 64 - column 8,
`
`line 58
`line 4
`
`A
`
`US 4 638 289 A (ZOTTNIK EDMUND) 20 January
`1987
`cited in the application
`—
`see abstract; figure 1
`see column 3,
`line 38 - column 4,
`see column 5,
`line 43 - line 59
`
`line 25
`
`
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210(cont1'nuaiion of second sheet) (July 1992)
`
`page 2 of 2
`
`Page 000955
`
`

`
`
`
`ational Appflcatlon No
` Ir
`PCT/US 98/07704
`
`
`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`Information on patent family members
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NO 9406100
`
`A
`
`17-03-1994
`
`US 5446659
`
`A
`
`Z9-08-1995
`
`US 5353023
`
`US 4638289
`
`A
`
`A
`
`04-10-1994
`
`20-01-1987
`
`CH
`AT
`AU
`DE
`EP
`
`JP
`JP
`AU
`AU
`CA
`CN
`DE
`EP
`
`JP
`DE
`KR
`
`DE
`NO
`EP
`
`687352 A
`156614 T
`5891994 A
`59307084 D
`0660960 A
`
`2521024 B
`6300773 A
`669785 B
`6050794 A
`2121403 A
`1109163 A
`69411072 0
`0621564 A
`
`5005626 A
`4220963 A
`9611783 B
`
`15-11-1996
`15-08-1997
`29-03-1994
`11-09-1997
`05-07-1995
`
`31-07-1996
`28-10-1994
`20-06-1996
`27-10-1994
`21-10-1994
`27-09-1995
`23-07-1998
`26-10-1994
`
`14-01-1993
`21-01-1993
`30-08-1996
`
`3405757 A
`8403359 A
`0118818 A
`60500637 T
`
`04-10-1984
`30-08-1984
`19-09-1984
`02-05-1985
`
`
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (patent family annex) (July 1992)
`
`Page 000956
`
`Patent family
`member(s)
`
`10063905
`1174144
`
`F9ublicat1'on
`date
`
`06-03-1998
`>>
`25-02-1998
`
`
`
`
`
`5351540 A
`660109 B
`4734793 A
`9303561 A
`2105240 A
`1085656 A
`6201380 A
`9306117 A
`9307158 A
`
`04-10-1994
`08-06-1995
`14-04-1994
`24-05-1994
`31-03-1994
`20-04-1994
`19-07-1994
`31-01-1995~
`23-05-1994
`
`
`
`
`
`Patent document
`cited in search report
`
`Publication
`date
`
`EP 0825568
`
`A
`
`25-02-1998
`
`EP 0590312
`
`A
`
`‘
`
`06-04-1994
`
`JP
`CN
`
`US
`AU
`AU
`BR
`CA
`CN
`JP
`MX
`ZA
`
`

`
`PCT
`
`WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION
`International Bureau
`
`
`
`INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`A2
`
`(11) International Publication Number:
`
`W0 00/17721
`
`(43) International Publication Date:
`
`30 March 2000 (3003.00)
`
`(51) International Patent Classification 7 :
`
`L G05B 23/02
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`21 September 1999 (2l.09.99)
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`60/101,230
`60/1 45,636
`
`21 September 1998 (2109.98)
`26 July 1999 (2607.99)
`
`US
`US
`
`(71) Applicant (for all designated States except US): MASTER
`TECH ENGINEERING,
`INC.
`[US/US];
`ll Pine Street,
`Lynnfield, MA 01940-2523 (US).
`
`
`PCT/US99/21921
`(81) Designated States: AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG,
`BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, EE,
`ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP,
`KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD,
`MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD,
`SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US,
`UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW, ARIPO patent (GH, GM, KE, LS,
`MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), Eurasian patent (AM, AZ,
`BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European patent (AT, BE,
`CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC,
`NL, PT, SE), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA,
`GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`Published
`Without international Search report and to be republished
`upon receipt of that report.
`
`(72) Inventors; and
`(75) Inventors/Applicants (for US only): COOPER, Robert, P.
`[US/US];
`11 Pine Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940-2523
`(US). MAHON, John, J.
`[US/US]; 414 Concord Street,
`Framingham, MA 01702 (US).
`
`(74) Agents: JOHNSON, Rodney, D. et al.; Hamilton, Brook, Smith
`& Reynolds, P.C., Two Militia Drive, Lexington, MA 02421
`(US).
`
`(54) Title: EVENT RECORDER
`
`(57) Abstract
`
`ll6
`
`112
`
`Pomrunrnucnum
`Chad
`
`*1“
`
`13%
`
`134
`
`\142
`136
`
`Punt sen-aka
`
`ArIJo&TI>DkIh|I
`
`Convodu
`
`S"‘3Y"‘3'"
`
`S-II-Wm!~ mash“
`
`A system is used with a
`Computer—controlled machine
`having
`real—time
`electrical
`signals corresponding to the
`operation of a machine,
`for
`real—time data processing of
`electrical
`signals
`occurring
`within the machine.
`The
`machine includes a controller
`(112)
`and an event node,
`such as an actuator, sensor,
`or
`indicator (I22), with an
`interconnect system disposed
`between
`the
`controller
`and
`the
`event
`node
`for
`exchanging data. The system
`includes
`an
`event
`data
`recorder
`(136)
`coupled to
`the interconnect system for
`selectively storing event data.
`The machine comprises an
`automotive vehicle.
`The
`event recorder need not be
`connected to the serial data
`output of the controller but
`is directly coupled to the
`real—time
`electrical
`signals
`occurring
`between
`the
`controller and its associated sensors and actuators. This allows for direct monitoring and diagnostics of the real—time system activity within
`the automotive vehicle, including intermittent prob ems which can be missed by or even caused by the controller. The event data recorder
`can be triggered (124) to store the data by a user input by pressing a push—button positioned on a wire—less transmitter that communicates
`with the event data (150) recorder. Feedback is provided to the user indicating that the event data recorder is storing the event data.
`
`‘mm N “am
`
`“B
`
`if \.
`[E9
`
`won s-nu
`
`H‘9"5P°6d
`CcrrI1\uI'$caflons
`Perl
`
`153 I
`
`Edema! *o11-Theshzor PC
`Iur oispey or Stand Evuis
`
`124
`
`Page 000957
`
`

`
`FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONLY
`
`_I
`
`Codes used to identify States party to the PCT on the front pages of pamphlets publishing international applications under the PCT.
`Slovenia
`SI
`Lesotho
`LS
`Albania
`ES
`Slovakia
`LT
`SK
`FI
`Lithuania
`Armenia
`SN
`FR
`LU
`Austria
`Luxembourg
`Senegal
`Swaziland
`LV
`SZ
`Latvia
`GA
`Australia
`TD
`Chad
`MC
`Monaco
`GB
`Azerbaijan
`TG
`MD
`GE
`Togo
`Republic of Moldova
`Bosnia and Herzegovina
`MG
`TJ
`GH
`Barbados
`Tajikistan
`Madagascar
`TM
`Turkmenistan
`MK
`GN
`The former Yugoslav
`Belgium
`TR
`GR
`Burkina Faso
`Turkey
`Republic of Macedonia
`TT
`Mali
`HU
`Trinidad and Tobago
`Bulgaria
`Ukraine
`UA
`[E
`Benin
`Mongolia
`[L
`UG
`Mauritania
`Brazil
`Uganda
`US
`United States of America
`Malawi
`Belarus
`IS
`UZ
`IT
`Mexico
`Uzbekistan
`Canada
`VN
`Viet Nam
`JP
`Niger
`Central African Republic
`YU
`KE
`Netherlands
`Yugoslavia
`Congo
`ZW
`Zimbabwe
`KG
`Switzerland
`Norway
`KP
`New Zealand
`Cote d'Ivoire
`Poland
`Cameroon
`China
`Portugal
`Romania
`Cuba
`Russian Federation
`Czech Republic
`Sudan
`Gemutny
`Sweden
`Denmark
`Estonia
`Singapore
`
`Spain
`Finland
`France
`Gabon
`United Kingdom
`Georgia
`Ghana
`Guinea
`Greece
`Hungary
`Ireland
`Israel
`Iceland
`Italy
`Japan
`Kenya
`Kyrgyzstan
`Democratic People’s
`Republic of Korea
`Republic of Korea
`Kazakstan
`Saint Lucia
`Liechtenstein
`Sri Lanka
`Liberia
`
`ML
`MN
`MR
`MW
`MX
`NE
`NL
`NO
`NZ
`PL
`PT
`RO
`RU
`SD
`SE
`SG
`
`AL
`AM
`AT
`AU
`AZ
`BA
`BB
`BE
`BF
`BC
`3.]
`BR
`BY
`CA
`CF
`CG
`CH
`CI
`CM
`CN
`CU
`CZ
`DE
`DK
`EE
`
`KR
`KZ
`LC
`LI
`LK
`LR
`
`Page 000958
`
`

`
`W0 00/1 7721
`
`PCT/US99/21921
`
`EVENT RECORDER
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional 60/101,230, filed
`September 21, 1998 and U.S. Provisional 60/145,636, filed July 26, 1999, the entire
`teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND
`In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the use of microcontrollers
`and microprocessors (the core elements of most computer-type equipment) to
`enhance the performance and sophistication of a variety of complex machines, most
`notably motor vehicles. These “computerized” machine systems invariably consist
`of a group of sensors, which convert a variety ofphysical phenomena (such as
`pressure, temperature, velocity, etc.) into electrical signals ("DATA") that are used
`to convey information about these phenomena, a group of actuators and indicators,
`which convert electrical signals ("DATA") into a variety of physical phenomena
`(such as heat, rotation, switch closure, light, etc.), and one or more controllers,
`which receive the electrical signals fi‘om sensors and — based at least in part on the
`information obtained from the sensors — produce electrical signals to control
`actuators and indicators. These electrical signals, or data, can take various forms,
`from DC voltage levels which correspond directly to the state of a sensor, to data
`
`messages controlling and reporting system operation.
`The rapid deployment of computerized motor vehicle control systems has
`been accompanied by a corresponding increase in the occurrence of short-term
`intermittent failures. Due to the “closed—loop” nature of most computerized machine
`systems, a momentary anomaly at any point in the system can fiequently result in a
`chain-reaction effect, wherein the original anomaly produces an immediate reaction
`from another element in the loop, which then produces another immediate reaction
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Page 000959
`
`

`
`W0 00/17721
`
`PCT/US99/2192]
`
`-2-
`
`from a third element in the loop, etc. Unless the source of the initial momentary
`anomaly is being monitored at the exact instant that the problem occurs, and in such
`a way as to identify it as in fact being the source ofthe initial anomaly, it is
`
`5
`
`10
`
`The interconnections between the sensors, actuators, indicators, and
`controllers are accomplished by means of wires and suitable connectors. In order to
`most effectively access the electrical signals which are present within the
`computerized machine system, for purposes ofmonitoring the activity ofthe
`electrical signals, diagnosis ofthe electrical signals, and/or external control of the
`gnals, it is necessary to establish physical connections to