INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`Information on patent family members
`
`
`ational Appilcatlon No
` Ir
`
`
`PCT/US 98/07704
`
`Patent document
`cited in Search report
`
`Publication
`date
`
`Patent family
`member(s)
`
`Publicafion
`date
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`06-03-1998
`10063905
`JP
`25-02-1998
`A
`EP 0825568
`>>
`25-02-1998
`1174144
`CN
`
`
`EP 0590312
`
`A
`
`‘
`
`06-04-1994
`
`NO 9406100
`
`A
`
`17-03-1994
`
`US 5446659
`
`A
`
`29-08-1995
`
`US 5353023
`
`A
`
`04-10-1994
`
`US
`AU
`AU
`BR
`CA
`CN
`JP
`MX
`ZA
`
`CH
`AT
`AU
`DE
`EP
`
`JP
`JP
`AU
`AU
`CA
`CN
`DE
`EP
`
`JP
`DE
`KR
`
`5351540 A
`660109 B
`4734793 A
`9303561 A
`2105240 A
`1085656 A
`6201380 A
`9306117 A
`9307158 A
`
`687352 A
`156614 T
`5891994 A
`59307084 D
`0660960 A
`
`2521024 B
`6300773 A
`669785 B
`6050794 A
`2121403 A
`1109163 A
`69411072 D
`0621564 A
`
`5005626 A
`4220963 A
`9611783 B
`
`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
`
`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
`
`US 4638289
`
`A
`
`20-01-1987
`
`3405757 A
`8403359 A
`0118818 A
`60500637 T
`
`
`
`
`
`DE
`NO
`EP
`
`04-10-1984
`30-08-1984
`19-09-1984
`02-05-1985
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (patent family annex) (July 1992)
`
`Page 002274
`
`

`
`PCT
`
`WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION
`International Bureau
`
`
`
`INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(11) International Publication Number:
`
`W0 00/17721
`
`A2
`
`(43) International Publication Date:
`
`30 March 2000 (3003.00)
`
`(51) International Patent Classification 7 :
`G05B 23/02
`
`L.
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`21 September 1999 (2l.09.99)
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`60/101,230
`60/] 45,636
`
`21 September 1998 (21.09.98)
`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).
`
`
`(81) Designated States: AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG,
`PCT/US99/21921
`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
`
`1212
`
`Pomrucnuu-rum
`Oral
`
`W
`
`13%
`
`134
`
`\142
`135
`
`Pmasauu
`
`I
`
`Comedy
`
`Sdlydun
`
`Slilyinn‘ mam
`
`A system is used with a
`computer—controlled machine
`having
`rea1—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
`(122), 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
`occuiring
`between
`the
`controller and its associated sensors and actuators. This allows for direct monitoring and diagnostics of the real—time system activity within
`ems which can be missed by or even caused by the controller. The event data recorder
`the automotive vehicle, including intermittent prob
`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.
`
`[E2
`
`124
`
`WWSPGGG
`ccrrnuucauons
`Pen
`
`Edema ‘on-Thesheor PC
`var Display or sun: Evut
`
`Page 002275
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`

`
`FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONLY
`
`_|
`
`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
`LU
`FR
`Austria
`Luxembourg
`Senegal
`Swaziland
`LV
`SZ
`Latvia
`GA
`Australia
`TD
`MC
`Chad
`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
`UA
`Ukraine
`Benin
`IE
`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
`Gemiany
`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
`BG
`BJ
`BR
`BY
`CA
`CF
`CG
`CH
`CI
`CM
`CN
`CU
`CZ
`DE
`DK
`EE
`
`KR
`KZ
`LC
`Ll
`LK
`LR
`
`Page 002276
`
`

`
`WO 00/17721
`
`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.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`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 of physical 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 fiom 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,
`fiom DC voltage levels which correspond directly to the state of a sensor, to data
`
`20 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 frequently 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
`
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`Page 002277
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`

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`W0 00/17721
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`PCT/US99/21921
`
`-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
`the source of the initial anomaly, it is
`a way as to identify it as in fact being
`sometimes all but impossible to identify and correct the problem.
`The interconnections between the sensors, actuators, indicator
`lished by means of wires and suitable connectors. In ord
`controllers are accomp
`al signals which are present within the
`most effectively access the electric
`monitoring the activity of the
`computerized machine system, for purposes of
`al signals, diagnosis of the electrical signals, and]or extem
`electric
`s necessary to establish physical connections to one or more of
`electrical signals, it i
`the elements of the machine system. A convenient place to make such connections
`is at the connectors that exist within the machine system. Various systems have
`been devised for the purpose of accessing electrical signals within motor vehicles
`and other electronic systems. Most commonly, these systems have taken the form of
`
`s, and
`
`er to
`
`al control of the
`
`wire—piercing probes.
`Some prior art systems have utilized a breakout box technique, in which one
`or more wiring harness connectors with a motor vehicle are disconnected from their
`mating connectors on a vehicular electronic device and plugged into an external
`akout box includes an integral cable assembly that is long
`breakout box. The bre
`0 be located at a distance from the vehicular
`
`enough to allow the breakout box t
`electronic device and that terminates in connector
`vehicul
`ar electronic device from which the vehicular wiring harne
`
`s appropriate for plugging into the
`
`ss connectors were
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`disconnected.
`The breakout box is constructed such that each signal in the motor vehicle
`25 wiring harness connectors is connected through to the vehicular electronic device
`and is also connected uniquely to one of several probe terminals, whereby each and
`any of the signals existing within the vehicular wiring harness connectors can be
`temal diagnostic equipment. Such systems are
`accessed for connection to ex
`d cumbersome, and are thus impractical
`
`hampered by the fact that they are large an
`for use in instances where they would remain installed fo
`modern motor vehicles now have many of their electronic
`time. Furthermore,
`devices located within the engine compartment, increasing the impracticality of
`
`r an extended period of
`
`30
`
`Page 002278
`
`

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`W0 00/ 1 7721
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`PCT/US99/21921
`
`-3-
`
`breakout box systems due to the limited availability of space within the engine
`
`compartment.
`
`SUMIVIARY
`The problems associated with the identification of the source of an
`intermittent failure in a motor vehicle produces an extremely inconvenient side-
`effect, which is the requirement that the motor vehicle be removed from its normal
`(owner’s) use in order that a trained service technician can operate the motor vehicle
`and observe appropriate test equipment while waiting for the intermittent failure to
`occur. This results in loss of use by the owner as well as the increased costs accrued
`as a service. technician watches for the problem to occur.
`Various systems have been devised for the purpose of monitoring and
`recording performance data for a motor vehicle, and these systems have enjoyed
`of success in contributing to the identification and repair of
`cts. Most commonly, these systems have taken the
`intermittent control system defe
`form of devices which monitor a serial data port on a control computer that is part of
`the vehicular control system, storing vehicle performance data which is generated by
`
`only a limited degree
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`have access to perform
`
`the serial port in a recording device.
`Such systems are hampered by the fact that the control computer does not
`ance data from all devices within the vehicular system (e.g.,
`ystem, which is a key performance parameter in
`the pressure level within the fuel s
`y the fact that the data presented is the
`modern motor vehicle engine systems) and b
`control computer’s “interpretation” of the system activity, rather than a reliable
`indication of the actual system performance. Further, performance data is output
`from the control computer in serial mode (relatively slow in comparison to system
`activity) by sequencing through each of the system elements and performance
`a time period between data points for a given
`parameters in turn. This results in
`element in the system that can be sufficientl
`failure to occur between data points, which can result in
`for the failure or, worse, identification of the incorrect element as the cause of the
`
`y long so as to allow an intennittent
`failure to identify a cause
`
`30
`
`failure.
`
`Page 002279
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`

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`-4-
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`PCT/US99/21921
`
`Other types ofvehicular monitoring and recording systems utilize specially
`installed sensors which are not part of the control system of the vehicle, monitoring
`and storing data fiom these sensors in a recording device. Such systems are
`typically designed for long-term monitoring ofvehicular performance, and while
`providing information that is useful in particular applications, they have difficulty
`providing the information that is required to identify an intermittently faulty element
`within the vehicular control system.
`Due to the foregoing disadvantages of currently available vehicular
`monitoring and recording systems, servicing ofmotor vehicles with intermittent
`failures has long been a time—consurning, expensive, and frustrating experience for
`service technicians and vehicle owners. Within the automotive industry specifically,
`intermittent vehicles, and the failure to repair them quickly and cost—effectively, may
`represent the single greatest cause of customer dissatisfaction and of dealer re-
`purchase of problem motor vehicles.
`Accordingly, a system and method are provided that monitors and records
`any of a variety of electrical signals occurring in or around a computer-controlled
`machine. The monitoring and recording system is particularly useful for recording
`electrical signals occurring in a motor vehicle, for the purpose of identifying the
`cause of anomalies, including those of the intermittent type, in the operation ofthe
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
`
`30
`
`motor vehicle.
`In one embodiment, a system is used with a computer-controlled machine
`having real—time electrical signals corresponding to the operation ofthe machine, for
`real-time data processing of electrical signals occurring within the machine. The
`machine can include a controller and an event node, such as an actuator, sensor, or
`indicator, with an interconnect system disposed between the controller and the event
`node for exchanging data. The system can include an event data recorder coupled to
`the interconnect system for selectively storing event data. The machine can
`comprise an automotive vehicle which includes the controller. The event recorder
`need not be connected to the serial data output of the controller but can be 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
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`Page 002280
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`-5-
`
`of the real—time system activity within the automotive vehicle, including intermittent
`problems which can be missed by or even caused by the controller.
`According to other aspects, the event data recorder stores event data which is
`not monitored by the controller. The event data recorder can include an onboard
`power source to process the event data in the absence of any external power source.
`According to other aspects, the event data recorder can be triggered to store
`the event data by a user input, for example, by actuating an actuator, for example,
`pressing a push-button. In one embodiment, the actuator is mounted within reach of
`the operator of the vehicle. For example, the actuator can be mounted on a steering
`wheel of the vehicle, such as the inside of the steering wheel. The actuator can also
`be coupled to a wire-less transmitter that communicates with the event data recorder.
`The event data recorder can also be triggered to store the event data by an
`
`unintentional stall of the engine or a shut—down of a vehicular control system of the
`
`vehicle. The event data recorder can further be triggered to store the data by an
`
`10
`
`15
`
`alarm indication of a vehicular control system. In one embodiment, the alarm
`
`indication is a warning lamp.
`
`According to further aspects, the event data recorder includes at least one
`circuit board shock—mounted to a housing of the event data recorder. The circuit
`board can include a first cushion member thereon to provide a cushion between the
`circuit board and the housing. A second cushion member can be further positioned
`between the first cushion member and the housing. A bolt or screw passes through
`the first cushion member and the second cushion member for securing the circuit
`
`board to the housing.
`According to further aspects, a feedback system, such as the flashing of a
`warning indicator lamp of the automotive vehicle, is provided to alert the user that
`the event data recorder is installed and working properly. The feedback system can
`
`also alert the user to various operating states of the event recorder by flashing the
`
`warning indicator lamp at different frequencies or for distinct durations.
`According to yet further aspects, a cabling device is provided that connects
`the event data recorder to at least one electrical system of the machine without
`damaging any existing electrical Wiring. The cabling device can include a plurality
`of contact pins connected to a plurality of wires for inserting into electrical
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`Page 002281
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`-5-
`
`connection points of the machine. The cabling device can include a multi-pin in—line
`connector to provide an interface to an electronic sensor, such as a fuel pressure
`sensor, which is temporarily attached‘ to the vehicle.
`Alternatively, the cabling device is custom made or particularly adapted for
`the machine which can include at least one connector plug that connects to a
`computer of the machine, at least one cable jack that connects to sensors and/or
`actuators within the machine, a plurality of feedthrough wires that connect the
`connector plug and cable jack, and at least one instrument connector that connects at
`least one of the feedthrough wires to the event data recorder. The cabling device can
`further include an auxiliary connector that connects to the instrument connector.
`According to further aspects, a display device which is able to be coupled to
`the event data recorder to access the event data stored in the event data recorder is
`provided to visually display the event data for diagnostic purposes. The data can be
`downloaded to an external computing device which can include the display device.
`In accordance with further aspects, a system for use with an automotive
`vehicle to facilitate determining the cause of an intermittent failure includes a
`processor that controls operation of an event data recorder, a recording device that
`receives real time event data from the vehicle and stores the same for later analysis,
`and a wire-less transmitter including an actuator that, when actuated by a user,
`initiates storing of the event data. The recording device can store a predetermined
`amount of real—time data upon initiation of the event data recorder or can store the
`
`contents of a continuous loop of event data.
`In accordance with other aspects, a system and method are provided to
`convey information from a device connected to a vehicle which includes an
`electronic circuit that flashes an indicator lamp of the vehicle in predetermined
`patterns under control ofthe device. The pattern can convey information to the user,
`such as the device is installed properly or the device is performing a commanded
`
`10
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`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`function.
`A system and method are further provided for testing a computer—controlled
`machine which includes a testing device coupled to an electrical system of the
`machine and a wireless device that activates the testing device. In one embodiment,
`
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`wo 00/17721
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`PCT/US99/21921
`
`-7-
`
`the machine is a motor vehicle and the wireless device is mounted within reach of
`
`the driver, for example, on a steering mechanism, of the vehicle.
`
`A cabling device and method are fiirther provided for connecting an
`
`accessory, such as an automotive car—starter or an automotive vehicle theft alarm, to
`
`a machine. The cabling device can include a plurality of contact pins connected to a
`
`plurality of wires for inserting into electrical connection points of the machine.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an event recorder
`
`10
`
`or data processing device for use with a generic computerized machine control
`
`system.
`
`FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the data
`
`processing device in a motor vehicle.
`
`FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the data processing
`
`15
`
`device in a photocopier.
`
`FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a separate current-
`
`limited power supply for use with independent add—on sensor(s).
`
`FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of embodiment of a signal conditioning and
`
`ESD protection circuit.
`
`FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a multi-channel
`
`analog-to-digital converter circuit.
`
`FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a cable decoder circuit.
`
`FIG. 8 is a state diagram of an embodiment of the software implemented in
`
`an embodiment of the data processing device.
`
`FIG. 9 is a state diagram of an embodiment of the software implemented in a
`
`remote computer.
`
`FIGS. l0A~1OC show a technique for shock mounting a printed circuit
`
`board.
`
`FIG. 11 is a drawing depicting a wireless push—button transmitter equipped
`
`with a hook-and-loop fastener strip for attachment to a motor vehicle.
`
`FIG. 12 is a drawing depicting a wireless push—button transmitter installed on
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`25
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`30
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`the steering wheel.
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`-3-
`
`FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic diagram of a proposed method of
`
`controlling an indicator lamp in a motor vehicle or electronically controlled machine
`wherein the indicator lamp is controlled by means of switching the negative supply
`
`voltage to the indicator lamp.
`
`FIG. 14 is a simplified schematic diagram of a proposed method of
`
`controlling an indicator lamp in a motor vehicle or electronically controlled machine
`wherein the indicator lamp is controlled by means of switching the positive supply
`
`voltage to the indicator lamp.
`FIG. 15 is a drawing of an embodiment of a “universal” cable for use in
`
`10
`
`connecting a vehicular data recorder to any of the electrical systems within a motor
`vehicle.
`
`FIG. 16 is a drawing of another embodiment of a “universal” cable of the
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`present system, which includes a multi—conductor cable for use with an optional add-
`on sensor.
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`15
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`FIG. 17 is a drawing of a standard #1 sewing needle.
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`FIG. 18 is a drawing of a modified #1 sewing needle.
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`FIG. 19 is a drawing depicting the attachment of a flexible insulated wire to a
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`modified #1 sewing needle.
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`FIG. 20 is a schematic drawing illustrating the concept of a custom breakout
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`20
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`cable for use with a specific electronic control system.
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`FIG. 21 is a schematic drawing of a cable for use with an add-on sensor.
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`FIG. 22 is a schematic drawing of an auxiliary cable for use in place of an
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`add-on sensor.
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`FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are drawings depicting a method of attaching wires to a
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`25
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`vehicular connector consisting of pin-type contacts.
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`FIG. 25 is a drawing depicting protective jackets installed on the wires of a
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`vehicular connector assembly.
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`FIG. 26 is a drawing depicting a vehicular connector assembly enclosed
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`within a protective covering.
`FIG. 27 is a drawing of a first embodiment of a custom breakout cable.
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`FIG. 28 is a drawing of a second embodiment of a custom breakout cable.
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`FIG. 29 is a drawing of a male/female contact with provision for attachment
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`of a wire.
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`FIG. 30 is a drawing showing two (2) views of a custom breakout connector.
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`FIG. 31 is a drawing depicting a cutaway View of a section of a custom
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`breakout connector, showing attachment of probe wires on some of the contacts.
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`FIG. 32 is a drawing depicting an assembled custom breakout connector with
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`multiple probe wires exiting the connector.
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`FIG. 33 is a drawing depicting a side view of an assembled custom breakout
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`connector with multiple probe wires exiting both sides of the connector.
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`FIG. 34 is a drawing of a third embodiment of a custom breakout cable.
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`FIG. 35 is a drawing depicting typical automotive mating connectors, used
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`on computers and wiring harnesses.
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`FIG. 36 is a drawing illustrating typical automotive connectors that have
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`been wired together to fonn a feed—through male/female connector.
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`FIG. 37 is a drawing illustrating a feed—through male/female connector with
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`probe wires attached to form a breakout connector.
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`FIG. 38 is a drawing depicting the breakout connector of FIG. 37 enclosed
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`15
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`within a protective covering.
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`FIG. 39 is a drawing depicting right-angle socket connectors for use in
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`20
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`converting a typical automotive cable connector into a printed circuit (pc) -mounted
`connector.
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`FIG. 40 is a drawing illustrating pc-mounted automotive pin and socket
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`connectors mounted back-to.-back on a pc board, with probe wires additionally
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`mounted to the pc board to form a breakout connector.
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`25
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`FIG. 41 is a drawing depicting the breakout connector of FIG. 26 enclosed
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`within a protective covering.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`The system will be explained in conjunction with the drawing in which FIG.
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`1 illustrates a basic embodiment of an event recorder or data processing device for
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`30
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`use with a generic computerized machine control system. This figure designates an
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`exemplary machine incorporating the data processing device. Only those parts of
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`the machine which are pertinent to this embodiment are shown in FIG. 1 which
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`include the machine power source 116, the machine designated by reference numeral
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`110, and a computerized control system comprising a machine control computer 112
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`which connects to a group of sensors, actuators, and indicators 114 in order to
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`monitor and control the functioning of the machine and provide the user with visual
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`indication of the functioning.
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`The event recorder system comprises signal probe(s) or feed-through
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`connector(s) 120 adapted to provide access to one or more electrical signals existing
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`within the computerized control system 112 / 114, one or more optional independent
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`sensor(s) 122 adapted to generate electrical signals conveying information about one
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`or more physical phenomena within or around the machine 1 10, an event recorder
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`130, and a user trigger device 124 adapted to provide the user with a means to
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`control at least one function of the event recorder. The event recorder 130
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`comprises an analog-to-digital converter circuit 132 coupled to a processor or
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`microprocessor subsystem 134, adapted to sample designated electrical signals from
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`the signal probe(s) or feed-through connector(s) 120 and any optional independent
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`sensor(s) 122. A data storage subsystem 136 is coupled to the microprocessor
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`subsystem 134, which is coupled to a high-speed communications port 138. A
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`power sensing circuit 140 is coupled to the microprocessor subsystem 134 and to a
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`power management circuit 144. The power management circuit 144 is also coupled
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`to the microprocessor subsystem 134 and to a power supply or source 142. An
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`independent external computer 150 may be coupled to the high-speed
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`communications port 138 at appropriate times, to allow the user to transfer recorded
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`data to the external computer 150 and display the recorded data thereon.
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`In accordance with the present system, at least one and preferably a plurality
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`of signal probes or_ feed-through connectors 120 and/or independent sensors 122 are
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`employed to couple the analog-to—digital converter circuit 132 to electrical signals
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`which convey information about the functioning of machine 110 and its control
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`system.
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`The analog-to-digital converter circuit 132 samples one or more electrical
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`signals at predetermined regular intervals, converting the electrical signals to digital
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`data that is a representation of the sampled signal at the specific point in time at
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`which the sampling occurred. The digital data thus generated is coupled by
`microprocessor subsystem 134 into the data storage subsystem 136. When event
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`recorder 130 is monitoring and recording the electrical signal activity from one or
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`more signal probe 120 or sensor 122 inputs, the digital data thus generated is
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`transferred to data storage subsystem 136 for a predetermined period (global) of
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`time. At the end of the predetermined period of time, the oldest data begins to be
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`overwritten by the newest data, creating, effectively, an endless-loop recording
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`device. When a pre-programmed trigger event occurs, e.g., machine 110 operation
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`ceases while the machine power source remains active or the user activates user
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`trigger device 124 to initiate an event recording, microprocessor subsystem 134
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`ceases the data conversion and storage process. The data which had been stored for
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`the fixed period of time preceding the trigger event is now stored in a semi-
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`permanent state until it has been transferred to external computer 150 via the high-
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`speed communications port 138. The high—speed communications port 138 is
`
`adapted to provide for the transfer of stored data from event recorder 130 to the
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`external computer 150 for display and analysis.
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`Power management circuit 144 provides a means whereby event recorder
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`130 can be partially or fully powered off at such times that machine 110 is powered
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`off, such capability being crucial when the machine utilizes a battery system as its
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`power source. The power management circuit 144 couples machine power source
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`116 to power supply 142 under control of power sensing circuit 140 and/or
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`microprocessor subsystem 134, thus providing the capability to power event
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`recorder 130 on in response to machine 110 being powered on. The power
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`management circuit also provides the capability for microprocessor subsystem 134
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`to cause event recorder 130 to remain powered on when machine 110 is powered
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`off, in order that any pending event recorder activity can be completed prior to
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`powering the event recorder off. In order to ensure that the microprocessor
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`subsystem 134 can cause the event recorder 130 to remain powered on when the
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`machine 110 is powered offl it is necessary that power management circuit 144 be
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`coupled to machine power source 116 such that the machine power source will
`
`supply power at all times, regardless of the operating state of the machine.
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`Alternatively, a backup battery 238, as illustrated in FIG. 2, can be employed to
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`provide temporary power in the absence of power fiom the machine power source
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`1 16.
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`A vehicular embodiment of the present system will be explained with
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`reference to FIG. 2. This figure designates an exemplary vehicle incorporating the
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`system monitoring and recording described above. Only those parts of the vehicle
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`which are pertinent to this embodiment are shown in FIG. 2 which include the
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`vehicular battery 216, the vehicular fuel system designated by reference numeral
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`218, and a computerized control system comprising a control computer 112 which
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`connects to a group of sensors, actuators, and indicators 114 in order to monitor and
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`control the functioning of the engine and to provide the driver with visual indication
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`of various operating parameters of the vehicle.
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`The event recorder system comprises signal probe(s) or feed—through
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`connector(s) 120 adapted to provide access to one or more electrical signals existing
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`within the computerized control system 112 / 114, an optional independent fuel
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`pressure sensor 222 adapted to generate electrical signals conveying the pressure
`
`within the vehicular fuel system 218, an event recorder 130, and a miniature wireless
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`user-trigger push—button 224. The push—button 224 is adapted to broadcast a coded
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`control signal by way of an antenna 226 connected thereto, which may be externally
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`connected to the wireless push-button or may be contained internally therein,
`
`providing the user with a means to control at least one function of the event re