Exhibit 10 10
`
`USOOS430432A
`.
`5,430,432
`[11] Patent Number:
`[19]
`Unlted States Patent
`
`Camhi et a1.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Jul. 4, 1995
`
`[54] AUTOMOTIVE WARNINGAND
`RECORDING SYSTEM
`
`[76]
`
`Inventors: Elie Camhi, 131 Country Ridge Rd.,
`Scarsdale, NY. 10583; Lawrence S.
`Kamhi, 30 Saddleview CL, Fairfield,
`Conn. 06432
`[21] Appl. No.: 278,991
`.
`.
`,
`[22] Filed-
`Ju] 22 1994
`
`-
`
`[63]
`
`Related US‘ Application Data
`Continuation of Ser. No. 992,246, Dec. 14, 1992, aban-
`d°“ed-
`Int. 01.6 ............................................... B60Q 1/00
`[51]
`[52] us. Cl. .................................... 340/438; 340/439;
`340/441; 340/459; 364/42404; 364/55 1,01;
`307/101; 180/171
`[58] Field of Search ............... 340/438, 439, 441, 436,
`340/459, 425.5, 457.4; 364/434, 424.1, 424.03,
`424.04, 551.01; 307/10.1; 180/171
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`[56]
`
`
`4,236,142 11/1980 Lindsey ............................... 340/441
`4,344,136 8/1982 Panik ........... 340/459
`..... 340/432
`4,638,289
`1/1987 20mm“
`
`4,939,652 7/1990 Steiner ...........
`340/438
`
`5,006,829 4/1991 Miyamoto et al.
`340/459
`...................... 340/439
`5,173,856 12/1992 Parnell et a].
`Primary Examiner—Brent Swarthout
`Assistant Examiner—Nina Tong
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Ike Aruti
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`An automotive unsafe condition recorder is provided
`having one or more automotive condition sensors cou-
`pled to the input of a timer equipped processor. An
`indicator for alerting the operator is coupled to an out-
`put of the processor, which the processor energizes in
`response to a signal level from the sensor indicating the
`existence of a predetermined unsafe operating condi-
`tion. If the unsafe operating condition is not corrected
`within a predetermined time, the processor transmits
`information pertaining to the unsafe condition to a stor-
`age unit, which accumulates the information for later
`review.
`
`3,885,324
`
`5/1975 Davenport et a].
`
`................ 340/441
`
`7 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`/0
`
`PROCESSOR m
`g\
`
`=5
`
`9;“:i
`
`245
`
`aromas
`umr
`
`A55
`
`404040404
`
`glg8kg
`
`spun swam.
`”immune:
`
`DISTANCE maul.
`”8.177!!!
`
`O-FORCE SIGNAL
`TRANS-l"!!!
`
`EQUIP-INT ACTIVE
`TRANSUITTER
`
`fi
`
`Liberty Mutual
`
`Exhibit 1010
`
`Page 000001
`
`Page 000001
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`July 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 1 of 2
`
`5,430,432
`
`7'0
`
`\ SIGNALGENERATOR
`
`
`,
`
`,6
`
`x2
`
`22
`
`
`
`1
`34
`
`#
`
`2’8
`
`
`
`Page 000002
`
`Page 000002
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`; July 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
`
`5,430,432
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`llllltw
`Ilflfllé;
`Ifllflfll
`
`£5 §E
`
`|§|§l§$X§
`
`SPEED SIGNAL
`TRANSMITTER
`
`DISTANCE SIGNAL
`TRANSMITTER
`
`G-FORCE SIGNAL
`TRANSMITTER
`
`§
`
`ECUIPMENT ACTIVE
`
`TRANSMITTERfill
`
`§.§.§.§3§
`
`Fms
`
`268
`
`Page 000003
`
`Page 000003
`
`

`

`1
`
`5,430,432
`
`AUTOMOTIVE WARNING AND RECORDING
`SYSTEM
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`‘
`APPLICATION
`‘
`
`This application is a Continuation of applicant’s co
`pending application Ser. No. 07/992,246 filed Dec. 14,
`1992, now abandoned.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to warning systems and
`mobile data recorders, and more particularly, an appa-
`ratus and method for the monitoring, indicating and
`selective recording of automotive data associated with
`unsafe automotive driving conditions.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Mobile data recorders, such as aviation type flight
`recorders, are well known. These devices are com-
`monly used to make continuous recordings of the condi-
`tions which exist during and relating to aircraft opera-
`tion. The devices are typically multiple input units
`wherein a plurality of input signals are recorded. The
`inputs are usually coupled to a plurality of input signal
`sending devices, such as sensors for airspeed, landing
`gear positions, control surface positions, attitude, alti-
`tude, engine operating parameters, as well as the posi-
`tions of the controls for the aircraft such as throttle,
`brakes, and the like. These devices are typically housed
`in a crash resistant structure, and upon a crash, the
`recordings of parameters which existed immediately
`prior to the crash are preserved for later review and
`analysis.
`This information can be used to virtually recreate
`situations which have occurred. The information can
`then be used by repair and maintenance personnel, air-
`line officials for evaluation of the craft and crew, regu-
`latory authorities for incident or crash analysis, and
`insurance companies for liability and premium determi-
`nations.
`'
`In an automotive context, devices which identify and
`alert drivers to the existence of specific conditions are
`also well known. These are often in the form of simple
`gauges or indicator lights, buzzers and the like which
`are used to inform the operator of excessive or insuffi-
`cient operating parameters, or even potentially unsafe
`conditions. These include excessive vehicle speed, en-
`gine speed and temperature, insufficient coolant, oil and
`fuel levels, low oil pressure or electrical system voltage,
`unbuckled seat belts, and the like. More technically
`sophisticated devices, such as automotive computers,
`are able to monitor and record diagnostic information
`for future reference and repair of systems controlled by
`the computer, such as engines and anti lock brake sys-
`tems.
`While these systems have been designed to notify
`operators of specific conditions or to record conditions
`for future reference, it would be desirable to have a
`variation upon a combination of these systems. Such a
`device would not only inform operators of unsafe con-
`ditions, the recorded information would improve au-
`thorities‘ ability to perform accident reconstruction,
`and would enable vehicle owners and insurance compa-
`nies to evaluate the driving habits of vehicle operators.
`In such an application, continuous recording of infor-
`mation would be unnecessary and wasteful of storage
`resources, particularly since it is the information per-
`
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`2
`taining to the prevalent conditions during unsafe opera-
`tion of the vehicle which is of most interest.
`Unfortunately, an automotive unsafe condition re-
`corder would likely be found objectionable by vehicle
`owners and drivers, not only because of the increased
`cost of the vehicle for the additional equipment, but
`because of the “Big Brother” like nature of having an
`operator’s every momentary inattention or indiscretion
`preserved for insurance company scrutiny.
`Many otherwise safe drivers will occasionally do
`something which could be considered unsafe, such as
`momentarily forgetting to latch their seat belt, or even
`exceed the speed limits for short periods of time, for
`example to complete a passing maneuver, or because
`they are inattentive to their speedometers while keeping
`pace with cars around them, or when the road gratin;
`ally changes to a more downhill attitude. An automo-
`tive unsafe condition recorder would more likely be
`acceptable to the majority of vehicle drivers and own-
`ers if these momentary lapses in law obedience or safety
`could be screened from the recording process. The
`device would likely be even more acceptable if it would
`give warning to the operator of the existence of an
`unsafe condition, and a reasonable opportunity to cor—
`rect the situation before beginning to record the occur-
`rence.
`
`The benefits of such a device would be multiple.
`Monitored drivers would be motivated to drive more
`safely by the reward of lower insurance premiums,
`which could be lowered further if they prove them-
`selves responsible. Insurance companies could eliminate
`persistent speeders and unsafe drivers, or increase their
`premiums accordingly. Authorities could more accu-
`rately reconstruct accidents. Fleet owners of vehicles,
`such as busses, trucks and taxis could substantially re-
`duce their major operating expense of insurance, and
`become more competitive in the marketplace by offer-
`ing their services at lower rates. The public would ulti-
`mately benefit from lowered prices for taxi and bus
`services and truck shipped goods, as well as the reduced
`number of unsafe drivers on the road. People would be
`able to evaluate the safe driving habits of others using
`their vehicles, such as parents having young or new
`drivers in the family.
`Accordingly, a need exists for a device which can
`monitor vehicle operating parameters and alert the
`operator to predetermined unsafe conditions, allow a
`short time for correction of those conditions, and if
`uncorrected in that time, record the incident for later
`review by the appropriate parties.
`OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
`
`It is therefore an object of the instant invention to
`provide a device which alerts a vehicle operator to the
`existence of a predefined unsafe driving condition, if
`and when such a condition should occur.
`It is another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide a device to alert a driver upon the existence of an
`unsafe driving condition, and to make a recording of the
`event for future reference if the condition is not cor-
`rected within a reasonable time.
`Still another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide a device which will further record additional vehi-
`cle operating parameters when an unsafe operating
`condition has occurred and the operator has not cor-
`rected the situation within a reasonable time.
`
`Page 000004
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`Page 000004
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`

`

`3
`It is yet another object of the present invention to
`provide a device by which insurance companies may
`identify vehicles they insure which are Operated under
`unsafe conditions or at excessive speed with unaccept-
`able frequency.
`It is still another object of the present invention to
`provide a device which will motivate drivers to avoid
`unsafe operating conditions such as unsafe speed.
`Yet another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide a device which enables insurance companies to 10
`attract clients whose vehicles are operated in a safe and
`responsible manner.
`A further object of the present invention to provide a
`device which improves the accuracy with which acci-
`dents can be analyzed.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide
`a device which enables the storage and retrieval of
`information relating to the unsafe operation of a vehicle.
`It is still another object of the present invention to
`provide a device which enables vehicle fleet owners to 20
`reduce their insurance expenses.
`Other objects and advantages of the present invention
`will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon
`contemplation of the disclosure herein in conjunction
`with the drawings.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`15
`
`25
`
`According to the instant invention, an unsafe driving
`condition recorder is provided, which comprises a
`timer equipped processor having one or more informa- 30
`tion inputs. The processor has an output coupled to an
`information storage unit, which depending upon its
`configuration, has means for retrieval of recorded infor-
`mation. The processor inputs are coupled to signal
`sources which provide signals indicative of monitored 35
`vehicle operation variables, at least one of such vari-
`ables being vehicle speed. The signal input is routed
`through the processor which is adapted to selectively
`transmit the information to the storage unit. The proces-
`sor further has an operator alerting output line coupled 40
`to an unsafe condition indicator which is within the easy
`perception of the vehicle operator. The processor ener-
`gizes the operator alerting output When the input signal
`exceeds a predetermined safe value, and upon elapse of
`a predetermined time, if the input signal has not receded 45
`below the predetermined value, initiates accumulation ,
`by the storage unit of information pertaining to one or
`more of the monitored vehicle operating variables for
`later review and analysis.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`50
`
`In the drawings, wherein the same number indicates
`the same element throughout the several views:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a basic embodiment of
`the automotive unsafe condition recorder of the instant 55
`invention.
`FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a basic embodiment
`of the instant invention.
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the
`instant invention, as equipped with a microcontroller 60
`multiple input data acquisition and monitoring unit.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`The block diagram of FIG. 1 illustrates a basic em- 65
`bodiment of the unsafe driving condition recorder 10 of
`the instant invention. The device is intended to be fitted
`to a vehicle such as an automobile, truck, bus, motorcy-
`
`5,430,432
`
`'
`
`4
`cle or the like. Therein is at least one sensor or signal
`generator 12 which generates a signal indicative of
`vehicle speed. The output signal from speed signal gen-
`erator 12 may indicate the actual speed of the vehicle,
`or
`in simpler configurations, may simply indicate
`whether the vehicle speed is above or below a predeter-
`mined or maximum safe value. A processor 14 is cou-
`pled responsively to speed signal generator 12 by means
`of a line to processor signal input 16. Processor 14 in-
`cludes clock 18 which provides means for determining
`elapsed time. In addition, processor 14 has an operator
`alerting output 20 which is coupled to and adapted to
`energize indicator 22. Indicator 22 may be a light or a
`sound emitting device, located for easy perception by
`the operator of the vehicle when energized. Processor
`14 is further provided with an information output 24,
`which is in turn coupled to a storage unit 26. The stor-
`age unit 26 is adapted to accumulate and store for later
`review and analysis, information pertaining to one or
`more predefined unsafe driving conditions, which pro—
`cessor 14 is adapted to transfer or transmit. At least one
`of such unsafe driving conditions is prolonged excessive
`speed.
`It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that
`the above elements may be implemented in a variety of
`forms, from simple to complex, with corresponding
`variations in fabrication expense and the amount and
`detail of information monitored and stored, without
`departing from the spirit and scope of the instant inven-
`tion.
`Turning now to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram is
`shown for a very simple and inexpensive embodiment of
`the instant invention. Speed signal generator 12 of FIG.
`1 corresponds to contacts 12a of FIG. 2, which in their
`most simple form are contemplated as being adapted to
`be triggered by the position of the vehicle’s speedome-
`ter needle. This can be accomplished by a microswitch,
`or appropriate well known circuitry in conjunction
`with optical, magnetic or capacitive sensors. The
`contacts 12a provide a voltage level to the circuitry of
`recorder 10 whenever the needle passes a predeter-
`mined location. This location would correspond to a
`particular speed, for example, the most common speed
`limit, or the maximum national speed limit, that is, 55
`M.P.H. or 65 M.P.H., respectively. To reduce the po-
`tential for defeating the function of the instant inven-
`tion, components thereof not necessarily located else-
`where should be within an enclosure which is tamper
`resistant or tamper evident, or both. Power source 28
`for operating the circuitry of the instant invention may
`be independent, or shared from the vehicle battery. In
`such an embodiment, processor 14 inexpensively takes
`the form of a time delay relay 14a, in turn coupled to
`selectively enable counting by elapsed timer 26a, which
`corresponds to storage unit 26 of FIG. 1. Depending
`upon the construction of time delay relay 14a chosen,
`the mechanism or circuitry providing for the delay in
`the relay corresponds to timer 18 of FIG. 1. The circuit
`of FIG. 2 employs a simple lamp 22a in view of the
`driver as indicator 22 of FIG. 1, such that processor
`input 16 is the same node as operator alerting output 20.
`Thus in this simple embodiment, only prolonged ex-
`cessive speed is contemplated as the unsafe driving
`condition to be monitored, and cumulative elapsed time
`above the predefined maximum safe speed is the operat-
`ing parameter or variable to be stored. In operation, as
`the vehicle exceeds the predetermined speed, the speed-
`ometer needle position triggers closure of contacts 120,
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`simultaneously energizing the coil of relay 14a and
`operator alerting output 20a. Alerting output 20a causes
`indicator lamp 22a to light, warning of the unsafe driv-
`ing condition and calling the operator’s attention to the
`impending memorialization of the event. If the operator
`corrects the unsafe driving condition before elapse of
`the delay time of relay 14a, in this case by slowing
`down, the operator’s momentary indiscretion-or inat-
`tention will be, in effect, forgiven. Conversely, if the
`operator does not reduce the vehicle speed sufficiently
`before expiration of the delay time of relay 14a, the
`contacts of relay 14a will close, energizing output 24a,
`causing elapsed timer 260 to begin accumulating time
`until the vehicle speed is sufficiently reduced.
`Relay 14a is selected according to the delay desired
`between the time the relay coil is energized and the time
`the contacts of relay 14a close, and is contemplated to
`give the operator a reasonable opportunity to correct
`the vehicle’s speed, or complete a passing maneuver.
`Relays having delay times between ten seconds and two
`minutes are at the time of this writing deemed to be
`most useful and appropriate, although these values may
`be further varied according to the application.
`The delay between the time of onset of this prede-
`fined unsafe condition and initiation of information
`accumulation constitutes a “grace period” within which
`a vehicle operator can correct the condition. The conse-
`quences of this grace period is to give the vehicle opera—
`tor control of accumulation of information, so as to
`minimize the “Big Brother” effect that many drivers
`would likely find objectionable. In fact, such a system
`may even be deemed desirable by many drivers, insofar
`as they will be alerted to circumstances which would
`subject them to traffic summonses if observed by police.
`Additional contact sets 12:: may be integrated in the
`device to be triggered at progressively higher speeds,
`which would in turn, trigger additional time delay re-
`lays having delay times of progressively shorter dura-
`tions, thus giving lesser grace periods for increasingly
`unsafe conditions. Accordingly, additional operator
`alerting outputs and indicators may be used to indicate
`the varying seriousness of the unsafe condition.
`Turning now to FIG. 3, a more complex embodiment
`of the instant invention is shown, which utilizes micro-
`processor 14b. While an equivalent device to that of 45
`FIG. 3 may also be fashioned from discrete circuit ele-
`ments, the use of a microprocessor is deemed desirable
`at the time of this writing, because these microproces—
`sors have recently become increasingly sophisticated
`and reliable, as well as inexpensive and plentiful. Not
`only do these processors comprise microprocessors, but
`within the same integrated circuit, they may also com-
`prise analog to digital input converters, serial and paral-
`lel input and output channels, read only memory, and
`random access memory. Because of their greatly ex-
`panded abilities,
`these types of microprocessors are
`commonly referred to as microcontrollers, and this is
`the type of device which is contemplated by FIG. 3.
`In the diagram of FIG. 3, the processor has an input
`and output signal interface, which is shown as sub block
`30 of processor 141). Input and output interface 30 pro-
`vides for the input of information to processor 14b from
`input signal generators 12b, via input lines 16b. I/O
`interface 30 also provides for the output of information
`from processor 141) to output indicators 22b and storage
`unit 26b. Interface 30 should also provide for connec—
`tion and communication with optional external terminal
`36, whereby stored information may be retrieved from
`
`55
`
`6
`storage unit 26b, via terminal I/O line 38. In such a case,
`information line 24b would be bidirectional, although
`alternative provisions may be made for connection of
`terminal 36 directly to storage unit 2617.
`Consequently, multiple input signal generators 12b of
`varying output signal type are shown coupled to pro-
`cessor 1417, via input lines 16b, so that multiple vehicle
`operating variables may be monitored. Thus, according
`to the programming stored in the ROM 32, a variety of
`unsafe vehicle operating conditions may be predefined
`and simultaneously monitored for their occurrence. As
`above, should a predefined unsafe condition occur, an
`appropriate output indicator 22b will then be energized
`via its corresponding output line 20b for a predeter-
`mined grace period. Again, if the unsafe condition is not
`corrected before elapse of the grace period, information
`pertaining to the occurrence will be transferred to stor-
`age unit 26b.
`A variety of methods for determining vehicle speed
`may be chosen from. For example, a signal may be
`taken from a signal generator or source already existing
`in the vehicle, such as digital or electronic speedome-
`ters, or wheel speed sensor systems in anti lock brake
`equipped vehicles Alternatively, vehicles may be re-
`trofitted with components from such systems which
`generate such signals, or with other well known mag-
`netic or optical sensors in conjunction with pulse gener-
`ating rings installed on driveline or other components
`which rotate at a rate proportional to vehicle speed.
`Examples of such driveline components include the
`transmission tailshaft, driveshaft, axle, transaxle, road
`wheels, brake rotors or drums, or the like. In the case of
`retrofitted vehicle speed sensors, these can be easily
`calibrated by motoring the wheels at a known circum-
`ferential speed.
`Ideally, using multiple speed sensors 12b1, the speed
`of each of the vehicle’s wheels would be monitored in
`the same manner as traction control systems and an—
`tilock brake systems, so that detection of gross speed
`variation between wheels is enabled, which in turn,
`would correspond to conditions of extreme braking or
`acceleration. These may constitute additional unsafe
`conditions to be monitored, and recorded if uncorrected
`after warning the operator of their existence.
`As mentioned above, when the instant invention is
`equipped with microcontroller type processor 1411,
`monitoring of multiple channels of input information
`from multiple signal generators 12b is possible, and an
`increased number of unsafe driving conditions may be
`predefined and detected. In this example, input signal
`generators include G force transmitters 12b3, such as
`laterally or longitudinally oriented accelerometers, or
`both, so that the system can detect and alert the Opera-
`tor to conditions approaching those where the vehicle’s
`tires would be pushed beyond their limits of adhesion,
`and a vehicle slide, skid, or other loss of control would
`result. Again, varying degrees of unsafe driving condi-
`tions may be predefined in terms of acceleration forces,
`either alone or in conjunction with other operating
`parameters, and correspondingly varying grace periods
`and warning scenarios implemented before initiating
`storage of the monitored vehicle operation variables.
`Furthermore, since most vehicles cannot attain forces
`above 1 g under their own power, under normal driving
`conditions, a signal level above such a magnitude would
`indicate external origin of the forces, i.e. collision.
`Also included in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are
`distance signal transmitters 12b2, which may take the
`
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`5,430,432
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`7
`form ultrasonic ranging and proximity detecting de-
`vices, directed outwardly and located around the vehi-
`cle to monitor the distance to surrounding objects or
`vehicles, and when monitored in conjunction with
`speed, to indicate tailgating. Again, according to the
`speeds or accelerations and distances sensed, varying
`degrees of tailgating or unsafe proximity may be estab-
`lished, and correspondingly varying grace periods im-
`plemented.
`The embodiment of FIG. 3 also ideally includes input
`signal generator 12b4, which indicates active usage of
`one or more items of the vehicle’s equipment. Such
`monitored equipment may include seat belts, windshield
`wipers, headlights, steering wheel position,
`throttle
`position, directional indicators, and the like. Informa-
`tion thereby provided may be merely be used for stor-
`age upon the uncorrected occurrence of an unsafe con-
`dition, or these variables may be used in conjunction
`with additional programming in ROM 32 and input
`signal generators 12b such as ambient light and or mois-
`ture detectors to define additional unsafe conditions,
`such as operation in darkness without headlights, opera-
`tion in precipitation without wipers, and the like. The
`input sensors used to detect such conditions would
`include photocells for ambient light detection, moisture
`sensors such as those from automatic sprinkler systems
`to detect precipitation, feedback potentiometers for
`vehicle component positions, or mere connection to
`existing vehicular circuitry to indicate use status of
`items such as headlights, wipers, seat belts, and the like.
`Since the embodiment of FIG. 3 is able to monitor a
`variety of operating parameters for detection of more
`than one predefined unsafe driving conditions, it is
`equipped with multiple indicators 22b, coupled to alert-
`ing outputs 20b, each indicating a different unsafe driv-
`ing condition or necessary corrective action, so that the
`vehicle operator is alerted to both the existence of an
`unsafe driving condition, and the nature of the unsafe
`condition so that it may be identified and corrected
`more quickly by the vehicle operator. Legends may be
`placed over indicators 22b to better implement this
`where they take the form of indicator lamps. Where the
`implementation of the instant invention provides for
`varying grace periods, the period may also be communi-
`cated to the driver by pulsing of indicators 22b, varying
`the frequency of the pulsing, for example, increasingly
`faster pulsing indicating increasingly less grace period
`remaining.
`It should be noted that recorder 10 of FIG. 3 may
`employ more or less than four input signal generators
`and indicators, and that four has been chosen as an
`illustrative number only.
`An additional advantage of the microcontroller
`equipped embodiment of FIG. 3 is the inclusion of ran-
`dom access memory 34, which can be used as a buffer
`for temporary storage of monitored input information,
`thus creating a short vehicle operation history. This, in
`conjunction with the multiple input capacity of the
`device, can be used to monitor one or more additional
`input signals or combinations thereof which would
`correspond to the actual occurrence of a catastrophic
`event such as a crash. A crash or collision can be de—
`tected as described above using G force sensors, or by
`coupling an input channel to airbag deployment cir-
`cuitry found in many new vehicles. Alternatively, rela-
`tively severe collisions can be detected by devices such
`as microswitches or fragile conductive tape strips, dis-
`posed across adjacent body or structural components of
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`the vehicle, so that changed continuity of the device
`would indicate changed alignment of the vehicle struc-
`ture, and thus the occurrence of a collision.
`Upon the occurrence and detection of such a cata-
`strophic event, the operation history stored in RAM 34
`would be transferred to storage unit 26b so that the
`operating variables in the time period before occurrence
`of the catastrophic event would be memorialized for
`crash analysis and accident reconstruction and liability
`determination,
`in much the same way as an aircraft
`flight recorder. This should be distinguished from nor-
`mal recording operation of the instant invention, where
`only the input conditions during the uncorrected unsafe
`driving condition, and perhaps a time and date stamp,
`would be recorded. Accordingly, the storage unit 26b,
`which is coupled to processor 14b via line 2417, may take
`the form of a magnetic or optical disk drive, tape, or
`card, or non volatile integrated circuit memory, the
`latter being deemed preferable at the time of this writ-
`ing for lack of moving parts more subject to failure from
`the vibrations associated with an automotive environ-
`ment. Information stored therein may be retrieved by
`removal of the storage unit or its media, or alternatively
`by a data terminal connected via cable to the input
`output interface 30 of processor 14b.
`The enhanced embodiment shown in FIG. 3 can be
`equipped for the monitoring of different or additional
`operating variables and input sensors contemplated for
`monitoring with the instant invention. These may also
`include vehicle pitch to indicate vehicle overloading or
`inadequate or failing suspension components.
`Consequently, it will be clear to those of skill in the
`art that while primary function of the instant invention
`is the monitoring of vehicle operating variables for
`detection of one or more unsafe operating conditions,
`alerting the operator to the existence of the unsafe con-
`dition, and storage for later review of information per-
`taining to the unsafe condition if not corrected in a
`reasonable time, it is also useful for numerous applica-
`tions in addition to the primary use, which include crash
`analysis and reconstruction, driving habit analysis, and
`vehicle structure analysis. Accordingly, while the
`above description contains many specificities,
`these
`should not be construed as limitations of the scope of '
`the instant invention, but rather as exemplifications of
`the preferred embodiments thereof. Thus, the scope of
`the instant invention should not be determined by the
`embodiments shown, but rather by the claims appended
`hereto, and their legal equivalents.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An automotive recorder for use with a motor vehi-
`cle comprising:
`one or more sensors adapted to transmit a signal in-
`dicative of a safety related vehicle operation vari-
`able, one of said one or more sensors being adapted
`to transmit a signal indicative of vehicle speed;
`a processor having one or more inputs, a timer, an
`operator alerting output, and an information out-
`put, the one or more processor inputs being cou-
`pled responsively to said one or more sensors;
`an indicator coupled responsively to the operator
`alerting output of said processor, said indicator
`being located for easy perception by an operator of
`the vehicle when the operator alerting output of
`said processor is energized; and a storage unit cou-
`pled to the information output of said procemor,
`said storage unit being substantially non volatile
`and adapted to receive and accumulate information
`
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`5,430,432
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`10
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`9
`transmitted from the information output of said
`processor for review by a monitoring authority
`after an operation episode;
`said processor being adapted to energize the operator
`alerting output when the signal from one of said 5
`sensor exceeds a predetermined value correspond-
`ing to a predefined maximum safe vehicle operat-
`ing condition, the timer being adapted to trigger
`said processor to automatically and beyond the
`control of the vehicle operator transmit informa-
`tion from the information output to said storage
`unit for review by the monitoring authority after
`the vehicle operation episode when a predeter-
`mined time elapses from the time of energization of
`the operator alerting output and the signal from 15
`said sensor has not receded below the predeter—
`mined value.
`2. The automotive recorder as set forth in claim 1,
`wherein said processor is a microcontroller, and further
`comprising read only memory and an input and output 20
`signal interface, said read only memory being adapted
`for storage of program information for the operation of
`said recorder, and said input and output signal interface
`being coupled and adapted to carry signals between said
`processor and said one or more sensors, said indicator, 25
`and said storage unit.
`3. The automotive recorder as set forth in claim 2,
`wherein said sensors further include a distance signal
`transmitter, adapted to detect the proximity of other
`objects to the vehicle and transmit to said processor a 30
`signal indicative of said proximity.
`4. The automotive recorder as set forth in claim 2,
`wherein said sensors further include a g force signal
`transmitter, adapted to detect the forces of lateral or
`longitudinal or both accelerations upon the vehicle and 35
`transmit to said processor a signal indicative of said
`forces.
`5. The automotive recorder as set forth in claim 2,
`wherein said sensors additionally include means for
`detecting collision of the vehicle, and said processor 4O
`
`10
`further comprising random access memory adapted to
`accumulate the information from said sensors to form a
`vehicle operation history, and the read only memory is
`a