(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0132773 A1
`Plante
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 14, 2007
`
`US 20070132773A1
`
`(54) MULTI-STAGE MEMORY BUFFER AND
`AUTOMATIC TRANSFERS IN VEHICLE
`EVENT RECORDING SYSTEMIS
`
`(75) Inventor: James Plante, Del Mar, CA (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`SMARTDRIVE SYSTEMS, INC.
`P.O. BOX 757
`LA JOLLA, CA 92038 (US)
`(73) Assignee: SmartDrive Systems Inc
`(21) Appl. No.:
`11/297,669
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 8, 2005
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`G06F 12/00
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 34.5/564
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Vehicle event recorder systems are arranged with three stage
`memories and special mechanism to manage those memo
`ries including transfer of data there between. Namely, a
`managed loop memory receives data from a video camera in
`real-time and continuously overwrites expired data implic
`itly determined no longer useful. Data in a managed loop
`memory is only passed to a more stable memory, a high
`capacity buffer memory, in response to an event having
`occurred. An event trigger produces a signal, which causes
`data transfer between the managed loop memory and an
`on-board, high-capacity buffer memory. The high-capacity
`buffer memory is suitable for storing video series associated
`with a plurality of events. Finally, a permanent data store is
`arranged to receive data from the high-capacity buffer
`memory whenever the system returns and falls within a
`predetermined proximity of a download station.
`
`
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 14, 2007 Sheet 1 of 8
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 14, 2007 Sheet 2 of 8
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 14, 2007 Sheet 3 of 8
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 14, 2007 Sheet 4 of 8
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 14, 2007 Sheet 5 of 8
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 14, 2007 Sheet 6 of 8
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 14, 2007 Sheet 7 of 8
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 14, 2007 Sheet 8 of 8
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`US 2007/0132773 A1
`
`Jun. 14, 2007
`
`MULT-STAGE MEMORY BUFFER AND
`AUTOMATIC TRANSFERS IN VEHICLE EVENT
`RECORDING SYSTEMS
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS
`0001) 1. Field
`0002 The following inventions disclosure is generally
`concerned with memory management in Video event
`recorder systems and specifically concerned with a multi
`stage memory strategy which permits highly automated data
`transfer with maximized efficiency for application-specific
`configurations.
`0003 2. Prior Art
`0004 Inventor Schmidt presents in U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,
`127, a video recording system for a passenger vehicle,
`namely a school bus, which has two video cameras one for
`an inside bus view and one for a traffic view, a single
`recorder, and a system whereby the two cameras are mul
`tiplexed at appropriate times, to the recording device.
`Schmidt Suggests using video recording devices having
`video input ports, which are well known to skilled artisan.
`He does not include any for proposal for unique memory
`management; but rather clearly indicates that the known
`memories which are suitable for general-purpose video
`recording are similarly Suitable for his inventions.
`0005 Thomas Doyle of San Diego, Calif. and QUAL
`COMM Inc. also of San Diego, present an invention for a
`method and apparatus for detecting fault conditions in a
`vehicle data recording device to detect tampering or unau
`thorized access, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,130. The system
`includes vehicle sensors for monitoring one or more opera
`tional parameters of the vehicle. Inventor Doyle includes
`non-volatile RAM as part of his system for handling all
`memory function. While non-volatile RAM is highly useful
`in most applications, non-volatile RAM has certain lifetime
`issues when the number of rewrites is very high.
`0006. A “computerized vehicle log is presented by Dan
`Kikinis of Saratoga Calif. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,093. The
`vehicle accident recording system employs a digital camera
`connected to a controller in non-volatile memory, and an
`accident sensing interrupter. These systems include complex
`relationships between a plurality of memories. Kikinis
`systems include program memory ROM, RAM, data
`memory, multi-sectored flash memory, memory tapes, disk
`drives, among others. In the non-volatile memory, oldest
`images are overwritten by newer images until an accident is
`detected. At that time, the memory is blocked from further
`overwrites. Mr. Kikinis instructs that in preferred embodi
`ments, the system has a communications port whereby
`stored images are downloaded after an accident to a digital
`device capable of displaying images. This feature is
`described in greater detail in the specification which indi
`cates download to a server having specialized image han
`dling and processing Software thereon. Further at column 5.
`lines 60 to 67, Kikinis indicates that a user connects an
`output medium to a transfer terminal and activates vehicle
`log program Software to download data from data memory
`to the output medium.
`0007) A vehicle crash data recorder is presented by
`inventor Ferguson of Bellaire, Ohio in U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,
`490. The apparatus is arranged with a three stage memory to
`
`record and retain information. And further it is equipped
`with series and parallel connectors to provide instant on
`scene access to accident data. It is important to note that
`Ferguson finds it important to include the possibility of
`on-site access to the data. Further, that Ferguson teaches use
`of a wired connection in the form of a serial or parallel
`connector. This teaching of Ferguson is common in many
`advanced systems configured as vehicle event recorders.
`0008. A traffic accident data recorder and traffic accident
`reproduction system and method is presented as U.S. Pat.
`No. 6,246.933. A plurality of sensors for registering vehicle
`operation parameters including at least one vehicle mounted
`digital video, audio camera is included for sensing storing
`and updating operational parameters. A re-writable, non
`Volatile memory is provided for storing those processed
`operational parameters and video images and audio signals,
`which are provided by the microprocessor controller. Data is
`converted to a computer readable form and read by a
`computer Such that an accident can be reconstructed via data
`collected.
`0009 U.S. Pat. No. 6.298.290 presented by Abe et al.
`teach a memory apparatus for vehicle information data. A
`plurality of sensors including a CCD camera, a collision
`sensor, vehicle speed sensors, brake pressure sensor, accel
`eration sensor, are all coupled to a control unit. Further, the
`control unit passes information to a flash memory and a
`RAM memory subject to an encoder. Information collected
`is passed through a video output terminal. This illustrates
`another hardwire system and the importance placed by
`experts in the art on a computer hardware interface. This is
`partly due to the fact that Video systems are typically data
`intensive and wired systems are necessary as they have
`bandwidth sufficient for transfers of large amounts of data.
`0010 U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,339 granted to Inventor Just, of
`Alpharetta, Ga. teaches a vehicle operation monitoring sys
`tem and method. Operation of a vehicle is monitored with an
`on-board video camera linked with a radio transceiver. A
`monitoring service includes a cellular telecommunications
`network to view video data received from the transceiver to
`a home-base computer. These systems are aimed at parental
`monitoring of adolescent driving. The mobile modem is
`designed for transmitting live video information into the
`network as the vehicle travels about its service route.
`0011 Inventor Lambert teaches in U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,
`080 a “digital surveillance system with pre-event record
`ing'. Pre-event recording is important in accident recording
`systems, because detection of the accident generally hap
`pens after the accident has occurred. A first memory is used
`for temporary storage. Images are stored in the temporary
`storage continuously until a trigger is activated which indi
`cates an accident has occurred at which time images are
`transferred to a more permanent memory.
`0012 Systems taught by Gary Rayner in U.S. Pat. No.
`6,389.340 are directed to cameras for automobiles which
`capture video images and store the recorded images locally
`on a mass storage system. An operator, at the end of the
`vehicle service day, puts a connector into a device port and
`downloads information into a server system having special
`ized application Software whereby images and other infor
`mation can be played-back and analyzed at a highly inte
`grated user display interface. Rayner uses a combination of
`Volatile and non-volatile memory to enable his systems.
`
`

`

`US 2007/0132773 A1
`
`Jun. 14, 2007
`
`0013 Notwithstanding, techniques have been discovered
`which provide very novel arrangements of the memories in
`vehicle recorder systems, particularly with respect to highly
`mobile systems party based a light-weight temporary
`memory.
`0014 While systems and inventions of the art are
`designed to achieve particular goals and objectives, Some of
`those being no less than remarkable, these inventions have
`limitations which prevent their use in new ways now pos
`sible. Inventions of the art are not used and cannot be used
`to realize the advantages and objectives of inventions taught
`herefollowing.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS
`0.015 Comes now, James Plante with inventions of a
`multi-stage memory and automated transfer in vehicle event
`recording systems including devices and methods. Vehicle
`event recorder Systems are arranged with multi stage memo
`ries and special mechanisms to cause transfer of data
`between those memories. First, a continuous overwrite
`memory is arranged as a managed loop. That memory
`receives data from a video camera in real-time and continu
`ously overwrites expired data. Data is expired when accord
`ing to a timeline definition, the data is expired. Second, data
`in the managed loop memory is passed to a more stable
`longer term buffer memory in response to an event having
`occurred. An event trigger causes a data transfer from the
`managed loop to the buffer memory. Third, the buffer
`memory is arranged as an on-board buffer memory Suitable
`for storing data of a video series associated with a plurality
`of events. Finally, a permanent data store is arranged to
`receive data from the high-capacity buffer memory when
`ever the system returns and falls within a predetermined
`proximity of a download station.
`0016.
`Accordingly, a multi-stage video memory manage
`ment system includes a managed loop memory, a high
`capacity buffer memory, a permanent data store, an event
`trigger; and a proximity trigger. The managed loop memory
`is arranged to continuously receive video data from a video
`camera and record this data in real-time. The high-capacity
`buffer memory has sufficient capacity to store a plurality of
`events—in some versions up to 40 separate events can be
`stored. The event trigger is arranged to cause video data may
`be transferred from the managed loop memory to the high
`capacity buffer memory in response to an event such as a
`traffic accident. The permanent data store is a mass memory
`of high durability and capacity Suitable for long-term Stor
`age. This memory may be coupled to the high-capacity
`buffer memory such that video data may be transferred from
`the high-capacity buffer to the permanent data store in
`response to said proximity trigger. The permanent memory
`may be arranged as a remote data store in communication
`with the buffer memory via public communications net
`works such as the Internet.
`
`OBJECTIVES OF THESE INVENTIONS
`0017. It is a primary object of these inventions to provide
`novel memory management in vehicle event recorder sys
`tems;
`0018. It is an object of these inventions to provide
`systems of high utility and efficiency with regard to various
`memory types and their particular associated attributes;
`
`0019. It is a further object to provide vehicle event
`recorders with multistage memory and management sys
`temS.
`0020 Abetter understanding can be had with reference to
`detailed description of preferred embodiments and with
`reference to appended drawings. Embodiments presented
`are particular ways to realize these inventions and are not
`inclusive of all ways possible. Therefore, there may exist
`embodiments that do not deviate from the spirit and scope of
`this disclosure as set forth by appended claims, but do not
`appear here as specific examples. It will be appreciated that
`a great plurality of alternative versions are possible.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`FIGURES
`0021. These and other features, aspects, and advantages
`of the present invention will become better understood with
`regard to the following description, appended claims and
`drawings where:
`0022 FIG. 1 is a schematic which illustrates a multi
`stage memory buffer between a camera and remotely located
`maSS Storage;
`0023 FIG. 2 is an illustration of examples of event
`trigger actions; and
`0024 FIG. 3 is an illustration of a proximity trigger
`action:
`0025 FIG. 4 diagrams a system including a final memory
`in a remote location;
`0026 FIG. 5 illustrates a large area communications
`space used in conjunction with a proximity trigger,
`0027 FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a prox
`imity trigger event in a large area communications space;
`0028 FIG. 7 illustrates two separate communications
`spaces spatially separated and an authentication system
`associated with the spaces; and
`0029 FIG. 8 is a block diagram directed to preferred
`apparatus of these inventions.
`
`GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS
`0030 Throughout this disclosure, reference is made to
`Some terms which may or may not be exactly defined in
`popular dictionaries as they are defined here. To provide a
`more precise disclosure, the following terms are presented
`with a view to clarity so that the true breadth and scope may
`be more readily appreciated. Although every attempt is
`made to be precise and thorough, it is a necessary condition
`that not all meanings associated with each term can be
`completely set forth. Accordingly, each term is intended to
`also include its common meaning which may be derived
`from general usage within the pertinent arts or by dictionary
`meaning. Where the presented definition is in conflict with
`a dictionary or arts definition, one must consider context of
`use and provide liberal discretion to arrive at an intended
`meaning. One will be well advised to error on the side of
`attaching broader meanings to terms used in order to fully
`appreciate the entire depth of the teaching and to understand
`all intended variations.
`
`

`

`US 2007/0132773 A1
`
`Jun. 14, 2007
`
`Vehicle Event Recorder
`0.031) A vehicle event recorder is fashioned as an elec
`tronic apparatus including video recording equipment, a
`microprocessor, memory, application-specific program
`ming, and a communications system. A vehicle event record
`ing unit is built into a small housing Suitable for mounting
`within a common vehicle Such as a car, truck or bus.
`Managed Loop Memory
`0032. Managed loop memory is rewritable memory
`arranged to receive a continuous input and to continuously
`record that input in a loop fashion whereby old recorded data
`is replaced by newly received data.
`High Capacity Buffer Memory
`0033
`High-capacity buffer memory is memory
`arranged to receive large data sets, for example those
`associated with video series images, and to temporarily store
`those data sets until a time in which they can be transferred
`to a more permanent memory.
`Permanent Data Store
`0034) A permanent data store' is a durable data store of
`very large capacity, and generally includes connectivity to
`networks and large distributed advanced data management
`systems including backup protection schemes.
`Event Trigger
`0035) An event trigger is a system devised to detect a
`prescribed physical condition and provide an electronic
`signal in response thereto; the electronic signal being
`coupled to another system which may be set into action as
`a result of having received the event trigger signal.
`Proximity Trigger
`0036) A proximity trigger is a system devised to detect
`a prescribed proximity condition and provide an electronic
`signal in response thereto; the electronic signal being
`coupled to another system which may be set into action as
`a result of having received the proximity trigger signal.
`
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THESE
`INVENTIONS
`0037. In accordance with each of preferred embodiments
`of these inventions, apparatus for and methods of memory
`management in vehicle recorder Systems are provided. It
`will be appreciated that each of embodiments described
`include both an apparatus and method and that the apparatus
`and method of one preferred embodiment may be different
`than the apparatus and method of another embodiment.
`0038 Vehicle event recorders of these inventions have
`special memories and configurations of memories. Further,
`special couplings between these memories are considered
`important aspects of these inventions. To better understand
`this, it is useful to review particulars relating to the objec
`tives associated with vehicle recorder systems used in con
`junction with automobiles. Vehicle event recorder systems
`of these inventions are arranged to capture video of brief
`time periods rather than extended continuous video series.
`The nature of this type of recording has implications on
`preferred memory arrangements. Further, as a vehicle is
`considered a highly mobile system, memories suitable for
`lightweight, Small footprint mobile systems must be con
`
`sidered. Appropriate lightweight computing/video and
`memory systems are preferably used with vehicle on-board
`systems. Finally, the nature of a vehicle with respect to
`network connectivity is to be considered.
`0039. Unlike common video systems arranged to capture
`continuous video, Vehicle recorder systems are primarily
`designed to capture certain particular events occurring over
`very short time periods. For example, in vehicle recorder
`systems, it is not useful to produce a continuous video record
`of scenes and events around the vehicle throughout its
`service day. Rather, only particular events associated with
`certain vehicle use are of interest. For example, those events
`associated with vehicle abuse. Further, traffic accidents and
`other forms of vehicle misuse yield occasions where it is
`desirable to have a brief video record of the circumstance(s)
`which led to and resulted from such misuse or accident. Thus
`the video recorder systems of this disclosure are character
`ized in that they are intended to capture short video
`sequences rather than video sequences over extended period
`of time. This detail has direct implications with regard to
`choice of memory arrangements. In this case, it is useful to
`arrange a first memory in a managed loop configuration
`whereby video is collected in real-time but constantly over
`written with later captured video data. Only when an impor
`tant event occurs is data preserved by transfer to a high
`capacity buffer memory.
`0040. As it is desirable in a vehicle recorder system that
`devices be very small and compact in size, certain memories
`which cannot be easily implemented as compact systems are
`not appropriate for vehicle event recorders. In example,
`large disk drive arrays, which have huge capacity and great
`redundancy, are memory systems not appropriate for these
`vehicle event recorder systems. However, memory systems
`commonly know as flash type memory are highly useful. A
`flash type memory can be useful to hold video data associ
`ated with a plurality of discrete video events. Thus in
`preferred versions, a flash type memory buffer is coupled to
`managed loop memory Such that each time an event occurs,
`data in managed loop memory is transferred to the flash
`memory. Flash memory having a high-capacity is operable
`for storing video data associated with many events.
`0041
`Finally, attention is directed to the nature of com
`munications connectivity associated with a vehicle which
`includes computing systems. Since vehicles are not readily
`Suited to be plugged into wired computer network systems,
`it is useful to implement special consideration when con
`figuring a memory strategy for vehicle event recorders.
`Thus, an on-board memory may have a special relationship
`with a remote network memory. These two memories may
`be coupled to each other only at specific times, for example,
`when a vehicle has returned to a download station.
`0042. With a better understanding of the vehicle event
`recording application at hand, one will appreciate that an
`ideal memory system is more complex than simple deploy
`ment of inexpensive flash memory in conjunction with a
`Video camera which is the common arrangement of light
`duty Video cameras such as inexpensive handheld devices
`and those used in cell phones. In vehicle recorder systems,
`it is preferred that we have a three stage memory: compris
`ing: a high-speed, managed to loop memory, a high-capacity
`buffer memory, and a final durable data store system.
`0043. One gains a better understanding of these systems
`in consideration of the appended drawing figures with
`
`

`

`US 2007/0132773 A1
`
`Jun. 14, 2007
`
`associated reference numerals. In particular with reference
`to FIG. 1, a three stage memory system suitable for vehicle
`event recorders is presented. A video camera 1, is arranged
`to capture video images and convert those images to elec
`tronic signals which may be processed by a computer and
`stored in electronic memories. The vehicle event recorder
`system is comprised of memory systems including: a man
`aged loop memory 2, a high-capacity buffer memory embod
`ied as a flash type device 3, and a durable, long-term, data
`store memory 4.
`0044) Is not merely the unique arrangement of these three
`memories and the fashion by which they are in communi
`cation with one another which makes up the essence of these
`inventions, but rather, it is important to consider the cou
`plings between these memories and mechanisms by which
`data transfers occur between these memories.
`0045. As mentioned, the first memory is arranged as a
`managed loop memory. Images from the video camera are
`continuously recorded in the managed loop memory in a
`step which overwrites old data which is no longer needed. In
`Some simple arrangements, this managed loop 5 is provided
`as a FIFO or first-in, first overwritten scheme. In preferred
`high-performance arrangements, the managed loop is
`embodied as a timeline dilation scheme. All video data
`collected by the camera is stored only in the managed loop
`memory until a time when an event trigger 6 occurs. When
`an event trigger occurs, a memory transfer operation is
`executed. Data in the managed loop memory is transferred
`to a high-capacity buffer memory in response to an event
`having been detected. Thus the relationship between the
`managed loop memory and the high-capacity buffer memory
`can be characterized in that they are coupled by way of the
`event trigger which causes a transfer of data therebetween.
`0046) Flash memory has a capacity which may accom
`modate video data associated with several events. While
`flash memory is suitable for preserving data collected
`throughout the vehicle service day, it is not unlimited, nor
`permanent and data stored there is preferably transferred to
`a more durable long-term memory. Thus the high-capacity
`buffer memory is coupled to a durable data store by way of
`a proximity trigger 7. When the vehicle returns to download
`station (parking facility) at the end of the day, the proximity
`trigger detects that a vehicle has arrived at the download
`station and causes a wireless transfer 8 of data between the
`high-capacity buffer memory and the data store. The proX
`imity trigger may be embodied within a wireless commu
`nications system whereby the mere presence of a vehicle in
`a designated parking lot causes a download transaction to
`occur automatically.
`0047. In review, video data from a video camera is
`continuously put into managed loop memory until an event
`trigger occurs which causes a data transfer from the man
`aged loop memory to a flash type memory buffer. The flash
`memory has suitable capacity to accommodate several of
`these data transfers each being associated with a different
`event. Finally, when the vehicle returns to an appropriate
`download station a proximity trigger causes all data in the
`high-capacity buffer to be transferred to a network memory
`more durable and permanent in nature.
`0.048. It is again noted that these inventions not only
`include three stages of particular memory configuration
`uniquely arranged in communication with one another, but
`
`in addition, include mechanism by which memory transfers
`occurs between these stages. More particularly, attention is
`drawn to the primary elements herein described as the event
`trigger and the proximity trigger. An event trigger is a
`system provided to sense and detect occurrence of some
`event of interest. An event of interest may be for example an
`automobile traffic accident. In this case accelerometers
`respond to abrupt changes in motion and provide the video
`event recorder with a signal to indicate that video data
`should be preserved and transferred to the high capacity
`buffer memory. While accelerometers provide excellent
`means of detecting abrupt motion in vehicles, there are
`additional systems which operate as useful event triggers.
`For example, a user initiated system may include a tactile
`Switch which may be voluntarily engaged or operated by a
`user to indicate that some video sequence should be pre
`served. Thus, a so-called “panic button' system may operate
`as an event trigger as well as accelerometers.
`0049. With reference to FIG. 2, a traffic accident between
`two automobiles car 21 and car 22 equipped with a vehicle
`event recorder system 24 having accelerometers 25 arranged
`as an event trigger. When a collision 23 occurs, the accel
`erometer initiates a data transfer between managed loop
`memory and a buffer memory to preserve video data col
`lected immediately before and after the traffic accident. In
`similar fashion, car 26 equipped with a vehicle event
`recorder and accelerometer type event trigger illustrates that
`Video of single vehicle accidents are captured as well.
`0050. In another scenario, a vehicle event recorder sys
`tem equipped with a “panic button' type event trigger 27
`may be engaged manually by a driver 28. When a driversees
`some event which he determines should be recorded, he
`pushes a tactile button 29 arranged as an event trigger to
`initiate a data transfer between managed loop memory and
`buffer memory to preserve video associated with the
`observed event.
`0051. Thus event triggers of these inventions may be
`fully automated Such as accelerometers or may also include
`manual type event triggerS Such as those embodied as panic
`buttons. In either case, a signal is provided to the system
`which causes data in the managed loop memory to be
`preserved and transferred to the buffer memory where it may
`be temporarily preserved.
`0052 The above examples with reference to the drawings
`describe how video data is transferred from a first stage
`memory to a second stage memory; both of these memories
`being on-board memory. The following description is
`directed to the relationship between the on-board buffer
`memory and a long-term durable data store which may be
`maintained as part of a remote network system. Of particular
`importance in these systems, is a proximity trigger arranged
`to detect a proximal relationship between a vehicle event
`recorder and a communications station and further causes
`data in an on-board memory to be transmitted wirelessly to
`a network data store. FIG. 3 illustrates. A vehicle 31, returns
`at the end of a service day to a special parking facility 32.
`The parking facility is equipped with necessary equipment
`and communications means to serve as a data download
`facility. A communications space 33 which envelopes the
`parking area is served with a wireless communications
`system such as WiFi radio or other radio with suitable
`communications protocol. When the vehicle enters 34 this
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`US 2007/0132773 A1
`
`Jun. 14, 2007
`
`communications space this condition is detected by a proX
`imity trigger which then the initiates a download action. A
`radio communications system 35 defines the extent of the
`communications space by way of its range. When a vehicle
`pierces the boundary of the communications space, data in
`the on-board buffer memory is transferred wirelessly 36 to
`a more permanent data store automatically without input or
`explicit action from the driver. This is achieved because the
`vehicle event recorder 37 is equipped with a connection
`manager module 38. The connection manager, detects the
`presence of a radio signal and negotiates an authorized
`communications connection with the radio server. When a
`proper communications link is established, data is passed
`from the on-board buffer memory to server 39 where data
`may be stored indefinitely or used in further processes or
`analysis.
`0053. It is useful to point out special versions of these
`systems which include the public Internet. Vehicle 41 enters
`download space 42, merely by entering 43 the communica
`tions space served by radio 44. Vehicle even recorder 45,
`includes connection manager 46 comprised of proximity
`trigger 47. The proximity trigger may include a radio signal
`strength detector to indicate a vehicle has entered into the
`communications space. Upon entry, video data is passed
`from an on-board memory to a remote system, which has no
`particular location relationship with the download Station.
`That is, the third stage memory may be located anywhere
`within the network. A communications station need only be
`connected to the Internet. A remote server 48 arranged to
`facilitate download operations can be anywhere in the
`world. Such remote server can be in further communication
`with a mass data store 49 Such as a redundant disk array.
`0054 Since proximity trigger systems depend on the
`extent of a communications space, it is useful to further
`consider means which gives rise to this space. Namely, a
`radio transmitter or network of radio transmitters which
`have finite and limited service range. To establish an
`extended communications space, it is possible to arrange a
`plurality of radio transmitters each displaced in position with
`respect to another to form an array. FIG. 5 illustrates an
`advanced communications space having such extended
`range and associated array of radio transmitters. A plurality
`of radio transmitters 51 may each be coupled to the Internet
`by hardwire connection 52. Each radio transmitter may be
`separated from another by a distance 53 to provide a
`spatially distributed arrangement of radio transmitters. Each
`radio transmitter having a communications range 54 asso
`ciated therewith operates together in conjunction with the
`others to provide a large space coverage. An extended
`parking lot 55, may be as large as several acres and Suitable
`for accommodating hundreds of automob