초록 ▼

An invention which facilitates motor vehicle accident reconstruction by providing apparatus for detecting and storing data describing the status of a motor vehicle when it is involved in a collision. The invention includes a plurality of impact detectors, a microprocessor which obtains vehicle statu

An invention which facilitates motor vehicle accident reconstruction by providing apparatus for detecting and storing data describing the status of a motor vehicle when it is involved in a collision. The invention includes a plurality of impact detectors, a microprocessor which obtains vehicle status data from the computer systems used in modern motor vehicles, and a memory, such as an EPROM, for storing the data for later retrieval.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for detecting and storing motor vehicle status data, responsive to an impact, comprising: (a) a plurality of impact detection means, located adjacent exterior surfaces of said motor vehicle, for sensing motor vehicle impacts exceeding a predetermined impact threshold level; (b) a source of

Apparatus for detecting and storing motor vehicle status data, responsive to an impact, comprising: (a) a plurality of impact detection means, located adjacent exterior surfaces of said motor vehicle, for sensing motor vehicle impacts exceeding a predetermined impact threshold level; (b) a source of motor vehicle status data; wherein said source of motor vehicle status data further comprises a plurality of polling lines, each of said polling lines connecting said polling means to an activation switch for said motor vehicle system being monitored, said polling line capable of transmitting a signal from said polling means to said activation switch, and a plurality of signal return lines connecting each of said activation switches to said polling means and capable of receiving said signal transmitted to said activation switch only when said activation switch is in an activated position, so that said data values representative of said motor vehicle status are determined from the signals received by said polling means from said activation switches signal return lines; (c) a microprocessor, connected to said source of motor vehicle status data and responsive to said impact detection means, which upon activation of at least one of said impact detection means, is programmed to determine data values representative of said motor vehicle status, wherein said data values identify said activated impact detection means, said activation time and date, said motor vehicle speed, said vehicle passenger restraint systems status, said vehicle lights status, and said vehicle directional signals status at substantially the time of activation of said impact detection means; (d) an EPROM, connected to said microprocessor, which provides continuous storage of said data values, said EPROM being responsive to said microprocessor which periodically erases said data values stored in said EPROM whenever a predetermined number of motor vehicle impacts exceeding a predetermined impact threshold level are sensed by said impact detection means; and (e) a serial output port for retrieval of said stored data values from said EPROM.