초록 ▼

Provided is an apparatus that includes temperature-sensitive functional means for performing pre-configured functionality (such as video recording), mounting means for mounting the apparatus to a motor vehicle, and heating means for heating the functional means. Detection means detects at least one

Provided is an apparatus that includes temperature-sensitive functional means for performing pre-configured functionality (such as video recording), mounting means for mounting the apparatus to a motor vehicle, and heating means for heating the functional means. Detection means detects at least one of: whether an automobile battery in the automobile is being charged and whether an engine block in the automobile is being heated. Control means controls the heating means and initiates a heating process upon detection by the detection means.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An apparatus comprising: (a) a temperature-sensitive electronic device; (b) mounting means for mounting said temperature-sensitive electronic device in a motor vehicle; (c) heating means for heating said temperature-sensitive electronic device; (d) detection means for detecting at least one

1. An apparatus comprising: (a) a temperature-sensitive electronic device; (b) mounting means for mounting said temperature-sensitive electronic device in a motor vehicle; (c) heating means for heating said temperature-sensitive electronic device; (d) detection means for detecting at least one of: whether an automobile battery within said automobile is being charged, or whether an engine block within said automobile is being heated; and (e) control means for controlling said heating means, wherein said control means initiates a heating process of heating temperature-sensitive electronic device upon a detection by said detection means. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means comprises a temperature detection means for detecting a temperature within said temperature-sensitive electronic device, and wherein the heating process comprises activating said heating means if the detected temperature is less than a specified threshold. 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specified threshold is approximately 30 degrees Fahrenheit. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detection means comprises a power line from a battery charger. 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the power line taps a connection between the battery charger and the automobile battery, wherein a diode is included in the connection between the battery charger and the automobile battery, and wherein the power line taps the connection on a side of the diode that connects to the battery charger. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detection means comprises a pair of mating plugs, at least one of which having a power loop-back from one pin to another. 7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said temperature-sensitive electronic device comprises a video recorder. 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said temperature-sensitive electronic device is mounted in a trunk of the motor vehicle. 9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heating means comprises a solid-state heat pump. 10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said heating means comprises a Peltier element. 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said temperature-sensitive electronic device comprises a hard disk drive. 12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said temperature-sensitive electronic device is located remotely from said engine block. 13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an engine block heater is used to heat the engine block within said automobile, and wherein said heating means is a different device than said engine block heater.