Patent ID: 7805228
Filing Date: 2010-09-28
Classification: G07C

Abstract:
1. A vehicle data recorder, comprising: a first connector that communicates with a vehicle's computer and relays data to and from a vehicle; a processor that controls vehicle data recorder functions; a memory in communication with the processor to store a recorded data; at least one communication protocol controller, wherein the at least one communication protocol controller includes a CAN controller for CAN protocol communication with the vehicle's computer; a second connector that communicates with a host workstation to transfer the recorded data from the vehicle data recorder to the host workstation, wherein the processor controls the vehicle data recorder functions to at least one of recording data for a predetermined period of time, recording data when a trigger button is actuated by a user, and recording data for a period of time before and after the trigger is actuated by the user; an option card in communication with the at least one communication protocol controller and configured to enable the vehicle data recorder to support new communication protocols, wherein the option card further comprises new protocol transceivers which communicate in the new communications protocols; and a power source connector for receiving an external power to power the vehicle data recorder and to the option card.