Abstract:
A vehicle data recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a processor, a power supply, a program memory for storing directions to be executed by the processor, a video camera for recording video data, a random-access memory for storing video data received from the video camera in a continuous-loop fashion, a non-volatile memory for storing video data from the random-access memory in response to a triggering event, a first sensor for detecting a triggering event, and a video display, wherein the video display displays video stored in the non-volatile memory, and wherein the vehicle data recorder is detachable from the motor vehicle and is capable of playing back video stored in the non-volatile memory while detached from the motor vehicle.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a vehicle data recorder. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vehicle data recorder that continuously records vehicle data, primarily video and audio data, for review at a later time. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A vehicle data recorder is intended to record vehicle data during the time surrounding a triggering event, such as a collision. Vehicle data could include video and audio data, as well as data collected from various sensors inside the vehicle, such as speed and RPM data. This vehicle data may later be used to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the accident. 
         [0003]    However, when using prior art vehicle data recorders, it is impossible to view the recorded vehicle data at the scene of the accident. This presents quick allocation of fault at the accident site by law enforcement officers. Further, the substantial time delay between the collision and the time when the recorded vehicle data is viewed raises the specter of modification of the recorded vehicle data. 
         [0004]    Thus, there is a need for a vehicle data recorder with built-in playback capability. Further, there is a need for a vehicle data recorder with built-in playback capability that is capable of playing back video data when removed from the vehicle. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a vehicle data recorder with a built-in display, capable of operation when removed from the vehicle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    A vehicle data recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a processor, a power supply, a program memory for storing directions to be executed by the processor, a video camera for recording video data, a random-access memory for storing video data received from the video camera in a continuous-loop fashion, a non-volatile memory for storing video data from the random-access memory in response to a triggering event, a first sensor for detecting a triggering event, and a video display, wherein the video display displays video stored in the non-volatile memory, and wherein the vehicle data recorder is detachable from the motor vehicle and is capable of playing back video stored in the non-volatile memory while detached from the motor vehicle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    In describing the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like parts have like reference numerals, and wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0010]      FIGS. 3 and 4  are perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Referring generally to  FIG. 1 , and upon review of this description, it will be appreciated that the apparatus of the present invention generally may be embodied within numerous configurations. 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a vehicle data recorder  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. It comprises a video camera  110 , signal controller  120 , program memory  125 , random-access memory (RAM)  130 , non-volatile memory  135 , g-force sensor  140 , microphone  145 , power supply  150 , clock  155 , display  160 , speaker  165 , user interface  170  and non-volatile memory  175 . 
         [0013]    Video camera  110  is mounted in the vehicle data recorder  100 . Video camera  110  preferably looks towards the front of the vehicle being monitored, viewing in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Video camera  110  preferably utilizes a CCD or CMOS sensor. The vehicle data recorder  100  may include a plurality of video cameras  110 . 
         [0014]    Signal controller  120  is a microprocessor, microcontroller, or similar device. Signal controller  120  performs operations stored in the program memory  125 . These operations will be discussed in greater detail below. 
         [0015]    Program memory  125  stores operations to be performed by the signal controller  120 . These operations will be discussed elsewhere in the specification. 
         [0016]    Random-access memory (RAM)  130  is used for temporary storage of recorded vehicle data. It may additionally be used to store other information required in the operation of vehicle data recorder  100 . 
         [0017]    G-force sensor  140  is a device used to measure g-forces. G-force sensor  140  is typically an accelerometer. G-force sensor  140  may only be able to measure g-forces on a single axis. In this case, it may be advisable to use two g-force sensors  140 , one measuring forward g-forces, the other measuring lateral g-forces. A third g-force sensor  140  may be utilized to measure vertical g-forces, but generally is not required. 
         [0018]    Microphone  145  is used to pick up sounds audible inside the vehicle. For instance, the microphone would be able to pick up the voices of the driver and any passengers, tire screeches, horns, sirens, and collisions. 
         [0019]    Power supply  150  supplies power to the various components of vehicle data recorder  100 . Preferably, power supply  150  consists of a battery or batteries. This allows the vehicle data recorder  100  to be operated outside the vehicle. Alternatively, power supply  150  may draw power from the vehicle&#39;s power supply and distribute that power to the components of the vehicle date recorder  110 . Vehicle data recorder  100  also preferably includes means to charge power supply  150 , if power supply  150  is a battery, not shown here. 
         [0020]    Real-time clock  155  supplies a clock signal to, at least, signal controller  120 . Various other components may also require a clock signal. For instance, RAM  130  may require a clock signal. 
         [0021]    Display  160  is used to display recorded video vehicle data. In other words, display  160  displays the vehicle data recorded by the video camera  10 . Display  160  may also be used to display, for instance, menus allowing configuration of the vehicle data recorder  100  and data concerning the status of the vehicle data recorder  100 . 
         [0022]    Speaker  165  is used to play recorded audio vehicle data. Thus, speaker  165  plays the vehicle data recorded by the microphone  145 . 
         [0023]    User interface  170  is a set of controls that allow the user to configure the vehicle data recorder  100 . The user interface may also be used to control the replay of vehicle data stored in RAM  130  or non-volatile memory  175 . The user interface  170  preferably includes controls to play, stop, pause, fast-forward, rewind, step forward and step back. 
         [0024]    Non-volatile memory  175  is used to more permanently store vehicle data of interest. Preferably, non-volatile storage  175  is a removable SD or CF flash memory card. Alternatively, vehicle data recorded  100  may employ two non-volatile memories  175 , one permanent and internal to the vehicle data recorder  100 , and one removable. 
         [0025]    The operation of the vehicle data recorder  100  will now be described with reference to  FIG. 2 . At step S 220 , under control of the signal processor  110 , digital signals representing the video recorded by video camera  110  and audio recorded by microphone  145  are recorded to RAM  130 , configured as a continuous loop buffer. In other words, vehicle data is stored in RAM  130  until a predetermined amount of RAM  130  is used to store the vehicle data. At that point, the earliest-recorded vehicle information is overwritten. RAM  130  is configured to store a predetermined amount of vehicle data such as, for instance, 128 megabytes. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the period of time reflected by the vehicle data stored in RAM  130  will vary depending on the video and audio quality, level of compression, if any, the number of video cameras  110  and microphones  145 , and the amount of memory in RAM  130  configured to store vehicle data. In a preferred embodiment, it is desired that at least 15 seconds of video be stored at all times. The vehicle data stored in RAM  130  is preferably time-stamped. 
         [0026]    During normal operation of the vehicle data recorder  100 , S 240  will evaluate as no, and the vehicle data recorder  100  will continuously record vehicle data to the RAM  130 . 
         [0027]    However, when a triggering event occurs S 240  evaluates to yes, and operation proceeds to S 250 . At S 250 , the signal controller  110  copies the vehicle data stored in the RAM  130  to the non-volatile memory  175 . Typically, the triggering event is the detection by the g-force sensor  140  of acceleration data indicating that a collision has occurred. Alternatively, the triggering event may be the detection by microphone  145  of audio data indicating a collision or some other interesting event had occurred. In another embodiment, the signal controller  110  may delay the transfer of vehicle data stored in the RAM  130  to the non-volatile memory  175  for a predetermined period of time, such as five seconds. In the meantime, vehicle data would continue to be recorded in the RAM  130 . In this way, not only the events immediately preceding the triggering event but also the events shortly thereafter may be committed to non-volatile memory  175 . 
         [0028]    RAM  130  and non-volatile memory  175  thus together form a two tiered memory structure. RAM  130  records vehicle data in a continuous fashion. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the vehicle data stored in RAM  130  is copied to non-volatile memory  175 . The vehicle data thus stored in non-volatile memory  175  is then not deleted unless explicitly requested by a user. Preferably, non-volatile memory  175  should have the capacity to store vehicle data relating to several triggering events. 
         [0029]    Shortly after the occurrence of a triggering event, a user may desire to play back the stored vehicle data. If the user issues a playback command at S 260 , the vehicle data stored in non-volatile memory  175  may be replayed through display  160  and speaker  165  at S 270 . The playback is preferably controlled through the user interface  170 . 
         [0030]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate an embodiment of the vehicle data recorder  100  as a mount for a rear-view mirror. The vehicle data recorder  100  attaches to the windshield, and holds a rear-view mirror  2 . The video camera  170  is located on the front surface of the vehicle data recorder  100 , and has a field of vision outside the front. The display  160  is rotatably mounted to the bottom surface of the vehicle data recorder  100 , and is able to be flipped so that it is facing the cabin, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . User interface  170  is shown located on the top surface of vehicle data recorder  170 . 
         [0031]    It should be appreciated that merely preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above. However, many modifications and variations to the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, which will be within the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, although the above description of preferred embodiments discussed ties in the traditional rectangular shape, Therefore, the invention should not be limited to the described embodiments. To ascertain the full scope of the invention, the following claims should be referenced.