Patent Abstract:
An automobile diagnostic system monitors in real-time sub-system components. The system has a plurality of acoustic and video sensors in combination for audibly detecting and visually monitoring critical noise levels and/or vibrations in sub-systems such as brakes, shocks, universal joints, exhaust and transmission systems, etc. Each combination sensor is attached a particular sub-system component for monitoring. The data is recorded on a (VCR) system for visual identification and the recording transmitted to a television and Video Cassette. A control panel has a series of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and audible alarms as respective visual and audible alert indicators of tuned frequencies for a particular sub-system component.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/367,498, filed Mar. 27, 2002. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to diagnostic systems. More specifically, the invention is an automobile diagnostic system for monitoring in real-time various subsystem components such as brakes, shocks, universal joints, exhaust and transmission systems. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Various automobile diagnostic systems have been devised for analyzing real-time performance of automobile sub-systems. However, the practice of audio technology within vehicles as a diagnostic tool has been limited to the utilization of audio sensors for ascertaining characteristic failure and other noises of various sub-system component parts. For example, conventional audio sensors have been used exclusively to detect muffler noises. One of the set backs of this particular diagnostic method is a visual inspection is almost always required as a matter of routine before any physical damage or a reasonable course of repair can be determined for a respective subsystem. Unlike conventional diagnostic tools as described hereinbelow, the automobile monitoring system according to the invention solves the problem noted above by utilizing a combination video and audio detector system for monitoring real-time images and noises associated with numerous sub-system components within a vehicle. This type of apparatus and analysis is lacking in conventional diagnostic tools described below. 
   For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,371 issued to Shimizu discloses a motor-driven power steering system which includes a linkage mechanism having tie rods coupled to the steerable wheels and an arm coupled to the tire rods and interconnecting the steering wheel and steerable wheels to each other. A torque detector is disposed within the linkage mechanism for detecting the torque applied to the steering wheel and generating a signal indicative of the detected torque. Noise and vibration are prevented from being transmitted to the passenger compartment and the steering wheel. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,687 issued to Thomas et al. discloses a tool diagnostic circuit comprising a detector which discriminates between tool break acoustic signatures and spiky noises. A common tool break vibration signature is indicated by a sudden appearance of a dense spiky noise. Digital signal pattern recognition logic is used to reject noise based on its lower spike density via an up/down counter. An alarm sounds upon the occurrence of a tool break signature. Preprocessed vibration signal samples are tested against a detection threshold and an alarm generated if the respective signals exceed a preset threshold by a preset count. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,868 issued to McTaggart discloses a phase polarity test instrument, which determines the relative phase polarities between two acoustic or electric signals. A built-in dual channel amplifier enables a pair of microphones to be used as probes to determine phase polarities between two speakers. An OR-function selects the stronger of the two signals under test for comparison. A pair of LED indicators, “IN-PHASE (green), and “OUT-OF-PHASE (red), are driven from a dual-comparator discriminator circuit. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,604 issued to Masaki et al. discloses a control system for an electric automobile. The control system provides selective current control for achieving high driving performance states of the electric vehicle. When in a drive mode, the system controls the current of an inverter and detects current, which drives an induction motor. In a charge mode, the system detects the current of the accumulated charge using the detector. The detector detects current for the two modes, although the current detection range varies or differs by several times between driving and charging modes. That is, the system detects higher current when driving, and lower current when charging as a diagnostic current detection system. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,189 issued to Landy discloses a media mounting apparatus for mounting a television set and/or a VCR within motor vehicles. The support apparatus includes two mating wedge-shaped elements attached via hook and loop fasteners, which provide support for a TV or VCR in combination. The support apparatus includes a strap support configured with hook and loop fasteners for securing the respective devices securely mounted to the wedge support within a vehicle. 
   The British Patent No. GB 2 218 584 A granted to Heading et al. discloses an automobile monitoring system comprising an operational amplifier having a fixed alternating voltage of fixed frequency applied to a first input with dual feedback via a capacitance resistance circuit. A noise rejection circuit is connected to a second input, which also connects with a switch-controlled lamp cluster so that the second input voltage is dependent on the resistance of the lamp cluster. A voltage comparator is also used to control an indicator lamp and an active filter followed by a peak signal detector for lamp monitoring. 
   The Japanese Patent granted to Kenichi discloses a diagnostic tool for an automobile, which includes the utilization of a microphone for diagnosing an engine part or muffler condition. Engine noise from the microphone is sounded from an acoustic device in the automobile for diagnosing the condition of an engine. The microphone is installed on the muffler part of the automobile, and exhaust noise from the microphone is sounded by the acoustic device disposed within the automobile for audible appreciation of exhaust noise to ascertain failure characteristics from the muffler. 
   The European Patent No. EP 0 926 657 A1 granted to Christian et al. discloses an acoustic detection system which produces a reference signal for eliminating detected acoustic signals. The system includes the use of a vibration sensor, which is placed directly next to at least one source of parasitic noise. A signal is derived from this and used as a reference signal. A further signal is derived from an aerial measurement of acoustic pressure signals, which is correlated with the reference signal for subsequent process, and identification of an unknown external acoustic source. 
   The German Patent No. DE 199 00 782 A1 granted to Ruediger discloses a noise reduction device for automobiles comprising an active capacitive sound source disposed at one or both sides of a wheel housing. The device incorporates a noise detector coupled to an electronic control device, which supplies a signal to the sound source via an intermediate amplifier. 
   None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The automobile monitor according to the invention monitors in real-time various sub-system components within an automobile. The system includes the utilization of a plurality of acoustic and video sensors in combination for audibly detecting and visually monitoring critical noise levels and/or vibrations in sub-systems such as brakes, shocks, universal joints, exhaust and transmission systems, etc. Each combination sensor is adapted with sub-system attachment elements such as magnets, C-clamps or the like for fixedly attaching a respective combination sensor to a particular sub-system component for monitoring. 
   The audio and image data are transmitted to a television and Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) system for visual identification and recording of the detected data. A control panel is also used and is configured with a series of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and audible alarms as respective visual and audible alert indicators, which are tuned to frequencies characteristic of a particular sub-system component. The system is configured as a portable or stand alone system with an on-board direct current (DC) power source or as a fixed monitoring system installed within the dashboard of a vehicle with auxiliary power connections made with respect to the vehicle&#39;s battery or power source. 
   Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an automobile monitoring system, which provides real-time monitoring of sub-system components of an automobile. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide an automobile monitoring system, which provides video images of a sub-system to visually detect an apparent condition. 
   It is a further object of the invention is to provide an automobile monitoring system, which provides audio signals of a sub-system to audibly detect an apparent condition. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide an automobile monitoring system, which can selectively record and synthesize video and audio signals for a plurality of sub-system components of an automobile. 
   Further still, it is another object of the invention to provide an automobile monitoring system which can selectively monitor video and audio signals for a single sub-system component of an automobile on a select channel. 
   It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
   These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an environmental, perspective view of an automobile monitor according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2A  is an exploded perspective view of the automobile monitor according to a first embodiment. 
       FIG. 2B  is an exemplary circuit diagram of the automobile monitor according to the invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the automobile monitor according to a second embodiment, illustrating the automobile monitor as a fixed monitoring system disposed within a dashboard of an automobile. 
   

   Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention is directed to an automobile diagnostic system for monitoring in real-time a number of different subsystem components of a high or low performance vehicle. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are depicted in  FIGS. 1–3 , and are generally referenced by numerals  4  and  5 , respectively. 
   As best seen in  FIG. 1 , the automobile diagnostic system according to the first embodiment  4  comprises at least one first audio sensor  10  and a second video sensor  12  for detecting at least one respective first audio signal  10   a  and second video signal  12   a  from at least one subsystem component  14 , 16  (e.g. brakes, shocks, universal joints, exhaust and transmission systems, etc.) of a vehicle  18 . As shown therein, the audio and video sensors  10  and  14  are configured as a combination or single integrated sensor module  15  adapted with a magnetic backing  20  and a C-clamp mechanical fastener  22  for fixedly securing the sensor module  15  to a subsystem component  14 , 16 . 
   Accordingly, detected audio and video signals  10   a  and  12   b  from a subsystem component  14 , 16  are electrically transmitted through a control panel  24  and to a combination television receiver, monitor, and Video Cassette ( 26   a ) Recorder (VCR)  26  via twisted pair cable  17 . The twisted pair cable  17  serves to reduce transmitted signal noise with respect to adjacent cables also transmitting signals. The first embodiment  4  is depicted and configured as a portable or stand-alone system  4 . As a portable system, data transmission to the VCR  26  via selective cables  17 A,  17 B,  17 C,  17 D and  17 E are preferably made as recessed data cable transmissions. That is, the data transmission cables have been exposed for illustrative purposes only and are not exposed as a working model, but are disposed rather as hidden data transmission lines  17 A,  17 B,  17 C,  17 D and  17 E within the housing of the combination TV/VCR unit  26 . Also, all external power connections for the TV/VCR unit  26  are made either directly to the battery of the automobile or vehicle  18  (or to the cigarette lighter as an optional portable feature) via power line  26   b  of the TV/VCR unit  26 . 
   As diagrammatically illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the portable automobile diagnostic system  4  is shown in an exploded perspective to illustrate a plurality of combination sensors  15 A,  15 B,  15 C,  15 D,  15 E electrically adapted through the control panel  24  (shown as a black box) and to the combination TV/VCR  26  on select channels A, B, C, D and E via transmission lines  17 A,  17 B,  17 C,  17 D and  17 E as combination audio/video inputs. As shown therein, the control panel  24  comprises a series of indicators to indicate an audible signal via speakers or amplifiers  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D and  30 E, LED indicators  32 A,  32 B,  32 C,  32 D and  32 E to indicate a respective visual alarm for a selective subsystem component  14 , 16 . An additional feature of the control panel includes selective record button features  34 A,  34 B,  34 C,  34 D and  34 E which activate the recording feature of the TV/VCR  26  on respective channels A, B, C, D and E. Each channel can be calibrated or tuned to a specific channel frequency for selective viewing and recording as a matter of personal preference. Remote control activation of the recording features of the unit  4  can also be performed via a conventional remote control programmable unit (not shown) via an infrared sensor means  39  disposed within a base portion of the TV/VCR unit  26 . 
   Other optional features include the utilization of top and bottom brackets  40  and  42  formed on a rear wall portion  24   a  of the control panel  24  to secure any unused combination sensors  15 A– 15 E thereto. The intricate circuit features have been omitted in this figure and illustrated in black box form sufficient to minimize unnecessary clutter in the illustration. Such features are considered to be well known to one having ordinary skill in the relevant art, and therefore easily performed. More detailed circuit illustrations have been preserved and shown in  FIG. 2B . 
   As depicted in  FIG. 2B , an exemplary control circuit diagram is shown to illustrate operative component features of the invention. As shown herein, subsystem features  14 , 16  are indicated as sources of parasitic noise and are shown enclosed within a vehicle block  18 . Any number of subsystem components (e.g. brakes, shocks, universal joints, exhaust and transmission systems, etc.) can be considered as sources of parasitic noise and therefore are not limited to exemplary subsystem features  14 , 16  as depicted. 
   Notwithstanding, subsystem component  14  is shown tuned to channel A having signals  10   a  and  12   a  detected by respective audio and video sensors  10  and  12 . The obtained signals are transmitted over twisted pair cable  17  and channeled to the TV/VCR as parallel data input or optional serial input via a multiplexer  50 . Node P 1  is linked to and electrically connected to the record button  34 A for recording video and audio signals  10   a , 12   a  for subsystem  14  on video cassette  26   a . Audible and visual indicator components  30 A and  32 A supply audible and visual alarms via speakers and color elected LEDs for subsystem component  14 . 
   Similarly, subsystem component  16  is shown tuned to channel B having signals  10   a ′ and  12   a ′ detected by respective audio and video sensors  10  and  12 . The obtained signals are transmitted over twisted pair cable  17  and channeled to the TV/VCR as parallel data input or optional serial input via a multiplexer  50 . Node P 2  is linked to and electrically connected to the record button  34 B for recording video and audio signals  10   a ′, 12   a ′ for subsystem  16  on video cassette  26   a . Audible and visual indicator components  30 B and  32 B supply audible and visual alarms via speakers and color elected LEDs for subsystem component  16 . 
   Without limit to the number of channels A, B, C, D and E, the control circuit of the control panel  24  demonstrates wherein at least one first and second input signal  10   a , 12   a  representative of at least one characteristic of a subsystem component  14  from an automobile is detected and selectively recorded through a single channel namely A. As enumerated, it is preferred that at least one first signal  10   a  be characteristically distinct and different from at least one second signal  12   a  as such signal are by nature differently detected signals. The first signal being simply an audible signal and the second being a video image signal. The noise between a series of signals is reduced by twisted pair cable  17 . Accordingly, an improved recording of the selective component is made a stored on video cassette  26   a  for subsequent viewing with a patron or master mechanic. 
   As diagrammatically illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the automobile diagnostic system  5  according to the second embodiment is shown wherein a vehicle  60  is configured with the system  5  mounted within a central portion of dashboard  62  as a fixed system  5 . As shown therein, a plurality of subsystems engine component  64 , engine component or alternator  66 , left shock or strut  68 , muffler  70  and an interior cab monitor of an infant I mounted infant car seat  72  are configured with respective sensor modules  15 A,  15 B,  15 C,  15 D and  15 E monitoring on respective channels A, B, C, D, and E. As a fixed arrangement multiple subsystem can be monitored on long distance trips and over time which provide real-time footage and assessment of critical components before failure. 
   An added feature of the invention include wherein practical needs are met such as the need to monitor the activity of newborn or infant to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In addition, the system in either embodiment  4 , 5  can accommodate any number of a user&#39;s favorite videos as a reprieve from what may seem to be the monotonous sounds and images of a mechanic&#39;s “world of vehicle music”. Audible ranges have not been indicated, since such ranges depend upon the intended measurement desired by one having ordinary skill in the audible detection art. With respect to specific image resolutions, the same reason applies as to the intended resolution of the image and its criticality to necessity of particular clarity. Simple miniature digital web cams or similarly configured miniature digital cameras can be used at a selective resolution depended upon the intended use by one having ordinary skill in the camera or video image art. Thus, such characteristic data is considered to be well within the knowledge of one having ordinary skill to perform. 
   It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6