Patent Application
20050083404
The present invention relates to a data acquisition and display system and a method for recording, and more particularly to a vehicle mounted data acquisition and display system and a method of digitally recording and storing data in a vehicle mounted apparatus.
It has become increasingly common for police patrol cars to be equipped with complex electronic apparatus, including flashing lights, advanced radar-based speed measuring apparatus, and advanced laser-based speed measuring apparatus. Additionally, in some cases, police patrol cars are equipped with cameras and VCRs for recording video data collected by the cameras. Typically, some or all of these electronic apparatus are mounted in the trunk of the patrol cars.
While the above described electronics apparatus are generally useful, law enforcement officers (“officers”) are often unable to effectively operate the electronic apparatus because they are located in hard-to-reach locations and/or are overly complex and difficult to operate. Moreover, it is often difficult for officers to operate the electronic apparatus during high-speed pursuits, domestic disturbances, and other high-stress and high-activity situations. Therefore, the electronic apparatus, and particularly the cameras, are often not activated until after an incident is resolved. For these reasons, the electronic apparatus are often underutilized and valuable data, including video data and speed data, is often not recorded.
Also, conventional electronic apparatus often record a voluminous amount of data, at least some of which is of no real value. Moreover, electronically collected data is often difficult to organize, retrieve, warehouse, and sort and therefore may be of little value.
Additionally, there is an increasing demand for apparatus that monitor and record the activity of police officers and/or suspects during arrests, altercations, vehicle searches, and traffic stops. More particularly, it is thought that by recording the activities of officers and suspects, incidents of police brutality and false allegations of police brutality can be reduced and/or eliminated.
To address these and other concerns, the present invention provides, among other things, a video recording apparatus for mounting in a vehicle having an interior console and an aperture in the console. The apparatus comprises a frame mountable in the aperture, recording media housed in the frame and operable to store video data, and a video input in communication with the recording media to receive video data and to transfer the video data to the recording media.
The present invention also provides a video recording apparatus for mounting in a vehicle having an interior console. The apparatus comprises a frame mountable in the console and housing a radio, a recording media housed in the frame and operable to store video data, and a video input in communication with the recording media to receive video data and to transfer the video data to the recording media.
Additionally, the present invention provides a video recording apparatus for mounting in a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a digital memory unit operable to store video data, a global positioning system operable to calculate location data and being in communication with the digital memory unit to transfer the location data to the digital memory unit, the digital memory unit associating the location data and the video data, and a search engine in communication with the digital memory unit and operable to search the digital memory unit for at least one of the location data and the video data.
Moreover, the present invention provides a video recording apparatus having a digital memory unit operable to store video data, a traffic velocity recording apparatus input in communication with the digital memory unit to receive traffic velocity data and to transfer the traffic velocity data to the digital memory unit, the digital memory unit associating the traffic velocity data and the video data, and a search engine in communication with the digital memory unit and operable to search the digital memory unit for at least one of the traffic velocity data and the video data.
Also, the present invention provides a video recording apparatus having a digital memory unit operable to store video data, a vehicle status data input in communication with the digital memory unit to receive vehicle status data and to transfer the vehicle status data to the digital memory unit, the digital memory unit associating the vehicle status data and the video data, and a search engine in communication with the digital memory unit and operable to search the digital memory unit for at least one of the vehicle status data and the video data.
Additionally, the present invention provides a method of operating a video recording apparatus and a method of recording and indexing data.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and drawings.
The present invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various constructions of the present invention. However, it should be noted that the invention as disclosed in the accompanying drawings is illustrated by way of example only. The various elements and combinations of elements described below and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged and organized differently to result in constructions which are still within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “right”, “left”, “forward”, and “rearward” are used herein and in the claims for purposes of description only and are not intended to imply any particular order, orientation, or importance.
The vehicle V includes a driver seat 20 and an instrument console 22 positioned adjacent to the driver seat 20 and the steering wheel 24. In the illustrated construction, the instrument console 22 is supported on the vehicle V dashboard. However, in other constructions (not shown), the instrument console 22 or portions of the instrument console 22 can be positioned between the front seats of the vehicle V or on the vehicle ceiling. The invention will generally be described with respect to an embodiment wherein the audio-video recording apparatus 10 is located within the instrument console 22 supported on the dashboard. However, as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, apparatus 10 can be located in any one of a plurality of locations about or adjacent to the console. Such locations include, but are not limited to, in the console or dash, underneath the console or dash, above the console or dash or protruding from the console or dash.
As shown in
The data acquisition and display system 10 includes a central unit 30 having a frame and being positioned in the aperture 26. In some constructions, the central unit 30 is sized to be received in the double-din bins of vehicles commonly used for law enforcement, such as, for example, the Ford Police Interceptor. In other constructions (as shown in
The central unit 30 houses a central processing unit or controller 31, which is programmable to coordinate operation of the data acquisition and display system 10. Additionally, the controller 31 includes a search engine (not shown), which is operable to search a recording media 44 (described below). A shock absorption and vibration isolation system (not shown) supports the central unit 30 in the console 22 and protects the components housed in the central unit 30 from damage.
As shown in
To move the front panel 32 from the closed position to the opened position, an operator depresses one or more buttons located on the front panel 32 to release a first latching mechanism (shown in
In some constructions (not shown), the latching mechanism includes a lock (e.g., a mechanical locking mechanism, an electronic lock, etc.). In these constructions, only authorized operators having the correct key or key code can move the front panel 32 from the closed position to the opened position.
The front panel 32 includes a monitor or video display screen 36 and a user interface or control pad 40. In the illustrated construction, the video display screen 36 is a 3.8 inch flat color TFT liquid crystal (“LCD”) display screen. However, in other constructions (not shown), other conventional display screens can be used, such as black and white screens, picture tube screens, and high definition screens. The user interface 40 includes a number of buttons, knobs, and dials for controlling operation of the data acquisition and display system 10. In some constructions, at least a portion of the user interface 40 includes soft rubber buttons and back lighting to facilitate operation of the data acquisition and display system 10 at night or in other low lighting environments.
More particularly, in the illustrated construction (see
The vehicle engine 42 and/or the vehicle battery 43 provide power to the data acquisition and display system 10. Additionally, as shown in
As shown in
In addition, in some constructions, the locking mechanism (described above) limits access to the recording media 44 so that only a limited number of operators can access the recording media 44. In this manner, the evidentiary quality of data stored on the recording media 44 can be preserved and data tampering can be prevented. For example, the locking mechanism can be locked so that patrol officers cannot open the front panel 32 and only supervisory level officers (e.g., sergeants, lieutenants, captains, etc.) can gain access to the recording media 44.
The central unit 30 also houses a heating unit 48 (see
The central unit 30 also houses a clock 47 (see
As shown in
As shown in
The data acquisition and display system 10 also includes a number of cameras 62 located throughout the vehicle V. Cameras 62 can be video or audio/video devices, which may be wired or wireless. In the illustrated construction, a first camera 62a (shown in
In the illustrated construction, the first and second cameras 62a and 62b are analog/digital video cameras capable of recording color images and the third camera 62c is an analog/digital video camera capable of recording infrared images. However, in other constructions, the present invention can also include still cameras and black and white cameras, and low ambient-light (i.e., night-vision) cameras. Additionally, while the illustrated construction includes three cameras 62, in other constructions (not shown), the present invention can include one, two, four, or more cameras. For example, in some constructions, cameras 62 are mounted on the vehicle ceiling and are directed toward the side windows to record activity on the right and left sides of the vehicle V. In still other constructions (not shown), one or more of the cameras 62 are remotely positionable so that the operator can adjust the direction of the cameras 62 to record activity in front of the vehicle V, to the left of the vehicle V, to the right of the vehicle V, behind the vehicle V, or inside the vehicle V.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a rearward facing camera can have a mirror option applied to its received data so as to cause viewed objects to be displayed as they would normally be observed through a rear view mirror.
In a further embodiment, dual channel recording is provided by the present invention. For example, camera #1 may have its information separately stored on one channel while cameras #2 and #3 are stored on a separate channel.
Data recorded by the cameras 62 is transmitted across lines 66 (illustrated schematically in
In an alternate construction, the data acquisition and display system 10 can include a remote handheld video camera (not shown) which can be carried by an operator to record video data when he leaves the vehicle V to chase a suspect or to investigate a building or another vehicle. When the operator returns to the vehicle V, the operator can upload recorded video data from the handheld camera to the controller 31 and the recording media 44 via one of the communication ports 54 for indexing and storage in the recording media 44. Alternatively, the camera could wirelessly communicate video data to the controller 31 or the data acquisition and display system 10, in real-time or upon the conclusion of the recording session, alternatively the camera could communicate with an extension cable back to communication port 54.
In some constructions, the recording media 44 records video data on a single channel. In these constructions, the controller 31 is programmed to record video data from one camera 62 (e.g., the first camera 62a) during normal operation. The operator can then select an alternate camera 62 (e.g., the second or third camera 62b, 62c) with the “CAM” button or the REC 1, REC 2, or REC 3 buttons as desired (e.g., when a passenger is in the backseat). In other constructions, the recording media 44 records two channels of video data simultaneously. In these constructions, the controller 31 is programmed to record video data on two channels from two cameras 62 (e.g., the first and second cameras 62a, 62b) during normal operation. The operator can then select an alternate camera configuration (e.g., the first camera 62a and the third camera 62c) as desired (e.g., when a passenger is in the backseat).
During normal operation and as mentioned above, the first camera 62a is directed forwardly and is focused to record activity occurring in a broad area in front of the vehicle V, the second camera 62b is directed rearwardly and is focused to record activity occurring in a broad area behind the vehicle V, and the third camera 62c is directed rearwardly and is focused to record activity within the vehicle such as in the backseat. Additionally, in some constructions, an operator can remotely adjust the orientation of the first, second, and third cameras 62a, 62b, and 62c to pan to the right, left, above, or below the predetermined focal points. The operator can also adjust the focal point of the first, second, and third cameras 62a, 62b, 62c and can zoom in or zoom out using the “Z-IN” and “Z-OUT” buttons. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the cameras 62a and 62b may be placed in a macro mode, i.e. a mode for close-up viewing/capture of objects such as a driver's license.
Video data from the video camera 62 can also be displayed on the display screen 36 in real time so than an operator can discreetly monitor activity outside the vehicle V and/or activity of a passenger in the backseat. Alternatively, previously recorded video data can be played back on the display screen 36. In constructions of the data acquisition and display system 10 having multiple video cameras 62, the operator can toggle between the video cameras 62a, 62b, and 62c using the “CAM” button to display data from any one of the video cameras 62a, 62b, and 62c on the display screen 36. Also, in constructions of the present invention in which video data from two cameras is simultaneously recorded, the operator can review previously recorded video data on the display screen 36 from either of the video channels by toggling between the two channels using the “CAM” button.
The data acquisition and display unit 10 also includes audio recording apparatus or microphones 68. A first or internal microphone 68a (see
In some constructions, the data acquisition and display system 10 includes a second cordless or external microphone 68b (e.g., a walky-talky, a two-way radio, etc.). In these constructions, the microphone 68b transmits sound data in a known manner to one of the nonphysical-connection-based in-car transceiver #70 connected to communication port 54a on the junction box 56. Additionally, in these constructions, the operator can bring the second microphone 68b with him when he leaves the vehicle V to approach a suspect or to investigate a building or a parked vehicle or the like.
As shown in
The second microphone 68b includes two LED's that display battery condition, synchronization and communication indications, a “RECORD” button 72a, and a “HELP” button 72b, and a power ‘ON’/‘OFF’ button 71. A LED indicator (flashes yellow) to alert the operator whether the second microphone 68b is within range or out of range of the controller 31 and to indicate whether or not a communication line can be established between the second microphone 68b and the controller 31.
In the construction illustrated in
To communicate, the operator depresses the RECORD 72a button and speaks into the second microphone 68b in a conventional manner. Sound data from the second microphone 68b is transmitted across one of 1040 channels in the 900 MHz range (e.g., between about 902 MHz and about 928 MHz) back to the in-car transceiver #70, connected to communication port 54a on the junction box 56 and along line 58 from the junction box 56 to the controller 31 and the recording media 44 where the sound data is stored and indexed for later retrieval or transmitted to some other device. Also, as explained below, sound data from the second microphone 68b is indexed and coordinated with other recorded data, such as, for example, date and time data, vehicle status data, vehicle location data, vehicle speed data, and video data. In this manner, when the recorded sound data is replayed, it is possible to determine when the sound data was recorded, where the sound data was recorded, the status of the vehicle V during recording, and the location of the vehicle V during recording.
In addition to recording the sound data from the second microphone 68b, the controller 31 also transmits the sound data to the intended recipient (e.g., other officers, a headquarters building, or a dispatcher), or alternately, broadcasts the sound data to another operator in the vehicle V using the vehicle speakers. The second microphone 68b can also receive sound data from other sources (e.g., from a headquarters, a dispatcher, another officer, or the internal microphone 68a, etc.) in a conventional manner. In addition, in some constructions, sound data from other sources is recorded on the controller 31 and the recording media 44 and is indexed and coordinated with other recorded data for later retrieval.
If the operator is injured and/or unable to speak, the operator depresses the HELP button 72b to send a distress signal to the IN-CAR TRANSCEIVER #70 TO THE controller 31 and the recording media 44. When the HELP button 72b is depressed, a signal is sent from the second microphone 68b to the controller 31 and the recording media 44 via communication line 58 and the junction box 56 or otherwise. The controller 31 and the recording media 44 then record the distress call and coordinate and index the distress call with other recorded data, including time and date data, vehicle location data, vehicle status data, vehicle speed data, and video data for later retrieval. The controller 31 also sends a distress signal to a second location (e.g., a headquarters, a dispatcher, etc.). The distress signal is voiced with a synthesized voice chip with location data corresponding to the location of the vehicle V and identification data including the operator's identification or badge number and the vehicle number. Additionally, in some constructions, the controller 31 displays an alert message on the display screen 36 and/or activates an alarm (not shown) in the vehicle V to alert vehicle occupants that the operator is in distress.
As shown in
In some constructions of the present invention, the controller 31 is programmed to record all speed data recorded by the speed measuring apparatus 77 on the recording media 44. In other constructions, the controller 31 is programmed to record only designated speed data on the recording media 44 to conserve memory space. For example, when an operator is using the speed measuring apparatus 77 to monitor traffic speeds, the operator can designate which speed data is recorded by pressing a record button on the central unit 30 to record a specific speed measurement. In this manner, the operator can selectively record speed data relating to, for example, speed limit violators only. In these constructions, when the operator selects data to be recorded, the speed data displayed on the speed measuring apparatus 77 is transmitted across line 79 to the controller 31 and the recording media 44 and is then coordinated and indexed with other recorded data.
The data acquisition and display system 10 also includes a global positioning system (GPS) 80. In the illustrated construction, the global positioning system 80 includes a GPS antenna 84 housed in the vehicle's top of dash or rear deck (must be able to see vertically through front or rear windshield glass) (see
The GPS engine 88 receives location data from the GPS antenna 84 and continually calculates the location of the vehicle V. The GPS engine 88 then transmits vehicle location data across line 58 or otherwise to the controller 31 and the recording media 44 for storage on the recording media 44. Additionally, the controller 31 and the recording media 44 coordinate and index the location data with other recorded data, such as, for example, date and time data, vehicle status data, sound data, vehicle speed data, and video data. In this manner, the recording media 44 can be searched for vehicle location data given other recorded data, such as, for example, date and time data. In some constructions, the global positioning system 80 calculates the location data in the form of latitude and longitude coordinates. In other constructions, the controller 31 sends or receives GPS latitude and longitude across line 58 to junction box 56 to a computer controller with mapping data embedded or DVD that is viewable on display system 10 or on P.C. laptop computer in vehicle V.
The data acquisition and display system 10 also includes a mark and search feature, which allows the operator to identify a given location, based on GPS coordinates, and to recall that location later, or alternatively, to provide the location data to other personnel (e.g., to a police dispatcher or to the occupants of a second vehicle). This feature is particularly useful during pursuit and surveillance activities. For example, when a police car is pursuing a target vehicle and the occupant(s) of the target vehicle jettisons an item (e.g., evidence, a weapon, contraband, etc.), the operator can record the approximate GPS location of the item so that after the pursuit, the operator or other personnel can identify and return to the designated location to search for the item.
To mark a location, the operator depresses the MARK button located on the front panel 32 of the central unit 30. The controller 31 and the recording media 44 then save the location data generated by the global positioning system 80 at the time that the MARK button was depressed. More specifically, a notation is embedded into the recording to identify the previous 200 frames and related GPS coordinate information. The designated location data is then displayed on the display screen 36 to confirm to the operator that the data display and acquisition system 10 has recorded the location data. Other recordings such as audio or video are also associated and related to the instance of the Mark thus allowing such recordings to be later identified and located in conjunction with the Mark.
The system and method of the present invention essentially provides for the recording of searchable parameters in addition to audio and/or video data. A relationship between video, audio and search parameters is established utilizing some synchronous measure such as time. It would be understood by those skilled in the art that a wide variety of parameters may be captured and utilized as searchable items.
The data acquisition system 10 includes a number of vehicle sensors 92 distributed throughout the vehicle V. In the illustrated construction, a first sensor 92a (shown in
To download data from the data acquisition and display system 10, or alternately, to upload data onto the data acquisition and display system 10, the recording media 44 is removed from the control unit 30 and the recorded information is conveyed to a central storage unit 94 (e.g., a computer, a computer network terminal, etc). Understandably, such data transfer may be performed without the physical transportation of the media 44. As described above, in some constructions, a locking mechanism limits access to the recording media 44 and prevents unauthorized people from opening the front panel 32. Therefore, in constructions having a locking mechanism, an operator enters the key code using the user interface 40, or alternately, inserts a mechanical key into a corresponding aperture (not shown) on the front panel 32. The operator then moves the front panel 32 toward the opened position and depresses the EJECT button to remove the recording media 44 from slot 46 in the central unit 30. The operator then inserts the recording media 44 into a drive 96 (shown in
Data downloaded from the recording media 44 onto the central storage unit 94 is further indexed and stored for later retrieval. In some applications, the data is stored indefinitely. In other applications, the data is stored for a prescribed period of time (e.g., 3 months, 1 year, 5 years, etc.) and is then automatically deleted from the central storage memory to provide storage capacity for new data.
In applications of the present invention in which the recording media 44 is a digital memory unit, each frame of video data is sequentially numbered. In this manner, video data cannot be altered or deleted from the recording media 44 or the central storage unit 94 without some indication that the recorded video data has been altered.
In act 112, the display screen 36 displays a data entry screen and the operator is prompted to input data (e.g., the operator's name, the operator's badge number, the vehicle identification number, a password, the operator's rank, etc.). Once the operator enters the required information, the controller 31 determines the operator's level of authority based upon the data input in act 114. If the operator is a supervisor (“YES” at act 114), the operator is granted open access to the data acquisition and display system 10 and the operator is allowed to edit configuration data, and change settings and defaults or perform other system adjustments. If the operator is not a supervisor (“NO” at act 114), the operator is granted limited access.
In act 116, the display screen 36 displays a main menu. From the main menu, the operator can perform a number of functions such as activate the radio 50, shut down the data acquisition and display system 10, play previously recorded video data on the display screen 36, display video data on the display screen 36 in real time, record data, or mark a geographic location. In other words, the operator is able to navigate through the system and utilize authorization functions. To activate the radio 50, the operator presses the RADIO button in act 117 and operates the radio 50 in a known manner. To shut down the data acquisition and display system 10, the operator presses the POWER button in act 119 and the data acquisition and display system 10 shuts down. However, in some constructions, operators, and particularly operators having restricted access, are prevented from shutting down the data acquisition and display system 10.
With reference to act 118, data recording can be initiated in either of two manners. First, in act 120 (see
Alternatively, “EVENT” recording can be initiated automatically in act 120 when any one of a number of events occurs. For example, in some constructions, EVENT recording is initiated when the operator activates the siren 14 and/or the light bar 12, and/or AUX input. Alternatively, EVENT recording can be initiated when the speed measuring apparatus 77 records speed data above a predetermined value (e.g., above 80 mph) and/or when the CALL button is depressed. During EVENT recording, the controller 31 and the recording media 44 automatically record data from two predetermined cameras 62 (e.g., the first and second cameras 62a, 62b), the first and second microphones 68a, 68b, the GPS engine 88, the clock 47, the speed measuring apparatus 77, and the vehicle sensors 92a, 92b, 92c, 92d, and 92e. The recorded data is also indexed and relatedly coordinated as described above for later retrieval.
Once recording, of either OPERATOR-INITIATED or EVENT, is initiated the operator can alter the camera configuration so that, for example, the controller 31 and the recording media 44 record video data from the first and third cameras 62a, 62c. Also, the operator can deactivate and reactivate either of the microphones 68a, 68b. Additionally, after recording is initiated, the operator can mark a geographic location in acts 121, 122.
To ensure that the controller 31 and the recording media 44 record as much relevant data as possible, in some constructions, the data acquisition and display system 10 is programmed to continuously record video data, sound data, time and date data, vehicle status data, and vehicle location data for a predetermined time (up to 1 minute) and then to record over the previously recorded data. In these constructions, the recording media 44 continuously records data and then records over that data until OPERATOR-INITIATED or EVENT recording is initiated and once OPERATOR-INITIATED or EVENT recording is initiated, the recording media 44 saves the previously recorded data (up to 1 minute of data) and all data collected after OPERATOR-INITIATED or EVENT recording is initiated until the operator presses STOP in act 124 or act 126. In this manner, the recording media 44 also stores data from a relatively short period before OPERATOR-INITIATED or EVENT recording is initiated and stores data collected after OPERATOR-INITIATED or EVENT recording is initiated. The data recorded before OPERATOR-INITIATED or EVENT recording is initiated provides context to the data recorded after OPERATOR-INITIATED or EVENT recording is initiated and can be of particular investigative and/or evidentiary value.
After recording is stopped, the operator can classify the recorded data in acts 128, 130. More particularly, in acts 128, 130, the operator can add a classification code to the recorded data so that the recorded data can be indexed and/or categorized by the classification code for later retrieval. The classification codes can be preset during system set up and can be reconfigured as needed. For example, in some constructions, the data display and acquisition system 10 can be programmed to include classification codes (e.g., K000, X1M1, K2F3, etc.) for traffic violations (failure to yield, speeding violations, running a red light, etc.), domestic disturbances, robberies, and weapons related incidents (e.g., armed robbery, concealed weapons violations, etc.), for male/female designation, for race (e.g., White, Black, Hispanic). In these constructions, the operator classifies the recorded data in acts 128, 130 by entering a 4 digit number code (e.g., K2F3) using the EVENT entry screen so that recorded data can later be retrieved according to classification code. Even further, the operator can provide Event Identification codes such as a case or ticket number to be associated with the classification code. A flag can also be set to indicate whether or not to keep the recorded event. It should be noted however that such designation would not cause the event to be erased/removed from the recording media 44.
In operation 128, 130, an Event Identification is provided in the following manner. After recording an event and pushing “stop,” an “Event ID” Screen is displayed to prompt and accept operator input. The operator may then interact with the system and respond to field prompts for values such as “Ticket/Case” number, e.g., 20045325. Another field requesting a “K” or “X” allows the operator to elect to keep or not keep the particular event. Another field is type of an event (traffic stop (routine), traffic stop (felony), traffic accident) or the operator may then select an event type from a predefined list, followed by a gender identifier (M=male or F=female). Next, an identification of race can be made using a previously defined list of options. In the event that an operator fails to provide event identification, default identification is provided by the system. Here also, as with other recorded parameters and data, the event identification is a searchable item. Searchable items may be used by the search engine of the central storage unit 94 or by the data acquisition and display system 10.
As shown in
As explained above, the data acquisition and display system 10 includes a mark and search feature, which allows the operator to identify a given location based on GPS coordinates and to recall that location later, or alternatively, to provide the location data to other personnel (e.g., to a police dispatcher or to the occupants of a second vehicle). To mark a location, the operator depresses the MARK button in act 121, 122. The controller 31 and the recording media 44 then save the location data generated by the global positioning system 80 at the time that the MARK button was depressed. The designated location data is then displayed on the display screen 36 to confirm that the data display and acquisition system 10 has recorded the location data.
To display images recorded by the cameras 62 on the display screen 36 in real time, the operator selects “DISPLAY CAMERA IMAGE ON SCREEN” from the main menu in act 144. In this manner, the operator can view data recorded by any one of the cameras 62 (e.g., the first, second, or third cameras 62a, 62b, 62c) in real time and can toggle between the cameras 62 using the CAM button. Therefore, the operator can discretely monitor activity occurring around the vehicle V and/or in the back seat of the vehicle V. As previously described such review, search and tracking functions can be performed at the central storage unit 94.
An alternate construction of a data acquisition and display system 1A is illustrated in
A central portion of the console 22A defines an aperture 26A. In the construction illustrated in
The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US03/30963 | Oct 2003 | WO | international |
This application is related to and claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/498,065, titled DATA ACQUISITION AND DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME, filed on Aug. 26, 2003.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60498035 | Aug 2003 | US |
