JPH0562108B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention records information so as to record information over time periods in a machine, particularly a motor vehicle.
The present invention relates to a system and method for generating detailed records of the operations of a person.

[Conventional technology]

It is often desirable to obtain a record of machine operation over a period of time. This is especially true for trucks and other motor vehicles where records are used to determine operating costs, check operator performance, and monitor maintenance needs.

In the past, a chart recorder, usually connected to the drive train or transmission of the vehicle, has been used to generate a graphical record of vehicle speed and distance traveled. Engine speed was also recorded by this type of device. However, chat recorders have a number of significant drawbacks. No acceleration and deceleration information was available from this chart, and the analog information on the chart was only visually readable, thus preventing any automatic data processing of the information.

Another type of conventional device is the magnetic tape recorder. Although the digital information on the tape can be processed automatically, this very expensive device still cannot record velocity information with sufficient accuracy to provide acceleration and deceleration information.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system that records more vehicle operation data than ever before with sufficient accuracy for the same memory capacity.

To achieve the above object, a system for recording data relating to the operation of a vehicle according to the invention detects at least one parameter relating to the operation of the vehicle, and the number of pulses per preselected timing period is measured. detecting means for generating vehicle-related pulses proportional to a parameter of the at least one vehicle to be detected; counting means for counting pulses generated by the detecting means at each preselected timing period; It includes a plurality of quanta each corresponding to a different section of the measurement range of the parameter,
Quantum determining means for determining, based on the pulse count obtained by the counting means, a quantum indicating a section including the magnitude of a vehicle parameter to which the count corresponds, for each of the preselected timing periods; a comparison means for comparing a plurality of quanta determined by the quantum determination means, and a comparison means for comparing a plurality of quanta determined by the quantum determination means; Quantum recording means for recording the last quantum temporally determined by the means.

In addition, quantum (quanta) in this specification,
Each group is a group in which the range of possible values of vehicle parameters is divided into multiple groups. This quantum is
It is created by dividing the entire possible range of a parameter into a plurality of ranges, and is represented by a digital value indicating one of the predetermined ranges.
What is recorded is the quantum to which the number of pulses belongs [Example] The inventors describe a microprocessor-based digital system for recording machine information including acceleration and deceleration data (e.g. speed and distance information of a motor vehicle). developed. This system compresses and stores the quantized pulses generated by the transducer to provide an accurate record of machine operation over a period of time.

In a preferred embodiment, a transducer mounted on the vehicle's transmission generates a number of pulses per second, the number of which is proportional to the speed of the vehicle. The number of pulses per second is counted by a microprocessor and quantized into one of 16 preselected speed ranges or quantums. A number of tests are then performed, including comparing the most recent range to the immediately previous range, and based on this comparison a decision is made to record or not record this most recent range. for example,
A record is made if the comparison does not indicate a repeat condition. Furthermore, depending on the relationship of a range to previous ranges, the data is compressed by previously recorded data. This result is stored in memory and later recalled and printed out. Thus, by compressing the information without repeatedly recording it, long continuous records can be stored in a fairly small memory with sufficient precision to preserve changes in velocity data for acceleration and deceleration information. .
Furthermore, compression techniques do not introduce approximations, so velocity information can be accurately reproduced.

The configuration of the present invention will be explained based on FIG. The detection means 30 detect at least one parameter of the vehicle, for example the revolutions per minute (rpm) of the wheels, and generate pulses whose number of pulses per predetermined timing period is proportional to said parameter. The pulses generated by the detection means 30 are counted by the counting means 32 at every predetermined timing period. Each quantum is predetermined to correspond to a different section of the measurement range of at least one parameter, and the quantum determining means 3
4 determines, at every predetermined timing period, a quantum in which the pulse count obtained by the counting means 32 indicates the section of the corresponding parameter. The plurality of quanta determined by the quantum determining means 34 at each predetermined period are compared by the comparing means 36. When the comparison result obtained by the comparing means 36 indicates non-constant changes in the parameters of the vehicle, the quantum recording means 38 records the last quantum temporally determined by the quantum determining means 34 among the plurality of quanta. Note that the counting means 32, the quantum determining means 34, the comparing means 36, and the quantum recording means 38 collectively constitute a data processing means 40.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Configuration In FIG. 2, a recording system is indicated at 50. Transducer 30a, consisting of a Mass Teck Yellow Jacket transducer, is connected to the vehicle transmission in a manner well known in the art such that pulses are generated when the drive shaft rotates. . Another connection is made to the speedometer cable.

Pulses from transducer 30a are sent to control logic unit 4. Note that the transducer 30a is one of the detection means 30 shown in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG.
This is one input. Other inputs to OR gate 11 are obtained from an external data processing system 25, shown in dotted lines in FIG. The output from OR gate 11 is applied to the set input to flip-flop 14, the output of which is sent to the EF3 input of microprocessor 6. Microprocessor 6 is an RCA/Hughes 1802 microprocessor. The reset input of flip-flop 14 is connected to decoder 17, and the reset signal is output from microprocessor 6 to N1, N2, N0.
and the timing signal TPB.
This reset signal from the Motorola 4028 decoder 17 is also provided to the external data processing system 25 via the data ready line.

A similar configuration exists in the engine RPM line.
This line carries a pulse related to the speed of the vehicle's engine. Another transducer 30b (FIG. 2) connected to the tachometer cable is used to generate these pulses. In addition,
Transducer 30b is one of the detection means 30 shown in FIG. The line carrying the RPM pulses is applied to the set input of flip-flop 13 of control logic 4. The output of flip-flop 13 is sent to the EF2 input of microprocessor 6,
Flip-flop 13 is reset by a signal from decoder 17. This is the N1, N2, N0 and timing signals from the microprocessor 6.
It is a function of TPB.

Note that the counting means 32 shown in FIG.
A microprocessor 6, a program memory (ROM) 7 in which a program for controlling the operation of counting pulses is stored, a flip-flop 13 or 14 in the control logic unit 4 and another flip-flop 12 and a decoder 17, a clock circuit 2
The timing unit 1 includes a timing unit 2 and a counter 23, and a data memory (RAM) 8. Further, the quantum determining means 34 is composed of a microprocessor 6, a ROM 7 in which a program for controlling the determination of the corresponding quantum from the obtained count number is stored, a data bus 9, and an address bus 10. . The program for controlling the determination of the quanta is predetermined so that each quanta corresponds to a different section of the measurement range of at least one parameter, and is obtained by the counting means 32 by referring to the correspondence relationship. The program is programmed to determine, at each predetermined timing period, a quantum in which the number of pulse counts indicates the interval of the corresponding parameter. The comparison means 36 includes the microprocessor 6 and the quantum determination means 3.
4, a data bus 9, and an address bus 10 are included. Quantum recording means 38
If the comparison results obtained by the microprocessor 6, the data memory (ROM) 8, and the comparison means 36 indicate non-constant changes in the parameters of the vehicle, the means for determining one of the plurality of quanta 34, a data bus 9, and an address bus 10. Therefore, the counting means 32, the quantum determining means 34, the comparing means 36
and a data processing means 4 consisting of a quantum recording means 38
0 has a microprocessor 6 and processes these means.

Timing unit 1, including clock circuit 22 and counter 23, provides an output clock signal to the set input of third flip-flop 12 of control logic 4. The output of flip-flop 12 is connected to the EF1 input of microprocessor 6, and flip-flop 12 is reset by a signal from decoder 17. This signal is also N1,
It is a function of N2, N0 and timing signal TPB.

A key switch 3 consisting of a two-pole switch 26 is connected to the set input of the fourth flip-flop 15. One pole of the two-pole switch 26 is grounded in series with the button switch 27. The output of the flip-flop 15 is the output of the microprocessor 6.
Connected to EF4 input. The reset of flip-flop 15 is the same as that of other flip-flop 1.
It is activated via decoder 17 in the same way as resets 2, 13 and 14. These flip-flops
All flops are Matorola 4013.

The output of key switch 3 is also the operating mode selector 2.
It is connected to the. This switch is a three pole switch as shown in FIG. The outputs from each of the three poles are connected to three buffers 16 which receive reset signals to flip-flops 15. The output of buffer 16 is connected to bidirectional data bus 9. Another buffer 16', which receives the input of the ignition switch 31 (FIG. 2) of the vehicle 24, also has an output connected to the data bus 9. All of these buffers are Motorola 4503.

The data bus 9 includes an external data processing system 25,
It is bidirectionally connected between the microprocessor 6 and the random access memory 8. Lead
Only memory 7 inputs information onto bus 9.
The memory 7 and RAM 8 are also connected to the microprocessor 6 by an address bus 10.

A status display 5 is also connected to the data bus 9. Status display 5 has a pair of latches 1
8, 19, each latch receives an input from bus 9 and sends an output to a corresponding light emitting diode 20, 21. Latches 18 and 19 are also connected to decoder 17. The latch is a Motorola 4013.

All logic is CMOS logic to reduce the influence of noise and other external interference on circuit operation. All inputs not shown in the drawings are connected to ground or to a +5V power supply (not shown) to eliminate noise.

Operation When the two-pole switch 26 of the key switch 3 is closed, the pushbutton 27 can be energized, thereby also setting the flip-flop 15. Microprocessor 6 detects that flip-flop 15 is set and generates a signal via decoder 17 to reset flip-flop 15. At the same time, this output signal is output to buffers 16 and 1.
6', information from the operating mode selector and the ignition switch of the vehicle 24 is sent to the data bus 9. Depending on the position of the operating mode selector switch when buffer 16 is gated, the system performs three functions: 1. Clear data memory 8; 2. Obtain data in data memory 8; 3. Data memory 8. Execute one of the following to output data from . The status of the system is indicated by LEDs 20, 21 on the status display 5.

For new records, a connection to the vehicle is made as shown in FIG. External data processing system 25 is not connected for this recording mode of operation. The memory is then cleared and the data capture function is selected. The number of pulses during a given time period is directly proportional to the rotational speed of the drive shaft and the vehicle speed. When the vehicle begins to move, a pulse from a transducer mounted on the vehicle transmission is used to set flip-flop 14.
The signal is sent via the OR gate 11. Each time microprocessor 6 detects that flip-flop 14 is set, microprocessor 6 generates an output command via decoder 17 to reset flip-flop 14.

Similarly, a pulse from the RPM pickup sets flip-flop 13, which is then reset by a command signal sent from microprocessor 6 via decoder 17. Further, the timing unit 1 generates a pulse to set the flip-flop 12 at one second intervals, and the flip-flop 12 is reset by a command signal from the microprocessor via the decoder 17. The spacing of the pulses of timing unit 1 determines the time interval between recorded velocities, as will be explained in detail below. For slower vehicles or machines, a longer interval of 1.5 seconds is used. For high speed vehicles that require rapid speed changes, a 0.5 second interval is preferred.

Program memory contains programs that control the operation of the system. A flowchart of the program is shown in FIG.

Initially, microprocessor 6 counts the number of pulses from the transducer within vehicle 24. The same count is done for the RPM pulses at the same time. The time interrupt function depends on the time interval between pulses of timing unit 1, for example 1 second in the preferred embodiment. At a certain time t ₁ ,
If the interval value (1 second) has not been reached since the start time t ₀ , N(no) passes follow and any closure detecting the closure of the transmission switch that generates the pulse. If there is no generation and therefore no pulse, the detection repeats at the next time _t2 . When closure is detected, the counter is updated by a value of 1 and continues in this manner until the timing unit interval (1 second) is achieved. In this way, a number of pulses proportional to the speed of the vehicle is obtained for the timing interval. This number is then quantized into one of m preselected velocity values. Preferably 16 values are used. 16 categories are preselected according to similar operating conditions of the vehicle. For example, for trucks that travel primarily on highways, a speed range of 45 to 65 mph (miles per hour) is probably most important. Therefore, the quantization range, that is, the velocity quantum, is the lower limit velocity (0−
45mph) and upper speed limit (65-85mph) ±2.7mph
range (total swing 5.4mph). The critical speed range is covered by a group of ±1.8 mph (3.6 mph total), and the most important range is ±0.9 mph (3.6 mph total).
1.8mph) group.
The latter is used at around 55mph.

As shown on the flowchart of FIG. 4, once a category or velocity quantum is selected based on the number of pulses counted, recording of that quantum occurs only if certain conditions are met. In the case of steady state conditions, ie constant velocity, constant acceleration or constant deceleration, this eliminates the need to unnecessarily record at each interval (1 second in the preferred embodiment). For example, as shown on the recording chart of FIG. 4, recording is performed at time n under eight conditions falling into three categories. As shown by Examples 1 and 2, if a change in speed in one direction is followed by a constant speed of 2 seconds, then recording will occur at time n. Furthermore, as shown in Examples 3 and 4,
Recording is also performed when there is a change in speed after a constant speed of 2 seconds. Finally, as shown in Example 5-8, a reversal of velocity within the last few seconds causes a recording at time n. Additional recording conditions (not shown) may also be added. In that case, recordings are made after a predetermined number of time intervals at a constant speed in order to provide a periodic reference. Otherwise, continuous (3 seconds or more) steady velocity will not be recorded until one of the identified changes occurs.

The next step is to determine whether the recorded information can be compressed, which depends on the relationship of successive recorded data. The compression group is represented by the following formula.

V _r-1 = V _r ±q and V _r-2 = V _r-1 ±q V _r represents the last recorded velocity and q is adjacent to that of the quantum for the last recorded velocity V _r ( (immediately above and below) represents the velocity quantum or velocity range. Speed next to the speed recorded after
V _r-1 is in a quantum above or below that of the last recorded velocity V _r , and the same relationship holds between the next velocity of the velocity V _r-1 next to the last recorded velocity and the one just before it. If it holds true for the speed V _r-2 , then V _r
and V _r-1 are compressed into one record, thereby saving in half the memory space that would otherwise be required to record both. To enable reproduction of the exact relationship of the compressed velocity, a separate register stores configuration information, ie whether V _{r -1} is from a velocity quantum above or below that of V _r .
This procedure is then repeated for the next time interval. Of course, quantization, record determination and compression occur much faster than switch closure even at maximum speed.

RPM information is obtained and stored in the same way.

Thus, with these recording and compression methods, several days of continuous recording can be carried out in state-of-the-art sized memories.

When recording data is requested, the operating mode selector 2 is changed to the output data mode and the information is sent via the data bus 9 to an external data processing system 25 for analysis and/or printout.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Since the present invention is configured as described above, when the vehicle parameters are constant, it is not recorded, but when the vehicle parameters show non-constant changes, the quantum determination means among the plurality of quanta is used to record the temporal data. By recording the last determined quantum, it becomes possible to record data with sufficient accuracy for the same memory capacity that records more data regarding the operation of the vehicle than ever before.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the system of the present invention, Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram of a part of the system of Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the system of Fig. 2. This is a flowchart of the program used. 1: Timing unit, 2: Operating mode selector, 3: Key switch, 4: Control logic unit, 5: Status display, 6: Microprocessor, 7: Program memory, 8: Data memory, 9: Data bus, 10: Address bus, 2
4: Vehicle, 25: External data processing system, 3
0: detection means, 30a, 30b: transducer, 31: ignition switch, 32: counting means,
34: Quantum determining means, 36: Comparing means, 38: Quantum recording means, 40: Data processing means, 50: Recording system.

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. Detecting at least one parameter related to vehicle operation to generate pulses related to the vehicle, the number of pulses per preselected timing period being proportional to the at least one vehicle parameter to be measured. a detection means 30 for counting the pulses generated by the detection means at each of the preselected timing periods; and a plurality of quanta each corresponding to a different section of a measurement range of at least one vehicle parameter. Based on the pulse count obtained by the counting means, a quantum indicating a section including the magnitude of the vehicle parameter to which the count corresponds is determined for each of the preselected timing periods. a quantum determination means 34; a comparison means 36 for comparing a plurality of quanta determined by the quantum determination means; and a comparison means 36 for comparing a plurality of quanta determined by the quantum determination means; A system for recording data regarding the operation of a vehicle, comprising: a quantum recording means (38) for recording the last temporally determined quantum of the quantum by the quantum determining means. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the counting means, the quantum determining means, the comparing means, and the quantum recording means are data processing means 40 whose processing includes a microprocessor 6.
A system for recording data related to vehicle operation, characterized in that the system is performed by: 3. In the system according to claim 2, the data processing means 40 includes a first flip-flop.
Flops 13 and 14 are provided for counting, and the flip-flops are set by each pulse from the detection means to send the output of the flip-flops to the microprocessor 6, and A system for recording data relating to vehicle operation, characterized in that the system is reset by a control signal of No. 6. 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the data processing means 40 includes a decoder 17 for counting, and the decoder generates the control signal. system for recording. 5. In the system according to claim 3, the data processing means 40 includes a second flip-flop.
flop 12, the second flip-flop has a timing
Timing when the interval from unit 1 is constant
set by the pulse and the second flip
The output of the flop is sent to the microprocessor 6 and is reset by the microprocessor 6 so that the timing pulse interval is a preselected timing period for counting pulses for the vehicle. A system that records data about vehicle operation. 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the timing unit 1 comprises a clock circuit 22, and a clock signal outputted from the clock circuit is sent to a counter 23 for generating pre-packed timing pulses. A system for recording data regarding vehicle operation, characterized by: 7. The system according to claim 5, wherein the detection means 30 includes a second detection means 30b that detects the number of revolutions of the engine of the vehicle and generates a pulse corresponding to the number of revolutions, The data processing means 40 includes a third flip-flop 13 which is set by the pulses generated by the second detection means, and performs counting; and outputs a control signal for resetting the output of the third flip-flop so that pulses corresponding to the rotational speed are counted for a preselected timing period. A system that records data about the operation of 8. In the system according to claim 2, the data processing means 40 compares three consecutive quanta determined by the quantum determination process, and determines vehicle parameters corresponding to the three consecutive quanta. A system for recording data related to vehicle operation, characterized in that a quantum determined temporally last by the quantum determination process among the three consecutive quantums is recorded only when a change in the quantum is not constant. . 9. The system according to claim 2, in which the data processing means 40 are configured to calculate the data from three timing periods if the parameters of the vehicle are constant or if there is a constant change in the parameters over a predetermined interval. A system for recording data regarding the operation of a vehicle, characterized in that it records quanta at large selected intervals. 10. In the system according to claim 2, when two consecutive quanta are related, the data processing means 40 performs recording by recording only one of the two consecutive quanta. A system for recording data regarding vehicle operation characterized by compressing the quantum number to be used. 11. In the system according to claim 10, the data processing means 40 performs the compression process when the first of the two quanta is adjacent to the second quanta, and A system for recording data relating to the operation of a vehicle, characterized in that a quantum of quanta is stored adjacent to the first quantum. 12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the quantum recording means 38 includes a random access memory 8. A system for recording data regarding the operation of a vehicle. 13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle parameter to be recorded is speed.