U.S. patent application number 15/728734 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-01 for traffic enforcement system with time tracking and integrated video capture.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kustom Signals, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Kustom Signals, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael Bietsch, Kent F. Hayes, Milos Kovacevic, Zoran Kovacevic, Michael Paulson, Maurice E. Shelton.
Application Number | 20180032820 15/728734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52005167 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180032820 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bietsch; Michael ; et
al. |
February 1, 2018 |
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM WITH TIME TRACKING AND INTEGRATED VIDEO
CAPTURE
Abstract
A method, system, and apparatus are provided for capturing a
video image and speed of a target vehicle. A ranging device detects
a distance to a target vehicle. The focal distance or zoom of a
video camera is set and adjusted based on the distance. The speed
of travel of the vehicle is detected, displayed, and/or stored in
association with a video image captured of the vehicle by the video
camera. A range of distances within which to capture the video
image and speed of the vehicle may be set by detecting distances
between a pair of landmarks or using GPS and compass heading data.
An inclinometer is provided to aid initiation of a
power-conservation mode. A target tracking time may be determined
and compared to a minimum tracking time period. A device
certification period can be stored and displayed and the device
deactivated upon expiration thereof.
Inventors: |
Bietsch; Michael; (Nevada,
MO) ; Hayes; Kent F.; (Olathe, KS) ; Paulson;
Michael; (Lawrence, KS) ; Shelton; Maurice E.;
(Buffalo, KS) ; Kovacevic; Milos; (Novi Sad,
RS) ; Kovacevic; Zoran; (Sabac, RS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kustom Signals, Inc. |
Lenexa |
KS |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Kustom Signals, Inc.
Lenexa
KS
|
Family ID: |
52005167 |
Appl. No.: |
15/728734 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14298670 |
Jun 6, 2014 |
|
|
|
15728734 |
|
|
|
|
61831971 |
Jun 6, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 2209/15 20130101;
G06T 2207/10016 20130101; H04N 5/232945 20180801; H04N 5/232935
20180801; G01S 17/88 20130101; G06T 2207/30236 20130101; G02B 7/32
20130101; G06T 7/20 20130101; H04N 5/23293 20130101; G06K 9/00785
20130101; G08G 1/054 20130101; G01S 13/92 20130101; H04N 5/23296
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06K 9/00 20060101
G06K009/00; G02B 7/32 20060101 G02B007/32; G06T 7/20 20060101
G06T007/20; H04N 5/232 20060101 H04N005/232; G01S 13/92 20060101
G01S013/92; G01S 17/88 20060101 G01S017/88; G08G 1/054 20060101
G08G001/054 |
Claims
1. A traffic enforcement system device comprising: a detection
module that determines one or more of a distance to a moving target
vehicle, a speed of said moving target vehicle, and target data for
said moving target vehicle, said detection module determining said
one or more of said distance and target data for said moving target
vehicle for a period of time and measuring a duration of the period
of time; a display device; a control module that displays said
target data on said display.
2. The traffic enforcement system device of claim 1, wherein said
duration of said period of time is greater than a predetermined
minimum period of time, and wherein said control module displays an
indicia on said display.
3. The traffic enforcement system device of claim 1, wherein said
duration of said period of time is greater than a predetermined
minimum period of time, and wherein an audible tone is emitted by
the traffic enforcement system.
4. The traffic enforcement system device of claim 1, further
comprising: a camera configured to capture one or more images of
said target vehicle, wherein said duration of said period of time
is greater than a predetermined minimum period of time, and said
control module stores said one or more images and corresponding
target data of said target vehicle in a memory, or wherein said
duration of said period of time is less than said predetermined
minimum period of time and said control module does not store said
one or more images and corresponding target data for said target
vehicle in said memory.
5. A traffic enforcement system device comprising: a detection
module that determines one or more of a distance to a moving target
vehicle, a speed of said moving target vehicle, and target data for
said moving target vehicle; a display device; a control module that
displays said target data on said display and stores a
certification date corresponding to a certification of said traffic
enforcement system device in a memory.
6. The traffic enforcement system device of claim 5, wherein an
expiration date of said certification is stored in said memory.
7. The traffic enforcement system device of claim 6, wherein a time
period before said expiration date is stored in said memory, and
wherein an indicia is displayed on said display device during said
time period.
8. The traffic enforcement system device of claim 6, wherein an
indication is displayed on said display device after said
expiration date is reached.
9. The traffic enforcement system device of claim 6, wherein said
traffic enforcement system is disabled after said expiration date
is reached.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending patent
application Ser. No. 14/298,670, filed Jun. 6, 2014, entitled
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM WITH TIME TRACKING AND INTEGRATED VIDEO
CAPTURE, which claims the benefit of provisional application Ser.
No. 61/831,971, filed on Jun. 6, 2013, entitled LASER RANGING AND
SPEED DETECTION WITH INTEGRATED VIDEO CAPTURE, the disclosures of
which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates unit to traffic enforcement
systems for law enforcement and related applications and, more
particularly, to traffic enforcement systems in which practicing
target tracking history and/or periodic certification is suggested
or required.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The use of radar and lasers to determine the speed of travel
of objects, such as motor vehicles has been employed for quite some
time. Law enforcement officials often use handheld or vehicle
mounted traffic enforcement systems (TES) that emit and receive
such types of radiation to identify motor vehicles that are being
operated in excess of posted speed limits and to aid enforcement of
those limits.
[0004] Devices have also been developed that capture an image of a
vehicle as a TES unit determines the speed thereof. These images
may be combined with or have superimposed thereon, the determined
speed of the vehicle as well as other information associated with
the vehicle, the law enforcement official, and the TES unit, among
other information. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,985,827 to Williams
et al discloses a laser-based speed measurement system that
transmits image capture signals to a digital camera and produces a
digital still image that includes speed data.
[0005] The emitted electromagnetic radiation, e.g., radio waves,
microwaves, or light waves, may also be employed to determine the
range or distance of a targeted object from the emitter or TES
unit. This range data may be employed to inform a focal distance or
zoom distance of a camera associated with the TES unit. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,717 to Dunne et al. discloses a speed
detection and image capture system for moving vehicles that uses a
laser to determine the range to the vehicle and then focuses a
video camera based on the range for capture of a still image.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 7,920,251 to Chung discloses a speed
measurement system in which a laser rangefinder is employed to
trigger capture of a still image of a vehicle when the vehicle
enters a predetermined range.
[0006] Traffic enforcement system (TES) units utilizing radar and
laser technologies have been in use for a number of years. It is
typical for the law enforcement agencies utilizing these systems to
require their officers to practice established tracking history
procedures. In addition to the tracking history procedures, some
agencies require the officers to track the target speed for a set
minimum time before taking any enforcement action. Knowing the
minimum tracking time period and ensuring that the minimum tracking
time was observed is the responsibility of the law enforcement
officer operating the TES unit.
[0007] It is also typical for the law enforcement agencies
utilizing these systems to require periodic testing and
certifications as to the accuracy of the devices. The initial
certification of the devices is typically performed by the system
manufacturer prior to shipping to the end law enforcement agency.
The periodic recertification testing is the responsibility of the
law enforcement agency intending to use the equipment. The testing
laboratories perform what is known as critical-performance testing
(CPT) on these systems and provides the agency with the
Certificates of Calibration. These certificates can be used in
court to help establish the legal justification for issuing a
particular traffic citation. Certification periods may vary from
one jurisdiction to another and it is the responsibility of the law
enforcement agency to track when each device is due for
recertification.
[0008] It would be advantageous in the design of the TES devices to
allow for a method of warning the operator when the date for
recertification is near. This warning, for example, could be
accomplished by displaying the recertification date on the device
during TES device power up sequence.
SUMMARY
[0009] Embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims
below, not this summary. A high-level overview of various aspects
of the invention are provided here for that reason, to provide an
overview of the disclosure, and to introduce a selection of
concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description
section below. This summary is not intended to identify key
features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor
is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine the
scope of the claimed subject matter. In brief, this disclosure
describes, among other things, methods, systems, and apparatus for
capturing a video image and detecting a rate of travel of a moving
vehicle.
[0010] An electromagnetic signal may be used to determine a
distance to a moving target vehicle. A video camera employs the
distance measurement to focus and/or zoom a field of view of the
camera on the target vehicle such that the target vehicle
substantially fills the field of view of the video camera. The
distance is continuously or periodically updated and is used to
adjust the zoom and/or focus of the video camera to maintain target
vehicle in the field of view of the camera of a predetermined range
of distances. The speed or rate of travel of the target vehicle is
determined continuously, periodically, or at a desired point in
time or distance using the laser and the measured speed is
displayed on or in association with the video image. Accordingly, a
video image depicting the target vehicle in a readily visible
manner along with the speed of travel thereof is captured and may
be stored or transmitted to another device.
[0011] A target range of distances within which to capture the
video image and speed may be designated. In one embodiment, the
target range is identified by determining a distance to a pair of
landmarks to indicate the range between the landmarks as the target
range. In another embodiment, a geographic positioning system (GPS)
and compass heading are useable to designate the target range and
may be used to identify a posted legal speed limit associated with
the target range location.
[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is provided
in the form of a handheld or vehicle mountable TES unit. The TES
unit includes an inclinometer that is useable to sense a non-use
orientation of the TES unit, e.g., an orientation of the TES unit
when laid down on a surface. A control module in the TES unit may
thus initiate a power conservation mode when the non-use
orientation is sensed. The TES unit may also include a touch
sensitive display and/or other control surfaces that may receive
gesture commands. The one gesture command may be used to cause
transmission of a frame of the video image to a printing device for
printing thereof. Other gesture commands may be used to control
viewing of select images or video captures.
[0013] It would be advantageous in the design of the TES unit to
allow for a method of alerting the operator when the current target
has been tracked for the required minimum tracking time period.
This alert, for example, may be accomplished by presenting a symbol
or icon on the display of the TES unit when the minimum tracking
time period has been met. Another example of the alert may be to
sound a beep or tone from the speaker or piezo of the TES unit when
the minimum tracking time period has been met.
[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the aforesaid may
be addressed by providing a method for entering the current time
and date into the TES device at the time of certification or
recertification. The method may also include entry of a date that
the certification date expires at the time of certification or
recertification. In addition the method may include setting a
warning period before the expiration date for providing a warning
or reminder to the TES device operator. The method may also disable
the TES if the certification expires.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention, the TES device may
include the hardware circuitry of a real time clock (RTC), GPS
circuitry, or some other method of tracking the current time and
date. These additional time-keeping circuits may allow the TES
device to alert the operator as to the date recertification is
required, the number of days remaining before certification
expires, or that certification has already expired.
[0016] An additional aspect of including the time-keeping circuitry
may allow the operator to set the local time and date into the
traffic safety device. Allowing the operator to manipulate the time
and date of the device would be optional based on the end agency
requirements.
[0017] Other advantages of this invention will become apparent from
the following description taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example,
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Another improvement of the invention may be to allow the
agency to choose the value of the minimum tracking time period to
meet their requirements. One example of setting the agency's choice
of minimum tracking time period may be to set a parameter into the
TES unit by the manufacturer prior to the system shipping to the
end enforcement agency. Another method of setting the minimum
tracking time period may be to allow this parameter value to be
entered into the TES unit in a service or maintenance mode.
[0019] Yet another improvement of the invention may be to prohibit
the TES unit from locking or storing the target data if the
required minimum tracking time period was not met.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in
detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, and
wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a traffic enforcement system
(TES) unit and associated components depicted in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating hardware
components of a TES unit depicted in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective front side view of a TES unit
depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective rear view of the TES unit of FIG.
3;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of the TES unit of FIG.
3;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of the TES unit of FIG.
3;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective rear view of the TES unit of FIG.
3;
[0028] FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary display that may
be presented on a rear display of a TES unit in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method for capturing video of
a vehicle during detecting of the speed of travel thereof depicted
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of another method for capturing
video of a vehicle during detecting of the speed of travel thereof
depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 11 is flow diagram of a method for determining a range
for monitoring target vehicles depicted in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 12 is an illustration of target vehicles traveling
through a monitoring range depicted in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a method for determining a
range for monitoring target vehicles using a GPS system depicted in
accordance with an embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an energy conservation process
useable by a TES unit and depicted in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of target tracking history
process;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a display of a minimum target tracking time
alert;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a block diagram example of a certification
process;
[0038] FIG. 18 is a diagram a host device interfaced to a traffic
enforcement system;
[0039] FIG. 19 is a diagram of a certification utility
application;
[0040] FIG. 20 is a simplified diagram of a TES with time tracking
added; and
[0041] FIG. 21 illustrates examples of certification display
screens.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] The subject matter of select embodiments of the invention is
described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements.
But the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the
scope of claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be
embodied in other ways to include different components, steps, or
combinations thereof similar to the ones described in this
document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.
Terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order
among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except
when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.
[0043] Embodiments of the invention include methods and systems
that are substantially carried out and/or disposed in a handheld or
vehicle mounted speed-detection and video-capture apparatus or
Traffic Enforcement System (TES) unit 10, as depicted in FIGS. 3-7.
However, it is to be understood that various components or
processes of the TES unit 10 might be disposed or carried out
remotely from the TES unit 10. Or the TES unit 10 might be embodied
in a different form, such as, for example and not limitation,
components of the TES unit 10 might be integrated into a vehicle.
All such configurations are within the scope of embodiments of the
invention described herein.
[0044] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, exemplary block
diagrams of the TES unit 10 and exemplary peripheral components are
shown. The TES unit 10 is but one example of a suitable
speed-detection and video-capture apparatus and is not intended to
suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of
embodiments of the invention.
[0045] Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general
context of computer code or machine-useable instructions, including
computer-executable instructions such as program modules, being
executed by a control module comprising a computer, processor, or
other machine. Generally, program modules including routines,
programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., refer to code
that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data
types. Embodiments of the invention may be practiced in a variety
of system configurations, including hand-held devices, consumer
electronics, general-purpose computers, more specialty computing
devices, etc. Embodiments of the invention may also be practiced in
distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by
remote-processing devices 14 that are linked directly or through a
communications network 16 using wireless or wired connections.
[0046] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the TES unit 10
includes one or more buses 18 that directly or indirectly couple a
memory 20, a control module 22 including one or more processors,
one or more display components 24, one or more input/output ports
26, an illustrative power supply 28, a video camera 30, and an
object-ranging and speed-detection module 32. The TES unit 10 may
also include a geographic positioning system (GPS) unit 34, a
compass 36, and an inclinometer 38, among other components. The bus
18 represents what may be one or more busses (such as an address
bus, data bus, or combination thereof).
[0047] The memory 20 of the TES unit 10 typically includes a
variety of computer-readable media integrated with the TES unit 10
or as remotely accessible external memory 40. Computer-readable
media include computer-storage media and computer-storage devices
and are mutually exclusive of communication media, e.g., carrier
waves, signals, and the like. By way of example, and not
limitation, computer-readable media may comprise random access
memory (RAM); read-only memory (ROM); electronically erasable
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM); flash memory or other
memory technologies; compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), digital
versatile disks (DVD) or other optical or holographic media;
magnetic cassettes unit, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or
other magnetic storage devices, cloud based storage or remote
memory accessible via wired or wireless connections or any other
medium that may be used to encode desired information and be
accessed by the control module 22 of the TES unit 10. For example,
as depicted in FIG. 2, the memory 20 can comprise one or more
secure digital (SD) cards.
[0048] The memory 20 and the external memory 40 include
computer-storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile
memory. The memories 20, 40 may be removable, non-removable, or a
combination thereof. Exemplary hardware devices include solid-state
memory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, flash drives, cloud
storage, etc.
[0049] The control module 22 includes one or more processors that
read data from various entities such as the memories 20, 40 or I/O
components, like the video camera 30 or GPS unit 34 and carries out
processes as directed received inputs or by code stored in the
memories 20, 40.
[0050] The display components 24 present data indications to a user
or other device. The display components 24 may include a video
display screen that presents a video image captured by the video
camera 30 to a user, as described more fully below. The video
display screen may be configured as a touch interface to receive
inputs from the user. A head-up-display may also be provided to
present a variety of data to a user and to aid the user in aiming
the TES unit 10 at a desired target.
[0051] The I/O ports 26 allow the TES unit 10 to be logically
coupled to other devices or components, some of which may be built
in. Illustrative components include a printer 42, microphone 43, a
keyboard 45, keypads 46, a buzzer 58, speaker or other audio
component, a wireless device, a phone, a tablet, a personal
computer, or other computing devices, etc. In an embodiment, at
least one I/O port 26 comprises a universal serial bus (USB) port
47 or micro-USB port.
[0052] The power supply 28 is any source of electrical power
sufficient to operate the TES unit 10. The power supply 28 may
comprise an integrated battery 48 and/or removable rechargeable
battery 50, as depicted in FIG. 2. The TES unit 10 might also be
connected to the electrical system of a vehicle in which the TES
unit 10 is disposed or associated with.
[0053] The video camera 30 comprises a video camera technology
available in the art now or later developed that is configured to
capture a video image of a moving target object such as a vehicle.
As used herein, a video image comprises a plurality of still frames
or images or portions thereof that are displayed successively to
provide the appearance of a moving image as is known in the art.
The camera 30 may include capabilities to autofocus on the target
object and to zoom in/out, e.g., magnify an image of the target
object. Zooming functions may be carried out optically or via
software algorithms, e.g., digitally. In an embodiment, the video
camera 30 captures a high definition (HD) video image, e.g., a
video image having greater than 480 horizontal scan lines. The
video camera 30 and/or the control module 22 may also be configured
to select and store an indication of a single or multiple frames
from the video image as still images.
[0054] The object ranging and speed-detection module 32 employs one
or more of radar and laser technologies to emit an electromagnetic
signal directed toward a target object and receiving at least a
portion of the signal that is reflected by the target object. In an
embodiment, the object ranging and speed-detection module 32 is a
light detection and ranging (LIDAR) unit. The object ranging and
speed-detection module 32 may determine the distance to the target
object based on the time between emitting and receiving the signal
and may calculate the speed of travel of the vehicle based on
differences in the distance measurements over time. The ranging and
speed detection processes employed by the module 32 use known
methods and are thus not described in detail herein.
[0055] The TES unit 10 may include the GPS unit 34, compass 36, and
inclinometer 38 to provide location and state information of the
TES unit 10. The GPS unit 34 is configured to provide a geographic
location of the TES unit 10 and compass 36 is useable to provide
the direction or heading at which the object ranging and speed
detection module 32 is directed to emit laser or radar signals. A
GPS database 44 may be included in the GPS unit 34 or accessible
remotely to provide geographic information associated with the
geographic location determined by the GPS unit 34. For example, the
GPS database 44 may include locations of roadways and legal speed
limits therefor, among other data. The inclinometer 38 measures a
degree of tilt of the TES unit 10 away from vertical in one or more
directions, e.g., the inclinometer 38 may detect when the TES unit
10 is laid down on a surface or is pointed toward the ground.
[0056] In some embodiments, the TES unit 10 includes cellular or
wireless communication module 52, such as a general packet radio
service (GPRS) module or another wireless communications system. A
subscriber identity module or SIM card 54 can also be provided to
enable access to wireless networks by conventional methods. The
communication module 52 enables wireless communication of voice or
data from the TES unit 10 to disparate systems using available
cellular networks. The TES unit 10 may also include a wireless
local area network (WLAN) and/or BLUETOOTH communications modules
56 to enable short range communications with other devices or
networks.
[0057] With additional reference now to FIGS. 3-7, a TES unit 100
is described in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The
TES unit 100 is described with respect to a particular embodiment,
however such is not intended to limit embodiments of the TES unit
100 to any particular configuration. The TES unit 100 includes a
body 102 having a handle portion 104 and an upper housing 106. The
handle portion 104 is configured similar to a pistol grip to
provide a natural and comfortable grip for a user while operating
the TES unit 10. A trigger 108 is provided near an upper end of the
handle portion 104 that is operable by a user's finger to initiate
target vehicle ranging and speed-detection processes as described
more fully below.
[0058] A rear display 110, a main keyboard 112, a head-up-display
(HUD) 114, a transmitter lens 116, a receiver lens 118, and a video
camera 120 are disposed in the upper housing 106. The rear display
110 is configured to present a video image captured by the video
camera 120 and/or from a stored memory file. In an embodiment, the
rear display 110 is touch sensitive and may receive touch inputs
from a user. The touch inputs may comprise any form of touch input,
such as a tap or click on a displayed icon, a click-and-drag, a
swipe, or any other gesture input.
[0059] An exemplary display image 122 provided by the rear display
110 is depicted in FIG. 8. The display image 122 includes a video
display window 124 in which a video image may be displayed. The
window 124 may include a cross-hairs, aiming reticle 126, or other
aiming indicia is superimposed thereon to aid a user in aiming the
TES unit 100 at a desired target 128. A control area 130 is
provided in the image 122 and includes a plurality of icons 132
that may be selected to provide commands, settings, or the like. A
variety of data display regions 134 may also be provided in which
data such as time, date, serial number of the TES unit 10, record
number, GPS coordinates, number of GPS satellites detected, user
identification, operation mode, camera settings, range to target,
speed of target, speed limit, laser diameter at target, battery
life, or the like may be presented.
[0060] The main keyboard 112 is disposed adjacent to the rear
display 110 and provides a plurality of buttons 136 or other
control surfaces that are useable to provide commands, selections,
or the like. In an embodiment, one or more of the buttons 136 are
redundant with respect to those of the control area 130 in the rear
display 110. One or more additional keyboards or control surfaces
may be provided on surfaces of the TES unit 110, like a zoom
control panel 138, to provide quick or direct access to one or more
control functions.
[0061] The HUD 114 is located on an upper surface of the upper
housing 106 and includes a transparent or translucent lens through
which a user may view a target to aim the TES unit 110 thereat. An
aiming reticle may be displayed or projected onto the lens along
with the speed and/or range of the target, among other
information.
[0062] The transmitter lens 116 and receiver lens 118 are located
on a front surface of the upper housing 106 opposite the rear
display 110. The transmitter lens 116 and receiver lens 118 form
parts of an object ranging and speed-detection system of the TES
unit 100, like for example the object ranging and speed-detection
module 32 of the TES unit 10. As known in the art, the transmitter
lens 116 directs an emitted laser or light beam in a desired
direction while the receiver lens 118 receives at least a portion
of the emitted light that is reflected back off of a target. In an
embodiment, the TES unit 100 also employs radar technology for one
or more of object detection, vectoring, ranging, Doppler, across
the road radar, and/or speed detection. Such embodiments include
radar transmitters, receivers, and/or transceivers configured to
carry out such processes, as well as video analytics or other speed
sensors.
[0063] The video camera 120 is also disposed in the upper housing
106 and is directed generally parallel to the transmitter and
receiver lenses 116, 118 to capture a video image of a target at
which the TES unit 100 is aimed. The video camera 120 includes
optical and/or digital zoom capability that may be adjusted to
provide a video image of the target in which the target encompasses
a majority of a field of view of the video image and/or identifying
features of the target, e.g., a license plate number, are
discernable. The video camera 120 may also include autofocus
features that automatically adjust a focal plane of the video
camera 120 to focus on the target with respect to a distance
thereto and a level of zoom or magnification thereof. The video
camera 120 may also be operated in manual focus mode.
[0064] The TES unit 100 may include an input/output port 140, such
as a mini-B USB port, disposed on a surface thereof. The I/O port
140 may enable coupling of the TES unit 100 to a computing system,
printer, battery charger, or the like to provide data communication
or charging of the battery. A mounting hole 142 may also be
provided for mounting of the TES unit 100 on a tripod, in a
vehicle, or the like.
[0065] As depicted in FIG. 7, a microphone 144 may be provided
adjacent the rear display 110 or at another location on the TES
unit 10. The microphone 144 may enable use of voice commands for
operation of the TES unit 10, recording of audio data, such as
notes from a user or a conversation between the user and a
motorists being ticketed for speeding, among other audio data.
[0066] With reference to FIG. 9, a method 200 for capturing video
of a vehicle during detecting of the speed of travel thereof is
described in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A law
enforcement official or other user typically sets up at a location
near or alongside a roadway on which potential target vehicles
travel. The TES unit 100 is aimed at a target vehicle using one or
both of the HUD 114 and the rear display 110 by placing the vehicle
within the respective field of view or by locating an aiming
reticle 126 or crosshairs on the target vehicle 128 as depicted in
FIG. 8. When the rear display 110 is used, the video camera 120 is
first activated and focused manually or automatically on the target
vehicle 128.
[0067] The distance to the target vehicle is detected using the
object ranging and speed-detection systems, e.g., a LIDAR system,
of the TES unit 100 as indicated at step 202. In an embodiment, the
trigger 108 is depressed to initiate the detection of the distance
to the target.
[0068] The zoom level or magnification of the video camera 120 is
set based on the distance to the target detected by the object
ranging and speed-detection system. The zoom level is set with
respect to the distance to the target vehicle such that the target
vehicle occupies a majority of the field of view of the video image
captured by the video camera 120. In an embodiment, the target
vehicle substantially fills the field of view, e.g., the surfaces
of the vehicle lie in close proximity to the borders of the field
of view of the video image. In another embodiment, the zoom level
is set such that an identifying characteristic of the target
vehicle like a make, model, color, or the like as well as an
identifying marking, such as a license number or license plate, on
the target vehicle are discernable in the video image. The zoom
level may also be set to allow capture of at least a portion of the
vehicle's surroundings in the video image. For example, as depicted
in FIG. 9, the zoom level of the display image is sufficiently set
to enable identification of a make, model, and color of the vehicle
as well as viewing of a the license plate number on the target
vehicle 128. The location of the target vehicle might also be
identifiable based on the vehicle's surroundings captured in the
video image.
[0069] The intensity of zooming may be tailored to provide a
desired size of the target vehicle in the video image, e.g., the
zoom intensity may be tailored to substantially fill the field of
view of the video image or to fill a lesser portion of the field of
view and to provide a display a greater amount of the surroundings
of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the zoom intensity is tailored
or adjusted using the zoom control panel 138 on the TES unit 100 or
a redundant control provided on the rear display 110 or main
keyboard 112.
[0070] As depicted at step 206, a video image of the target vehicle
is captured using the video camera 120. The video image may be
displayed on the rear display 110 in real-time and/or stored in a
memory, such as the memory 20. The video image may also be
transmitted wirelessly or through a hard connection to an external
memory location, like the external memory 40, located in a vehicle
of the user or at a remote location. In an embodiment, video
capture is initiated by the user depressing the trigger 108. In
another embodiment, video capture is continuously active while the
TES unit 100 is powered on, but storage of the video image is not
initiated until receipt of a command to do so from the user, such
as by depressing the trigger 108. The video might also be stored in
a memory buffer for a predetermined duration and then committed to
a storage memory when the trigger 108 is depressed. Such a buffer
may allow capture of the video image of the target vehicle for a
period prior to depression of the trigger 108 by the user and after
the trigger is released and may account for a delayed reaction of
the user and provide additional context for the recording of the
desired event.
[0071] The zoom level of the video camera 120 is one of
continuously, periodically, or intermittently adjusted based on
movement of the target vehicle as detected by distance measurements
performed by the object ranging and speed-detection systems as
depicted in step 208. The TES unit 100 detects the distance to the
target vehicle continuously, periodically, or intermittently. One
or more of these distance measurements are thus usable by the TES
unit 100, or more specifically the video camera 120, to adjust the
zoom level thereof to generally maintain the appearance of the
target vehicle in the video image, e.g., the ratio of the size of
the target vehicle with respect to the field of view of the video
image is generally maintained. The distance measurements may also
be used to adjust the focus of the video camera 120 or the camera's
internal focus mechanisms may be employed.
[0072] At step 210 the speed of travel of the target vehicle is
detected. The speed is detected by methods known in the art
including comparison of distance measurements over a period of time
to determine a distance traveled by the target vehicle over that
period of time and thus the rate of travel of the target vehicle.
The speed of the target vehicle may be continuously, periodically,
or intermittently, detected during use of the TES unit 100 or may
only be detected upon depression of the trigger 108. An indication
of the speed of the target vehicle may be displayed on or in
association with the video image on the rear display 110 and/or on
the HUD 114. An indication of the speed of the target vehicle as
well as any other data associated with the TES unit 100 may also be
stored with the video image, such as in metadata associated with
the video image.
[0073] A method 300 for capturing video of a vehicle during
detecting of the speed of travel thereof is described in accordance
with another embodiment of the invention (see FIG. 10). At a step
302 a range within which to monitor target vehicles is received.
The range generally comprises a range of distances from the TES
unit 100 with which to monitor target vehicles and may be provided
in a variety of ways. For example, a user might simply provide a
range of distances via the touch interface of the rear display 110
or keyboard 112.
[0074] The range may be provided by detecting a distance to a first
landmark 502, as depicted by step 402 in FIG. 11. The landmark may
comprise any object, such as a road sign, fire hydrant, tree,
utility pole, a vehicle, or the like. A distance to a second
landmark 504 is detected at step 404. The first and second
landmarks 502, 504 thus define a range 506 within which target
vehicles 508 are to be monitored when it is determined that the
target vehicle 508 is within the range as depicted at step 406.
[0075] The range might also be selected using GPS, as shown in FIG.
13. As depicted at step 602, the location of the TES unit 100 is
determined using a GPS unit integrated in the TES unit 100 or
associated therewith. A database of GPS information may be
consulted based on the location of the TES unit 100 to identify
roadways and associated speed limits thereof. A user might select a
portion of a roadway using the touch interface of the rear display
110 and/or keyboard 112. Or locations of a pair of landmarks might
be determined based on the location of the TES unit 100, a distance
to the landmarks, and a compass heading of the TES unit 100 when
aimed at each of the landmarks. These locations may then be
employed in association with the GPS information to identify a
portion of a roadway within which to monitor target vehicles.
[0076] A compass heading of the TES unit 100 when aimed at a target
vehicle is determined at a step 604. The location of the target
vehicle is determined base on the location of the TES unit 100, the
distance of the target vehicle form the TES unit 100, and the
compass heading therebetween as depicted in step 606. A legal speed
limit for the roadway at the location of the target vehicle may be
identified from the GPS data at step 608.
[0077] Returning to FIG. 10, after receiving selection of the range
by any of the above methods, a target vehicle is monitored and is
determined to have traveled outside of the range as depicted at
step 304. The zoom level of the video camera 120 is set to a
predetermined level as indicated at step 306. The predetermined
zoom level comprises any desired zoom level and may be a zoom level
associated with target vehicles at a closest or furthest distance
of the range (such as a closest distance 510 or furthest distance
512 of the range 508 depicted in FIG. 12) or may be a minimum or
maximum zoom of the video camera 120, among others.
[0078] The predetermined zoom level may be selected to enable quick
and/or easy zooming or focusing of the video camera 120 on a target
vehicle entering a closest or furthest boundary of the range. For
instance, when monitoring vehicles traveling toward the TES unit
100, the predetermined zoom level may be a zoom level associated
with capturing video images of target vehicles at the furthest
distance of the range. As such, the video camera 120 may be preset
to a desired zoom level to immediately capture a desired video
image of a target vehicle when it enters the range without
requiring adjustment of the zoom level. Thus, upon travel of a
target vehicle outside of the range, the zoom level may be adjusted
to the predetermined zoom level in preparation for monitoring a
next vehicle to enter the range.
[0079] At step 308 a second target vehicle is detected as having
entered the range. The zoom level of the video camera 120 is
adjusted from the predetermined zoom level based on the distance to
the second target vehicle, if necessary, as depicted at step 310. A
video image of the second target vehicle is captured, such as in
response to depression of the trigger 108 by the user, at step 312.
The zoom level is adjusted to maintain the desired video image of
the second target vehicle based on changing distances thereto as
the second vehicle moves within the range at step 314. The speed of
the second target vehicle is detected as indicated at step 316. The
speed of the second target vehicle may be detected continuously,
periodically, intermittently, or singly as the second target
vehicle is monitored.
[0080] In one embodiment, the capture of the video image is
initiated by detection of a speed of a target vehicle that exceeds
a legal limit as defined by data associated with a geographic
location of the target vehicle or as provided by a user of the TES
unit 100. In such an embodiment, the vehicle might also be required
to be within the set range prior to initiation capturing the video
image. The detection of the speed of the target vehicle may thus
precede the capturing of the video image.
[0081] Accordingly, a video image of a target vehicle may be
captured throughout all or a portion of a range and the speed of
the target vehicle may be simultaneously captured and displayed in
association with the video image. The zoom level of the video
camera 120 is adjusted during capture of the video image based on
the distance measurements of the TES unit 100 so as to track
movement of the target vehicle and to enable positive
identification of the target vehicle in the video image. The
displayed detected speed may be updated continuously, periodically,
or intermittently throughout the video image so as to depict the
speed of the target vehicle at a plurality of points in the video
image and the range. The TES unit 100 thus provides substantial
evidence of behaviors of target vehicles, or more correctly,
motorists driving the target vehicles, that may be used as proof of
infractions committed by such motorists.
[0082] In one embodiment, the TES unit 100 is in communication with
a printer, such as the printer 42, via a wireless or hard
connection. A user may thus provide an input to the TES unit 100,
like, for example, a swipe or other gesture on the touch interface
of the rear display 110 to cause a frame of the video image to be
printed on the printer. The printed image may include one or more
data elements associated with the monitoring of the target vehicle,
such as the detected speed thereof. Such a printer may be installed
in a user's vehicle. The printed image may thus be provided to a
motorist that has been stopped by the user as proof of the
motorist's commission of an infraction.
[0083] In one embodiment, monitoring history of the TES unit 100
and data associated therewith may be recorded. The recorded data
may be correlated with associated GPS data to display indications
of the monitoring history on a map. For example, target vehicle
speeds monitored by the TES unit 100 or a plurality of TES units
100 might be plotted on a map to depict roadways that show a
propensity for speed infractions or to depict average monitored
speeds on those roadways, among a variety of other possible data
displays.
[0084] The TES unit 100 may also include an inclinometer that is
configured to measure an angle of inclination or tilt of the TES
unit 100 (see FIG. 14). The angle may be used by the TES unit 100
or a control module therein to determine that the TES unit 100 is
not in use or at least is not in an orientation in which a target
vehicle may be monitored, e.g., the TES unit 100 has been laid down
on a surface like a dash board or seat of a user's vehicle or a
user is holding the TES unit 100 down at their side. An angle
indicative of such a non-use orientation might be an angle of
greater than about 90.degree. from vertical, or more preferably
greater than about 70.degree. from vertical, however any desired
angle may be employed.
[0085] Initially, the TES unit 100 is in an active state in which
normal operation for monitoring target vehicles may be completed as
indicated by block 702. When a non-use orientation of the TES unit
100 is indicated by the inclinometer (block 704), the control
module of the TES unit 100 initiates a timer or counter as depicted
by block 706. Upon expiration of a first period of time (block
708), such as about five seconds, the TES unit 100 is placed in a
minor energy saving state (block 710) in which components such as
the rear display 110, the HUD 114, and the GPS unit, among others
are powered down or turned off.
[0086] When the TES unit 100 remains in a non-use orientation
(block 712) for a second period of time (block 714), such as about
two minutes, the TES unit 100 is placed in a major energy
conservation state as indicated by block 716. In the major energy
conservation state, components such as the video camera 120 and the
object ranging and speed-detection module 32 are powered down.
[0087] When the TES unit 100 remains in a non-use orientation
(block 718) for a third period of time (block 720), such as about
an additional eight minutes, all components and operations of the
TES unit 100 are shut down as depicted by block 722. The
inclinometer may remain continuously or periodically active in the
shut down state such that when a non-use orientation is not
detected, e.g., the TES unit 100 is returned to a use orientation,
e.g., the TES unit 100 is again fully powered on to resume the
active state. The TES unit 100 may also be returned to the active
at any point in the power conservation process when a use
orientation is detected.
[0088] The TES unit 100 thus may be powered down over a period of
time to conserve battery power. By delaying full shut down of the
TES unit 100, the TES unit 100 may be laid down momentarily and
then picked up again to resume use thereof without encountering
delays resulting from restarting the various components or
processes of the TES unit 100 that might be encountered if the TES
unit 100 were immediately fully shut down. The energy conservation
process also allows the TES unit 100 to be automatically shut down
when placed in a non-use orientation to avoid depleting batter
power when the TES unit 100 is not in use.
[0089] Turning now to FIG. 15, a block diagram of a typical Target
Tracking History Process, indicated by reference numeral 800, as
may be performed by an officer operating the TES unit 100 is
described in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In
block 802 the officer observes the target vehicle and how that
vehicle relates to the surrounding traffic. Traffic enforcement
officers often receive detailed training in estimating the speed of
vehicles. This type of estimate of the target vehicle is made in
block 804. In block 806 the office targets the vehicle by aiming
the laser beam or microwave beam from the TES unit 100 at the
target vehicle. The radar system will present the Doppler return
audio that is related to the speed of the target. The laser system
will sound a piezo tone or other audible signal related to the
quality of the laser return. The Officer will listen to this return
audio during block 808. During block 810 the officer will ensure
the direction of travel indicated by the TES unit 100 matches the
direction of travel of the target vehicle. Block 812 is the block
most concerning to the aspects of the invention. During block 812
the officer observes the speed-reading as displayed by the TES unit
100. During the period of time the officer is observing the
displayed target speed the value of the speed should remain
relatively stable and it should closely match his estimate from
block 104. Once the officer is satisfied, the speed reading from
the TES unit 100 is valid he may proceed to block 814 to lock or
store the data from the target reading. This data may contain the
target's speed, direction of travel, distance to the target, time,
date, etc. Having the data locked or stored may be helpful if the
officer determines to proceed to take enforcement action as
depicted by block 816.
[0090] It may not be desirable for the officer in the field to be
able to set or change the minimum tracking time period. In a
preferred embodiment, the invention would provide a method for the
period of the minimum tracking time to be set into the TES unit 100
at the manufacturers prior to shipping to the end law enforcement
agency. During the manufacturing process the TES unit 100 may be
loaded with a set of parameters. These parameters determine the
operational behavior of the TES unit 100. The parameter values are
determined by the individual requirements of the agency purchasing
the TES unit 100. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the
following parameters are included in the TES unit 100 parameter
list. 1) `HudTrackAlert`=0 or 1. If the parameter `HudTrackAlert`
is set to equal 1, the minimum target tracking option is enabled.
2) HudTimeTrak=xx. The integer value loaded in the `HudTimeTrak`
parameter sets the number of tenths of seconds required for the
minimum target tracking time period. For example, an individual
agency may require their officers to observe the target vehicle's
speed reading for a minimum of two (2) seconds. The parameters of
the TES unit 100 may be set to: HudTrackAlert=1 and HudTimeTrak=25.
This would enable the Target Time Tracking feature and set the
minimum target time tracking period to 2.5 seconds.
[0091] Another aspect of the preferred embodiment is that the TES
unit 100 may allow the parameter values to be loaded in the service
or maintenance mode. This method allows the target tracking time
feature to be enabled and the minimum tracking time period to be
set at the factory or at a service center.
[0092] From the example given above, an individual agency may
require their officers to observe the target vehicle's speed
reading for a minimum of two seconds. Previously the officer was
responsible for estimating the time period that he has tracked the
target, which must be for a minimum tracking time period.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 16, exemplary displays that may be
presented by the HUD 114 are depicted in an illustration 900 in
accordance with embodiments of the invention to aid description of
a method to alert the officer when the target had been tracked for
the minimum target tracking time. The example given is for a TES
unit 100 with the tracking time set to 2.5 seconds and looking
through the HUD 114. The top half of the illustration depicts the
HUD 114 displayed when the officer first acquires the target
readings. An indicia 902 indicates the target distance is 990.0
feet from the TES unit 100. A laser aiming reticle is depicted by
904. A value indicia 906 indicates the target is traveling 60
miles-per-hour (mph). The `+` symbol 908 is to indicate the target
direction of travel is approaching the TES unit 100. The lower half
of illustration 900 shows the same HUD 114 after the officer has
continued to track the target for 2.5 seconds. The indicia 910 now
shows the distance to the target is 768.1 feet. Reference numeral
912 still depicts the Laser aiming reticle. A value indicia 916
shows the target is still traveling 60 mph and the `+` 918 shows
the target is still approaching the TES unit 100. But the TES unit
100 has now displayed a symbol 916 to alert the officer the minimum
target tracking time period requirement has been met.
[0094] An audible tone or beep may be sounded to alert the officer
that the minimum target tracking time period requirement has been
met. This method of audible alert may be used instead of the
visible alert or in combination with the visible alert.
[0095] The option to not allow target data to be locked or stored
if the minimum target tracking time parameter was not met may be
coded in the firmware or software of the TES unit 100.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 17, a block diagram of a certification
process 1100 that may be performed at a testing laboratory for a
radar or laser based TES unit is described in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The certificate example shown in FIG.
17 is for a radar based device. Blocks 1102 through 1122 show the
process steps the laboratory technician may take to complete the
certification. For example, the technician first enters the device
information, such as device model and serial number into a
laboratory log as depicted at block 1102. The technician then
performs a tuning fork test 1104, typically using two different
tuning forks of different frequencies representing two different
target speeds. The tuning fork test may include the steps of: 1)
placing the radar in stationary mode of operation; 2) placing the
range control in maximum position; 3) placing the antenna in the
transmit mode by releasing the hold switch or putting the radar
unit in run mode; 4) lightly striking a lower speed fork on a hard
non-metallic surface and holding the tuning fork approximately one
inch in front of the antenna; 5) verifying that the target speed
displays the same as the speed stamped on the tuning fork+/-1 mph;
6) repeating steps 4 and 5 using the higher speed tuning fork; 7)
placing the radar in a moving mode of operation; 8) using the lower
speed fork, perform step 4 and verifying that the patrol speed
displays the same as the speed stamped on the tuning fork+/-1 mph;
9) while continuing to hold the lower speed fork in front of the
radar, perform step 4 on the higher speed fork, holding it in front
of the radar as well; and 10) with both forks now vibrating
simultaneously in front of the radar antenna, verifying that the
PATROL speed reads the lower speed fork, and the TARGET speed reads
the speed stamped on the higher fork, minus the speed on the lower
fork.
[0097] If the unit passes the tuning fork test 1104, a transmission
frequency stability test 1106 is performed. For the transmission
frequency stability test 1106, the transmitted frequency is
required to stay within a designated frequency band for a supply
voltage to the device within a range of +/-20% of the standard
supply voltage.
[0098] If the unit passes the transmission frequency stability test
1106, a power density test 1108 is performed. For the power density
test 1108, the technician measures the near-field power density of
the antenna at a predetermined distance in front of the antenna.
The power density of the antenna may not exceed a maximum signal
strength, such as 5 mW/cm.sup.2.
[0099] If the unit passes the power density test 1108, then a
low-voltage test 1110 is performed. For the low-voltage test 1110,
the tuning fork test 1104 described above is performed while the
supply voltage to the device is lowered to 20% of the standard
supply voltage, or to a predetermined minimum voltage. As the
voltage is lowered, the speed displayed should be consistent and
accurate at the minimum voltage.
[0100] If the unit passes the low-voltage test 1110, then a Doppler
audio test 1112 is performed. The Doppler audio test 1112 includes
utilizing a speed simulator and listening for a tone corresponding
the speed reading of an approaching vehicle at a particular speed,
and a tone corresponding to the speed reading of a receding vehicle
at a particular speed.
[0101] If the unit passes the Doppler audio test 1112, an internal
circuit test 1114 is performed. The internal circuit test 1114 is
performed in accordance with the instructions of the device
manufacturer.
[0102] If the unit passes the internal circuit test 1114, then a
directional sensing test 1116 is performed. The directional sensing
test 1116 is performed utilizing a speed simulator and verifying
correct display of the speed reading of an approaching vehicle at a
particular speed, and correct display of the speed reading of a
receding vehicle at a particular speed.
[0103] If the unit passes the directional sensing test 1116, then
the low and high speed display test 1118 is performed. The low and
high speed display test 1118 verifies that the device accurately
displays a minimum speed, such as 20 mph, and a maximum speed, such
as 199 mph, for example.
[0104] If the unit passes the low and high speed display test 1118,
then the RFI test 1120 is performed. The RFI test 1120 subjects the
device to various electromagnetic frequencies and wave forms and
verifies that the device consistently and accurately displays the
simulated speed of a vehicle.
[0105] If the unit passes the RFI test 1120, the unit is certified
by the technician 1122. Other tests may be performed as required by
the manufacturer, certifying agency, or state law.
[0106] In the preferred embodiment, the invention would provide a
certification utility application to the certifying facility. At
the completion of the certification process shown in FIG. 17 the
radar or laser traffic device may be connected to an intelligent
device running the certification utility application.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 18, an example of connecting the radar or
laser device to the intelligent device is generally indicated by
reference numeral 1200. The host device 1202 may be a PC, tablet,
smart phone, or any intelligent device capable of running the
certification utility application. Host device 1202 is connected to
the TES unit or traffic enforcement system (TES) 1206, via a
communication link 1204. This communication link 1204 may be cable
connection such as serial communications port, universal serial bus
(USB), or it may be a wireless link such as Bluetooth or WiFi.
[0108] Referring to FIG. 19, an example screen display of the
certification utility application of the preferred embodiment,
running on the host device, is generally indicated by reference
numeral 1300. A technician may establish a communication between
the host device and the TES 1206 by pressing a connect button 1302.
Information may now be shared between the host device and the TES
1206. The technician may want to update the Time/Date in the TES
1206 to the current Time/Date in the host device by pressing the
Set Time/Date button 1304. The technician may then set the date on
which the current certification was completed. This may be done by
clicking a date in the calendar view 1306 or by clicking today's
date box 1308. The certification start date will then be displayed
in the text box 1310. The technician may then set the date on which
the current certification will expire. This may be done by clicking
a date in the calendar view 1312 or by selecting a preset period
for the certification period 1314. The next certification due date
will be displayed in the text box 1316. At this time, a
notification period may be selected 1318. This parameter is the
number of days prior to the expiration of the certification 1316 to
have the TES 1206 start warning the operator the certification
renewal is near. Several presets may be available from the drop
down box 1318 or the technician may just enter a number of days in
box 1318. Check box 1320 may be selected by the technician to
enable or disable the certification checking by the TES 1206. Check
box 1322 may be used to control how the TES 1206 behaves if the
certification is allowed to expire. If the box is checked the TES
1206 will not operate if the certification has expired. If left
unchecked, the TES 1206 will warn the operator the certification
has expired and the operator must press a button to bypass the
warning. Once the above settings are made, the technician may press
the Certify button 1324 and the certification information is sent
to the TES 1206. Optionally, pressing the Certify button 1324 may
also update the Time/Date in the TES 1206 to the current Time/Date
in the host device.
[0109] In the embodiment of the present invention, an electronics
circuit, firmware, or software to track the current time and date
may be added to the TES 1206 unit to track when the system is
required to be recertified by a test facility. The TES as depicted
in FIG. 20 reference 1400 is an example of the system with the time
tracking circuitry added. Block 1402 depicts the display and user
interface. In the preferred embodiment, the invention shows the
status of the systems certification on this display 1402. The
system's electronics board containing microprocessors such as a
micro controller unit (MCU), or a digital signal processor (DSP),
or both is indicated by reference numeral 1404. In the preferred
embodiment, the certification information may be processed and
stored by the processors in block 1404. Block 1406 depicts the
added time tracking circuit (real time clock, GPS module, etc.)
that communicates with the processors in block 1404. An example of
the time tracking circuitry used in a TES unit may include the
PCF2129AT integrated circuit (IC) provided by NXP
semiconductors.
[0110] The firmware loaded in the TES unit electronics processing
board 1404 may display information about the systems certification
to the operator via the system display 1402. FIG. 21 shows examples
of the certification information provided to the operator as
illustrated on a radar system 1500. During the power-up sequence,
the date of the required recertification is displayed 1502. If the
days remaining prior to the required recertification has fallen to
within the notification period as set by the certifying technician,
screen 1504 will be displayed, notifying the operator of the number
of days before the certification expires. This screen may remain on
the display until the operator acknowledges the message by pressing
one of the front panel switches. Screen 1506 will be displayed if
the certification date has elapsed. This notifies the operator the
system is no longer in certification. Depending on the option set
by the certification technician, the operator may acknowledge this
message by pressing a front panel switch and continue to operate or
the system firmware would set the unit inoperable until the
Certification Utility was use to reset the certification of the
system.
[0111] It is to be understood that while certain now preferred
forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is
not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included
in the following claims. Many different arrangements of the various
components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible
without departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments
of the technology have been described with the intent to be
illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will
become apparent to readers of this disclosure after and because of
reading it. Alternative means of implementing the aforementioned
may be completed without departing from the scope of the claims
below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may
be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations
and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *