Remote Data Recorder Architecture for Real-Time Mobile Asset Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data acquisition and recording systems for high-value mobile assets require physical access and manual download of data after incidents, making real-time data access challenging and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A real-time data acquisition and recording system that streams data to a remote repository, allowing remote users to access event, operational, video, and audio data in real-time or near real-time, eliminating the need for physical access and manual data retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is stored locally in onboard recorders, then data security and reliability are improved, but real-time data access and retrieval speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddata retrieval time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides data storage into multiple locations: local onboard recorder and remote cloud-based repository. This segmentation allows data to be securely stored locally while enabling remote access through the repository, resolving the contradiction between data security and real-time access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a remote data repository and wireless communication system as intermediaries between the onboard recorder and users. This intermediary structure enables real-time data access without requiring physical access to the onboard recorder, thus reducing data retrieval time while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If manual data download processes are used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and response time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddata access efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated data upload from onboard recorders to the remote repository, and automated data retrieval by users through the web interface. This self-service automation eliminates manual data download processes, significantly improving productivity while keeping the core recording function simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data download processes with automated electronic data transmission through wireless communication and web-based interfaces. This substitution dramatically improves data access efficiency while maintaining system simplicity through standardized protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If physical access to data recorders is required, then data authentication and security are improved, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata authenticationVSAvoiddata accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a remote access dimension to the traditional local-only data access model. Users can access data through a web browser from any location without physical access to the recorder, while authentication mechanisms maintain security. This dimensional expansion resolves the contradiction between security and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If real-time data streaming is implemented, then situational awareness and response capability are improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic data upload intervals rather than continuous streaming. Data is uploaded at scheduled intervals from the onboard recorder to the remote repository, reducing energy consumption while still providing timely data access for operational decisions and incident response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3458302B1Real-time data acquisition and recording system
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 WI TRONIX LLC
  • EP3458302B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3458302B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3458302B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A data acquisition and recording system (DARS) for mobile assets that includes a data recorder. The data recorder includes a data encoder, an onboard data manager, a vehicle event detector, at least one local memory component, and a queueing repository. DARS processes data from at least one input sensor and stores a compressed record of the data at least once per second in the local memory module. DARS is designed to run in near real-time mode, storing a full record comprising five minutes of data to a remote memory module every five minutes, and in real-time mode, streaming data to the remote memory module by uploading a record of data at least once per second and up to once every tenth of a second. Remotely located users can view video, audio, and data acquired by DARS through a web browser, which provides for quicker emergency response, validate the effectiveness of repairs and rerouting, and monitor crew performance and safety.