Automatic collision triggered video system
First Claim
1. A video recording system, comprising:
- a. a means for sensing when a vehicular collision occurs;
b. at least one video camera;
c. a means for storing a predetermined amount of video footage recorded by the at least one video camera; and
d. a triggering means coupling the means for sensing when a vehicular collision occurs and the at least one video camera;
wherein when the means for sensing when a vehicular collision occurs is actuated, the at least one video camera begins recording the video footage.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A video recording system is responsive to an automotive controls system. The video recording system includes a video camera, capable of capturing either still photos or video footage. The video camera may be integral to the interior of a vehicle, for example in a navigation unit, or may be coupled to a detachable electronic device like a cellular telephone. The video recording system communicates with the controls system by either hard wire link or wireless link. The controls system includes one or more sensors capable of detecting when a collision has occurred. One such sensor is an airbag deployment sensor. When the controls system detects that a collision has occurred, it sends an actuation signal to the video recording system, thereby causing the video recording system to begin capturing either photos or video footage. This video footage may then be stored locally or transmitted to a remote server. In one application, the video footage may be used by emergency personnel to determine the conditions inside the vehicle immediately following an accident.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A video recording system, comprising:
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a. a means for sensing when a vehicular collision occurs;
b. at least one video camera;
c. a means for storing a predetermined amount of video footage recorded by the at least one video camera; and
d. a triggering means coupling the means for sensing when a vehicular collision occurs and the at least one video camera;
wherein when the means for sensing when a vehicular collision occurs is actuated, the at least one video camera begins recording the video footage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 19)
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12. A video recording system for capturing video footage of an accident scene, the system comprising:
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a. a video camera comprising;
i. at least one microprocessor;
ii. memory for storing at least a portion of the video footage therein; and
iii. a means of receiving a video actuation signal;
b. a vehicular control system comprising;
i. a means for detecting a collision; and
ii. a means for transmitting a video actuation signal;
wherein when the means for detecting a collision detects that a collision has occurred, the means for transmitting a video actuation signal transmits a video actuation signal, and upon the means for receiving a video actuation signal receiving the video actuation signal, the microprocessor causes the video camera to begin recording the video footage. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 20)
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17. A method of recording video footage of an accident scene, the method comprising the steps of:
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a. upon a vehicular collision occurring, receiving a video actuation signal from a vehicular diagnostic system capable of detecting that the vehicular collision has occurred;
b. initiating a video recording system; and
c. storing video footage recorded by the video recording system. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification