Mobile incident recording and reporting system

• US 7,323,969 B1
• Filed: 10/31/2005
• Issued: 01/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Andrew Pedro Delgado, Arch Michael Price
• Original Assignee: Andrew Pedro Delgado, Arch Michael Price
• Inventors: Price, Arch Michael, Delgado, Andrew Pedro
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, HUNG T
• Application Number:
  US11/263,645
• Time in Patent Office: 820 Days
• Field of Search: 340/425.5, 340/426.1, 340/517, 340/521, 340/531, 340/539.1, 340/540, 340/541, 340/933, 340/937, 348/143, 348/152, 701/23, 701/209
• US Class Current: 340/425.5
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/085 using electronic data carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0891 Video recorder in combination with video camera

Abstract

A mobile incident recording and reporting system and method for use in a vehicle for forming at least one data package for reporting of incidents, wherein the system includes a computer system, the computer encrypts and compresses data package. A video and an audio capture device communicating with the computer, a GPS receiver and a magnetic card reader communicates with the computer, a power supply engages the computer, and a power converter and distribution device communicates between the GPS and the computer. A data entry device, Ethernet transceiver, security device to log on, and display communicate with the computer. The system receives data via the GPS receiver forming a continuously updated log, from an audio and video recording and the data entry device, the system links a data file to the audio and video recording and then creates at least one data package.

Claims

1. A mobile incident recording and reporting system for use in a vehicle for forming at least one data package for reporting of incidents, wherein the system comprises:

a. a mini-itx computer system engaging a USB hub, and wherein the mini-itx computer is adapted to encrypt and compress a data package;

b. a data entry device connected to the mini-itx computer system and the USB hub;

c. a video capture device and an audio capture device in communication with the mini-itx computer system;

d. a global positioning system (GPS) receiver communicating with the mini-itx computer system;

e. a magnetic card reader in communication with the USB hub;

f. an Ethernet transceiver engaging the USB hub; and

g. a display in communication with the mini-itx computer;

wherein the mini-itx computer system receives global positioning data via the GPS receiver from a satellite forming a continuously updating log, forms an audio and video recording based on actuation using the data entry device, links an data file to the audio and video recording and then creates at least one data package using the linked data file, audio and video recording and continuously updating log.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the a mini-itx computer system comprises a case with a hard drive, memory, a motherboard, an integrated audio chipset and a video capture card.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a security device connected to the USB hub, and wherein the system is engaged using the security device.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising an isolation mount encapsulating the hard drive to prevent damage from shock and vibration.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the data entry device comprises a wirelessly connected second computer in communication with the mini-itx computer system.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the data entry device is a second computer connected to the mini-itx computer via a network.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the security device is a fingerprint reader, an eye retinal reader, or voice print identification device, a magnetic sensing device, a radio frequency sensor, or a combination thereof.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency sensor is a proximity sensor that identifies an individual wearing a radio frequency identification device (RFID).

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the power converter and distribution device comprises a voltage sensor for initiating recording when specialty warning lights of a vehicle are turned on.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein a power supply initiates the mobile incident recording and reporting system at least 5 seconds after ignition of the vehicle is initiated.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a server for receiving data packages from the system via the Ethernet transceiver.

12. A method for recording audio, video and satellite data with a real time data entry feature on a vehicle comprising the steps of:

a. actuating a mobile incident system mounted on a vehicle wherein the system comprises a mini-itx computer system with set video capture card and USB hub, a data entry device, a video capture device, an audio capture device, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a magnetic card reader, a power supply, a power converter and distribution system, an Ethernet transceiver, a display and a security device;

b. logging on a potential operator of the system using the security device to verify the potential operator is authorized to use the system and has an operator identification;

c. after authorizing the operator to use the system, linking the system to a satellite using the GPS receiver to obtain a longitude and a latitude of the vehicle and current Greenwich Mean time;

d. receiving information from the satellite using the mini-itx computer system forming a continuously updating log;

e. where in updating the log comprises, recording a member of the group;

video, audio, or combinations thereof while encoding date, time, operator identification, longitude and latitude of the vehicle from the continuously updating log forming a coded recording; and

f. stopping coded recording by depressing a function key on the data entry device or triggering a remote device wirelessly connected to the system.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step allowing the operator to input data via the data entry device, wherein the data entry device comprises an identification number and a custom field for information entry.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of permitting the operator to write a report in a template provided by the system providing additional details pertaining to the coded recording.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of encrypting and compressing the continuously updating log with the coded recording, forming at least one data package and transmitting the at least one data package to a server using the wireless Ethernet transceiver.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of updating the received satellite information between 2 and 3 times per second during the recording.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of initiating of the recording is by either depressing a function key on the data entry device, actuating warning lights mounted on the vehicle connected to the voltage sensor, or triggers a remote device wirelessly connected to the system.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of actuating the mobile incident system is performed by turning the key in the ignition of the vehicle or by pressing a wireless remote.