Methods and systems for automated data management

Abstract

Methods and systems for preserving content in a data recorder are provided. The method includes acquiring at least one of image data and audio data relative to an environment in a vicinity of a camera, receiving a data preservation request, and stamping the at least one of image data and audio data for future download using the data preservation request.

1 . A method of preserving content in a data recorder comprising:
 acquiring at least one of image data and audio data relative to an environment in a vicinity of a camera;   receiving a data preservation request; and   stamping the at least one of image data and audio data for future download using the data preservation request.   
   
   
       2 . A method in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising generating a data preservation request that is indicative of a predetermined event occurring. 
   
   
       3 . A method in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising combining a plurality of sensor signals to generate the data preservation request. 
   
   
       4 . A method in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising programming the data recorder while acquiring at least one of image data and audio data. 
   
   
       5 . A method in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising receiving a data preservation request using a wireless communication link while acquiring at least one of image data and audio data. 
   
   
       6 . A method in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising programming a plurality of data recorders at different locations using a multi-mode channel wireless link while at least one of the plurality of data recorders is acquiring at least one of image data and audio data. 
   
   
       7 . A method in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising programming a plurality of processors at different locations simultaneously while at least one of the plurality of data recorders is acquiring at least one of image data and audio data. 
   
   
       8 . A method in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising programming a plurality of data recorders at different locations using at least one of an identical program segment transmitted to a plurality of the data recorders and a unique program segment transmitted to at least one of the plurality of data recorders while at least one of the plurality of processors is receiving data. 
   
   
       9 . A method in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising downloading the stamped data in response to a received download request to a database accessible through a network. 
   
   
       10 . A method in accordance with  claim 1  wherein receiving a data preservation request comprises generating a data preservation request that is indicative of at least one of sounding of a horn, sounding of a bell, an emergency brake application, exceeding a speed threshold, a predetermined geographical location, crossing a predefined geographical perimeter, entering or leaving a predefined geographic route, a predetermined time range, a periodic scheduled time, a time of day, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       11 . A method in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising:
 storing the acquired at least one of image data and audio data in a memory;   receiving a download request; and   downloading the stored data in an order based on the download request.   
   
   
       12 . A method in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising storing the acquired at least one of image data and audio data in a first memory; and
 storing data stamped for preservation in at least one of a reserved area of the first memory and a second memory separate from the first memory.   
   
   
       13 . A method in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising at least one of suspending data recording based on a preservation request, resuming data recording based on a preservation request. 
   
   
       14 . A method in accordance with  claim 13  wherein suspending data recording based on a preservation request comprises suspending data recording for at least one of a time period and a trigger event specified in the preservation request. 
   
   
       15 . A method recording data on a railroad locomotive comprising:
 receiving at least one of image data and audio data from at least one camera;   storing the data in a first memory;   stamping at least some of the image data and the audio data for preservation; and   overwriting the at least one of image data and audio data not stamped for preservation with new at least one of image data and audio data received from the at least one camera.   
   
   
       16 . A method in accordance with  claim 15  further comprising:
 receiving sensor data from sensors positioned on-board the locomotive;   storing the received sensor data in at least one of the first memory and a second memory.   
   
   
       17 . A method in accordance with  claim 15  wherein stamping at least some of the image data and the audio data for preservation for preservation comprises stamping at least some of the image data and the audio data for preservation that is anticipated to be recorded. 
   
   
       18 . A method in accordance with  claim 15  wherein stamping at least some of the received image data for preservation comprises stamping the at least one of image data and audio data using a lookup table pointing to the at least one of image data and audio data to be preserved. 
   
   
       19 . A method in accordance with  claim 15  further comprising wirelessly downloading the data stamped for preservation to an off-board database accessible through a network. 
   
   
       20 . A method in accordance with  claim 15  further comprising wirelessly downloading the data stamped for preservation to an off-board database comprises:
 receiving data from a plurality of sources through a network accessible to the off-board database;   inventorying the received data;   providing access security for the data; and   segregating data according to a level of importance of the data.   
   
   
       21 . A method in accordance with  claim 15  further comprising wirelessly downloading the data stamped for preservation in a selectable chronological order. 
   
   
       22 . A method in accordance with  claim 15  further comprising at least one of suspending data recording based on a preservation request, resuming data recording based on a preservation request. 
   
   
       23 . An automated data management system for a locomotive, the system comprising:
 a camera mounted on the vehicle, said camera configured to acquire data relating to an exterior environment of the locomotive;   at least one sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an event relating to the operation of the vehicle;   a processor configured to:
 receive the acquired data; 
 at least one of generate a preservation request based on the generated signal and receive a preservation request from off-board the locomotive; and 
 stamp the acquired data for preservation based on the preservation requests.