Abstract:
A collision is detected using an accelerometer attached to a vehicle. Acceleration data is received (100) from the accelerometer at discrete intervals. The acceleration data is summed (106) over a time period to produce an accumulated acceleration. Whether a collision has occurred is determined based at least in part on a comparison (108) of at least one of the accumulated acceleration and a function of the accumulated acceleration to a threshold.
Abstract:
A method, system and computer program for determining the orientation of an apparatus relative to a vehicle in which the apparatus is installed is disclosed. Acceleration data of the apparatus along three mutually orthogonal axes at a first time interval is recorded (100). Speed and heading data of the apparatus at a second time interval is recorded (100). A first vector which corresponds to the direction of gravity is determined (102) using the acceleration data. One or more periods of acceleration in a substantially straight line are identified (104) using the speed and heading data. Acceleration data corresponding to the identified one or more periods of acceleration in a substantially straight line is selected (106). A second vector which is orthogonal to the first vector and which corresponds to a forward direction of the vehicle is determined (110) using the selected acceleration data.