Software techniques for a microprocessor-based data acquisition device

A Vehicle Monitoring System (VMS) based on the RCA 1802 microprocessor, was de veloped for recording the use, condi tion, and maintenance action experienced by military vehicles in their day-to-day operation. Data are collected over a period of up to one month by an unat tended on-board monitoring unit and are stored in a highly compacted digital form for later analysis. A multi-task ing operating system enables the real time monitoring of 18 digital and 25 analog parameters. Data predefined as "non-significant" are discarded, while significant data are saved in a 15-k byte storage area in the form of both detailed profiles and summary indicators and histograms. Retrieval of data is accomplished through the use of an off board cassette unit which can also be used to modify the control software of the monitoring unit. The data can then be analyzed by an off-line computer system to extract information relating to vehicle design and performance, effectiveness of maintenance programs, and causes or precursors of vehicle component failures.