Integrated time-stamped event recorder

A method of storing data for later re-creation of an event in the operation of a train, the method comprising:

• receiving multiple types of data including at least two of:
• video data;
• audio data;
• locomotive data indicative of one or more locomotive operating parameters, locomotive control signals, and locomotive performance characteristics;
• engine operating parameter data;
• exhaust characteristics data;
• electrical data;
• data indicative of an actual location of the train;
• and command signals that implement control of the actual location of the train;
• associating a universal time stamp with at least two of the multiple types of data;
• storing the time-stamped data in a first memory module contained within an outer case;
• and
• periodically transferring a portion of the stored, time-stamped data from the first memory module to a second memory module contained within a crash-hardened inner case within the outer case.

An integrated event recorder, comprising:

• an outer case;
• a first memory module, including a first amount of data storage capacity, contained within the outer case, and configured to receive and store multiple types of data including at least two of:
• video data;
• audio data;
• vehicle data indicative of one or more vehicle operating parameters, vehicle control signals, and vehicle performance characteristics;
• engine operating parameter data;
• exhaust characteristics data;
• electrical data;
• and positive vehicle control data;
• a controller contained within the outer case, the controller being configured to associate a universal time stamp with each of the multiple types of data stored in the first memory module;
• an inner, crash-hardened case contained within the outer case, the inner, crash-hardened case containing a second memory module, including a second amount of data storage capacity that is smaller than the first amount;
• and
• the controller being further configured to transfer a portion of the data stored in the first memory module to the second memory module upon detection of at least one of a predetermined event or an operator control signal.