From: Chuck Kuecker (ckuecker@ckent.org)
Date: Tue Jul 01 2003 - 06:34:30 MDT
The important thing is whether or not the controller is programmed to allow
access to these data. Just because a program keeps a running average of
speed does not mean it keeps that data in a format that can be read by a
technician.
Embedded processors are not like PCs in that once the critter is programmed
you lose access to the internal memory unless you specifically write code
to allow such access. Some processors have in-circuit-debug ports that
allow someone with the source code and a map file to go in and examine
memory locations, but without the source (trade secret) and the map file
(ditto), you are just hacking. Without the debug port, you're stuck.
It's trivial, though, to write code using a non-volatile memory chip to
store the last five minute's worth of data points, and code to dump this in
a human-readable form through the diagnostic port - this is what GM has
done, evidently.
I see federal legislation forcing all manufacturers to standardize a format
and recording duration, similar to what has been done in the last couple of
years with engine data relating to pollution control. We will also need a
law prohibiting disconnection of the road speed sensor - perhaps this comes
under the heading of "odometer fraud".
I also see new applications for "mini-EMP" generators or a smidgen of
Thermit...
Chuck Kuecker
At 21:13 06/30/2003 -0700, you wrote:
>It is rather obvious that this is the case. Any car with a trip
>computer that calculates ongoing and current time milage and miles per
>gallon is obviously going to keep a record of data indicating velocity
>throughout a trip. That drivers dumb enough to drive recklessly don't
>realize this is also rather obvious. If you are dumb enough to think
>you are going to get away from the cops with their choppers, radios,
>cameras, and many cars, you are dumb enough to have done rather poorly
>in any schoolwork requiring rational and logical thinking.
>
>ALL engine computers have trip data collection subprocesses. That a
>prosecution is smart enough to use this data indicates that at least
>prosecutors are displaying intelligence. Can't say much for the defense
>lawyers. They should never have let it go to trial, plead out.
>
>=====
>Mike Lorrey
>"Live Free or Die, Death is not the Worst of Evils."
> - Gen. John Stark
>Blog: Sado-Mikeyism: http://mikeysoft.zblogger.com
>Flight sims: http://www.x-plane.org/users/greendragon/
>Pro-tech freedom discussion:
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/exi-freedom
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Tue Jul 01 2003 - 06:45:19 MDT