Modular vehicular monitoring system

Abstract

A monitoring module is provided for monitoring a plurality of functions and conditions of a vehicle including a plurality of sensors for producing sensor signals in response to a plurality of vehicle functions and conditions. The monitoring module comprises a plurality of inputs each for receiving one of the sensor signals, the inputs being fewer in number than the vehicle functions and conditions to be monitored. The monitoring module also includes a processor responsive to the sensor signals from the inputs for producing display signals corresponding to the values of the respective functions and conditions. The monitoring module further includes a memory for storing data and instructions for enabling the processor to respond to any of the sensors for monitoring any of the vehicle functions and conditions. The monitoring module further includes a sensor identifying arrangement for producing signals to identify the particular sensors coupled to the inputs. The processor is responsive to these sensor identifying signals for selecting from the memory data and instructions for response to the particular sensors coupled to the inputs. Hence, one or more substantially identical monitoring modules may be utilized to monitor all of the vehicle functions and conditions for which corresponding sensors have been provided on a particular vehicle.