New features in CRS Software release (4.0.3.4)

By the end of July 2008 a new release of the Crash Recovery System (CRS) will be available. It will be made available to all existing customers at no cost!

The features of this new release will be explained in this document.

Right Hand Drive (RHD) Database

Until now, the Crash Recovery System contained two databases, one for the European continent (left-hand drive, cars and trucks) and a database containing all passenger cars and vans available on the North American continent. Because of inconsistencies for right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles sold in the United Kingdom, such as battery and airbag sensor locations, these two databases will now be supplemented by a new database for Fire and Rescue services. All mass-production passenger cars and vans introduced 1998 or later and available with at least one airbag are included in the RHD database. The development of this new database took the experts at Moditech more than four months and was accomplished in close cooperation with the vehicle manufacturers. Differences in the RHD vehicles include other battery locations, additional seatbelt pretensioners and varying sensor locations.

With the addition of the Right Hand Drive vehicles, the Crash Recovery System is now ready for Fire Services in the UK!

• Mercedes-Benz SLK (LHD), the battery of the left-hand-drive model is located on the right-hand side of the vehicle.
• Mercedes-Benz SLK (RHD), the battery has been mirrored and is now located on the left-hand side of the vehicle.
• Volvo C70 (LHD), the vehicle is equipped with an additional seatbelt buckle pretensioner for the driver.
• Volvo C70 (RHD), the seatbelt buckle pretensioner for the driver is also available on the RHD vehicle.
• Suzuki SX4 (LHD), the vehicle's front sensor is located more to the left-hand-side of the vehicle.
• Suzuki SX4 (RHD), the vehicle's front sensor is located more to the right-hand-side of the vehicle.

RDW edition available for UK

In addition to the availability of a comprehensive RHD database for Fire Services in the UK, Moditech also offers the option to select the right vehicle model using the license plate number. Using a mobile internet connection, the user can select the correct vehicle model within 5 seconds. With this functionality, the user does not need to worry if he selected the correct vehicle, and valuable time is saved during the extrication process.

Improvements in user interface

Improvements in the user-interface have been carried out to ease the operation of the software. Additional close buttons have been introduced to show and hide information windows and new text has been introduced to relieve the use of the software, especially for occasionally users.

• The legend now shows the new color orange for high-voltage electric components and is also equipped with a close button to hide the legend. The legend can also be closed with the legend button in the lower right corner.
• The control buttons on the side of the screen have been improved to clearly visualize how to show and hide vehicle components. Hybrid vehicles now have additional buttons for risk critical information and deactivation procedures.

Improvements in online update functionality

The online update function now works via regular HTTP connections, making FTP transfers obsolete. This has resulted in a higher security level and ease-of-use and more flexibility for CRS users. A dedicated online update application (CRSUpdater) with networking capabilities for internal update distribution has been developed. The CRSUpdater application is capable to act as server for CRS clients that require regular data and/or software updates. The CRS software can also be updated with new versions or small software patches using CRSUpdater. This has eliminated the need for update CD's sent to CRS users via regular mail.

Alternative fueled vehicles

A new standard for alternative fueled vehicles has been established for this release. Especially hybrid electric vehicles and even future hydrogen or fuel cell powered vehicles are now included in CRS. Therefore orange has been introduced as the color for all high-voltage components and new components have been compiled for fuel cells, ultra-capacitors and similar components. The interactive vehicle information for alternative fueled vehicles is now supplemented by the information in two new information windows showing risk-critical safety information (Info) and step-by-step deactivation (Deactivation) procedures for the specific vehicle.

• Toyota Prius, electric hybrid vehicle. All orange colored high voltage components are shown in the interactive vehicle information. The battery back, the high voltage power cable and the fusebox can be identified very easy.
• Toyota Prius, when the vehicle is selected, an information window appears to show that it is an alternative fueled vehicle. Risk critical information is directly shown.
• Toyota Prius, when the button 'Deactivation' is selected, step-by-step deactivation procedures are shown. Links will guide the user to the information windows of the relevant components.
• Toyota Prius, if the Start/Stop-Button is not accessible, the propulsion system of the vehicle can be deactivated by: 1st: Disconnecting the 12 Volt battery in the trunk and 2nd: Removing a specific fuse from the fusebox in the engine compartment.

Battery locations

Until now battery locations inside a CRS information sheet could not be shown in dependence of the engine variant of the actual vehicle. The consequence was that in a vehicle, which could have several battery locations, all the possible battery locations have always been shown in the information sheet, even if the engine variant was clear. With the new release of the CRS it is now possible to show each specific battery location for the selected engine variant, if the variant is clear, for instance because of a badge on the trunk lid or because of a match during license plate or VIN identification. If the engine variant is unknown, it's still possible to choose the "?" so that all possible battery locations will be shown.

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the battery on models with a gasoline engine is mounted in the engine compartment.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class, if equipped with a diesel engine, the battery is located in the trunk of the vehicle.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class, if the engine variant and fuel type is unknown ('?') both batteries are shown in the vehicle.
• Volkswagen Eos, on vehicles with 4-cylinder engine the battery is located in the engine compartment.
• Volkswagen Eos, on vehicles with 6-cylinder engine two 6-volt batteries are located in the trunk of the vehicle.
• Volkswagen Eos, if the engine variant is unknown ('?'), all potential battery locations are shown.