DE102005020819A1 - Monitoring system for vehicle e.g. lorry, has acceleration sensor and ultrasonic sensor that are connected with evaluation unit, where evaluation unit generates control signal based on signal comparison of measuring signals of sensors - Google Patents

Abstract

The system (1) has an acceleration sensor (S2) and an ultrasonic sensor (S1) that are connected with an evaluation unit, where the acceleration sensor is firmly connected to a vehicle body shell (A). The evaluation unit generates a control signal on the basis of a signal comparison of measuring signals of the sensors. The evaluation unit is connected with another sensor that is formed as switch and the sensors are integrated in a common housing. An alarm unit e.g. siren, is activated based on the value of the control signal. An independent claim is also included for a method for identifying an unauthorized intrusion into a vehicle.

Description

The The invention relates to a vehicle monitoring system for determining an unauthorized intrusion into a vehicle. Of Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for monitoring a vehicle, in particular to determine an unauthorized Intervention in the vehicle.

For monitoring For example, in a vehicle, it is known to use ultrasonic sensors which is used in a detection of movements in the interior of the vehicle trigger an alarm. Also It is known to use glass-breakage sensors to detect the impact to insert a disk. In another application will be Tilt sensors, in particular acceleration sensors for detection a slope change or a move at one used unauthorized towing a vehicle.

For example, in the US 5,510,765 a vehicle monitoring system is described in which sounds, vibrations and movements are detected in the interior of the vehicle to detect the impact of a disc and an unauthorized intrusion into the vehicle interior. In this case, by means of an acoustic sensor, a noise and vibration detection for detecting the impact of the disc. The vehicle monitoring system activates the motion detection by means of an ultrasonic sensor only when the impact of a disc has been detected in order to detect the penetration of a person or an animal into the vehicle interior.

One well-known problem with vehicles is that manipulations - wanted or unintentionally - on Vehicles are made that can not be detected. So it happens often ago that, for example, a careless opening a door on a Parking or by bumping when parking a damage to the vehicle is caused, neither from the causer himself or a third party or from one Vehicle monitoring system is perceived.

In in another case false alarms may occur, for example due to a passing heavy vehicle, z. B. a sweeper or a truck, a vibration or vibration on the vehicle from a vehicle monitoring system is detected without any intrusion into the vehicle or a Manipulation on the vehicle took place.

Of the The invention is therefore based on the object, a vehicle monitoring system indicate, in particular, at a parked vehicle the determination of a manipulation on the vehicle is improved. Of Another is a particularly suitable method of monitoring of a vehicle.

The The object is achieved by the Subject of the independent Claim 1 solved. With regard to the method, the object is achieved by the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are the subject the dependent Claims.

At the Vehicle monitoring system according to the invention for determining an unauthorized intervention in a vehicle at least one acceleration sensor and at least one ultrasonic sensor provided, which are connected to an evaluation unit based on a signal comparison of the measuring signals of the acceleration sensor and the measuring signals of the ultrasonic sensor generates a control signal. By a combination or combination of the measuring signals of the acceleration sensor and the measuring signals of the ultrasonic sensor is a differentiated, in particular refined surveillance an unauthorized intervention in the vehicle possible. So can by signal comparison the detected measurement signals of the various sensors are determined, whether an alarm is necessary or an alarm is not triggered. Especially is a distinction from only in the vehicle environment triggered Vibrations or movements of the vehicle (= no alarm required) to vibrations or movements triggered by an intervention in the vehicle (= Alarm triggering necessary) possible. By the combination, in particular a comparison or a combination of the measurement signals the various sensors and the generation of a resulting common control signal in particular for an alarm suppression ensures a reduction of false alarms. Consequently is given an improved false alarm security.

For another Differentiation in the generation of the common control signal is the evaluation unit preferably with a further, in particular connected as a sensor sensor, wherein the measuring signal the further sensor is taken into account in the generation of the control signal.

In one possible embodiment, the acceleration sensor and the ultrasonic sensor are integrated in a control unit, in particular in an overhead control unit. This is a special ders space and space-saving and also given an integration in the roof control unit metrologically sufficiently good position of the vehicle monitoring system. In this case, the interior protection sensor formed as an ultrasonic sensor with the acceleration sensor is preferably arranged in the region of the roof lining, in particular in the region of the rearview mirror in the vehicle. Such a location of the vehicle monitoring system allows monitoring covering the entire vehicle interior and the vehicle body. In addition, an additional microcontroller can be omitted. For this purpose, the evaluation and measurement algorithms of the acceleration sensor and the ultrasonic sensor are implemented in a common control unit. For a more space-saving and space-saving arrangement, the two sensors - the acceleration sensor and the ultrasonic sensor - are integrated in a common housing.

ever according to desired Degree of integration and specification with regard to the reduction of space and Vehicle quiescent current, the acceleration sensor can also in the towing protection sensor be integrated. For example, in the towing protection sensor integrated accelerometer is an inertial Sensor for detecting small accelerations. In particular, acts it is a so-called 2-axis integrated acceleration sensor, both the inclination, the speed and the way of one Can measure movement of the vehicle. An additional sensor can thereby omitted. For an increase The acceleration sensor can also be integrated in the ultrasonic sensor be integrated. This allows an additional microcontroller for Implementation of the associated Measurement and Auswertealgorithmen be avoided.

to Avoidance of measurement errors and for one preferably accurate detection of vibrations of the vehicle's outer skin or by movements of the Vehicle triggered, Mechanical stress on the vehicle's outer skin is the acceleration sensor firmly with the vehicle's outer skin connected.

In dependence the value of the control signal is preferably at least one alarm means enableable. exceeds For example, both the acceleration value and the ultrasonic measurement value predetermined limit or threshold, so is an unauthorized Intervention and an alarm is triggered. Below one of the measured values the sensors or all measured values of the sensors a predetermined Threshold so no alarm is triggered.

ever After setting or setting, at least one alarm can be triggered an acoustic alarm, in particular a siren and / or a horn, an optical alarm means, in particular a light signal unit, a direction indicator, a dipped beam and / or a hazard warning, and / or an electronic alarm device, in particular a transmitter, a central monitoring point, an on-board computer and / or a storage unit are activated. For one Activation dependent on the type and degree of unauthorized intervention of the alarm means these are individually or together both in the intensity as well as in the order controllable.

At the inventive method for monitoring of the vehicle, in particular for determining an unauthorized Intervention in the vehicle, are based on at least one acceleration sensor and on the basis of at least one ultrasonic sensor in each case an associated measurement signal detected, wherein the measurement signal of the acceleration sensor and the Measuring signal of the ultrasonic sensor are fed to an evaluation unit, the basis of a signal comparison of the measuring signals, a control signal generated. For this purpose, the evaluation unit on the input side of the acceleration sensor or from the ultrasonic sensor associated Measured values supplied.

through the detected by the acceleration sensor measuring signals, in particular Acceleration values, can a vibration, movement, inclination and / or intrusion be determined in the vehicle. The measuring principle is based on the Measurement of the static acceleration of gravity. The acceleration sensor can thus a rocking, tilting, moving and / or even a Detecting the towing of the vehicle. Through such a movement and / or vibration monitoring of the vehicle for false alarms causative Movements or vibrations are detected. Combined with the interior monitoring can without unauthorized manipulation of the vehicle triggered movements or Vibrations are classified as not relevant, so no alarm triggered becomes.

In addition, an interior monitoring, in particular a monitoring of an object movement in the vehicle interior, is carried out by means of the measuring signals detected by means of the ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor is used in particular for monitoring a closed room, for. B. the vehicle interior and / or the trunk used. The ultrasonic sensor operates at a frequency of approximately 40 kHz and can be operated, for example, in at least two operating modes. In a first, the so-called pulse-echo operating mode, a short pulse sequence is transmitted and the received echo signal is evaluated. In a deviation of the echo signal from a predetermined reference value is a duration monitoring enabled. If there is now a movement of an object in the interior, a change in frequency as a function of the speed of movement of the object appears in the echo signal. In the case of an identified frequency change, this is monitored for exceeding or falling below predetermined threshold values. If one of the threshold values is exceeded or undershot, then an alarm is triggered, otherwise suppressed.

Furthermore may vary depending on the sensitivity setting of the ultrasonic sensor also an excitation of the vehicle outer skin, for example by strong acoustic sound or vibration can be detected. These lead as with an object movement to frequency changes. By consideration the acceleration values of the acceleration sensor in combination with the measured values of the ultrasonic sensor when generating a resulting control signal false alarms can be safely suppressed. About that In addition, the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor can be reduced become.

In a further embodiment Is it possible, the type and / or the degree of intervention based on the detection and Assessment of the measurement signals of the various sensors. For example, a stimulation of the vehicle outer skin by a strong acoustic Sound or vibration, z. B. by a passing sweeper, and the nature and / or severity of the Intervention as mechanical stress analyzed. By consideration the further measured variable, for example the Measured variable from the Interior monitoring or the measured variable from the switch a penetration into the vehicle interior can be excluded. Thus, you can possible false alarms due to a passing sweeper safely avoided.

In a further embodiment will be an alarm at an identified intervention in the vehicle triggered. Depending on the specification, the respective alarm acoustically, visually and / or triggered electronically become. For an acoustic alarm activation, for example, a siren, a loudspeaker and / or a horn are activated. As an alarm can trigger For example, a short and quiet acoustic signal issued become. Also, an alarm can be silently executed. In this case become merely an optical and / or an electronic alarm triggered. About that In addition, with increasing severity of the attempted intervention in the vehicle, for example, the volume of the alarm to be issued and / or the number of alarm means to be activated are increased.

The particular advantages of the invention are that by combining or linking accelerometer and Ultrasonic sensor in the form of, for example, a signal comparison the associated Measuring signals for generating a control signal the false alarm security elevated is. By integrating both sensors into one unit and in a common control unit space is saved. By integration of the sensors into an existing one control unit can the vehicle monitoring system easily and quickly retrofitted become.

Of Furthermore, the invention provides a cost-effective and structurally simple to be realized solution, since already existing sensors and control units are used. Only the measurement and evaluation algorithm for generating the control signal and, where appropriate, to determine the nature and severity an intervention based on the common evaluation of acceleration values and ultrasound readings are to be implemented. The sensitivity the sensors used can be adjusted accordingly fine, so that a false alarm is avoided.

embodiments The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Showing:

1 schematically a vehicle with a vehicle monitoring system with integrated in a control unit acceleration sensor and ultrasonic sensor, and

2 schematically the vehicle monitoring system in detail with at least one ultrasonic sensor and an acceleration sensor and with an evaluation unit for generating a control signal.

each other corresponding parts are in all figures with the same reference numerals Mistake.

1 shows a vehicle monitoring system 1 for a vehicle F. The vehicle monitoring system 1 is used to monitor the vehicle interior I on the basis of acoustic waves W, in particular ultrasonic waves and the monitoring of movement and / or excitement of the vehicle body or vehicle outer skin A based on the measurement of gravitational acceleration. By means of the vehicle monitoring system 1 there is a combined evaluation and analysis of the detected different measured variables for a secure and differentiated determination of a manipulation of the vehicle F.

In one embodiment, the vehicle is monitoring system 1 as an integrated unit in a controller 2 formed and arranged in the region of the headliner, in particular in the region of the rearview mirror in the vehicle interior I. Such an arrangement of the vehicle monitoring system 1 allows a largely complete monitoring of the vehicle interior I. Preferably, the vehicle monitoring system 1 as an integrated unit in an example already existing control unit 2 , for example, in an overhead service unit, integrated. Alternatively, the vehicle monitoring system 1 Also formed separately with an associated control unit and be arranged in the region of the headliner of the rear window (not shown in detail).

For the combined Evaluation and high structural integration are at least the both sensors S1 and S2 designed as an integrated unit. For example the acceleration sensor S2 is integrated in the ultrasonic sensor S1. Both are surrounded by a common housing. Furthermore both access the same microcontroller to run the Evaluation algorithms too. Also, for example, as the acceleration sensor S2 one in one not closer illustrated towing sensor integrated acceleration sensor used become.

Based on 2 below is the vehicle monitoring system 1 and further describes the method for monitoring the vehicle F for unauthorized intervention.

The vehicle monitoring system 1 includes an evaluation unit 3 , which is connected to at least one of the sensors S1 to S3 for detecting a movement, an acceleration, an inclination and / or an operation of a part of the vehicle F and / or a movement in the vehicle F.

Of the Sensor S1 is for example designed as an ultrasonic sensor, the one ultrasonic transmitter S1.1 and an ultrasonic receiver S1.2 with a respective associated Signal conditioning unit S1.3 or S1.4 includes. The ultrasonic sensor S1 is used to detect movements in the vehicle interior I. By corresponding analysis of the received signals, in particular the amplitude of the Frequency spectrum and the direction of acceleration becomes one Object movement in the ultrasound monitoring area detected by the so-called Doppler effect. It is the Ultrasonic sensor S1 is set and initialized such that this simple vibration, z. B. a knock on the vehicle roof, can distinguish from directed object movements in the vehicle interior I.

Of the Ultrasonic sensor S1 operates, for example, with a frequency from 40 kHz z. B. in two different modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the so-called pulse-echo mode of operation, become short pulse sequences transmitted at a frequency of 40 kHz. In the transmission breaks becomes an echo signal received and evaluated. Is this different? Echo signal from a predetermined threshold or reference value, so becomes a permanent monitoring activated. In the second operating mode, the continuous mode, is also emitted a pulse train with a carrier frequency of 40 kHz. By reflection of the emitted signal at a in the vehicle interior I moving object is a frequency change of the received echo signal dependent on from the movement speed. Does the frequency change within from predetermined threshold or reference values or it comes to an overrun or underrun of predetermined thresholds SW, so can by means of one of the alarm means A1 to A3 an alarm acoustically, visually and / or electronically output become.

Of the Ultrasonic sensor S1 is set so sensitive that also an excitation of the vehicle outer skin by a strong acoustic sound or vibration, z. B. by a passing truck or a passing sweeper, to a frequency change such as an object movement in the vehicle interior I leads. To a false alarm due to such, not to an unauthorized Engaging return To avoid vibration of the vehicle F is additionally an acceleration value as another measured variable used in the evaluation.

For this For example, the sensor S2 is a conventional acceleration sensor educated. By means of the sensor S2 becomes a movement, a wobble and / or an inclination of the vehicle F, z. B. a light roles or towing, detected. The acceleration sensor S2 is based on the measurement of the static gravitational acceleration. It acts it is preferably a 2-axis integrated, for example executed in CMOS technology Accelerometer, which shows both the inclination, the speed as well as the way a movement of the vehicle F can measure. at a raising, tilting, shaking or vibration of the vehicle F is by means of the acceleration sensor S2 a message, in particular an alarm is triggered.

In addition to the sensors S1 and S2 can for The supervision of the vehicle F, a further sensor S3, in particular a conventional Contact switch may be provided, for example, the opening of a Door or a flap and thus a penetration into the vehicle F detected.

following becomes the method of surveillance of the vehicle F explained in detail on an unauthorized intervention.

By Combination of at least two of the sensors S1 to S3 becomes one Manipulation or unauthorized intervention, especially on one parked vehicle F based on a signal comparison of each associated Measurement signals or measured values MW determined. This is the false alarm security elevated, by the measured values MW, for example, for a plausibility check with each other linked, in particular compared with each other. By comparison of several measured values MW of various sensors S1 to S3 can be seen whether an alarm is necessary or not. Based on the comparison of the measured values MW of at least two of the sensors S1 to S3 then becomes a control signal SS generated.

Also can the respective measured values MW are or below predetermined thresholds SW monitored become. As a result, a differentiation of the unauthorized intervention is possible, in particular is a determination of the nature and degree of the unauthorized interference possible.

ever after implemented evaluation algorithm, for example, a Control signal SS in particular for an alarm trigger generated when at least one threshold SW of a measured value MW one of the sensors S1 to S3 exceeded becomes. In particular, when a threshold SW of the ultrasonic sensor S1 and the switch S3 exceeded and thus an intrusion into the vehicle F is detected, an alarm is triggered. If, however, at least one threshold SW of at least one sensor S1 to S3 below, so by means of the control signal SS a alarm suppressed.

For example is by a passing vehicle F on the heavy vehicle means the acceleration sensor S2 an increased vibration and thereby exceeding a threshold SW while falling below the thresholds SW of the ultrasonic sensor S1 and the switch S3 detected. Consequently No unauthorized intervention in the vehicle F is detected and an alarm trigger suppressed.

Additionally or alternatively, based on the monitoring the measured values MW of the sensors S1 to S3 on overshoot or undershoot of associated Threshold SW the type and / or the degree of manipulation on the vehicle F determines. These are for at least one or more sensors S1 to S3 at least one or several thresholds SW predetermined. The respective thresholds SW is the type and / or degree of an intervention or a Manipulation on the vehicle F assigned. Depending on the exceeded Threshold SW will then be the severity and / or the type of intervention identified on the vehicle F.

So will be exceeded a low threshold SW as a degree of engagement, for example a manipulation attempt, in particular pulling a handle, an attempted smashing a disc, a movement of the vehicle F and / or a slight impact against the vehicle F identified. Here, a warning or a so-called pre-alarm, i. a Precursor to an alarm, triggered which warns only the alleged cause of damage and on it makes attentive that the vehicle F is being monitored. An alarm Third, z. B. a security service is not provided here. The pre-alarm is thus already before access to the vehicle F and / or from damage of the vehicle F is triggered. In the pre-alarm, for example, no acoustic or if, then only a quiet and short acoustic signal issued. Prefers a silent alarm is triggered in particular an optical and / or an electronic signal output, z. B. a flashing of a display element, an interior light and / or the dipped beam, or sending an email or SMS activated.

When crossing a medium threshold SW is considered a next higher degree of engagement, especially as a moderate intervention damage to the Vehicle F is identified and an associated alarm is triggered. When moderate intervention, for example, the hammering of a disc, a strong blow to the vehicle F and / or the unauthorized opening of a Door detected.

When a maximum threshold value SW is exceeded, a penetration into the vehicle interior I, the towing of the vehicle F and / or the unauthorized removal of an object from the vehicle F are identified as a serious degree of intervention in the vehicle F, and an associated further alarm is triggered. In such a serious intervention data D, such. B. detected measured values MW, date, time of engagement and / or location of the vehicle F are determined and stored. This is the evaluation unit 3 with a storage unit 4 connected. Depending on the evaluation algorithm, the storage of the recorded measured values MW can already be activated with the detection of a pre-alarm.

Alternatively or additionally, the control signal SS and the data D can be sent to a central monitoring unit 6 , z. As a security or monitoring service. Over a vehicle-side interface 7 , z. As a so-called CAN or LIN bus, a message to another controller, an on-board computer and / or a burglary and theft alarm system to activate this can be transmitted.

In addition, further degrees and gradations for the unauthorized intervention by assigning corresponding thresholds SW can be specified. In addition, associated alarm triggering, in particular the number, the intensity and the type of alarm means A1 to A3 to be activated can be specified. For this the measuring and the evaluation algorithm of the evaluation unit are 3 or the signal conditioning of the sensors S1 to S3 designed accordingly.

The evaluation unit is for differentiated alarm triggering 3 connected to at least one of the alarm means A1 to A3. Depending on the type of alarm output - acoustically, visually and / or electronically - the alarm means A1 can be designed as an acoustic device, for example as a siren, a horn and / or a loudspeaker. The alarm means A2 can be used as an optical device, e.g. B, as a driving direction indicator, as a hazard warning indicator, as low beam, be formed. The alarm means A3 is, for example, for sending an electronic message, eg. As an SMS or an email, for example, as a modem, a transmitter and / or a data bus interface is formed.

In dependence The degree of intervention is correspondingly differentiated alarm by means of one or more of the alarm means A1 to A3 by a appropriate control of this in terms of type, number and intensity. So can when crossing one or more lower thresholds SW the alarm silently, z. B. optically or electronically. In case of an alarm for one heavy intervention, however, is a loud acoustic tone, in particular a siren with a volume greater than 95 dBA activated.

Furthermore the invention is not limited to the illustrated and described limited to specific details and combinations. It can be specific Features and sub-combinations of the invention will be useful and without reference to be used on other features and subcombinations. The in the foregoing description, in the following claims and / or Features disclosed in the drawings may be both separately and as well in any combination for the realization of the invention be essential in different forms.

Claims (12)

Vehicle monitoring system ( 1 ) for determining an unauthorized intervention in a vehicle (F), comprising at least one acceleration sensor (S2) and at least one ultrasonic sensor (S1), characterized in that the acceleration sensor (S2) and the ultrasonic sensor (S1) with an evaluation unit ( 2 ) are connected, which generates a control signal (SS) based on a signal comparison of the measurement signals (MW) of the acceleration sensor (S2) and the measurement signals (MW) of the ultrasonic sensor (S1). Vehicle monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the evaluation unit ( 2 ) is connected to a further, in particular designed as a switch sensor (S3), wherein the measuring signal (MW) of the further sensor (S3) is taken into account in the generation of the control signal (SS). Vehicle monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the acceleration sensor (S2) and the ultrasonic sensor (S1) in a control unit ( 2 ), in particular integrated in a roof service unit. Vehicle monitoring system according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the acceleration sensor (S2) and the ultrasonic sensor (S1) integrated in a common housing are. Vehicle monitoring system according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the acceleration sensor (S2) firmly with the vehicle's outer skin (A) is connected. Vehicle monitoring system according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the acceleration sensor (S2) is integrated in a towing protection sensor. Vehicle monitoring system according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the acceleration sensor (S2) is integrated in the ultrasonic sensor (S1). Vehicle monitoring system 7 , characterized in that depending on the value of the control signal (SS) at least one alarm means (A1 to A3) can be activated or the activation of at least one alarm means (A1 to A3) is omitted. Vehicle monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at an alarm triggering at least one acoustic alarm means (A1), in particular a siren and / or a horn, an optical alarm means (A2), in particular a light signal unit, a driving direction indicator, a dipped beam and / or a hazard warning light, and / or an electronic alarm tel (A3), in particular a transmitter, a central monitoring station, an on-board computer and / or a memory unit ( 4 ) are activatable or is. Method for monitoring a vehicle (F), in particular for determining an unauthorized intervention in the vehicle (F), wherein in each case an associated measurement signal (MW) is detected using at least one acceleration sensor (S2) and at least one ultrasound sensor (S1), characterized in that the measuring signal (MW) of the acceleration sensor (S2) and the measuring signal (MW) of the ultrasonic sensor (S1) of an evaluation unit ( 3 ), which generates a control signal (SS) on the basis of a signal comparison of the measurement signals (MW). Method according to claim 10, characterized in that in that by means of the acceleration sensor (S2) on the basis of the associated measurement signal (MW) a vibration, movement, inclination and / or intrusion is determined in the vehicle (F) or will. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that by means of the ultrasonic sensor (S1) on the basis of the associated measurement signal (MW) an interior monitor, in particular, a surveillance is performed on an object movement in the vehicle interior (I).