EP4252210B1 - Vehicle, system and method using a vandalism detection device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle with sensors.

Vehicles with sensors are already known. The disadvantage of known vehicles with sensors is that the sensors are often not suitable for fulfilling certain monitoring tasks to the desired extent and/or the potential of the sensors is not or cannot be fully utilized.

Outside of operating hours, parked vehicles are usually located in closed, partially monitored areas. However, access by unauthorized third parties can only be guaranteed if the depot is secured with appropriate security. Despite this, the operators are regularly confronted with damage to the vehicles in the form of graffiti or destroyed vehicle attachments as well as broken entrances.

US 2020/001827 A1 shows a vehicle monitoring system for obtaining identification information from a personal electronic device of a potential intruder in response to a potential theft, vandalism, or intrusion into a vehicle and can be considered the closest prior art.

Out of SE 541 541 C2 A method for detecting intrusion in a vehicle is known, which comprises activating at least one sensor of the vehicle, triggered by a vehicle alarm, capturing an image with the sensor and detecting a predefined object in the image.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved monitoring system for vehicles, which in particular prevents vandalism and/or can be used to solve cases of vandalism. The device should be inexpensive to manufacture and use. The object of the invention is also to provide an improved method for monitoring a vehicle.

This object is achieved by the vehicle claimed in claim 1 and the method claimed in claim 9.

In the vehicle with sensors according to the invention, the sensors monitor the outer shell of the vehicle at least in parts.

The invention enables the vehicle itself to individually monitor the outer shell of the vehicle. When the vehicle is parked, the sensors can detect vandalism, graffiti and even unauthorized access to the vehicle.

Individual vehicle monitoring makes it possible for the operator to significantly reduce the costs of damage caused by vandalism and graffiti. In particular, the removal of graffiti paint leads to damage to the paint layer as well as to the mounted buttons, indicator lights, loudspeakers, etc.

Vehicle-mounted alarm systems, if installed, usually monitor the interior of the vehicle. However, investigations into the use of optical, acoustic or radar sensors for use in entry systems on rail vehicles and buses have shown that the sensors can be used, among other things, to monitor the outer skin of the vehicle in question.

The sensors include monitoring sensors. Monitoring sensors are sensors for detecting vandalism. The monitoring sensors are preferably also in operation outside of the vehicle's operating hours, for example when the vehicle is turned off or parked.

The sensors include operational sensors. Operational sensors are sensors for detecting the position of passengers. The operational sensors are preferably in operation at least during the operating times of the vehicle.

The vehicle comprises a monitoring system using the monitoring sensors, which in particular prevents vandalism and/or can be used to solve cases of vandalism. The monitoring system is preferably designed to operate outside the operating hours of the vehicle, for example when the vehicle is parked. The monitoring system comprises monitoring sensor electronics which are designed to Monitoring sensors are to be operated at least when the vehicle is parked outside of the vehicle's operating hours. The vehicle can have an energy storage device to supply energy to the monitoring system when the vehicle is parked. In one embodiment, the monitoring sensor electronics are set up to operate the monitoring sensors exclusively outside of the vehicle's operating hours.

Preferably, the monitoring system comprises an activation device, which can further preferably cause various measures to be taken. Preferably, the activation device is designed to cause cameras to be switched on and/or an audible acoustic or silent alarm to be emitted and/or lighting to be switched on.

Preferably, each sensor has a detection area. The detection area can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The outer shell of the vehicle preferably has several surfaces. It can include or consist of a front surface, a rear surface, two side surfaces, an upper surface and a lower surface.

Preferably, the monitoring sensors - or at least one of the monitoring sensors - have a detection area that is adapted or adaptable to the outer contour of the vehicle's outer shell, preferably in that the detection area extends along at least one edge of a surface of the outer shell. In this way, particularly tailored individual monitoring of the vehicle's outer shell can be carried out. This allows the monitored area to be reduced to the necessary size, for example to combat vandalism. This can reduce false alarms.

The vehicle has doors. Preferably, each door defines a door area. The door area can also be referred to as the area close to the door and is preferably located outside the vehicle. Preferably, at least one of the monitoring sensors is arranged in an end area of the vehicle, in particular away from a door or a door area of the vehicle. Preferably, the door area has an extension running horizontally parallel to a side wall of the outer shell of the vehicle. Preferably, the extension of a door area parallel to the side surface of the outer shell is less than 40% or 20% or 10% the horizontal extent of the respective side surface. Preferably, at least one of the sensors has a detection range that is larger than a door area. The detection range of at least one of the sensors can also include the door area. The detection range of at least one of the sensors can extend outside the door area. At least one of the monitoring sensors can have a detection range that is larger than the door area and which more preferably also covers the door area and which is particularly preferably adapted to the outer shell or to the outer contour of the outer shell of the vehicle. At least one of the monitoring sensors can have a detection range whose shape and size at least almost corresponds to the shape and size of an area of the outer shell of the vehicle. In this way, a particularly customized individual monitoring of the outer shell of the vehicle can take place. Detection ranges of several monitoring sensors can also be selected so that together they at least almost cover an area of the outer shell. The detection ranges of several monitoring sensors can overlap one another in an overlapping area. Preferably, the monitoring sensors monitor at least one side surface of the outer shell to a proportion of more than 50% or 60% or 80% or 90%. Preferably, the monitoring sensors monitor at least the two side surfaces of the outer shell.

By selecting the appropriate detection range of the sensors, it is also possible to detect vehicles crawling underneath.

Preferably, the monitoring sensors - or at least one of the monitoring sensors - have a detection range that is designed to detect crawling under the vehicle. Preferably, this detection range extends to the ground on which the vehicle is standing. Furthermore, this detection range can be adapted to the outer contour of the vehicle.

The vehicle can be a public transport vehicle or a local public transport vehicle. The vehicle can be a rail vehicle, for example a subway or a commuter train. The vehicle can be a bus. The vehicle can comprise an electric drive, in particular an electric motor. The vehicle can comprise an energy storage device for the electric drive. The energy storage device can be a battery or an accumulator. The Energy storage can be charged using charging electronics, in particular using a contactless, for example inductive, charging method. The charging electronics can be arranged on the underside of the vehicle or underneath the vehicle during charging. In particular, if the monitoring sensors or at least one monitoring sensor has a detection area that is designed to detect crawling under the vehicle, then this can serve to protect the charging electronics. In buses with a contactless (inductive) charging method, the sensors can be used to monitor and protect the charging electronics.

The vehicle has automatically closing doors. The vehicle includes an entry system, which can also be referred to as a "boarding management unit" or "BMU". The entry system is used to detect the position of passengers in order to avoid passengers getting trapped when the vehicle doors close automatically. The entry system can react to gestures from passengers; it can include gesture control. The entry system includes or uses the operating sensors or at least one of the operating sensors, in particular to monitor a door area. The operating sensors are preferably arranged above a door. The entry system can use at least one of the operating sensors to exclusively monitor a door area. The detection range of this sensor is preferably adapted to the respective door area, at least during use by the entry system. The at least one operating sensor used by the entry system can also be referred to as a BMU sensor. The entry system preferably includes entry sensor electronics, which is preferably set up to operate at least one of the operating sensors during the operating times of the vehicle. At least one of the sensors is used by both the monitoring system and the entry system, so it is a sensor used multiple times. This can limit the additional effort associated with the monitoring system in vehicles with an entry system.

The sensors are or at least one of the sensors is designed both as an operating sensor and as a monitoring sensor and is used by both the entry system and the monitoring system. In one embodiment, the detection range of this sensor is variable. The monitoring system preferably uses this sensor with a different detection range than the entry system. The entry system preferably uses this sensor with a detection range adapted to the door area. The monitoring system preferably uses this sensor with a detection range adapted to the outer contour of the vehicle's outer shell.

Alternatively, the detection range of the at least one sensor designed as both an operating sensor and a monitoring sensor cannot be changed. It has been shown that this is not absolutely necessary and the monitoring system, for example in the case of retrofitting, can also use sensors of the entry system without a changeable detection range.

When vehicles approach, disruptive contours can be detected (subway or S-Bahn surfers or dragged objects).

The vehicle preferably comprises an interference contour detection system that can make the operation of the vehicle safer by, for example, enabling or improving the detection of interference contours such as subway surfers or S-Bahn surfers and/or dragged objects, particularly in approaching vehicles. The interference contour detection system is preferably designed to be in operation during the operating times of the vehicle, preferably exclusively. If the If the sensors used in the interference contour detection system have a detection range that is adapted or adaptable to the outer contour of the vehicle's outer shell, then interference contours can be detected particularly reliably. In vehicles with a monitoring system, the interference contour detection system preferably uses - preferably exclusively - sensors that are also used by the monitoring system. In vehicles with a monitoring system, this can limit the additional effort associated with the interference contour detection system.

The task is solved in particular by a vehicle with sensors on its outer shell that ensure non-imaging detection.

Preferably, the sensors - or at least one of the sensors - ensure non-imaging detection. The sensors or at least one of the sensors can be arranged inside the vehicle. Preferably, the sensors do not monitor the interior of the vehicle. Preferably, at least one sensor is designed as an external sensor. In the context of this publication, the term "external sensor" refers in particular to a sensor arranged outside the vehicle on the vehicle.

Preferably, the sensors - or at least one of the sensors - are arranged on the outside of the vehicle's outer shell.

The sensors preferably work without contact. The sensors preferably work optically, for example using laser technology, and/or acoustically, for example using ultrasound and/or radar. The sensors can in particular be sensors that enable contactless monitoring using ultrasound or laser technology. The sensors can be lidar sensors. The sensors can be laser scanners. They can emit and detect invisible light, for example in the infrared range. If the sensors emit and detect visible light as an alternative or in addition to invisible light, then a deterrent can be achieved and the preventive effect of the monitoring system can be increased.

Preferably, the vehicle comprises a sensor evaluation device, preferably operatively connected to the sensors, by means of which between objects that move past the vehicle and those that damage the vehicle.

By evaluating the sensor data accordingly, a distinction can be made between objects that move past the vehicle and those that damage the vehicle.

The activation device is preferably operatively connected to the monitoring sensors or the sensor evaluation device. The cameras can be cameras attached to the vehicle or cameras not attached to the vehicle. The vehicle or the monitoring system can comprise an alarm device for issuing an audible acoustic and/or a silent alarm. The activation device is preferably operatively connected to the alarm device. Alternatively or additionally, an alarm device can be provided that is not included in the vehicle. The activation device can be designed to interact with an alarm device that is not included in the vehicle. If the sensors detect a body in the detection area, various measures can be taken. For example, external cameras or cameras that are attached directly to the vehicle can be switched on to capture or record the process. Alternatively or additionally, an audible acoustic or silent alarm can be issued or lighting can be switched on.

The monitoring system can use the sensors to form a protective field around at least part of the vehicle's outer shell. As soon as a sensor detects an object in the protective field, the activation device can switch on cameras and/or issue an audible acoustic or silent alarm and/or switch on lighting.

In one embodiment, the monitoring sensors are only in operation outside of the operating hours of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the monitoring sensors are preferably used exclusively for the prevention and/or investigation of vandalism. In another embodiment, the monitoring sensors are in operation outside and during the operating hours of the vehicle. If the monitoring sensors are in operation outside and during the If the sensors are in operation during the vehicle's operating hours, they are preferably sensors that are used multiple times. They are then preferably used by the monitoring system outside of the vehicle's operating hours and by the interference contour detection system during the operating hours. The monitoring sensors can be retrofitted sensors - in particular for the prevention and/or investigation of vandalism.

Preferably, the sensors of the monitoring system are arranged on the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the monitoring system also uses at least sensors of the entry system. Preferably, the monitoring system alternatively or additionally uses sensors that are installed in addition to the sensors of the entry system.

Preferably, the sensors of the monitoring system ensure non-imaging detection.

Preferably, at least one or all of the sensors in the monitoring system are sensors that are also suitable or approved for an entry-level system. The monitoring system can therefore use sensors that have already been tried and tested or are approved for the vehicle.

The invention also relates to a method for monitoring a vehicle, especially for preventing vandalism and/or for solving cases of vandalism. In this method, the outer shell of the vehicle is monitored at least in some areas using sensors. In one embodiment of the method, the method is carried out exclusively outside of the vehicle's operating hours.

Preferably, the method is carried out by means of a monitoring system.

Preferably, at least one sensor is used for the method with temporal interruptions. Preferably, at least one sensor is used for the method which can be used for another purpose during these temporal interruptions. is used, in particular for an entry system. At least one sensor is used for the method, which is also or exclusively used for an entry system, as an operating sensor, to detect the position of passengers during the operating hours of the vehicle.

The features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technically reasonable manner, even across category boundaries, and can show further embodiments of the invention. For example, features described in connection with the vehicle can also be combined with the method. The description further characterizes and specifies the invention, particularly in connection with the figures.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. These are to be understood as examples only and are not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments shown.

Fig. 1

zusätzlich installierte Sensoren bzw. eine schematische Seitendarstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeugs;

Fig. 2

die Nutzung der von dem Einstiegssystem genutzten Betriebssensoren bzw. ein Teil eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeugs;

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht wie in Fig. 1 mit weiteren Details;

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht wie in Fig. 2 mit weiteren Details.

They show:

Fig. 1

additionally installed sensors and a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention;

Fig. 2

the use of the operating sensors used by the entry system or a part of a second embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a view like in Fig. 1 with further details;

Fig. 4

a view like in Fig. 2 with further details.

In the Fig. 1 and 3 is a first embodiment of a vehicle 1 according to the invention, namely a bus, shown schematically from the side. The vehicle has wheels, which are omitted from the figures for the sake of simplicity. The sensors 2, 3 of the vehicle 1 monitor the outer shell 5 of the vehicle 1 at least in some areas.

Only one side surface 21 of the outer shell 5 of the vehicle 1 is shown in the figures.

The sensors 2, 3 comprise monitoring sensors 29, 30 for detecting vandalism, which are also in operation at least outside the operating hours of the vehicle 1.

The monitoring system 6 of the vehicle 1, which uses the monitoring sensors 29, 30 and is in operation outside the vehicle's operating hours, prevents vandalism and serves to solve cases of vandalism, is for example in Fig. 3 shown schematically. The monitoring system 6 comprises a monitoring sensor electronics 7, which is designed to operate the monitoring sensors 29, 30 at least outside the operating hours of the vehicle. The monitoring system 6 comprises an activation device 16, which is designed to switch on cameras and/or to emit an audible acoustic or silent alarm and/or to switch on lighting.

The vehicle has doors 18 (in Fig. 1 and 3 not shown), each defining a door area.

The monitoring sensors 29, 30 each have a detection area 10, 11 which is designed to detect crawling under the vehicle 1 and which extends to the floor 24 on which the vehicle 1 is standing. This serves to protect the charging electronics of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the detection areas 10, 11 are each adapted to the outer contour of the outer shell 5 of the vehicle 1 and are larger than a door area. The detection area 10, 11 of the monitoring sensors 29, 30 each includes the door area and is adapted to the outer shell 5 or to the outer contour 22 of the outer shell of the vehicle 1 by extending along two edges 23 of the side surface 21 of the outer shell 5. The two in Fig. 3 The detection areas 10, 11 shown overlap each other in an overlap area 14 and together cover the side surface 21 of the outer shell 5 by more than 90%. The two in Fig. 3 The monitoring sensors 29, 30 shown therefore monitor the side surface 21 of the outer shell to a proportion of more than 90%.

In the Fig. 2 and 4 A further embodiment is shown. The same reference numerals denote the same components. In this respect, reference is made to the above description. The vehicle 1 of the second embodiment also has the sensors 2, 3, 29, 30 of the first embodiment (in the Fig. 2 and 4 Not shown). In the following, only the differences to the one in the Fig. 1 and 3 shown first embodiment.

About the Fig. 1 and 3 In addition to the sensors shown, the vehicle of the second embodiment comprises further sensors 4 in the form of operating sensors 26, which are in operation at least during the operating times of the vehicle 1, for detecting the position of passengers. One of these sensors 4, 26 is shown in the Fig. 2 and 4 shown.

The vehicle 1 of the second embodiment comprises an entry system in the form of an entry system 8. The sensor used by the entry system is an external sensor 25. Like all other sensors shown in the figures, it is arranged on the vehicle outside the vehicle. Fig. 2 shows the two door leaves 19, the door travel 20 and the external sensor 25.

The operating sensor 4, 26 used by the entry system 8 is used multiple times and is also a monitoring sensor 31 used by the monitoring system 6 to detect vandalism. The detection area 13 of the sensor 4, 26, 31 of the monitoring system 6, which is also used by the entry system 8, is adapted to the respective door area 12. The entry system 8 comprises an entry sensor electronics 9, which is set up to operate the sensor 4, 26, 31 of the monitoring system 6, which is also used by the entry system 8, during the operating times of the vehicle 1.

The monitoring system 6 of the second embodiment of the vehicle uses the existing sensor 4, 26, 31, which is also used by the entry system 8, and the Fig. 3 shown additionally installed sensors 2, 3, 29, 30. The Fig. 4 The sensor 4, 26, 31 shown is used to record the position of passengers during the operating time of the vehicle 1 and to detect vandalism outside the operating time of the vehicle. Since this sensor 4, 26, 31 is an already existing sensor, which is connected to the entry system 8 used sensor, its continued use reduces the additional effort associated with the monitoring system 6.

All sensors shown in the figures are contactless and ensure non-imaging detection and are arranged on the outside of the vehicle 1. The sensors work optically, using laser technology.

The vehicles 1 of both embodiments shown comprise a sensor evaluation device 15 which is operatively connected to the sensors 2, 3, 4, 26, 29, 30, 31 and can be used to distinguish between objects that move past the vehicle 1 and those that damage the vehicle. The activation device 16 is operatively connected to the sensor evaluation device 15. The monitoring system 6 has an alarm device 17 for issuing an audible acoustic alarm and a silent alarm, which can be activated by the activation device 16. Unlike what is shown in the figures, the monitoring sensor electronics 7, the sensor evaluation device 15, the activation device 16 and the alarm device 17 can be separate devices from one another.

In addition to the monitoring system 6 using the monitoring sensors 29, 30, 31, the vehicles 1 of both embodiments have an interference contour detection system that also uses the monitoring sensors 29, 30, 31. This allows interference contours to be detected when the vehicle 1 starts moving (subway or S-Bahn surfers or objects being dragged along).

The Fig. 1 and 3 2 and 4 also show two embodiments of a monitoring system 6. The Fig. 1 and 3 The first embodiment of the monitoring system 6 shown comprises the two in the Fig. 1 and 3 shown sensors 2, 3, 29, 30, which monitor the outer shell 5 of the vehicle 1 in certain areas. In the Fig. 2 and 4 In the second embodiment of the monitoring system 6 shown, the monitoring system 6 uses in addition to the two in Fig. 1 and 3 Sensors 2, 3, 29, 30 shown also correspond to those shown in the Fig. 2 and 4 shown sensor 4, 26, 31 of the entry system 8.

The Fig. 1 to 4 also show an embodiment of the method. In this method for monitoring the vehicle 1, the outer shell 5 of the Vehicle 1 is monitored in areas by sensors 2, 3, 4, 29, 30, 31 and by means of the monitoring system 6 at least outside the operating hours of the vehicle 1.

list of reference symbols

1

vehicle

2, 3, 4

sensor

5

outer shell

6

surveillance system

7

monitoring sensor electronics

8

entry-level system

9

entry-level sensor electronics

10, 11

detection range

12

door area

13

detection range

14

overlap area

15

sensor evaluation device

16

activation device

17

alarm system

18

door

19

door leaf

20

doorway

21

side surface

22

outer contour of the outer shell

23

edge of a surface of the outer shell

24

Floor

25

External sensor

26

operating sensor

29, 30, 31

monitoring sensor

Claims (10)

1. A vehicle (1) with sensors (2, 3, 4), which monitor at least part of the outer shell (5) of the vehicle (1), wherein

   the sensors (2, 3, 4) comprise monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) for the detection of vandalism, and the vehicle (1) comprises a monitoring system (6) using the monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) and the monitoring system (6) comprises monitoring sensor electronics (7) which are set up to operate the monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) at least also in the parked state of the vehicle (1),

   and the vehicle (1) comprises automatically closing doors (18)

   and the sensors (2, 3, 4) comprise operating sensors (26) for detecting the position of passengers, and the vehicle has an entry system (8) using the operating sensors (26), which serves to detect the position of passengers, in order to prevent a jamming of passengers during the automatic closing of the doors (18),

   wherein at least one sensor (2, 3, 4) is configured both as operating sensor (26) and also as monitoring sensor (29, 30, 31) and is used both by the monitoring system (6) and also by the entry system (8).
2. The vehicle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring system (6) comprises an activation device (16), which can bring about the switching on of cameras and/or the emitting of an audible acoustic alarm or a silent alarm and/or the switching on of a lighting.
3. The vehicle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) have a detection zone (10, 11), which is adapted to the outer contour of the outer shell (5) of the vehicle (1).
4. The vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) have a detection zone (10, 11), which is configured so that a crawling underneath of the vehicle (1) is detected.
5. The vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the vehicle (1) is a bus with electric drive, and comprises a drive battery chargeable in a contactless manner by means of charging electronics, and the monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) serve to protect the charging electronics.
6. The vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the vehicle (1) comprises an interfering contour detection system using the monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31).
7. The vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensors (2, 3, 4) are arranged externally on the outer shell (5) of the vehicle (1).
8. The vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sensors (2, 3, 4) act by means of radar and/or optically, preferably by means of laser technology and/or acoustically, preferably by means of ultrasound.
9. A method for monitoring a vehicle (1) for the detection of vandalism, wherein at least part of the outer shell (5) of the vehicle (1) is monitored by sensors (2, 3, 4), wherein the outer shell (5) is at least also monitored outside the operating times of the vehicle (1), wherein the vehicle (1) comprises automatically closing doors (18) and an entry system (8) and for the monitoring method at least one sensor (4, 26, 31) is used, which during the operating times of the vehicle is also or exclusively used for the entry system (8) as operating sensor (26), for detecting the position of passengers.
10. The method according to Claim 9, wherein for the at least partial monitoring of the outer shell (5) of the vehicle (1), operating sensors (26) and additionally installed monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) are used.

Images