Creation of a digital logbook

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for automatically creating a logbook by - automatic detection (S1) of the presence of an occupant in a motor vehicle (2), - automatic determination (S2) of the occupant's identity, - automatic recording (S4) of an operating period during which the motor vehicle (2) is operated, and - Automatic creation (S5) of the logbook based on the operating period and the determined identity of the occupant. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for booking a motor vehicle as well as a data processing system and a motor vehicle.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for automatically creating a logbook. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for recording the use of a motor vehicle using a data processing application. Finally, the present invention relates to a data processing system for automatically creating a logbook.

[0002] Traditional paper logbooks in vehicles have largely been replaced by digital logbooks. Numerous publications on this topic have been presented in the past.

[0003] Document US2020 / 0202646 A1 discloses systems and procedures for the automatic creation of a logbook for commercial drivers based on vehicle data.An example system comprises a processor and memory, where the processor is configured to execute instructions stored in memory to perform a first type of user authentication based on an identifier received from a mobile device, unlock a vehicle door when the first type of authentication is complete, perform a second type of user authentication based on the verification of a code transmitted to the user in response to the completion of the first type of authentication, allow a key input event for the vehicle when both the first and second types of authentication are complete, and automatically generate a commercial logbook based on real-time driving time data collected from the vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, the publication DE 10 2016 202 328 A1 describes methods and systems for data transmission between an electronic terminal and a vehicle. A data transmission system comprises at least one electronic terminal, at least one vehicle, and a data management system located remotely from both the electronic terminal and the vehicle. The electronic terminal is configured to exchange data intended for a user of the vehicle with the data management system. The vehicle is configured to detect the presence of the user in the vehicle and, in the event of such detection, to exchange the data intended for the user between the data management system and the vehicle.

[0005] Furthermore, publication DE 10 2022 001 252 A1 discloses a method for maintaining an electronic logbook, wherein information characterizing a journey with a vehicle is recorded at least by means of a mobile device and transmitted to a central computing unit on which the logbook is maintained. The method comprises the following procedural steps: - Capturing the current position and movement status of the mobile device; - Detecting the start of a journey from a mobile device and capturing mobile telemetry data; - Detecting the end of a journey from the mobile device; - Transferring the information associated with a journey to the central computing unit; - Capturing vehicle telemetry data and transmitting it to the central computing unit; - Checking, by the central computing unit, a correlation between the journeys received by the mobile device and the journeys derived from the vehicle telemetry data, whereby journeys which correlate spatially and temporally up to a local tolerance threshold and a temporal tolerance threshold are assigned to each other as a continuous journey.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a convenient logbook that better reflects the actual driving situation.

[0007] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0008] According to the invention, a method for automatically creating a logbook is provided. The logbook is not handwritten, but digital or electronic. This means that a file representing the logbook is created. In particular, the logbook is created automatically, for example, by a suitable data processing device or system. Specifically, the creation of the logbook can be fully automated. This means that no intervention by a user or driver is necessary to create the logbook.

[0009] In one step of the method according to the invention, the presence of an occupant in a motor vehicle is automatically detected. This automatically establishes the occupant's presence in the vehicle. This can be done, for example, by an interior camera of the vehicle. However, it can also be done using other sensors, such as weight sensors in the seat. Alternatively, instead of detection by the vehicle itself, the detection of presence can also mean that data about occupants is received or stored by a data acquisition device (e.g., a smartphone).

[0010] In a further step, the identity of the recorded occupant is automatically determined. This means the occupant's actual identity is established. Such identity verification can be achieved, for example, through facial recognition. However, the occupant can also be identified through fingerprint recognition or other identification methods. For instance, the occupant can enter an assigned code into a corresponding input interface. This allows information about the occupant's actual identity to be provided for the logbook.

[0011] In a further step of the inventive method, the operating period during which the motor vehicle is in operation is automatically recorded. As with conventional logbooks, the operating period of the motor vehicle is to be documented. In the present case, the recording is also carried out automatically, which generally allows it to be performed more accurately.

[0012] Finally, in a subsequent step, the logbook is automatically generated based on the operating period and the determined identity of the occupant. The digital logbook thus documents not only the operating period of the vehicle but also the determined identity of the occupant. Preferably, the identity is determined for the operating period. This means that the occupant's identity is established precisely for the period during which the vehicle is in operation. The identity determination is therefore temporally limited to the operating period. Advantageously, this allows, for example, the precise determination of which person drove the vehicle and for how long.

[0013] In one embodiment, the automatic detection and identification of the occupant is performed repeatedly and, in particular, continuously during operation. Thus, the detection of the occupant and the identification of their identity can be carried out multiple times during operation, preferably at fixed intervals. It is particularly advantageous if the detection and identification of the occupant occurs practically continuously during operation. This ensures that the occupant was in the vehicle for the entire operating period or that corresponding breaks can be recorded.

[0014] In another embodiment, the occupant's function is detected, indicating whether the occupant is the driver or a passenger, and this function is also recorded in the logbook. This allows for precise documentation of whether the occupant was driving the vehicle or merely a passenger. For example, if two occupants alternate as drivers during the operating period, this can be clearly documented by the driver function. This distinction between driver and passenger can be important for subsequent work time analyses. This information can also be helpful in proving vehicle damage.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the occupant's role is recorded in the logbook with a time-resolved resolution. As mentioned above, it can be important to continuously or time-resolvedly record the occupant's role. This is the only way to determine, for example, how long an occupant drove the vehicle and / or how long they traveled as a passenger. The time resolution can be chosen to minimize data processing resources. For example, it may be sufficient to record the occupant's role every five minutes. This can be adequate for time tracking purposes. However, if a connection to potential accidents or damage needs to be established, it may be necessary to increase the time resolution, i.e., to shorten the intervals between recordings of the occupant's role.In any case, this effectively gives each determination of the function a timestamp.

[0016] In another embodiment, a break period is recorded during which the vehicle is not operated by the identified occupant, and this break period is logged in the logbook. It can thus also be recorded when a driver takes a break or is relieved by a passenger. For example, the driver takes a break at a rest stop, and the vehicle is not operated during this break period. In another example, one of the occupants initially drives and is then relieved by another occupant after a while. If necessary, after their break, they resume driving the vehicle themselves. In this way, it can be precisely recorded which occupant of the vehicle was taking a break and which occupant was driving.

[0017] In another embodiment, the method according to the invention is controlled or carried out by a mobile, portable device. If the mobile, portable device controls the method according to the invention, it is not necessary for it to perform all the process steps itself. Rather, for example, the automatic detection of the occupant and / or the automatic detection of the operating period can be carried out by the vehicle, and the mobile device merely initiates these detection steps and, if necessary, receives the corresponding results from the vehicle. Alternatively, the entire method can also be carried out by the mobile, portable device, i.e., every single process step.

[0018] Controlling the process via a mobile, portable device can also involve controlling or instructing a stationary data processing device to create the logbook based on data provided by the device and / or the vehicle. Data capture by the mobile, portable device can mean recording or retrieving data from the vehicle. Using a mobile, portable device (e.g., a smartphone) can be advantageous if the device is personalized and a corresponding identification method is used for controlling or executing the process. Furthermore, using a mobile, portable device can also be advantageous for displaying data, such as the logbook, to comply with data protection regulations when sharing data.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the vehicle records the occupant and the operating period, and transmits the corresponding data from the vehicle to the mobile, portable device. This is the specific case mentioned above, where the vehicle performs part of the process and records both the occupant and the operating period itself. The device can, for example, retrieve this data from the vehicle or receive it. The device can then analyze this data for the logbook, or it can forward this data to another data processing device for final analysis. Therefore, it is not necessary for the vehicle to have dedicated data analysis software.

[0020] According to the invention, a method for booking a motor vehicle using a data processing application is also provided, wherein a logbook is created according to a method described above and transmitted to the data processing application. Such a data processing application is also commonly referred to as an "application" or "app". For example, a vehicle is to be booked from a vehicle pool. The booking software corresponds to the aforementioned data processing application. After the booked motor vehicle has been used, the corresponding logbook is transmitted back to the data processing application, if applicable. Thus, booking the motor vehicle and maintaining or evaluating the corresponding logbook can be carried out by a single data processing application.

[0021] In a specific embodiment, the data processing application transmits release data to a mobile, portable device. The vehicle is then released for operation using this release data. Data for the logbook is transferred from the vehicle to the mobile, portable device, and the logbook is created and transmitted from the mobile, portable device to the data processing application. The mobile, portable device thus has multiple functions. On the one hand, it serves as a programmable car key, and on the other hand, it acts as a transmission or creation unit for the logbook. In this case, the data processing application not only provides the release data for the vehicle but also handles the further processing and storage of the logbook.In particular, the logbook can be used to enable more accurate time tracking when operating motor vehicles with regard to working hours.

[0022] According to the invention, the aforementioned problem is also solved by a data processing system for automatically creating a logbook and / or recording the use of a motor vehicle. The data processing system comprises a first processing unit configured to perform the method described above. Optionally, the data processing system is also capable of controlling the motor vehicle and receiving / storing data about occupants (e.g., regarding presence and / or identity). The processing unit can be equipped with one or more processors and / or one or more memory elements.

[0023] Furthermore, the aforementioned task is accomplished by a motor vehicle equipped with a sensor unit and a second processing unit, both designed to execute the aforementioned procedure. The motor vehicle can, for example, create the logbook itself and export it if necessary.

[0024] Furthermore, an arrangement can also be provided with the aforementioned data processing system and a motor vehicle.

[0025] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the procedure and are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the procedure, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0026] The invention also includes a control device for the motor vehicle, which, for example, controls internal and / or external components of the motor vehicle to carry out the aforementioned methods. The control device (as well as that of the mobile, portable device) can include a data processing device or a processor circuit configured to perform an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor circuit can include at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In particular, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) can be used as the microprocessor.Furthermore, the processor device can include program code configured to execute the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor device. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device. The processor device can be based, for example, on at least one circuit board and / or on at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0027] The invention also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0028] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0029] As a further solution, the invention also includes a computer program or a computer-readable storage medium comprising program code which, when executed by an end device, a motor vehicle, a computer, or a computer network, causes it / them to execute an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The storage medium can be provided at least partially as a non-volatile data storage medium (e.g., as flash memory and / or as an SSD - solid state drive) and / or at least partially as a volatile data storage medium (e.g., as RAM - random access memory). The storage medium can be located within the computer or computer network. However, the storage medium can also be operated, for example, as an app store server and / or cloud server on the internet. The computer or computer network can provide a processor circuit with, for example, at least one microprocessor.The program code can be provided as binary code, assembly code, source code in a programming language (e.g., C), or a program script (e.g., Python). Alternatively, the computer-readable storage medium can be implemented as a signal containing computer-readable data, such as a time-varying voltage signal or a radio signal.

[0030] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0031] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1. A schematic view of a system for creating a logbook; and Fig. 2 a block diagram to illustrate a basic sequence of a process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0033] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows an arrangement of a data processing system 1 with a motor vehicle 2. The data processing system 1 comprises a first processing unit 3 and optionally a mobile, portable terminal 4. The motor vehicle 2 has sensors 5 and, connected to them, a second processing unit 6. In a first embodiment, a logbook is created by the mobile terminal 4 (for example, a smartphone). The terminal 4 receives the necessary data from the motor vehicle 2. For example, the sensors 5 of the motor vehicle 2 detect the presence of an occupant in the motor vehicle 2 and additional data about their identity. The sensors 5 can, for example, include a camera whose images are analyzed using person or facial recognition software to determine the occupant's identity. Furthermore, the sensors 5 can be configured to automatically record operating data of the motor vehicle 2.It is conceivable that the sensors could be capable of recording the vehicle's driving times. This could be done, for example, using an on / off switch (e.g., ignition on / off).

[0035] In a second embodiment, the data processing system 1 does not have a mobile terminal 4, but only the first processing unit 3, which is stationary. For data exchange, the first processing unit 3 can be in wireless communication (for example, radio communication) with the motor vehicle 2. In this case, the logbook is created by the first processing unit 3, which receives the corresponding data from the motor vehicle 2.

[0036] In a third embodiment, the vehicle 2 itself possesses the second processing unit 6, with which the logbook is created. The digital logbook can therefore be created, for example, internally within the vehicle. It can then potentially be exported to an external unit, such as the first processing unit 3. This export can potentially take place via a mobile device 4 as an intermediary.

[0037] If necessary, vehicle 2 can also be booked by data processing system 1, or the first processing unit 3. For this purpose, the data processing system has corresponding vehicle-specific data, such as the vehicle's power output, equipment, and location. Alternatively or additionally, other individual vehicle data can also be made available to data processing system 1.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, for example, a digital driver observation camera is used as part of the vehicle's internal sensor system 5 to determine who is driving the vehicle 2. Corresponding entries could be made in the electronic logbook, provided this does not violate any data protection regulations.

[0039] Preferably, vehicle 2 could be booked via a data processing application (application or app). After an approval process, a "car key" for the booked period is transferred to a smartphone. The vehicle can then be unlocked using the smartphone. Furthermore, necessary vehicle data for the electronic logbook can be transferred to the smartphone. Later, when the vehicle is locked again using the smartphone, the mileage and other important data are saved back to the smartphone. The final logbook report is then generated on the smartphone and, if necessary, released for transmission. The user can then review and submit all the data, thus permanently recording it. All data remains on the owner's smartphone until this point and therefore does not violate any data protection regulations.

[0040] The app could also display all available vehicles for the booking period, for example from a vehicle pool. Furthermore, additional selection criteria could be added during the booking process, such as parking location, engine type, vehicle size, etc.

[0041] Specifically, company cars or pool vehicles can be booked. In particular, the process of booking a pool vehicle for a business trip can be simplified. In a corresponding example, available vehicles from the pool are displayed with numerous details such as engine power, mileage, trunk volume, number of seats, air conditioning, driver assistance systems, whether they are self-driving, and so on. Furthermore, the available vehicles can also be displayed according to user groups. Employees may not be permitted to drive certain vehicles because different people have different access rights. The current parking location of a bookable vehicle can also be displayed. In some cases, navigation to the specific location may also be offered.

[0042] Creating an electronic or digital logbook requires information about the driver and / or passengers. Automatic driver recognition may be necessary when traveling with multiple people on a business trip, as there are passive and active travel times. The passenger's role can determine how long they are permitted to work. For example, 10 hours of active travel time might be allowed, or 12 hours of passive travel time. By identifying the identity and role of each passenger, an individual time account can be maintained as part of the logbook. Break times can also be recorded if needed. This allows for better tracking of these operating and break times and, if necessary, makes them available for time tracking with minimal effort.Such time records are also helpful in the event of an accident, to more reliably determine who was driving the vehicle and who is responsible for any damage. It can also be of interest to the employer whether the employee or another person was driving the vehicle. This can be relevant, for example, for insurance purposes.

[0043] Furthermore, facial recognition or other identification methods could be used to block individuals from booking. Such blocks may be useful for people who have lost their driver's license. It may also be possible to block individuals from booking a specific vehicle if they do not possess a prototype driver's license required to drive certain cars.

[0044] Fig.Figure 2 schematically depicts a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method according to the invention. In a first step S1, the presence of an occupant in a motor vehicle is automatically detected. The presence can be recorded, for example, in binary terms as "yes" or "no". This automatic detection can be performed, for example, using appropriate sensors that detect a physical quantity indicative of an occupant's presence. For instance, a weight sensor in a vehicle seat can determine whether the seat is occupied. Alternatively, an image of the vehicle's interior can be acquired, for example, using an interior camera. Appropriate image processing software can then be used to detect which of the seats in the vehicle is occupied.

[0045] Alternatively, the automatic detection of an occupant's presence can also be limited to receiving and, if necessary, storing information about their presence. For example, such a detection step could be performed by a smartphone that receives the presence information from a motor vehicle.

[0046] In a further step, S2, the occupant's identity is automatically determined. This automatic identity determination can be based on facial recognition, for example. The aforementioned interior camera can provide the necessary images. Alternatively, the identity can also be determined by the occupant entering or submitting a code, which is then verified. Successful verification establishes the occupant's identity. This second step, S2, of automatic identity determination can also be performed by the vehicle itself or, for example, by a smartphone.

[0047] In a further optional step S3, the occupant's function is detected. The occupant's function can be, for example, driver or passenger. If necessary, a distinction can be made between the driver driving completely autonomously and those assisted by autonomous driving. The passenger's function can also be further specified. For instance, the passenger may be purely passive, or, in prototype test drives, they may have an additional evaluation or monitoring task.

[0048] In a further step, S4, the operating period during which the vehicle is in operation is automatically recorded. This automatic recording can be done internally within the vehicle, for example, by a control unit recording the vehicle's operation over time. Alternatively, the vehicle's operation can also be recorded by a smartphone, for example, by receiving on / off signals, or by registering its movement via satellite and simultaneously assigning it to recorded timestamps.

[0049] In a fifth step, S5, the logbook is automatically generated based on the operating period and the determined identity of the occupant. The operating period is thus recorded very individually for each occupant. This means that the exact identity of a person in the vehicle is logged during its operation. If applicable, the occupant's function is also logged, enabling a very precise and detailed time tracking system for an employer.

[0050] Overall, the examples show how a smart logbook app can be provided. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2020 / 0202646 A1

[0003] DE 10 2016 202 328 A1

[0004] DE 10 2022 001 252 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Method for automatically creating a logbook characterized by - automatic detection (S1) of the presence of an occupant in a motor vehicle (2), - automatic determination (S2) of the occupant's identity, - automatic recording (S4) of an operating period during which the motor vehicle (2) is operated, and - Automatic creation (S5) of the logbook based on the operating period and the determined identity of the occupant. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the automatic detection (S1) of the presence and the automatic determination (S2) of the identity of the occupant is carried out repeatedly and, in particular, continuously during the operating period. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a function of the occupant is detected, the function indicates whether the occupant is a driver or a passenger, and the function of the occupant is also recorded in the logbook. [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the function of the occupant is recorded in the logbook in a time-resolved manner. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a break period is recorded during which the motor vehicle (2) is not operated by the identified occupant and the recorded break period is logged in the logbook. [6] Method according to any of the preceding claims, which is controlled or carried out by a mobile, portable terminal (4). [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the occupant and the operating period are recorded by the motor vehicle (2) and corresponding data are transmitted from the motor vehicle (2) to the mobile, portable terminal device (4). [8] Method for booking a motor vehicle using a data processing application, wherein a logbook is created according to a method according to one of the preceding claims and transmitted to the data processing application. [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein release data is transferred from the data processing application to a mobile, portable terminal (4), the motor vehicle (2) is released for operation with the release data, data for the logbook is transferred from the motor vehicle (2) to the mobile, portable terminal (4), and the logbook is created by the mobile, portable terminal (4) and transmitted to the data processing application. [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the data processing application specifies possible motor vehicles for booking. [11] Data processing system (1) for automatically creating a logbook characterized by a first processing unit configured to perform the method according to one of the preceding claims. [12] Motor vehicle comprising a sensor unit and a second processing unit configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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