Vehicle module with electronic control unit for identification operation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle module (10) comprising an electronic control unit (1) for identifying operations, wherein the electronic control unit (1) is configured to control at least one electrically controllable vehicle function, such as a lighting function, such as a low beam function or a high beam function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle module.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlight comprising a vehicle module according to the present invention and a method for using the vehicle module according to the present invention. Background Technology

[0003] To prevent water ingress, other environmental impacts, and external operation, the vehicle module includes a sealed housing to enclose the module's sensitive electronics.

[0004] For example, electronic devices can be operated by opening the housing and by inserting objects into the housing. For instance, operation can be performed without removing the housing cover by drilling an opening in the cover. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to implement a vehicle module that reliably identifies different types of operations.

[0006] This task is solved using a vehicle module of the type mentioned at the beginning of this document, which, according to the invention, includes an electronic control unit for identifying operations, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to control at least one electrically controllable vehicle function, such as a lighting function, such as a low beam function or a high beam function, wherein the electronic control unit includes:

[0007] - At least one circuit carrier, particularly a printed circuit board, includes circuitry for performing control via an electronic control unit.

[0008] - A housing that at least partially surrounds a circuit carrier, wherein the housing comprises at least two parts, wherein the circuit carrier is securely fastened at a first part of the housing, and wherein a second part of the housing is fastened to the first part to at least partially close the housing and thus at least partially surround the circuit carrier, and

[0009] - A monitoring system mounted on the circuitry to detect intrusion into the casing.

[0010] This monitoring system includes:

[0011] - A transmitting device for transmitting electromagnetic monitoring signals to a volume to be monitored, enclosed by a housing, wherein the electromagnetic monitoring signals are in the wavelength range between 230 nm and 30 m.

[0012] - A scattering medium, which is at least partially randomly distributed in the volume to be monitored in an unoperated state, and a monitoring signal for scattering the emitted electromagnetic radiation is established.

[0013] - A receiving device for receiving monitoring signals of electromagnetic radiation scattered within a volume to be monitored, wherein the scattering medium is selected to be at least partially randomly distributed in its unoperated state, such that a value of a module-specific fingerprint can be measured by comparing the emitted monitoring signal with the received signal scattered in the scattering medium, wherein this value represents a nominal value for the unoperated state, and

[0014] - An operation recognition unit is provided with information about a module-specific fingerprint in a non-operated state, in the form of at least a nominal value. The operation recognition unit is connected to a circuit to infer the actual value of the module-specific fingerprint by detecting the actual state of the received monitoring signal. The operation recognition unit is configured to compare the actual value of the fingerprint with the nominal value and infer the operation on the volume to be monitored based on the comparison result.

[0015] The transmitting and / or receiving devices can be configured without electrodes. The random distribution of the scattering medium can be caused, in part, by the random spatial distribution of the scattering medium (i.e., during the manual or mechanical introduction of the scattering medium). As a complement or alternative, scattering elements can also be randomly arranged within the scattering medium to enable the measurement of module-specific fingerprints. The term "fingerprint" in this context is certainly not understood as a human fingerprint. This term is currently understood as a synonym for at least one measurement value that can be specifically identified in a module and changes naturally from one module to another. This invention enables a substantial improvement in the operational safety of vehicle modules by extending existing electronic control units.

[0016] Specifically, the wavelength range of the electromagnetic monitoring signal can be specified to be between 1000 nm and 230 nm. This achieves monitoring within the optical wavelength range. The volume to be monitored between the housing and the circuit carrier can be filled with a transparent medium having randomly distributed scattering centers. The optical signal can be generated, for example, by means of a laser or LED. The distribution of the medium can affect the optical path, and only a specific portion of the signal, or only a specific frequency, can be measured at the receiver (reverse-running LED, photodiode, camera). When the housing is opened, the light distribution changes, thereby detecting the intrusion. A more cost-effective variation here is to use LEDs, primarily SMD-LEDs, as these can be easily mounted on printed circuit boards using current assembly processes. Here, low-power LEDs (rated current approximately 2 mA) are sufficient for the hypothetical application. It may be advantageous to select the scattering medium in such a way that it tears open centrally in the event of intrusion. This change has a significantly greater impact on the signal to be detected compared to the case where the scattering medium is detached from the housing or circuit carrier. The scattering medium can be strategically advantageously placed at or near particularly "protectable components," or occupy the entire interior space to be monitored. It may be particularly advantageous to mount the transmitting and / or receiving devices near particularly "protectable components."

[0017] When using lasers or LEDs as light sources, multiple light sources can be specified, for example, emitting light of different wavelengths. When using LEDs in reverse-running for detection, it can be specified that N LEDs (where N is a natural number) are used to measure N*(N-1) optical paths. The advantage of using reverse-running LEDs for detection is that different wavelengths can be measured because LEDs cannot record light with wavelengths greater than their own. This can be advantageous when the introduced medium significantly alters the wavelength compared to the optical path, as this method allows for the measurement of fewer optical paths compared to the previously mentioned variations.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be specified that the scattering medium includes a transparent material containing randomly distributed scattering elements for scattering light. The term "scattering light" can be understood as both reflecting light and / or at least partially absorbing light. Refraction (through entering a medium with a different refractive index) and diffraction effects are equally important. The term "scattering light" is therefore understood as an abstract term that can include any type of operation in which altered light is emitted. The alteration can therefore also involve wavelength, amplitude, phase, direction of propagation, etc. These can be achieved, for example, by adding bubbles or reflective particles to the scattering medium. The following materials can be used, for example, as scattering media and / or scattering elements:

[0019] - A transparent, hardened gel with air bubbles as scattering centers: This can be achieved using what is known as an "optically transparent silicone gel." It is an extremely soft gel (Shore hardness OO-OOO), produced by mixing two components. Air bubbles with a typical diameter of d = [100 μm - 2 mm] can be incorporated. The advantage here is that no additional particles are required.

[0020] - A transparent, hardened gel with particles as scattering centers: Particles with different refractive indices are incorporated into the gel. (e.g., polycarbonate pulverizers; possibly also in different colors. This can be particularly important when using LEDs of different colors). The advantage here is that this variant is particularly mechanically stable.

[0021] - A variant of epoxy resin containing air inclusions or similarly reflective particles can also be used here as a cost-effective variant. This resin can be transparent and remains soft enough in the cured state that it may tear or form gaps when the shell is opened and therefore will not simply detach from the contact surface.

[0022] - A filamentary material: This material also significantly alters the optical path and therefore the detected signal. Variations using synthetic rubber or resin-based special components could be considered.

[0023] - Alternatively, one could consider using a material that intentionally generates numerous shrinkage cracks during the "hardening" process.

[0024] Specifically, it can be specified that the scattering medium is constructed, arranged, and connected to the second part and the circuit carrier in such a way that, when the second part of the housing is removed from the first part, the scattering medium tears into at least two separate material regions (that is, the two material regions are not detached from the second part of the housing or from the circuit carrier). It can also be specified that the material is here drawn into filaments. As mentioned, this material significantly alters the optical path and therefore the detected signal.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be specified that the transmitting device for emitting monitoring signals includes LEDs, especially SMD-LEDs or laser light sources. The receiving device may, for example, have reverse-running LEDs, photodiodes, and / or cameras.

[0026] Specifically, it can be specified that the wavelength range of the electromagnetic monitoring signal is between 30m and 1m (involving the surrounding environmental medium, i.e., air). Therefore, monitoring can be carried out in a frequency range from 10MHz to approximately 300MHz.

[0027] If, based on criteria such as material conservation, a point-by-point distribution of the scattering medium is desired, then the fingerprint can be realized, for example, as an ohmic resistance. Therefore, it will have its own EM field (or the distribution of its associated field lines), and disruption of its structure will significantly affect the value to be measured.

[0028] For example, consider the following materials as scattering media or materials used for applications involving monitoring signals in the wavelength range between 30m and 1m:

[0029] - You can choose one in ε r (relative permittivity) and μ r Materials differ from air in terms of relative magnetic permeability. The value μ represents a significant deviation in EM (electromagnetic) radiation in damaged or undamaged materials. r Ratio ε r It needs to be even more decisive.

[0030] - Another possibility is to use foam with randomly distributed ferrite or metal fragments.

[0031] When using ohmic resistance to create fingerprints, the conductivity of the material is of course very important. Therefore, a material with a conductivity significantly higher than that of air must be selected.

[0032] Generally speaking, the effect of EM radiation is large enough to cause measurable damage to any material.

[0033] Furthermore, it can be specified that the scattering medium (mechanically and, if necessary, electrically) contacts the second part of the circuit carrier and the housing point by point and connects them to each other, wherein the scattering medium fills between 5% and 95% of the volume to be monitored.

[0034] Specifically, it can be specified that the radiation emitted by the electronic control unit (ECU) during rated operation is used as a monitoring signal, and therefore the transmitting device is either composed of the ECU or a high-frequency mixer separate from the ECU. The term "rated operation" refers to an operating state that is conventionally set and has the objective of fulfilling the rated functions of the ECU (e.g., controlling lighting). Here, based on the corresponding operation of the ECU, the emission of monitoring signals is a useful byproduct. The term "rated operation" does not preclude the possibility of setting other desired operating states for the ECU. Only one operating mode is involved here, which can be selected from several different rated operating modes. The term "high-frequency mixer" refers to a mixer that switches from a specific frequency band to a lower or higher frequency band. The mixing frequency is determined by a local oscillator (LO). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the signal to be measured is the internal electromagnetic radiation of the ECU (which can be designed as part of the ECU). A disadvantage of this variant is that the measured spectrum must be precisely defined to avoid interference with the measured signal due to external electromagnetic interference. Furthermore, in this variant, a specific operating state should be precisely defined for performing measurements, as the operation of other components can already cause significant changes in the measured signal. It is recommended to consider a specific frequency range where external interference is minimized. A printed conductor serving as a receiving antenna can be placed on the ECU circuit board. The advantages of this variant are twofold: firstly, it eliminates the need for an additional transmitter; secondly, due to variations in component manufacturing, the individuality is already defined by the EM signal generated by the ECU, thus expanding the individuality of the corresponding electronic unit through the additional personalization of random fingerprints.

[0035] An HF (high-frequency) mixer with an oscillator can also be connected to this antenna. The output of the mixer should be connected to the CPU via one or two analog inputs. This allows the high-frequency amplitude and phase received by the antenna at a defined frequency to be obtained. The difference frequency between the input signal and the LO (local oscillator) can be used as the signal for tamper detection. In this case, the actual measurement range is between 100 kHz and 5 GHz. Specifically, a frequency can be selected that is significantly different from the rest of the spectrum. This can be achieved either with an additional component or with an additional manipulator for an existing component. In the first variant, a component is mounted on a printed circuit board whose sole function is to emit an electromagnetic signal at a specific point in time. As an alternative, a special component with a significant EM spectrum can be briefly manipulated. This is particularly suitable for SBCs (System Base Chips) already present on the circuit carrier. It is advantageous for the measurement to be of the transmission between the transmitter and receiver. This is because the ratio between the transmitted and received amplitudes is taken into account, and the obtained value is therefore independent of the transmitted power.

[0036] Furthermore, it can be specified that the scattering medium has a dielectric constant ε that deviates from the value of 1 by at least 25%. r and / or permeability value μ r .

[0037] Specifically, it can be specified that the wavelength range of the electromagnetic monitoring signal is between 1 mm and 30 cm. In this case, monitoring can be carried out using radar signals. In the scattering medium, the scattering center should be selected according to the radar wavelength. This scattering center can, for example, exist only in one location within space. Brushed materials are particularly suitable for this variation because they are better detected by radar. In the case of "fragile" materials, this selection ensures that even fragmentation at radar wavelengths can be detected.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be specified that the transmitting device is configured as a radar chip for emitting radar signals, which is arranged on a circuit carrier and, in particular, configured as a component of an electronic control device. Some radar variants already exist that can "scan" space in a 2x2 dimension. This produces an image of the entire internal space of the ECU or the entire volume to be monitored. If the casing or fingerprint is deformed, this change will be detected by the radar. The intrusion is detected. This means that it can be emitted into space at varying angles (e.g., in any direction within the opening angle of the radar chip), whereby a 2D image can therefore be detected. Here, for example, a 3D image of the monitored volume can be calculated by time-of-flight measurement.

[0039] In particular, it can be specified that the transmitting device and / or receiving device is covered by a scattering medium that extends into the second part of the housing within the covered area.

[0040] As an alternative, it can be specified that the scattering medium extends seamlessly between the transmitting and receiving devices.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be specified that the transmitting and receiving devices are spaced apart from each other, and the volume to be monitored is located between the two devices, wherein the spacing between the two devices is at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, of the length of the circuit carrier. The term "length of the circuit carrier" refers to the longitudinal extension of a flat carrier that is typically as rectangular as possible. The length is greater than or at least equal to the width and extends as a straight line between two parallel sides, wherein this straight line is oriented as a normal to said sides.

[0042] As an alternative, it could be stipulated that the transmitting and receiving devices are located in the same location on the circuit carrier. This could be advantageous, for example, when using radar chips.

[0043] Generally speaking, the scattering medium can be described as follows:

[0044] - Materials with high thermal conductivity may reduce thermal resistance R th It has improved.

[0045] - Improvements to mechanical connections can be achieved by using a material with high vibration absorption capacity.

[0046] - Additional materials (estimated to be particularly advantageous for EM variants in the 10MHz to 300MHz range) may also contribute to improved EMV. These could include, for example, materials containing conductive particles. Such materials could be, for example, metal wires or sheets, graphite beads or sheets, carbon nanotubes, or graphene sheets. If highly conductive particles (metals) are desired, large enough that they might cause short circuits at the printed surface in their untreated state, an additional insulating layer (varnish, oxide layer, etc.) can be applied to the particles or the printed surface. Ferrite particles or ferroelectric particles, such as barium titanate, can also be considered.

[0047] Even if the material is not completely distributed to fill the space, the entire space can be monitored using the measurement method. Therefore, not only changes in the "fingerprint" material used, but also changes in the shell shape are detected.

[0048] - Materials consisting of a substrate and a mixture of scattering centers randomly distributed within the substrate can also be processed to fill the space.

[0049] Furthermore, the monitoring system can be configured to compare the detected actual value of the fingerprint with a nominal value, and if the deviation is below a limit, store the detected actual value as the new nominal value for the next comparison. This limit value can be selected such that a tolerance range is considered as a safety buffer and to prevent erroneous triggering. The aging phenomenon of fingerprints can be taken into account. For this purpose, an upper limit can be provided for a value that is technically conceived as a change caused by aging. This upper limit could, for example, have a deviation of 10% from the nominal value. If the change exceeds this value, then, for example, an operation can be initiated. The time component can also be considered, and the limit value for the maximum change based on aging can be determined based on the time interval from the last start of operation. It can be specified that a change of less than 1% is allowed when the time interval is only a few days, and a larger change is allowed when the time interval is several months or years. Energy can be saved by, for example, by taking only one measurement during the startup process. Furthermore, an error-checking routine can be introduced when an operation is detected, which includes, for example, resetting back to a predefined state for safe operation.

[0050] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlight comprising a vehicle module according to the present invention.

[0051] This invention particularly relates to a method for using a vehicle module according to the invention, wherein a basic setup procedure is performed during the manufacturing and configuration process of the vehicle module, in which an initial fingerprint is identified and stored as a reference value in both internal and external memory of the vehicle module. In this manner, a personalized vehicle module can also be definitively identified subsequently based on the detection of a personalized fingerprint, for example, by comparison with a database. Furthermore, it can be specified that the limit value has a time component and increases with the increase of the time interval from the last time of operation. Attached Figure Description

[0052] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 3b This is an example diagram of the emitted monitoring signal;

[0057] Figure 3c This is an example diagram of the received monitoring signal;

[0058] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 4b This is a detailed view of the field lines on the component according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4a;

[0060] Figure 5 This is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figures 6a to 6c The scattering medium is shown in the application state, before operation, during operation, and after operation; and

[0062] Figures 7a to 7c The scattering medium is shown, which is drawn into wires when the mechanical connection is released.

[0063] In the following figures, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals denote the same features. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the invention is shown. A vehicle module 10 is shown, including an electronic control unit 1 for identification operation. The electronic control unit 1 is configured to control at least one electrically controllable vehicle function, such as a lighting function, like a low beam function or a high beam function. The electronic control unit 1 includes: at least one circuit carrier 2, particularly a printed circuit board, the circuit carrier including circuitry 2a for control performed by the electronic control unit 1; a housing 3 at least partially surrounding the circuit carrier 2, wherein the housing 3 includes at least two portions 3a and 3b, wherein the circuit carrier 2 is fastened to the first portion 3a of the housing 3, and wherein the second portion 3b of the housing 3 can be fastened to the first portion 3a to at least partially close the housing 3 and thus at least partially surround the circuit carrier 2; and a monitoring system 4 disposed on the circuit carrier 2 for detecting intrusion into the housing 3.

[0065] This monitoring system 4 includes: a monitoring signal U for electromagnetic signals. s The electromagnetic monitoring signal U is emitted into a transmitting device 5a, which is enclosed by a housing 3 and contains a volume V to be monitored. s In principle, the wavelength range is between 230 nm and 30 m; the scattering medium 6, which, in its unoperated state, is at least partially randomly distributed in the volume V to be monitored, and a monitoring signal U is established to control the emitted electromagnetic waves. s ; Used to receive monitoring signals U of electromagnetic radiation scattered within the volume V to be monitored. s The receiving device 5b, wherein the scattering medium is selected to be at least partially randomly distributed in the unmanipulated state, so that by means of transmitting the emitted monitoring signal Us The received signal U scattered within the scattering medium s The value of the fingerprint FP, which is specific to the measurable module, is compared, where this value represents the nominal value S of the inactive state. soll ; and operation identification unit 7, to which information of a module-specific fingerprint FP in a non-operated state is transmitted in at least a nominal value, wherein operation identification unit 7 is connected to circuit 2a so as to monitor signal U s The actual value S of the module-specific fingerprint FP is inferred from the detection of the actual state received. ist The operation recognition unit 7 is configured to convert the actual value S of the fingerprint FP. ist With the rated value S soll Compared to (in) Figures 6a to 7c The intermediate value is represented by fingerprint FP, which corresponds to the actual value in its untouched state; fingerprint FP′ is identified by recognizing the altered actual value, and the operation on the volume V to be monitored is inferred based on the comparison result. Figure 1 and 2 In the example, the monitoring signal U s It is an optical signal, therefore the electromagnetic monitoring signal U s The wavelength range is between 1000nm and 230nm. Therefore, it can be specified that the signal used to emit the monitoring signal U... s The emitting device 5a includes an LED, particularly an SMD-LED, or a laser light source. The receiving device 5b can be, for example, a reverse-running LED, a photodiode, or a camera. In this embodiment, the emitting device 5a and / or the receiving device 5b are covered by a scattering medium 6 that extends in the covered area to the second housing portion 3b.

[0066] The scattering medium 6 comprises a transparent material in which randomly distributed scattering elements 6a are contained. The scattering medium 6 is arranged such that it is connected to the second housing portion 3b and the circuit carrier 2, so that when the second housing portion 3b is removed from the first housing portion 3a, the scattering medium 6 is torn into at least two separate material regions (see also...). Figures 6a to 7c ).

[0067] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the scattering medium 6 is not arranged as a continuous filler, but rather consists of individual cylindrical connecting structures acting at the circuit carrier 2 and the housing portion 3b. Here, the transmitting device 5a and the receiving device 5b are arranged at opposite ends of the circuit carrier 2, thus enabling monitoring of all components located therein, i.e., all of these components are surrounded by respective areas of the scattering medium 6. To improve monitoring sensitivity, additional transmitting units 5a' or receiving units 5b' may also be provided. In this embodiment, the transmitting device 5a and / or the receiving device 5b are surrounded by air, and the scattering medium 6 is spaced apart from the transmitting device 5a and / or the receiving device 5b. The volume V to be monitored is located between the two devices 5a and 5b, wherein the distance between the two devices is at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, of the length of the circuit carrier 2.

[0068] Figure 3a A schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the invention is shown, in which, compared to the first embodiment, for example, the positions of the transmitting device and the receiving device 5a or 5b are interchanged, and the scattering medium 6 or the scattering element contained therein is selected in such a way that the emitted monitoring signal U s and the received monitoring signal U s For example, they differ from each other by the ratio of electric field strength to magnetic field strength (see...) Figure 3b and 3c Here, Figure 3b An example diagram of the emitted monitoring signal is shown, where x indicates the propagation direction and the magnetic field strength H and electric field strength E are shown, where these field strengths are vectors. The cross product of these vectors represents the directional vector representing the power flux of the electromagnetic signal. Figure 3c As can be seen from the received monitoring signal U s In this case, the magnetic field strength decreases and the electric field strength increases. Alternatively, the scattering medium 6 or scattering element 6a can be chosen such that the electric field strength decreases and the magnetic field strength increases. The power flux may also be reduced overall through absorption or reflection along the propagation path. All this information can be obtained through the emitted signal U. s and the received signal U s By comparing and detecting the signal U', the module-specific fingerprint FP can be calculated. Alternatively, the scattering medium 6 can be selected such that the received signal U... s The frequency or frequency distribution of ′ has an impact. By using a mixer, the sensitivity of the operation identification device can be further improved by specifically analyzing the sensitive frequency range, especially the reference frequency.

[0069] Figure 4a shows a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the following is illustrated: Figures 1 to 2The variant, in contrast, did not emit an optical beam, but instead emitted an electromagnetic signal in the frequency range between 10 MHz and 300 MHz. Figure 4b The distribution of field lines around the monitored component 8 is shown here as dashed elliptical lines. For a better overview, numerous reference numerals have been omitted. Besides the monitoring signal U... s Apart from the different frequency ranges, all components can be used with Figure 2 The variant scheme is constructed similarly.

[0070] Figure 5 This is a top view of another embodiment of the invention, showing an exemplary spatial distribution of the scattering medium 6 along the two-dimensional plane of the circuit carrier 2. Here, it can be specified that the emitted monitoring signal U... s And the currently reflected monitoring signal U received s ' is a radar signal. The transmitting device 5a and the receiving device 5b can, for example, be constructed as a single radar chip 5'. The radar chip 5' is arranged on the circuit carrier 2 and is particularly constructed as a component of the electronic control device 1.

[0071] Figures 6a to 6c It shows the application status, or more precisely, before the operation. Figure 6a ), during operation ( Figure 6b ) and after the operation ( Figure 6c The scattering medium 6. Here we can see how the scattering medium 6 tears when the cover 3b is removed. Due to the change in the scattering medium 6, it is still possible to identify the reinstallation or guidance of the cover 3b back to its initial position (see...). Figure 6c Therefore, the associated fingerprint FP has changed (i.e., towards the manipulated fingerprint FP′), whereby this change can be detected and used to confirm the operation, as already detailed. This change in fingerprint can also be detected from the exemplary optical path L1 ( Figure 6a ) toward L1′( Figure 6c Identify it by changes in )

[0072] Figures 7a to 7c A scattering medium 6 is shown, which is drawn into filaments upon disengagement of the mechanical connection. As already mentioned, this material significantly alters the monitoring signal U during operation. s The optical path length is thus significantly altered, thus significantly changing the detected signal U. s ′. Figure 7a Furthermore, it is shown that a solder resist layer 9 can be formed on the surface of the circuit carrier 2.

[0073] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlight (not shown in the figures) comprising a vehicle module 10 according to the invention, and the present invention further relates to a method for using the vehicle module 10 according to the invention, wherein a basic setup procedure is performed during the manufacturing and configuration process of the vehicle module 10, wherein an initial fingerprint FP is identified and stored in memory within the vehicle module and externally as a reference value.

[0074] This invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is defined by the full scope of the claims. Individual aspects of the invention or its embodiments may also be considered and combined with each other. Possible reference numerals in the claims are exemplary and are only used to more simply interpret the claims, not to limit them.

Claims

1. A vehicle module (10), the vehicle module including an electronic control unit (1) for identifying operations, wherein, The electronic control unit (1) is configured to control at least one electrically controllable vehicle function, wherein the electronic control unit (1) includes: - At least one circuit carrier (2), said circuit carrier including circuitry (2a) for performing control via the electronic control unit (1), - A housing (3) that at least partially surrounds the circuit carrier (2), wherein the housing (3) comprises at least two parts (3a, 3b), wherein the circuit carrier (2) is fastened at a first part (3a) of the housing (3), and wherein a second part (3b) of the housing (3) can be fastened to the first part (3a) to at least partially close the housing (3) and thus at least partially surround the circuit carrier (2), and - A monitoring system (4) arranged on the circuit carrier (2) is used to detect intrusion into the housing (3). The monitoring system (4) includes: - Transmitting device (5a), the transmitting device being used to transmit electromagnetic monitoring signals (U S The electromagnetic monitoring signal (U) is emitted into the volume (V) to be monitored, which is surrounded by the housing (3), wherein the electromagnetic monitoring signal (U) is emitted into the volume (V) to be monitored. S It falls within the wavelength range between 230nm and 30m. - A scattering medium (6), which is at least partially randomly distributed in a non-operational state within a volume (V) to be monitored, and a monitoring signal for scattering the emitted electromagnetic radiation is provided. - Receiving device (5b), the receiving device being used to receive monitoring signals (U) of electromagnetic radiation scattered within the volume (V) to be monitored. S ), wherein the scattering medium is selected to be at least partially randomly distributed in its unoperated state, such that by means of the emitted monitoring signal (U S The value of a module-specific fingerprint (FP) can be measured by comparing it with the received signal scattered in the scattering medium, wherein the value represents the nominal value (S) of the inactive state. soll ),as well as - Operation recognition unit (7), to which information of a module-specific fingerprint (FP) in a non-operated state is transmitted in at least a nominal value, wherein the operation recognition unit (7) is connected to the circuit (2a) so as to transmit information of the monitoring signal (U) through the monitoring signal (U) S The actual value (S) of the module-specific fingerprint (FP) is inferred from the detection of the actual state received. ist ), wherein the operation recognition unit (7) is configured to recognize the actual value (S) of the fingerprint (FP). ist ) and rated value (S) soll The comparison is used to infer the operation on the volume (V) to be monitored.

2. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The electromagnetic monitoring signal (U) S The wavelength range of ) is between 1000nm and 230nm.

3. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The scattering medium (6) comprises a transparent material in which scattering elements (6a) for randomly distributed scattering light are contained.

4. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The scattering medium (6) is constructed and arranged in such a way that it is connected to the second part (3b) of the housing and the circuit carrier (2) such that when the second part (3b) is removed from the first part (3a), the scattering medium (6) is torn into at least two material regions that are separate from each other.

5. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, Used to send the monitoring signal (U) S The transmitting device (5a) of the ) includes an LED or a laser light source.

6. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The electromagnetic monitoring signal (U) S The wavelength range is between 30m and 1m.

7. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The scattering medium (6) contacts the circuit carrier (2) and the second part (3b) point by point and connects them to each other, wherein the scattering medium (6) fills between 5% and 95% of the volume (V) to be monitored.

8. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The radiation emitted by the electronic control unit (1) during rated operation is used as a monitoring signal (U). S Therefore, the transmitting device (5a) is composed of the electronic control unit (1), or the transmitting device (5a) is composed of a high-frequency mixer separate from the electronic control unit (1).

9. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The scattering medium has a dielectric constant ε that deviates from 1 by at least 25%. r and / or permeability value μ r .

10. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The electromagnetic monitoring signal (U) S The wavelength range is between 1mm and 30cm.

11. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 10, wherein, The transmitting device (5a) is configured as a radar chip (5′) for emitting radar signals, the radar chip being arranged on the circuit carrier (2) and being configured as a component of the electronic control unit (1).

12. The vehicle module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The transmitting device (5a) and / or the receiving device (5b) are covered by the scattering medium (6), which extends in the covered area to the second part (3b).

13. The vehicle module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmitting device (5a) and / or the receiving device (5b) are surrounded by air and the scattering medium (6) is spaced apart from the transmitting device (5a) and / or the receiving device (5b).

14. The vehicle module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The transmitting device (5a) and the receiving device (5b) are spaced apart from each other and the volume (V) to be monitored is located between the two devices (5a, 5b), wherein the distance between the two devices is at least 50% of the length of the circuit carrier.

15. The vehicle module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The monitoring system (4) is configured to detect the actual value (S) of the fingerprint (FP). ist ) and rated value (S) soll Compare this with the actual value (S) detected when the deviation is below the limit value. ist ) as the new rating (S) soll Store it and use it for the next comparison.

16. The vehicle module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The monitoring system (4) is configured to execute the actual value (S) of the fingerprint (FP) only during the startup process of the electronic control unit (1). ist The detection of ) and its comparison with the rated value (S) soll In comparison, and upon recognizing an operation, an error-checking routine is imported.

17. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle function mentioned is the lighting function.

18. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 17, wherein, The lighting function is either low beam or high beam.

19. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit carrier (2) is a printed circuit board.

20. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The LED is an SMD-LED.

21. The vehicle module (10) according to claim 14, wherein, The spacing between the two devices is at least 75% of the length of the circuit carrier.

22. A vehicle headlight comprising a vehicle module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

23. A method for using a vehicle module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein, A basic setup procedure is performed during the manufacturing and configuration process of the vehicle module (10), wherein an initial fingerprint (FP) is confirmed and stored in memory within the vehicle module and externally as a reference value.

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