Data processing system for motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a data processing system for a motor vehicle, said system comprising:-at least one sensor (21, 22, 23, 30, 40, 50) positioned on a surface (11, 12) of a glazing (10) of the vehicle and configured to perform a measurement of a physical quantity,-a processing unit (60) configured to post-process at least a portion of the measurement, the vehicle-mounted device can be used to convert them into data in a given format that can be used to determine the event of an accident or collision in which the vehicle may be involved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the general field of data processing for motor vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a data processing system for a motor vehicle, the data processing system being configured to output data that can be used to determine the circumstances of an accident in which the vehicle may be involved. The present invention also relates to a data processing method performed by the data processing system, a glazing system comprising a glazing of a motor vehicle and the data processing system, and a motor vehicle comprising the glazing system. Background Art

[0002] As automated systems continue to develop, significant efforts have been made around the world to improve the protection of vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians, from injury and death. Addressing these issues is of even greater concern with regard to the challenges of future autonomous vehicles.

[0003] For this purpose, it is known to use an event data recorder (EDR) device, which is configured to record and store vehicle parameters related to critical events. In practice, an EDR device generally refers to a simple, tamper-proof, read-write memory device in the form of a housing. Such a housing is, for example, integrated into the airbag control unit of the vehicle.

[0004] The data that EDR equipment is able to record and store is provided by appropriate sensors and generally includes the vehicle's speed, braking, the vehicle's position and inclination on the road, the status and rate of activation of all its safety systems, in-vehicle system emergency calls, brake activation and related input parameters of the vehicle's active safety and accident avoidance systems, etc.

[0005] This data is stored in a standardized format and can be collected (e.g., by an expert recognized to do so) after a collision or accident in which a vehicle is involved. When analyzed, this data can help determine what the vehicle was doing before, during, and after the collision or accident. In other words, the data provided by the EDR device is useful for the reconstruction of a collision or accident with the vehicle.

[0006] Therefore, in an effort to increase road safety but also to reduce vehicle downtime due to professional actions after a crash / accident, the use of EDR devices is becoming more and more widespread. In particular, while US legislation has been leading in this regard, an increasing number of other jurisdictions are considering the use of EDR devices with interest. An example of this is the recent decision in Europe to equip all new motor vehicles (i.e. passenger cars, multi-purpose passenger vehicles, pick-up trucks and vans) with EDR devices from July 2022 (EU Regulation 2019 / 2144, commonly referred to as the General Safety Regulation 2 or GSR 2).

[0007] While there have been many technological advances in the context of using EDR devices, it should be noted that there remains a need to improve the accuracy and reliability of crash or accident reconstruction. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the limitations of the prior art, in particular those outlined herein above, by providing a solution which allows a system to provide data useful for the reconstruction of a crash or accident of a motor vehicle, such that the reconstruction is more accurate and more reliable than that of the prior art solutions.

[0009] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a data processing system for a motor vehicle, said system comprising:

[0010] - at least one sensor positioned on the surface of the vehicle's glazing and configured to perform a measurement of a physical quantity,

[0011] - a processing unit configured to post-process at least part of the measurements in order to transform them into data in a given format that can be used to determine the circumstances of an accident or a collision in which the vehicle may be involved.

[0012] The data processing system according to the invention therefore proposes to collect information via measurements made by sensors positioned on the glazing of a motor vehicle.

[0013] This advantageously allows enhancing the information traditionally obtained by EDR devices. In particular, this allows providing information directly related to the exterior and / or interior environment of the car at the level of the glazing, and thus a better understanding of the driving conditions perceived by the driver.

[0014] In this way, the data processing system assists in collecting information which, when post-processed for conversion into a suitable format (typically a format used by an EDR device fitted to a vehicle), increases the accuracy and reliability of the reconstruction of a possible vehicle collision or accident.

[0015] Generally speaking, the greater the number of physical quantities considered, the more accurately and reliably a collision or accident can be reconstructed.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the data processing system may further include one or more of the following features, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the processing unit is configured to compare the measurement of each physical quantity with a corresponding given threshold value and, in the event that at least one threshold value is exceeded, to post-process the measurements obtained after such exceeding, at least for the physical quantity associated with the exceeded threshold value, in order to convert them into data in said given format.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, said at least one sensor comprises a vibration sensor.

[0019] The at least one vibration sensor is used in particular to provide measurements from which it can be determined exactly where and from which direction an impact occurred on the vehicle.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, said at least one sensor comprises two vibration sensors positioned respectively on the inner and outer surfaces of said glazing.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment, said at least one sensor comprises three vibration sensors positioned on the same surface of said glazing.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment, the at least one vibration sensor is a microphone and / or a strain gauge and / or an accelerometer, preferably a variable capacitance accelerometer or a piezoresistive accelerometer.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises a humidity sensor.

[0024] The humidity sensor is used to provide information for understanding visibility conditions through the glass window. This is important, especially when the glass window is the windshield through which the driver of the vehicle perceives the road.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises an external vehicle temperature sensor.

[0026] The temperature sensor is used to provide information that can be used, for example, to determine whether driving conditions of the vehicle are affected, such as whether it is cold enough for the road and / or windshield to become icy.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment, the glass window is a windshield of a vehicle and the at least one sensor comprises a photodetector positioned on the surface of the windshield.

[0028] The photodetector is particularly useful in providing information that can be used, for example, to understand the lighting conditions of the windshield. This is particularly advantageous in determining whether the driver is glared while driving the vehicle, as such glare may be the cause of a collision or accident.

[0029] According to a specific embodiment, the data processing system further comprises:

[0030] - a camera configured to capture video of an external environment of the vehicle,

[0031] - means for acquiring images of the vehicle's external environment,

[0032] -LIDAR system,

[0033] The data processing system further comprises a storage component configured to store the video of the camera and / or the image of the image acquisition component and / or the LIDAR data of the LIDAR system.

[0034] Such data (video, images, LIDAR data) therefore complement the measurements provided by the sensor(s) and advantageously improve the accuracy and reliability of the reconstruction of a possible collision or accident.

[0035] According to a particular embodiment, the processing unit is configured to transmit the data output in said format to an event data recorder (EDR) device equipping the vehicle.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment, the processing unit is configured to transmit the data output in said format to an external server and / or computer and / or database via a wireless connection.

[0037] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a data processing method performed by the data processing system according to the invention.

[0038] According to a third aspect, the invention also relates to a glazing system for a motor vehicle, said glazing system comprising a glazing for said vehicle and a data processing system according to the invention.

[0039] The glazing system may be provided as a kit comprising the vehicle glazing and the data processing system, the vehicle glazing and the data processing system being separate (i.e. the system has not yet been fixed to the glazing). The kit may include instructions for assembling the data processing system to the vehicle glazing. Alternatively, the glazing system may be provided with the data processing system fixed to the vehicle glazing, for example, provided with the sensor and / or the processing unit fixed to the glazing (e.g. by using glue or by welding).

[0040] According to a particular embodiment, the processing unit is positioned near the glazing, for example in the frame of the glazing.

[0041] According to a fourth aspect, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a glazing system according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Non-limiting examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 A specific embodiment of a data processing system according to the present invention is illustrated.

[0044] Figure 2 Is Figure 1 Flow chart of main steps of a data processing method executed by a data processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 A specific embodiment of a data processing system according to the present invention is illustrated.

[0046] The data processing system is configured to be integrated in a motor vehicle. More particularly, in the following description it is considered that the data processing system has been integrated into a vehicle, the integration being achieved by cooperating with a glazing of the motor vehicle, as described in more detail later.

[0047] Additionally, and more generally, the data processing system is part of a glazing system 100 according to the invention which itself has been integrated into a motor vehicle.

[0048] However, it should be noted that such a provision is not a limitation of the invention and does not exclude providing the glazing system 100 in the form of a kit ready to be assembled, such kit thus comprising the data processing system and the glazing of a motor vehicle.

[0049] For the rest of the description, it is also considered in a non-limiting manner that the motor vehicle is a car, such as an electric car. Of course, considering a car is only an example of implementing the present invention, and there is no additional restriction on the nature of the motor vehicle, which can be a bus, truck, van, etc.

[0050] The car is equipped with an EDR device ( Figure 1 As is known to those skilled in the art, the EDR device can be positioned at any suitable position on or in the vehicle. For example, the EDR device can be integrated into the airbag control unit of the vehicle.

[0051] The glazing with which the data processing system cooperates may be a laminated glazing, ie the glazing may comprise two or more layers in a glass panel joined together by an interlayer (eg plastic). Alternatively, the glazing may be a monolithic glazing, ie a single pane of glass.

[0052] Refer here Figure 1In the described embodiment, it is considered that the glass window with which the data processing system cooperates is a laminated windshield 10 of a car. However, such a provision is not a limitation of the invention and does not exclude consideration of other examples of glass windows, such as side windows or rear windows.

[0053] The data processing system comprises a set of sensors, each sensor being positioned on the surface of the windshield 10 and configured to perform a measurement of a physical quantity.

[0054] Regardless of the type of sensor, the sensor may be attached to the windshield 10 by any suitable means for securing the sensor to the glass window, such as, for example, bonding the sensor to the glass window using glue, or welding the sensor to the glass window.

[0055] In this embodiment, and as in Figure 1 As shown in a non-limiting manner above, the set of sensors includes three vibration sensors 21, 22, 23 positioned on the outer surface 11 of the windshield 10, and the three vibration sensors 21, 22, 23 are respectively positioned at the bottom center of the windshield 10, on the left side of the windshield 10 and on the right side of the windshield 10.

[0056] "External surface" refers here to the surface of the windshield 10 in contact with the external environment of the car. More specifically, since the windshield 10 is laminated, said external surface 11 corresponds to the face generally referred to as "face F1". However, it should be noted that it is also possible to consider placing the vibration sensors 21, 22, 23 on the internal surface 12 of the windshield 10. Said "inner surface" traditionally refers to the face F4 of the windshield 10, opposite the external surface 11 and in contact with the internal environment of the car, i.e. with the cabin.

[0057] Each vibration sensor 21, 22, 23 (e.g., all vibration sensors or at least a portion of them) can be an accelerometer, such as a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer, such as, for example, a variable capacitance accelerometer or a piezoresistive accelerometer. Such an accelerometer can operate along a 1-D, 2-D or 3-D axis. Additionally or alternatively, each sensor 3, 4 (e.g., all sensors or at least a portion of them) can be a microphone. Additionally or alternatively, the vibration sensors 21, 22, 23 (e.g., all vibration sensors or at least a portion of them) can be strain gauges (e.g., directly coated on the glass window using Ag coating). In an example, all vibration sensors 21, 22, 23 are MEMS accelerometers, including variable capacitance accelerometers and / or piezoresistive accelerometers. Alternatively, some of the vibration sensors can be accelerometers, and the remaining vibration sensors can be microphones and / or strain gauges. Alternatively, all vibration sensors 21, 22, 23 can be microphones. Alternatively, all vibration sensors 21, 22, 23 may be strain gauges. Alternatively, some of the vibration sensors may be strain gauges and some of the vibration sensors may be microphones.

[0058] It should also be noted that considering three vibration sensors is only one variant of the invention and does not exclude considering other variants. For example, the data processing system may include a single vibration sensor positioned on the outer surface 11 or the inner surface 12 of the windshield 10 .

[0059] According to yet another variant, the data processing system may include two vibration sensors positioned respectively on the inner surface 12 and the outer surface 11 of the windshield 10. Given the presence of vibration sensors positioned on either side of the windshield 10, each vibration sensor may measure different internal and external vibrations in order to more accurately measure the overall true vibration of the windshield itself caused by the impact. Since the impact location can be determined from the vibrations caused by the impact, as known per se in the art, obtaining a more accurate measurement of such vibration waves ultimately allows the determination of the impact location to be also more accurate. Furthermore, the vibration impact data measured by the internal vibration sensors may be a good reference for the background vibrations of the lane of the car.

[0060] Of course, said other variant does not exclude the presence of vibration sensors positioned on either side of the windshield 10, wherein, for example, more than one vibration sensor is on the outer surface 11 or the inner surface 12 of the windshield 10 (for example, two vibration sensors on the outer surface 11, and one vibration sensor on the inner surface 12).

[0061] Furthermore, regardless of which of these other variations, aspects relating to the properties of the vibration sensor described above still apply.

[0062] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown above, the data processing system further comprises a humidity sensor 30, which is preferably positioned on the outer surface 11 of the windshield 10, here positioned at the upper left of the windshield 10. Having the humidity sensor 30 positioned on the outer surface 11 of the windshield 10 advantageously provides data on the humidity in the external environment of the vehicle.

[0063] However, this does not exclude that the humidity sensor 30 is positioned on the inner surface 12 of the windshield 10. In this way, it is possible to access data related to the humidity on the inner surface 12 of the windshield 10, which data are also related to the driving conditions of the car.

[0064] Furthermore, although in this embodiment the data processing system is considered to include a single humidity sensor 30 , there is virtually no limit to the number of humidity sensors that can be envisioned. Thus, it is envisioned to have at least one sensor on each of the outer surface 11 and the inner surface 12 of the windshield 10 .

[0065] Any known type of humidity sensor 30 may be used to implement the present invention, such as a capacitive humidity sensor or a resistive humidity sensor. These aspects are well known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not discussed further here.

[0066] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown above, the data processing system also includes an external vehicle temperature sensor 40. The external vehicle temperature sensor 40 is positioned on the outer surface 11 of the windshield 10, and is positioned at the upper right side of the windshield 10. Further, although it is considered in this embodiment that the data processing system includes a single external vehicle temperature sensor 40, there is actually no limit to the number of external vehicle temperature sensors that can be envisioned.

[0067] Any known type of external vehicle temperature sensor 40 may be used to implement the present invention, such as a thermocouple, a thermistor, a resistance temperature detector, or an infrared sensor. These aspects are well known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not discussed further herein.

[0068] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown above, the data processing system also includes a photodetector 50, which is preferably positioned on the inner surface 12 of the windshield 10, here positioned at the top center of the windshield 10. Having the photodetector 50 positioned on the inner surface 12 of the windshield 10 advantageously provides data about brightness conditions and, therefore, about possible glare experienced by the driver of the vehicle.

[0069] However, this does not exclude that the photodetector 50 is positioned on the outer surface 11 of the windshield 10 .

[0070] Furthermore, while in this embodiment it is contemplated that the data processing system includes a single photodetector 50, there is virtually no limit to the number of photodetectors that may be contemplated. For example, photodetectors positioned on either side of the windshield 10 may allow comparison of light levels and spectra between the exterior surface 11 and the interior surface 12 of the windshield 10.

[0071] Any known type of photodetector may be used to implement the invention, such as a PIN silicon photodiode or a photovoltaic module. These aspects are well known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not discussed further here.

[0072] The measurements of the various sensors 21, 22, 23, 30, 40, 50 increase the knowledge of the external environment of the vehicle and the impacts it may encounter. Therefore, such an arrangement is particularly advantageous for crash or accident reconstruction.

[0073] Therefore, in order that the measurements performed by the sensors can be appropriately employed for crash or accident reconstruction, the data processing system further comprises a processing unit 60 which is configured to perform processing based on said measurements.

[0074] In order to transmit the measurements made, each sensor 21, 22, 23, 30, 40, 50 can be connected to the processing unit 60 by a wired connection or a conductive coated wired connection. In other words, the wired connection can include a conductive coating (i.e., any conductive coating for electronic connection, such as but not limited to data transfer, power supply or GND (grounding)). This can be beneficial to optimize the overall conductivity of the data processing system. The conductive coated wired connection can be an Ag coated wired connection. Alternatively, the conductive coated wired connection can be any other type of conductive coated wired connection, such as, for example, a Cu conductive coated wired connection. Alternatively, the conductive coated wired connection can be a transparent conductive coated wired connection, which can be applied to a substrate such as glass, such as, for example, an ITO (indium tin oxide) coated wired connection. The transparent conductive coated wired connection can be not only aesthetically advantageous, but also can be advantageous in terms of safety for optimal visibility for driver assistance. Alternatively, the wired connection can be wiring, and can be routed, for example, via a CAN (controller area network) bus of the car. Alternatively, the processing unit 60 may be connected to the sensors 21 , 22, 23, 30, 40, 50 by a wireless connection and thus receive measurements from the sensors 21 , 22, 23, 30, 40, 50 via the wireless connection, such as for example a Bluetooth connection or a Wi-Fi connection.

[0075] In addition, there is no restriction on how to power the sensors 21, 22, 23, 30, 40, 50 and the processing unit 60. For example, the sensors 21, 22, 23, 30, 40, 50 and the processing unit 60 can be connected to a power supply. The power supply can be configured to provide a power supply of, for example, +5V or +12V DC. The power supply can be, for example, one of an easily available power supply (e.g., a windshield camera power supply), a local battery, or an energy collection system based on, for example, solar energy or vibration energy. The power supply can be positioned anywhere on or in the car.

[0076] Processing unit 60 refers to a computer system including one or more CPUs (central processing units) (also referred to as processors), as well as a memory and programmable input / output variables. Processing unit 60 may be a microcontroller. Alternatively, components of any suitable hardware configuration may be considered, such as, for example, FGPA, ASIC and / or PLD. One or more CPUs are coupled to a memory having a computer program including instructions recorded thereon, which, when executed by processing unit 60, causes processing unit 60 to perform processing based on measurements.

[0077] The computer program may include instructions executable by a computer, including components for causing the above processing unit 60 to perform processing based on measurement. The program may be recordable on any data storage medium, including the memory of the processing unit 60. The program may be implemented, for example, in a digital electronic circuit, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. The program may be implemented as a device, such as a product tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor. The processing steps may be performed by a programmable processor, which executes a program of instructions to perform processing functions by operating on input data (e.g., in the form of a signal measured by a sensor and transmitted to the processing unit 60) and generating an output. Therefore, the processor may be programmable and coupled to receive data and instructions from a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transmit data and instructions to the data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. If desired, the application may be implemented in a high-level process or object-oriented programming language, or in an assembly or machine language. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language. The program may be a complete installer or updater. In any case, application of the program to the system results in instructions for performing processing based on the measurements.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the processing unit 60 is more particularly configured to compare the measurement of each physical quantity with a corresponding given threshold value. Of course, each threshold value is selected according to the physical quantity to which it relates. There is no restriction on the selection of the threshold value, because the selection can be determined, for example, according to the regulations of the geographical area in which the car is manufactured or according to the car manufacturer's own guidelines.

[0079] The processing unit 60 is also configured to, in the event that at least one threshold value is exceeded, post-process the measurements obtained after such exceeding, at least for the physical quantity associated with the exceeded threshold value, in order to convert them into data in a given format which can be used to determine the circumstances of an accident or collision in which the vehicle may be involved.

[0080] By way of example, if only one threshold is exceeded at a given time, then only the measurements associated with the physical quantity for which the threshold was exceeded are post-processed by the processing unit 60 after said threshold has been exceeded.

[0081] However, this does not exclude other embodiments according to which also other measurements associated with other physical quantities, possibly all measurements provided by all sensors fitted to windscreen 10 , may be post-processed by processing unit 60 after the threshold has been exceeded.

[0082] Generally speaking, the greater the number of physical quantities considered, the more accurately and reliably a collision or accident can be reconstructed.

[0083] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown above, the processing unit 60 is a microprocessor positioned near the windshield 10, more specifically, in the frame of the windshield 10. As a microprocessor, the processing unit 60 forms a compact unit, which is particularly advantageous when it is integrated into a car.

[0084] However, this does not exclude the possibility of other locations for the processing unit 60. For example, the processing unit 60 may be positioned on the windshield 10, for example on the inner surface 12. This may allow the processing unit 60 to be protected from external factors and thus less susceptible to damage. According to yet another example, the processing unit 60 may be positioned at any location near the windshield 10, for example on the frame of the car. "Near the windshield 10" here means that the processing unit 60 is positioned inside the car, at a distance from the side of the windshield 10 that is less than a predefined maximum distance.

[0085] In general, there is no restriction on the positioning of the processing unit 60 on or in the car. In particular, different criteria may be considered when determining the positioning. For example, the positioning of the processing unit 60 may be selected to cause a more simplified connection between the processing unit 60 and the sensors 21, 22, 23, 30, 40, 50, it being understood that the closer the processing unit 60 is to the sensors 21, 22, 23, 30, 40, 50, the better the simplified measurement transmission. The positioning of the processing unit 60 may also depend on the design and function of the glass window. For example, it may be desirable to position the processing unit 60 on the windshield 10 to meet certain safety, aesthetic and / or practical preferences. Alternatively, for example, it may be desirable to position the processing unit 60 near the windshield 10 to maximize the available windshield 10 space for other safety, aesthetic and / or practical preferences, such as using the space for other components and / or maximizing visibility for the driver and passengers. This may be beneficial when there is little space available for multiple components on the windshield 10.

[0086] In this embodiment, the processing unit 60 is configured to transmit data output in the given format (i.e., data generated after post-processing of measurements received by the sensor in the event of exceeding at least one threshold) to an EDR device equipped with the vehicle. Therefore, in this embodiment, the format of the data output by the processing unit 60 is consistent with the format expected by the EDR device. For example, the format corresponds to a format specified by regulatory provisions related to the use of EDR devices in the geographical area in which the car is manufactured. By way of a more specific example, the data format may comply with European standards, such as those specified in EU Regulation 2019 / 2144 (commonly referred to as General Safety Regulation 2 or GSR 2).

[0087] Data transmission between the processing unit 60 and the EDR device uses connection components having similar features to those described above with reference to the connections between the sensors 21 , 22 , 23 , 30 , 40 , 50 and the processing unit 60 .

[0088] In the present embodiment, the processing unit 60 is also configured to transmit the data output in the format to an external server and / or computer and / or database 70 via a wireless connection. This enables the data processing system to serve Internet of Things (IoT) applications, such as, for example, connecting and exchanging with other systems and devices of the car or other systems and devices outside the car. Such wireless connection components may include 4G or 5G chips. The wireless connection component may be configured to transfer data via a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP port 80). Alternatively, the wireless connection component may be configured to transfer data via a secure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTPS). Additionally, whether the processing unit 60 transfers data securely, the data may be encrypted, such as, for example, via RSA encryption. Alternatively, the wireless connection component may use other types of data connections, such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), Bluetooth (e.g., connected to a vehicle or a smart phone) or Wi-Fi.

[0089] Being able to transmit data output by the processing unit 60 to an external server and / or computer and / or database 70 via a wireless connection may have advantages, such as typically ensuring redundancy of the car's EDR device in the event of a failure thereof.

[0090] However, it should be noted that the present invention also covers embodiments in which the data output by the processing unit 60 is transmitted only to an EDR device equipped to the car. Alternatively, the car is not equipped with an EDR device, and the data output by the processing unit 60 is transmitted only to an external server and / or computer and / or database 70. In this case, this is equivalent to considering the EDR device to be located remotely from the car.

[0091] Figure 2 Is Figure 1 Flow chart of main steps of a data processing method executed by a data processing system.

[0092] The data processing method comprises the following steps:

[0093] - acquisition (E10) of measurements by sensors 21, 22, 23, 30, 40, 50,

[0094] - compare the measurement with a threshold value (E20),

[0095] - in the event that at least one threshold value is exceeded (E30), the measurements obtained (E40) after such exceeding are post-processed (E50) at least for the physical quantity associated with the exceeded threshold value in order to convert them into data of a given format that can be used to determine the circumstances of the accident or collision in which the vehicle may have been involved.

[0096] The comparison and post-processing steps are performed by the processing unit 60 in a closed-loop manner.

[0097] The comparison step is for example performed at the frequency with which the measurements are acquired and received from the sensors 21, 22, 23, 30, 40, 50. According to another example, said frequency may be different from the frequency with which the measurements are performed, the processing unit 60 being able to store the measurements received for a certain period of time (in the manner of a buffer memory) and to perform the comparison only after this period.

[0098] Furthermore, it should be observed that there is no limit to the length of time for post-processing the measurements after at least one threshold has been exceeded. However, it is understood that this duration is constrained by the memory size of the processing unit 60. Furthermore, this duration is conventionally chosen to be of sufficient size to cover the moments before and also after a possible collision or accident of the car. Such aspects are well known to the skilled person, since EDR devices have been programmed in a similar manner, i.e. to receive measurements from sensors and store them for a determined period of time, which is suitable for analyzing a vehicle collision or accident.

[0099] So far, the invention has been described considering that the data processing system comprises said plurality of sensors 21, 22, 23, 30, 40, 50. However, such an arrangement is not a limitation of the invention and it is possible to envisage embodiments according to which the data processing system comprises only a subset of said sensors 21, 22, 23, 30, 40, 50, for example a single sensor.

[0100] Furthermore, whatever the number of sensors considered, there are no restrictions as to their location on the windshield 10. As a general rule, a person skilled in the art knows how to place the sensors on the glass window depending on their nature.

[0101] By way of a more specific example, the sensor may be positioned close to the windshield camera zone, using an opaque black screen print to be invisible from both the inside and outside. This location allows for a reduction in the distance and number of wiring connections.

[0102] Again, regardless of the number of sensors considered, the invention also covers embodiments in which the data processing system comprises at least one of the following:

[0103] - a camera configured to capture video of an external environment of the vehicle,

[0104] - Means for acquiring images of the vehicle's external environment.

[0105] -LIDAR system.

[0106] According to these embodiments, the data processing system further comprises storage means (e.g., a memory of the processing unit 60, a remote memory in the cloud, etc.), which is configured to store the video of the camera and / or the images of the image acquisition means and / or the LIDAR data of the LIDAR system in case at least one threshold is exceeded. Thus, such data (video, images, LIDAR data) complement the measurements provided by the sensor(s) and advantageously improve the accuracy and reliability of the reconstruction of a possible collision or accident.

[0107] So far, the present invention has been described considering that the processing unit 60 and the EDR device are two separate entities. However, this does not exclude other embodiments in which the processing unit 60 is the EDR device or is integrated into an EDR device in a car.

[0108] Finally, it has also been considered so far that the processor 60 performs the comparison with the threshold value and then processes the measurements in order to convert them into a suitable format. However, it should be noted that these provisions are by no means a limitation of the present invention. In fact, it is entirely conceivable that the comparison with one or more threshold values ​​is not performed by the processor 60, but by one or more other entities. For example, it can be an external computer that is configured to receive all or part of the measurements and performs a comparison with the threshold value of the data received. According to another example, or possibly in addition to the previous example, all or part of the sensors can also be equipped with hardware and / or software components to implement such a comparison.

[0109] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that all measurements made by the sensors are converted into data in a specific format and then transmitted, for example, to an EDR device which is responsible for periodically storing / deleting them in the form of a buffer memory. The EDR device can then receive one or more signals (for example from the sensors or even from the processor 60) relating to one or more thresholds being exceeded, so that it simply switches to storage mode (i.e. there is no more data deletion).

Claims

1. A data processing system for a motor vehicle, the system comprising: at least one sensor (21, 22, 23, 30, 40, 50) positioned on the surface (11, 12) of the vehicle's window (10) and configured to perform a measurement of a physical quantity, A processing unit (60) configured to post-process at least part of the measurements in order to transform them into data in a given format that can be used to determine the circumstances of an accident or collision in which the vehicle may have been involved.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit (60) is configured to compare the measurement of each physical quantity with a corresponding given threshold value and, in the event that at least one threshold value is exceeded, to post-process the measurements obtained after such exceeding, at least for the physical quantity associated with the exceeded threshold value, in order to convert them into data in the given format.

3. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a vibration sensor (21, 22, 23).

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one sensor comprises two vibration sensors positioned on the inner and outer surfaces of the glass window, respectively.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the at least one sensor comprises three vibration sensors (21, 22, 23) positioned on the same surface (11) of the glass window (10).

6. System according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein at least one vibration sensor (21, 22, 23) is a microphone and / or a strain gauge and / or an accelerometer, preferably a variable capacitance accelerometer or a piezoresistive accelerometer.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a humidity sensor (30).

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an external vehicle temperature sensor (40).

9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the glass window is a windshield (10) of a vehicle and the at least one sensor comprises a photodetector (50) positioned on a surface of the windshield.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least one of the following: - a camera configured to capture video of an external environment of the vehicle, - means for acquiring images of the vehicle's external environment, -LIDAR system, The data processing system further comprises a storage component configured to store the video of the camera and / or the image of the image acquisition component and / or the LIDAR data of the LIDAR system.

11. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the processing unit (60) is configured to transmit the data output in said format to an event data recorder device equipped with the vehicle, or to an external server and / or computer and / or database (70) via a wireless connection.

12. A data processing method executed by the data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A glazing system (100) for a motor vehicle, the system comprising a glazing (10) for the vehicle and a data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. The glazing system (100) according to claim 13, wherein the processing unit is positioned near the glazing.

15. A motor vehicle comprising a glazing system (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 14.

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