Method and device for detecting rise in water level

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for identifying a rise in water level. Dynamic water level information about the vehicle may be generated using the method and apparatus. The invention also relates to a processing unit which analyzes and uses the water level information for more important purposes, in particular for other traffic participants.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting a rise in water level. Background Art

[0002] If the vehicle leaves the road and falls into a nearby body of water, it may happen that the vehicle occupants are unable to open the doors in time before the water pressure makes it impossible to open the doors. In this case, it is important to be able to allow the passengers to escape from the sinking vehicle, for example by opening the windows.

[0003] The same applies if a stationary or slowly moving vehicle on a road is submerged by a rapidly rising mass of water.

[0004] Thus, US Pat. No. 11,383,661 B2 describes a method and a device in which sensor variables are used to detect whether a vehicle has fallen into water. For example, vehicle doors or windows are opened based on this knowledge.

[0005] On the contrary, the present invention is intended to describe a system for detecting a dynamically existing water level. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention claims a method and a device which can generate dynamic water level information about a vehicle, as well as a processing unit which analyzes and uses this water level information for more important purposes, in particular for other traffic participants.

[0007] In order to generate water level information, the water level value present at the vehicle is determined. In order to determine the water level value or generally to determine the water rise, at least one sensor parameter of the first sensor is evaluated, and the parameter of the first sensor changes indirectly or directly through the water level rising on the vehicle. In addition, the driving state of the vehicle is detected by at least one other sensor parameter of the second sensor. In the first comparison, the first water level value or the sensor parameter associated with the water level value is used to identify the water rise on at least a part of the vehicle. Here, the exceeding of a single water level value or sensor parameter to a threshold value can already indicate an increase, because under normal circumstances, it should be expected that there is no water around the vehicle. Subsequently, how long the water rise has existed is detected, or how strong the further rise is. This can be achieved, for example, by detecting other sensor parameters of the first sensor, so as to determine the sensor parameter of the first sensor, the change of the second water level value or the continued existence of the exceeding of the threshold value by the second comparison. If it is also determined in the second comparison that the other sensor parameter of the first sensor or the second water level value exceeds the threshold value, the time difference between the detection of the two sensor parameters or the determination of the first and second water level values ​​of the basis is determined as a time interval. If the water level value or the relevant water level on the vehicle lasts for a predetermined duration, short-term events can be excluded and damage to the vehicle must be considered instead. This also obviously applies to the determination of identifying a further rise in the second water level value within a determined time interval. Based on the knowledge that there is a preset water level on the vehicle, at least for a predetermined duration, water level information is then generated according to the vehicle state, which can be used for other purposes. Here, the water level information can consist of a single value or a data set containing other information. Therefore, in addition to only showing the high water level on the vehicle, it can also contain the rising speed, the duration of exceeding the first threshold value, the geographical location of the vehicle in the form of a location parameter, the vehicle's movement parameters, in particular a camera image or video of the environment, or it can also contain information about vehicle passengers or vehicle component functions.

[0008] The advantage of being able to detect the dynamics of water rise on a vehicle by the method according to the invention can be extremely important for vehicle users and other road users in order to avoid damage to the vehicle and ensure the safety of the vehicle passengers. In addition, the water level information thus generated can also be used to warn other road users and protect existing infrastructure.

[0009] In order to identify a water level that may damage the operation or safety of a vehicle, at least one sensor parameter of a first sensor or a first water level value derived therefrom can be compared with a threshold value in a first comparison. If the sensor parameter or the first water level value exceeds the first threshold value, it can be assumed that the water present may pose a danger to the vehicle itself, its individual components, normal operation, or the safety of vehicle passengers. In a subsequent second comparison, this first threshold value can also be used to prove that the water level has risen for a predetermined duration. The predetermined duration depends here on the vehicle, the driving state, or the individual components of the vehicle in order to take into account damage to the vehicle and / or its components when water is present. Here, for example, the sealing effect on the doors, the installation location of the battery, the motor, or the electrical wires can also be considered. Alternatively, it can also be provided that a second threshold value is used for the second comparison, and this second threshold value is configured to be higher in order to detect a further rise in the water level on the vehicle.

[0010] In a further design of the present invention, it can be provided that the second comparison is carried out twice in order to obtain additional knowledge. Thus, first the comparison with the first threshold value is carried out, and when the detected sensor parameter, the derived second water level value, or the water level gradient exceeds this first threshold value, a further comparison with a higher second threshold value is carried out. In addition to the time interval in which the first threshold value is exceeded, further dynamic information about the water level rise is obtained by the separate second comparison. Then, this information can additionally be taken into account in the generation of the water level information or, if it is generated in the form of a data set, it can be supplemented to the data. By means of this specific and dynamic description, for example, a warning can be generated in a timely manner for other road users.

[0011] As already implemented, the water level gradient can alternatively also be used for the comparison. For this purpose, two sensor parameters of the first sensor are detected in a time interval in order to derive therefrom the existing water level and thus the dynamic change in the water level rise. Then, this water level gradient can also be used for the first and second comparisons. In this case, it can be detected in the second comparison with the respective threshold value whether the water level rise is increasing, remaining constant, or decreasing.

[0012] The threshold values used in the comparison can vary depending on the driving state of the vehicle. Thus, for example, a lower threshold value can be set in the case of a stationary or parked vehicle than when the vehicle is in motion. Optionally, the threshold value can also be selected according to the vehicle speed or acceleration. Alternatively, it may be possible to determine threshold values for speed or acceleration ranges, for example for speeds in 0 km / h, 0 km / h < v < 5 km / h, 5 km / h < v < 20 km / h, and 20 km / h < v.

[0013] Based on the recognition of a rise in water on the vehicle, in particular for a longer period of time, for example for a predetermined duration, at least one component in the vehicle can be controlled in order to prevent damage to the vehicle or the passengers. Thus, in the case of a recognized rise in water or corresponding water level information, the battery of the vehicle can, for example, enter a currentless state, or the battery can be protected from water infiltration. Such actions are particularly important in electrically driven vehicles. Alternatively, instead of being completely deactivated or interrupted in power supply, in electrically driven vehicles, emergency operation can be ensured just for a certain period of time, for example, so that an emergency call can be made, corresponding support can be provided to passengers when leaving the vehicle, or the vehicle can be driven out of a dangerous area. The latter can also be done automatically in a correspondingly (semi-)autonomously operable vehicle. Other components that can be controlled or operated based on the recognized rise in water or water level information are, for example, door opening devices, window lifts, warning flashing systems, brakes, steering gears, or in the Caprio, cover actuators. In addition, protective measures against water infiltration, such as reversible or irreversible sealing or wire shielding, can be activated.

[0014] Different sensor variables of different sensor types can be used individually or in combination to detect water rise and generate water level information. It is therefore conceivable to detect the air pressure generated by the rising water in the hose with the help of a pressure sensor and a hose connected thereto. In addition, pressure sensors, other force sensors, ultrasonic sensors, lidar systems and / or cameras on the vehicle body can detect the rising water in such a way that a direct impact on the vehicle body occurs or an evaluation of the characteristic reflection of the detection variable on the water surface indicates a rise in the water level. In addition, the driving state of the vehicle can be identified with the help of motion variables, such as acceleration variables or rotational speed. The geographical location or position of the vehicle and / or the water rise on the vehicle can also be detected and used to compare or identify the water rise and generate water level information.

[0015] Thus, for example, it can be distinguished whether the vehicle is moving, stationary or substantially stationary during the detected water rise. It is also possible to detect the movement of the vehicle due to the detected water rise, in particular in order to thereby also obtain knowledge and information about the extent of the water rise and the associated water volume. Thus, for example, it can be detected whether a previously parked vehicle has been swept away. Furthermore, it can be detected, for example, using an inclination sensor, whether the vehicle is located on a substantially flat roadway or is moving or on a slope, for example in the direction of a body of water, when the water rise is detected. The latter can be detected, for example, in conjunction with the vehicle's geographical location and map data or environmental data.

[0016] In another design, the water level information can be transmitted to an external receiving object by means of a sending module in the vehicle, optionally also as an extension of eCall. It is therefore conceivable that the water level information or a series of data and information about the detected water level and / or its rising dynamics is sent to a processing unit, such as a central server. Other receivers of the data transmitted together with the water level information may be other traffic participants (for example, via mobile radio devices), traffic control centers, infrastructure operators, such as charging pile operators, but may also be workshops or insurance companies. The geographical location and / or dynamics of the identified water rise can also be transmitted using information about the water rise. It is conceivable that this information can be used to deactivate nearby charging stations in order to protect potential users of these charging stations, but also to avoid subsequent damage. For emergency service stations, the water level information can be supplemented with data about the number and position of people in the vehicle and the opening status of windows and / or doors. Optionally, landmarks of the surrounding environment can also be transmitted via camera images so that the location of the vehicle can be identified.

[0017] It is also provided that a processing unit, for example in the form of a central server, is operated with the water level information thus detected, which compiles the knowledge from this information and forwards it to other recipients. The processing unit can thus identify dangerous situations for vehicle passengers, other traffic participants or the surrounding infrastructure from the information thus transmitted and take appropriate measures. Thus, a (local) flood wave can be inferred from the identified water rise, especially in the case of confirmation by further feedback from vehicles or other (weather) information. Another possibility in evaluating the water level information is to be able to estimate the damage to the vehicle as early as possible so that a suitable workshop can be contacted for repairs. Information to the fleet operator is also conceivable, which can inform other vehicles in the fleet based on the existing information and can take them out of the danger zone.

[0018] The invention makes it possible to detect rising water on the vehicle body, especially in a vehicle that is essentially stationary or moving at only a low speed. Although the rise occurs suddenly when the vehicle falls into the water, the slower dynamics of the water rise in this plane can also be detected. Of course, the invention can also be applied to the case where the vehicle falls into the water.

[0019] Another particularity of the present invention is that, by detecting the location of the vehicle where the water is rising in relation to the local location of the installation of water-critical components of the vehicle, corresponding targeted measures can be taken.

[0020] Further advantages result from the following description of exemplary embodiments or from the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1An evaluation unit for carrying out the method according to the invention is schematically shown,

[0022] Figure 2 A flowchart of the method is shown as an example,

[0023] Figure 3 A processing unit is shown which, based on the transmitted water level information, draws the conclusion that a possible potential danger exists and forwards it to a third party. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] As already stated at the beginning, the present invention describes a method and a device, with which the rise of the water level in the surroundings of a vehicle and in particular on at least a part of the vehicle body can be determined. For this purpose, an evaluation unit 100, which can be implemented, for example, in the form of an airbag or a brake control device, first detects sensor variables of a first sensor 120. These sensor variables are selected here so that they can detect the water level that is present and in particular rises on the vehicle. In the present embodiment, a pressure sensor variable is detected here, which detects the rising air pressure in a hose, which is increasingly filled with water when the water level rises. Such a pressure sensor can be arranged, for example, at the bottom in the area of ​​the fender, on the wheel housing, in the engine compartment, on the bumper or in the door area. Other sensors that can detect the rise of water on or around the vehicle are, for example, force sensors, humidity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, lidar sensors, cameras or acceleration sensors on the vehicle body. It is also possible to use sensors, in particular pressure sensors, that are already used for other functions in the vehicle to detect the rise of water.

[0025] Based on the sensor parameter detected by the first sensor 120, it is possible to identify whether and with what dynamics the water rises on the vehicle body by comparing it with the threshold value stored in the memory 110. In addition, it can be identified. Whether the rise will endanger the operation of the vehicle and / or the safety of the vehicle passengers. If such a danger is identified, the components 160 that are at risk can be manipulated to avoid or reduce damage to the vehicle and / or passengers. For example, it is conceivable that if the potential water rises to the contacts or other wires, the battery is switched to no current. In addition, the doors or windows can also be manipulated to enable the vehicle passengers to escape. In addition, water level information can be derived from the identified water rise, which is provided to a third party. Therefore, the water level information or a data set about the water level information can be transmitted to an external processing unit, such as a central server. Then, the central server can organize and / or use the detected information for other purposes, such as for estimating the potential danger to other traffic participants or surrounding infrastructure. In addition, the water level information detected and other data about the identified situation can be forwarded to fleet operators, workshops, traffic control centers, insurance companies, infrastructure operators, such as charging pile operators, weather service stations or other traffic participants. For example, it is conceivable that, in the event of a detected water rise in the area in front of the vehicle, following vehicles are informed of the dangerous situation by means of vehicle-to-vehicle information. It is also conceivable to directly indicate the water rise to a nearby charging station so that it can be switched to a safety mode or deactivated.

[0026] In addition to detecting the water buildup on the vehicle body, the second sensor 130 is also used to detect the driving state of the vehicle. Typical sensor variables that provide information about the driving state or operation of the vehicle are, for example, speed, acceleration variables, rotational speed, but also the inclination angle of the lane. The detected driving state can therefore be used to derive the water buildup and generate water level information. Thus, for example, the resistance caused by a large amount of water in the driving direction can be inferred from the changing speed or acceleration in the driving direction while the drive energy remains unchanged. The driving state and the movement state in particular in the form of speed and / or acceleration can also be used to derive or change the threshold value. Optionally, the evaluation unit 100 can also detect the geographical location of the vehicle, for example by GPS.

[0027] As already mentioned, a rise in the water level on the vehicle can be detected in different ways. In addition to the sensor variables of the first sensor 120, at least one further sensor 150 can be used, with which the rise in water can be redundantly checked. For example, camera images, ultrasonic sensor variables or lidar sensor signals can be used and evaluated.

[0028] according to Figure 2The flowchart of the present invention is intended to describe a possible design scheme for detecting water rise and in particular the dynamics of water rise. In a first step 200, at least one first sensor parameter of a first sensor is detected, the sensor value of the first sensor directly or indirectly representing the change of the water level existing on the vehicle. The water level value can also be derived directly from this sensor parameter. Alternatively, two sensor parameters of the first sensor can also be detected in order to derive the water level gradient from the change of the sensor parameters. In a further step 210, the driving state or operating state of the vehicle is detected with the help of appropriate sensor parameters of the second sensor. Optionally, the operating state of different components can be detected in addition, in which the water rise may have a critical influence. Common sensor parameters that can derive the driving state are, for example, speed, acceleration or rotation speed. Optionally, other sensor parameters that can be used to recheck the water rise, such as ultrasonic parameters, laser radar signals and camera images, can also be detected, from which the presence of water around the car can also be detected and can be used to verify the recognition of the water rise. In addition, location parameters can be detected in order to detect the geographical location of the vehicle.

[0029] The first sensor variable detected in step 200, the first water level value derived therefrom or the first water level gradient is compared with a first threshold value in a first comparison 220 in order to identify whether the rise of water reaches a dangerous area for the vehicle and / or a specific component. If the water rise is still below the first threshold value, the method can end or be run again with step 200. On the contrary, if it is recognized that the water level reaches or exceeds the first threshold value, a second comparison is performed in step 230. For this second comparison, at least one first sensor variable of the first sensor, the second water level value derived therefrom or the second water level gradient is compared with the first threshold value again. Here, in step 200, it can already be detected or only in step 230, another first sensor variable can be detected, wherein it is important that sufficient time has passed between the detection of the first sensor variable of the first sensor in order to be able to detect a change in the rise. If it is determined in the second comparison of step 230 that the subsequent first sensor variable or the second water level value derived therefrom is below the first threshold value, then a drop in the water level should be assumed. In this case, the method ends or starts running again with step 220. However, if it is determined in step 230 that it is exceeded, then in the subsequent step 240 a time interval between the first sensor variables for comparison is determined. In step 250, this time interval is compared with a preset duration in order to check the influence of water on the vehicle and in particular its components. If the time interval is less than the preset duration, it can be assumed that there is no significant damage. In this case, the method can be ended or run again with step 200 or with the detection of further first sensor variables and the second comparison. If it is determined that the water rise lasts at least for the preset duration, then in step 260 water level information is generated and, if necessary, further relevant information that may be useful to a third party. Optionally, it can also be provided in this step that the water level information and all further relevant data are transmitted to a third party, for example wirelessly to a processing unit or a central server.

[0030] In the above method, it can also be provided that the further first sensor variable is detected only after the expiration of a predetermined time period. In this case, the degree of change of the water rise after the (minimum) predetermined time period is detected. In general, in both methods, the time period can also be varied, or the first sensor variable of the first sensor can be detected again in step 230 before the second comparison in order to detect a further course of change of the water rise, for example in order to detect different potential hazards of different components.

[0031] Optionally, it can be provided that measures are taken in a further step 270 to prevent water from penetrating or damaging vehicle components. It is thus conceivable to deactivate the battery or open the doors and / or windows when a problematic water rise is detected, so that passengers can escape from the passenger compartment in an emergency.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second comparison is performed separately in step 230. Thus, a comparison with the same first threshold value as in the first comparison 220 can be performed first. If the first sensor variable or the water level value is still above the first threshold value, a further comparison with a higher threshold value is performed. The result of this further comparison can be taken into account when generating the water level information, in particular in order to inform about the dynamics of the water rise.

[0033] Instead of the water level values ​​in steps 200 and 230, the gradient of the water level values ​​can also be used for the comparison in steps 220 and 230. In this case, the threshold value should be selected so that when the rise remains constant, it can already be assumed that the vehicle, its components or passengers are in danger. Optionally, the decision in the second comparison 230 is only satisfied if the water level gradient is not negative.

[0034] As has already been implemented before, the information thus identified about the water rise can be transmitted to a third party. Figure 3 A processing unit 300 is shown by way of example, which detects, evaluates and further processes water level information and all further optionally detected, derived or determined data of at least one vehicle 320. Based on the information and data thus obtained, the processing unit (for example in the form of a central server) can derive a potential danger of water rise for other traffic participants 350 or for charging infrastructure in the form of charging sites 360. Due to the derived potential danger, the traffic participant 350 or the operator of the charging infrastructure can be notified. Other possible recipients of the potential danger may be a traffic control center, an emergency service station or a disaster relief point 380. The information and / or potential danger can also be forwarded to a meteorological service station. Optionally, it can also be provided that the charging site near the water rise is directly deactivated. It is also conceivable that, based on damage identification or a vehicle damage analysis performed in the processing unit 300, a workshop 370 or an insurance company is directly notified. If the vehicle is part of a fleet, the fleet operator can also be notified, for example in order to bring other vehicles of its fleet to safety, support the relevant vehicle, or be able to estimate the damage in advance. In order to derive potential dangers or damage analysis, the processing unit 300 can have a memory 310 with corresponding information.

[0035] Optionally, the processing unit 300 may also wait for data from a plurality of vehicles 330 and / or obtain other information, such as from a weather service station 340 , to derive potential hazards.

Claims

1. A method for detecting an increase in the water level present on at least a portion of a vehicle, wherein: The method determining (200) at least two sensor variables of a first sensor (120), said sensor variables being changed indirectly or directly by a water level rising on the vehicle, Detecting (210) the driving state of the vehicle, performing (220) a first comparison based on at least one first sensor variable of the first sensor or a water level value derived from the sensor variable, performing (230) a second comparison based on at least one second sensor variable of the first sensor or a water level value derived from the sensor variable, determining (240) a time interval based on the first comparison and the second comparison, In a third comparison, the time interval is compared with a predetermined duration (250), and Generate (260) water level information based on the third comparison and the driving state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method determines in the first and / or second comparison (220, 240) that at least one first sensor variable of the first sensor exceeds a threshold value, a water level value derived from the first sensor variable, or a water level gradient between two derived water level values, wherein it is particularly provided that a lower first threshold value is used for the first comparison (220) and a higher second threshold value is used for the second comparison (240).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method comprises: Firstly, it is determined that at least one second sensor variable of the first sensor, a water level value or a water level gradient between two determined water level values ​​exceeds a first threshold value, when determining the exceeding, it is determined that at least one second sensor variable of the first sensor, a water level value or a water level gradient between two determined water level values ​​exceeds a second, higher threshold value, In particular, it is provided that the water level information is generated additionally as a function of determining that the second threshold value is exceeded.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The method determines at least one threshold value as a function of the vehicle state, wherein provision is made in particular for the threshold value to be determined as a function of a speed or an acceleration of the vehicle.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method controls ( 270 ) components of the vehicle as a function of the water level information, in particular by deactivating an energy connection of a battery of the vehicle or activating a battery protection in case water is present on contacts.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method at least detects (210) and takes into account when performing the first comparison (220) and / or when performing the second comparison (240) and / or when generating the water level information (260). Location parameters, and / or Movement parameters, and / or Pressure parameters, and / or Camera images.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method transmits (260) at least the water level information to a central server, other traffic participants, a fleet operator, a workshop, a charging station operator and / or an insurance company, wherein in particular the method is configured to additionally transmit the current geographic location of the vehicle, movement data of the vehicle, the number and location of people in the vehicle, the opening status of windows and / or doors, and landmarks of the surrounding environment.

8. A device for detecting an increase in the water level present at least on a part of a vehicle, the device comprising an evaluation unit (100) which performs a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The evaluation unit (100) is in particular part of an airbag control device, wherein the evaluation unit (100) determining at least two water level values ​​based on at least one corresponding sensor variable of the first sensor (120), Detecting the driving state of the vehicle by means of a second sensor (130), performing a first comparison based on at least one first water level value, performing a second comparison based on at least one second water level value, determining a time interval according to the first comparison and the second comparison, comparing the time interval with a predetermined duration in a third comparison, and Generate water level information based on the third comparison and the driving state.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The evaluation unit (100) determines in the first and / or second comparison that at least one water level value or a water level gradient between two determined water level values ​​exceeds a threshold value, wherein in particular it is provided that a lower threshold value is used for the first comparison (220) than for the second comparison (240).

10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The evaluation unit (100) controls components of the vehicle (160) as a function of the water level information, in particular by deactivating an energy connection of a battery of the vehicle or activating a battery protection in case water is present on contacts.

11. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that The evaluation unit (100) transmits at least the water level information to a processing unit (300), a central server, other traffic participants (350), a fleet operator (380), a workshop (370), a charging station (360) and / or an insurance company (380), in particular by means of a wireless transmission unit, wherein the method is particularly configured to additionally transmit the current geographic location of the vehicle, movement data of the vehicle, the number and location of persons in the vehicle, the opening status of windows and / or doors, and landmarks of the surrounding environment.

12. A processing unit (300), in particular a central server, which obtains water level information generated according to the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7 or transmitted by means of the device described in any one of claims 8 to 11, and determines danger information based on the water level information, and the danger information is transmitted to disaster relief points, emergency service stations, traffic control centers, workshops, other traffic participants, charging piles, charging pile operators and / or insurance companies.

13. The processing unit (300) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The processing unit estimates the danger based on the water level information and the transmitted geographic location, so that the charging stations in the area of ​​the geographic location should be deactivated for safety reasons due to their functionality or danger to users, wherein it is particularly configured that the processing unit sends an indirect or direct control signal based on the danger information so as to deactivate at least one charging station (360) in the area of ​​the geographic location.

14. The processing unit (300) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The processing unit predicts a further water level rise or a spread of water rise in the area of ​​the geographical location based on at least two water level information transmitted by different vehicles and the corresponding geographical location, wherein it is particularly configured that the processing unit transmits the prediction of the further water level rise or the spread of water rise to a disaster relief point, an emergency service station, a traffic control center and / or other traffic participants.

15. The processing unit (300) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The processing unit estimates damage occurring on the vehicle based on the water level information, wherein it is particularly provided that the processing unit transmits information about the estimated damage to a workshop (370), a fleet operator (380) and / or an insurance company (380).

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