Method for acquiring information on location-based influences on the transported goods in a transport facility and device for carrying out the same

Abstract

Method for collecting information on location-based influences on the transported goods in a transport facility (10) during travel, comprising the steps: Detecting the location information of the location of the transport device (10) with the aid of a device for detecting location information (20) and transmitting the detected location information to a processing unit, Detecting the acceleration value of the transport device (10) with the aid of a device for detecting at least one acceleration value (40) and Transmitting the recorded acceleration value to the processing unit, Comparing the acceleration value detected by the device for detecting at least one acceleration value (40) with a predetermined value in the processing unit, Activating a recording device (30) for capturing optical information by the processing unit when the detected acceleration value exceeds a predetermined value, Transmitting the captured optical information to the processing unit, recording the captured optical information in the processing unit, and Recording the detected location information of the location of the transport device (10) in the processing unit if the detected acceleration value of the device for detecting at least one acceleration value (40) exceeds a predetermined value after completing the transport process, viewing the damage process and initiating a repair of the route in the recorded area.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for acquiring information on location-based influences on the transported goods in a transport facility, as well as to a device for carrying out the same.

[0002] During transport, unwanted external influences can cause damage to the goods. Depending on the severity of the damage, this can even result in total loss of the goods. In most cases, however, this leads to a customer complaint upon receipt of the goods. Particularly during the transport of vehicles between different manufacturer locations or during delivery of the vehicles to the customer, such events represent a significant impairment of the condition of the vehicles, which usually results in complex and costly repairs to the damaged vehicles.

[0003] DE 10 2004 016 548 A1 discloses a method for monitoring the load of a transport device, in which first events with at least a potential indirect influence on the condition of the load are recorded and logged in a transport log, whereby the load can be protected from unauthorized manipulation.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method and a device for detecting information on location-based influences on the transported goods in a transport facility, in which the effect of transport damage as a result of external influences on the transported goods can be reduced in future transports on this route.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by the method for detecting information on location-based influences on the transported goods in a transport device with the features of patent claim 1 and the device for carrying out the method according to the invention according to claim 8.

[0006] The present method for acquiring information on location-based influences on the transported goods in a transport facility comprises the steps of acquiring the location information of the location of the transport facility using a device for acquiring location information and transmitting the acquired location information to a processing unit, acquiring the acceleration value of the transport facility using a device for acquiring at least one acceleration value and transmitting the acquired acceleration value to the processing unit, comparing the acceleration value acquired by the device for acquiring at least one acceleration value with a predetermined value in the processing unit, activating a recording device for acquiring optical information by the processing unit when the acquired acceleration value exceeds a predetermined value,transmitting the detected optical information to the processing unit, recording the detected optical information in the processing unit, and recording the detected location information of the location of the transport device in the processing unit if the detected acceleration value of the device for detecting at least one acceleration value exceeds a predetermined value.

[0007] In the present method, in addition to the information of the recording device for capturing optical information, the location information of the transport device at the moment of the impact of an external event on the transport device is determined by means of the detection of the acceleration value of the transport device by the device for detecting at least one acceleration value and is then recorded.

[0008] This allows the damage process to be reviewed again after the transport process has been completed and, by recording the location at the time of the damage event, repairs to the route in this area can be initiated so that future transports can be carried out on a safe route.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments and improvements of the present invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0010] According to a preferred development of the method, the processing unit may further include the step of overlaying the acquired location information of the location of the transport device with the acquired optical information of the activated recording device if the acquired acceleration value of the device for detecting at least one acceleration value exceeds a predetermined value. Providing the information regarding the location of the transport device during the damage event in conjunction with the recorded information of the recording device advantageously simplifies the evaluation after the end of the transport, since this relevant data is made available to the user simultaneously.

[0011] According to a preferred development of the method, the processing unit can further include the step of recording the superimposed location information of the location of the transport device with the acquired optical information of the activated recording device. This allows the viewer of the recorded information of the recording device to simultaneously perceive the information regarding the location of the transport device at that time, thereby simplifying the evaluation of the process.

[0012] According to a further preferred development of the method, the step of continuously activating the recording device by the processing unit over a predetermined period of time and recording the acquired optical information from the activated recording device in the processing unit over the predetermined period of time can be provided as soon as the acquired acceleration value of the device for acquiring at least one acceleration value exceeds a predetermined value. Thus, the progression of the damage event during the predetermined period of time can advantageously be subsequently analyzed, and conclusions can be drawn regarding the impact of the damage event on the transported goods.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the method can further include the step of activating a signaling device that indicates when the detected acceleration value of the device for detecting at least one acceleration value exceeds a predetermined value. As a result, after completion of the transport process, the user can immediately recognize, through an activated signaling device, whether a damage event has occurred during transport based on the measured values ​​of the device for detecting at least one acceleration value and view the recorded information described above. A signaling device can be, for example, a lamp, a light source, an indicator such as a flipped lever, a mechanical display, a continuous counter, etc.Furthermore, the signaling device can also emit an acoustic signal which indicates to the user that a damage event has occurred.

[0014] According to a preferred development, the method can further include the step of displaying the recorded information in the processing unit after the transport has ended on a display device of the transport device. For this purpose, the display device can be provided in or on the transport device, or alternatively, the display device can also be connected to the processing unit via an interface for data transmission. The display device can be, for example, a screen or a tablet PC.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment, the method can include the step of aligning the recording device for capturing optical information to an area of ​​the transport device in which the distance between the transported goods and the transport device is minimal. This makes it particularly easy to monitor areas with an increased probability of damage to the transported goods in the event of damage occurring due to damage to the route, and to initiate appropriate measures to remedy the cause of the damage for future journeys on this route.

[0016] According to the independent claim of the present invention, a transport device for detecting information on location-based influences on the transported goods is proposed, comprising: a device for detecting location information; a recording device for detecting optical information; a device for detecting at least one acceleration value; a processing unit; wherein the device for detecting location information detects location information of the location of the transport device and transmits the detected location information to the processing unit, wherein the device for detecting at least one acceleration value detects the acceleration value of the transport device and transmits the detected acceleration value to the processing unit, wherein the processing unit compares the detected acceleration value with a predetermined value, wherein the processing unit activates the recording device,when the detected acceleration value exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the detected optical information is transmitted to the processing unit, wherein the detected optical information is recorded in the processing unit, and the processing unit records the detected location information of the location of the transport device when the detected acceleration value of the device for detecting at least one acceleration value exceeds a predetermined value.,

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the recording device in the transport device for capturing information on location-based influences on the transported goods can be a camera. The camera can operate in the optically visible range of light or in the infrared radiation range of light.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment, the device for acquiring location information in the transport device for acquiring information on location-based influences on the transported goods can be a navigation system. For example, a known navigation system based on GPS signals can be used. Alternatively, the location of the transport device can also be determined by tracking mobile radio stations in the vicinity of the transport device.

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic figures of the drawing.

[0020] From the figures show: Fig. 1 a view from the side of a transport device for detecting information on location-based influences on the transported goods according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] In the figures, the same reference numbers denote the same or functionally identical components, unless otherwise stated.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a transport device for acquiring information on location-based influences on the transported goods according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transport device is designed here as a railway wagon 10, which has a closed wall to protect the transported goods. The transported goods are a plurality of vehicles 15, which are accommodated within the railway wagon 10 on transport devices 50 and are fixed thereto. The railway wagon 10 is connected to rails 70 of the track by means of the axles 60 of the railway wagon 10.

[0023] If the railway wagon 10 is moving in the direction of travel (compare the arrow of Fig.1), then an unevenness or a damaged area on the rails 70 of the travel route can lead to vibrations being introduced into the railway carriage 10, the intensity of which depends on the extent of the unevenness or the extent of the damaged area. The vibration introduced into the railway carriage 10 is then transferred to the transport devices 50 and consequently also to the plurality of vehicles 15, which are also set in motion. Depending on the vehicle type, the distance D between the roof of a vehicle 15 and the interior of the railway carriage 10 is greater or lesser. The greater the vibration introduced by the damaged area in the railway carriage 10, the higher the probability of unwanted contact between a vehicle 15 and the railway carriage 10, resulting in unwanted damage to the vehicle.

[0024] In order to record and document the extent of damage and the location of the damage resulting from the contact of the vehicle with the railway wagon 10, the present transport device for recording information on location-based influences on the transported goods therefore has a camera 30, a GPS receiver in conjunction with a navigation system 20, an acceleration sensor 40 and a processing unit (not shown) in the form of a computer.

[0025] During transport, the current position of the railway wagon 10 is continuously recorded by the navigation system 20 and transmitted to the processing unit. At the same time, the acceleration of the railway wagon 10 is recorded by the acceleration sensor 40 and also transmitted to the processing unit. The direction of the recorded acceleration can be vertical, but can also be specified differently by the user, as long as the recorded acceleration value is representative of the occurrence of vibration excitation of the transport device. The acceleration sensor 40 can preferably be a so-called shock logger.

[0026] If the processing unit determines, upon comparing the current acceleration value obtained from the acceleration sensor 40 with a predetermined value, that the acceleration value is greater than the predetermined value, the processing unit activates the camera 30 and records the camera image as well as the location information of the railway carriage 10 obtained from the navigation system 20, and stores the location information of the railway carriage 10 obtained from the navigation system 20 on a data storage medium (not shown) connected to the processing unit. In addition, the processing unit overlays the obtained location information of the railway carriage 10 in a predetermined area of ​​the camera image of the camera 30 and also saves this representation on the data storage medium.

[0027] Thus, in the event of damage to one or more of the vehicles 15, the location of the damaged area of ​​the rails 70 on the route can be determined very quickly using the location information recorded on the data storage medium, and repairs can be carried out as promptly as possible, ensuring smooth transport of the vehicles 15 during subsequent travel along this route. This advantageously eliminates the need for time-consuming rework on the vehicles previously damaged by the events described above.

[0028] Although the present invention has been described using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but rather can be modified in a variety of ways. In particular, the developments and embodiments described above can be combined with one another as desired. Furthermore, it should be noted that "one" does not exclude a plurality.

Claims

[1] Method for collecting information on location-based influences on the transported goods in a transport device (10) during travel, comprising the steps: Detecting the location information of the location of the transport device (10) with the aid of a device for detecting location information (20) and transmitting the detected location information to a processing unit, Detecting the acceleration value of the transport device (10) with the aid of a device for detecting at least one acceleration value (40) and Transmitting the recorded acceleration value to the processing unit, Comparing the acceleration value detected by the device for detecting at least one acceleration value (40) with a predetermined value in the processing unit, Activating a recording device (30) for capturing optical information by the processing unit when the detected acceleration value exceeds a predetermined value, Transmitting the acquired optical information to the processing unit, recording the acquired optical information in the processing unit, and Recording the detected location information of the location of the transport device (10) in the processing unit if the detected acceleration value of the device for detecting at least one acceleration value (40) exceeds a predetermined value after completing the transport process, viewing the damage process and initiating a repair of the route in the recorded area. [2] Method for detecting information on location-based influences on the transported goods according to claim 1, comprising the step of superimposing the detected location information of the location of the transport device (10) with the detected optical information of the activated recording device (30) in the processing unit if the detected acceleration value of the device for detecting at least one acceleration value (40) exceeds a predetermined value. [3] Method for detecting information on location-based influences on the transported goods according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the step of recording the superimposed location information of the location of the transport device with the detected optical information of the activated recording device in the processing unit. [4] Method for detecting information on location-based influences on the transported goods according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of continuously activating the recording device (30) by the processing unit over a predetermined period of time and recording the detected optical information of the activated recording device (30) in the processing unit over the predetermined period of time as soon as the detected acceleration value of the device for detecting at least one acceleration value (40) exceeds a predetermined value. [5] Method for detecting information on location-based influences on the transported goods according to at least one of the preceding claims, with the step of activating a signaling device which indicates that the detected acceleration value of the device for detecting at least one acceleration value (40) exceeds a predetermined value. [6] Method for recording information on location-based influences on the transported goods according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of displaying the recorded information in the processing unit after the end of the transport on a display device of the transport device (10). [7] Method for detecting information on location-based influences on the transported goods according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of aligning the recording device (30) for detecting optical information to an area of ​​the transport device (10) in which the distance between the transported goods and the transport device (10) is minimal. [8] Transport device (10) for carrying out a method for detecting information on location-based influences on the transported goods according to claim 1, comprising: a device for detecting location information (20); a recording device (30) for capturing optical information; a device for detecting at least one acceleration value (40); a processing unit; wherein the device for detecting location information (20) detects location information of the location of the transport device (10) and transmits the detected location information to the processing unit, wherein the device for detecting at least one acceleration value detects the acceleration value of the transport device (10) and transmits the detected acceleration value to the processing unit, wherein the processing unit compares the acceleration value detected by the device for detecting at least one acceleration value (40) with a predetermined value, wherein the processing unit activates the recording device (30) when the detected acceleration value of the device for detecting at least one acceleration value (40) exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the acquired optical information of the activated recording device (30) is transmitted to the processing unit, wherein the acquired optical information is recorded by the activated recording device (30) in the processing unit, and the processing unit records the detected location information of the location of the transport device (10) when the detected acceleration value of the device for detecting at least one acceleration value (40) exceeds a predetermined value. [9] Transport device for carrying out a method for detecting information on location-based influences on the transported goods according to claim 7, wherein the recording device is a camera (30). [10] Transport device for carrying out a method for acquiring information on location-based influences on the transported goods according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the device for acquiring location information is a navigation system (20).

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