System and vehicle for detecting damaged and / or missing objects in the vehicle

Abstract

System (100) for detecting at least one damaged and / or missing object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) in the vehicle (110), comprising: one output unit (160); at least one transponder reader (130); a control unit (120) which is configured to output messages via the output unit (160), wherein the control unit (120) is also configured, - to detect, prior to each predetermined event, via the transponder reader (130), whether the object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) is in the vehicle (110) and / or whether the object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) is damaged in the vehicle (110), ◯ where each object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) comprises at least one transponder (140, 200); and ◯ wherein each transponder (140, 200) includes a unique identifier (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) and for each object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) it is stored whether it is an object permanently installed in the vehicle (110) (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) or an object loose in the vehicle (110) (210, 220, 310, 320, 330); ◯ where each unique identifier (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) is additionally marked by a further flag to indicate whether it is a safety-critical object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330); and - upon detection that the object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) is not in the vehicle (110) and / or that the object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) is damaged, to issue a message via the output unit (160); and - upon detection that the object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) is a safety-critical object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330), to prevent the engine of the vehicle (110) from starting.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a vehicle for detecting damaged and / or missing objects in the vehicle.

[0002] Vehicles comprise a multitude of different components and objects. These can be permanently installed or loosely stored within the vehicle. Loosely stored objects can be removed by vehicle users, intentionally or unintentionally, creating the risk of them being forgotten and missing on subsequent trips. This is particularly critical for vehicles with frequently changing drivers, such as car-sharing fleets, rental car fleets, or other vehicle fleets. Furthermore, it can be difficult for vehicle users to detect damage to objects that are not visibly installed but are nevertheless susceptible to external damage, and thus to repair them early enough. These inspections must be carried out manually, which is time-consuming and often results in incomplete checks.

[0003] Publication DE 10 2007 009 741 A1 discloses a monitoring method for the presence and / or absence of objects in an environment, in particular in the interior of a vehicle, in which the presence of transponders arranged on or in the objects is checked by means of a reading unit and a message is issued depending on the presence or absence.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2007 048 423 A1 discloses a device and a method for checking for tampering attempts on a component of a motor vehicle, by means of at least one component having an access opening, wherein the access opening is closed with a digital seal, wherein the digital seal is designed such that when the component is opened the seal is destroyed or altered, and wherein the digital seal transmits a message to the evaluation unit about its state.

[0005] Publication US 7,880,613 B1 discloses a system, a method, and a device for detecting forgotten objects. It includes an object identification discrimination module configured to identify at least one object identification tag of a corresponding object and to generate an audible output if the object identification tag has not been identified and has therefore been forgotten.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2009 050 756 A1 discloses a method for detecting missing items in a vehicle, wherein the vehicle travels a route from a starting point to a destination in several journey segments. To enable improved detection of missing items in a vehicle, the following steps are provided: - during the first journey segment, automatic determination of an initial inventory of items in the vehicle; - during each subsequent journey segment: automatic determination of a current inventory of items in the vehicle, comparison of the current inventory with the initial inventory, and, if one or more items included in the initial inventory are missing from the current inventory, issuance of a warning.

[0007] German patent application DE 10 2012 212 578 A1 discloses a system and method for evaluating the structural integrity of a component, such as a vehicle component. The method involves receiving signals from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags embedded in the component. The received signals are then compared with stored data indicating sets of signals that correlate with different physical states of the component. A level of structural integrity of the component is then determined based on this comparison. The RFID tags can be activated wirelessly by an RFID reader to generate the signals. The comparison and determination can be performed by a processor of the RFID reader.

[0008] Publication US 2007 / 0229248A1 discloses a system for detecting damage to objects. The system involves attaching a tag to a mechanical or electronic object, which includes at least one sensor for monitoring the load on the object. The system also includes a processing unit for receiving data acquired by the sensor and for determining damage based on the received sensor data. This allows for the detection of damage to the object over time, which can be caused by vibrations and other stresses.

[0009] Publication US 2002 / 0116992 A1 discloses a system for monitoring the wear of a vehicle component. The system comprises a tire including a transponder embedded within the tire's structure in such a way that it is physically damaged when the tire is subjected to a predefined level of wear. Upon physical damage to the transponder, it ceases to transmit a signal. The system includes a receiver configured to receive the transponder's signal and transmit it to a control unit. The control unit detects that the tire is worn when the transponder stops transmitting a signal.

[0010] Publication DE 10 2015 219 790 B3 discloses a method for checking a motor vehicle for legally compliant use, comprising the following steps performed by a control device of the motor vehicle: - Receiving regulatory data from an external data source via a radio link, wherein the regulatory data contains at least one region-specific regulation, - Determining a positional reference to a current or expected location of the motor vehicle, - Determining at least one regulation applicable to the location described by the positional reference in the regulatory data, - Triggering at least one measure to ensure compliance with the at least one determined regulation at the location, wherein the at least one measure includes recording the number of persons present in the motor vehicle and determining whether a prescribed item of equipment is present for each person present.and in the event of a defect, a warning signal is generated, and wherein a detection device uses at least one RFID reading device to detect whether a respective RFID signal is received from each piece of equipment.

[0011] The object of the invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to create a solution that avoids the detection of missing and / or damaged objects in the vehicle.

[0012] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of independent claims 1 and 4. Preferred embodiments are the subject of dependent claims.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, a system for detecting at least one damaged and / or missing object in the vehicle is provided, comprising: an output unit; at least one transponder reader; a control unit that is configured to output messages via the output unit, wherein the control unit is also configured, - to detect, prior to each predetermined event, via the transponder reader, whether the object is in the vehicle and / or whether the object in the vehicle is damaged, ◯ where each object includes at least one transponder; and ◯ where each transponder includes a unique identifier and it is stored for each object whether it is an object permanently installed in the vehicle or an object loosely located in the vehicle; ◯ where, in addition to each unique identifier, a further flag indicates whether it is a safety-critical object; and - to issue a message via the output unit upon detection that the object is not in the vehicle and / or that the object is damaged; and to prevent the vehicle's engine from starting upon detection that the object is a safety-critical object.

[0014] The output unit can be the vehicle's on-board computer. Additionally or alternatively, the output unit can be the output unit of an external device belonging to a user of the vehicle. This external device can be a stationary device, such as a desktop PC (personal computer) or a stationary diagnostic tool, or an on-board diagnostic tool, and / or a mobile device.

[0015] A mobile device is a device capable of wireless communication within a mobile network via local area networks (LANs), such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), or via wide area networks (WANs), such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Package Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed ​​Downlink / Uplink Packet Access (HSDPA, HSUPA), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), or World Wide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). Communication via other current or future communication technologies is also possible. The term "mobile device" includes, in particular, smartphones, but also other mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs, laptops, portable diagnostic devices, etc.On-board diagnostic devices, as well as all current and future electronic devices equipped with a technology for loading and running application programs or applications or apps.

[0016] An application program can be downloaded and executed on the mobile device, which, after authentication via a server, can be linked to the vehicle. All current and future authentication methods are suitable, such as knowledge (e.g., username and password, PIN, security question, etc.), possession (e.g., SIM card, certificate, smartcard), biometrics (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition), and any combination of these methods. This requires a wireless or wired connection between the vehicle and the mobile device and the server. This allows the vehicle user, after successful authentication, to initiate a check from the mobile device to verify whether the object is in the vehicle or whether it is damaged. In other words, the predetermined or...The predetermined event could be the initiation of the verification process via the authenticated mobile device. Advantageously, this allows the verification to be performed remotely, with the result displayed on the output unit, such as the mobile device's screen. Prior to authentication, a one-time registration of the mobile device via a portal (e.g., a corresponding service provided by the server that supplies the necessary functionality) may be required. Furthermore, in this case, the control module can query other technical states of the vehicle, such as the energy storage level (e.g., fuel level and / or battery level), and display this information on the external device's screen.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the mobile device can be communicatively connected to the vehicle. The message (see above) can then be displayed via the vehicle's output unit and / or the mobile device's output unit. Connecting the mobile device, such as a smartphone, to the vehicle can be a wired connection (e.g., via a USB interface) to the vehicle's electronics, or a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular network). In this case, a one-time registration of the mobile device with the vehicle or via a portal (e.g., a corresponding service on the server providing the necessary functionality) may also be required.

[0018] The predetermined or predeterminable event can be any suitable predetermined or predeterminable event that can initiate the control unit to start detecting whether the object is in the vehicle or whether the object is damaged. Each object includes at least one transponder. For example, the predetermined event could be... - a remote initiation via the external device; - opening and / or closing the vehicle's locking system; - an engine release; - opening and / or closing the trunk; and / or - opening and / or closing individual vehicle doors.

[0019] In other words, the control unit can detect, during or after each activation of the vehicle's locking system, whether the object is inside the vehicle or whether the object is damaged.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can detect whether the object is in the vehicle or whether the object is damaged at or before each engine activation, e.g., whenever the vehicle's engine is started. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can detect whether the object is in the vehicle or whether the object is damaged at or after each opening and / or closing of the trunk. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can detect whether the object is in the vehicle or whether the object is damaged at or after each activation of the vehicle's locking system. It is obvious that any other suitable predetermined or foreseeable event can be chosen at which the control unit can detect whether the object is in the vehicle or whether the object is damaged.

[0021] If the control unit detects that the object is not in the vehicle or that the object is damaged, it can output a message via the output unit.

[0022] Preferably, the transponder reader is capable of reading Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and / or Near Field Communication (NFC) tags, wherein the transponder is an RFID and / or NFC tag with a unique identifier.

[0023] The transponder reader is capable of reading and evaluating a transponder, such as an RFID and / or NFC tag. Each object contains at least one transponder, such as an RFID and / or NFC tag, with a unique identifier. This unique identifier can be stored in a memory unit located in the vehicle—for example, installed at the factory or via a service provider offering this functionality—and can subsequently be modified, for example, extended or supplemented, by a corresponding application program loaded and executed in the vehicle and / or on the mobile device. Advantageously, this allows the control unit to use the transponder reader to clearly detect which object is in the vehicle, which object is not in the vehicle, and / or which object is damaged (because it cannot be detected).

[0024] Advantageously, by assigning a unique identifier to each object in the vehicle, it can also be determined whether the object is permanently installed in the vehicle (e.g., exhaust system or individual exhaust system components, exhaust system or individual exhaust system components, oil pan or individual sections of the oil pan, numerous cables and / or connectors routed or installed on the vehicle underbody). To reduce memory requirements, this can be achieved using a flag or status indicator of a variable type with a narrowly defined set of values, particularly by using a Boolean variable.

[0025] For example, the status "permanently integrated into the vehicle" can be distinguished from the status "loose in the vehicle".

[0026] If the object's status is "permanently integrated into the vehicle," the control unit can use the flag to determine that it is a permanently installed object. If the object cannot be read by the transponder reader, the control unit can then determine that the object is damaged and send a corresponding warning message to the output unit.

[0027] If the status is "loose in vehicle," the control unit can use the flag to determine that the object is not permanently installed. If the object cannot be read by the transponder reader, the control unit can then determine that the object is not present in the vehicle or has not been used as intended and send a corresponding message to the output unit. Examples of loose objects include floor mats, attachable cup holders, remote controls, warning triangles, etc.

[0028] Similarly, further data or information about the objects can be stored and evaluated accordingly by the control unit.

[0029] Preferably, the control unit is also configured to enable or prevent the vehicle's engine from starting; and The control unit is also designed to prevent the vehicle's engine from starting if it detects that the object is not in the vehicle or that the object is damaged.

[0030] For example, a separate engine control unit (ECU) can be provided in the vehicle to control the engine start or the vehicle's engine activation. Any other arrangement of the ECU is also possible, such as integration into a central control unit that provides various functionalities. The control unit itself can also be implemented via a (separate or combined) control unit that is electrically connected to the ECU. Thus, if the control unit detects that the object is not in the vehicle or that the object is damaged, it can prevent an engine start initiated by the vehicle's user.

[0031] An additional flag (see above) can be used to specify for each object, or for each unique identifier of the object (object ID), whether it is a safety-critical object (see above). The control unit is configured so that if the transponder reader cannot read an object marked as safety-critical, the engine start is prevented in addition to issuing the message. If an object cannot be read that is not marked as safety-critical by the flag, the control unit can only issue the message.

[0032] Advantageously, if the system detects the absence or damage of safety-relevant or safety-critical objects, such as one or more parts of the exhaust system, a vehicle crossmember, one or more lines and / or cables routed along the vehicle's underbody, the vehicle's oil pan, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit, etc., the engine can be prevented from starting, thus preventing the user from moving the vehicle until the problem is rectified. This increases the safety of the vehicle's user and / or other road users. At the same time, the user can still move the vehicle if an object is defective or missing that is not safety-critical, ensuring usability. The user can be notified via an input unit in the vehicle.The mobile device should be given the option to enable engine start despite the absence of a safety-critical object.

[0033] Preferably, the RFID and / or NFC tag detects damage.

[0034] For example, the RFID and / or NFC tag can be a so-called transponder seal or security transponder, which detects damage to the tag.

[0035] Advantageously, such transponders can be attached to objects in such a way that the transponder is destroyed when the object to which it is attached is used as intended. Furthermore, it can be a transponder that is damaged if critical parts of the object itself are damaged.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit can be set up to detect vibrations via other sensors located in the vehicle, such as airbag vibration sensors, and issue a corresponding warning as a push message to the external device when the vehicle is stationary.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the underlying problem is solved by a vehicle comprising a system for detecting at least one damaged and / or missing object according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0038] These and other problems, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clear from studying the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. It is evident that—although embodiments are described separately—individual features can be combined to form additional embodiments. Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary system for detecting damaged and / or missing objects in the vehicle; Fig. Figure 2A shows an example object with a transponder loosely housed in the vehicle. Fig. 2B shows an example object with a self-destructing transponder during normal use of the object; Fig. Figure 3 shows exemplary objects with self-destructing transponders that are attached to the underside of the vehicle and can be destroyed by the vehicle bottoming out.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows a system 100 for detecting at least one damaged and / or missing object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 in vehicle 110. The system 100 includes at least one output unit 160. The output unit 160 can be the on-board computer in vehicle 110. Additionally or alternatively, the output unit 160 can be the output unit (not shown) of an external device 172 belonging to a user 170 of vehicle 110. The user 170 could, for example, be the driver of vehicle 110. The external device 172 can be a mobile device on which an application program is loaded and executed, which, after authentication via a server (not shown), can be linked to vehicle 110. All current and future authentication methods are used, such as knowledge (e.g., username and password, PIN, security question, etc.), possession (e.g.,SIM card, certificate, smartcard), biometrics (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition), and any combination of these authentication methods are considered. Authentication may require prior registration with the server. This requires a wireless or wired connection between the vehicle 110 and the mobile device 172 and the server.

[0040] Advantageously, this allows user 170 of vehicle 110, after successful authentication from mobile device 172, to initiate a check to determine whether object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is located in vehicle 110 or whether object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is damaged. In other words, in this case, the predetermined or predeterminable event (see below) can include initiating the check on object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 via the authenticated mobile device 172. Advantageously, the check for completeness and / or integrity of objects 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 in the vehicle 110 can thus be carried out remotely and the result of the check, i.e. the message, can be sent via the output unit, e.g. the display, of the mobile device 172.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the mobile device 172 can be communicatively connected to the vehicle 110. The message or notification (see above) can then be output via the output unit 160 of the vehicle 110 and / or the output unit of the mobile device 172. The connection of the mobile device 172, e.g., a smartphone, to the vehicle 110 can be established via a wired connection (e.g., using a USB interface) to the vehicle electronics, or via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular network). In this case, a one-time registration or linking of the mobile device 172 with the vehicle 110 may be required, either via a portal (not shown, e.g., a corresponding service via a server that provides the relevant functionality).

[0042] The predetermined or predeterminable event can be any suitable predetermined or predeterminable event that can initiate the control unit 120 to start the detection of whether object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is in vehicle 110 or whether object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is damaged. For example, the predeterminable event could be: - a remote initiation via the external device 172 (see above); - opening and / or closing the locking system of vehicle 110; - an initiation of an engine release of vehicle 110; - opening and / or closing the trunk of vehicle 110; and / or - the opening and / or closing of individual vehicle doors of vehicle 110.

[0043] In other words, the control unit 120 can detect, at or after each activation of the locking system of the vehicle 110, whether the object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is in the vehicle 110 or whether the object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is damaged.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 120 can detect, at or before each engine start, e.g., whenever a vehicle 110 engine start is initiated by user 170, whether object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is located in vehicle 110 or whether object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is damaged. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 120 can detect, at or after each opening and / or closing of the trunk, whether object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is located in vehicle 110 or whether object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is damaged. In addition, or alternatively, the control unit 120 can detect, during or after each activation of the locking system of the vehicle 110, whether the object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is located in the vehicle 110 or whether the object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is damaged.It is obvious that any other suitable predetermined or predeterminable event can be chosen in which the control unit 120 performs object detection.

[0045] If it is detected that object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is not in vehicle 110 or that object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is damaged, a warning message can be issued via output unit 160.

[0046] The transponder reader 130 is capable of reading and evaluating transponders 140 and 200, such as RFID and / or NFC tags. Each object 210, 220, 310, 320, or 330 comprises at least one transponder 140 or 200, such as an RFID and / or NFC tag 140 or 200, with a unique identifier. This unique identifier can be stored in a memory unit (not shown) located in the vehicle 110, either at the factory or via a service provider offering this functionality. Furthermore, the user 170 can be provided with the ability to modify the objects 210, 220, 310, 320, and 330 stored in the memory unit and their unique identifiers at will via an input unit (not shown) in the vehicle 110 or the mobile device 172.Advantageously, the control unit 120 can use the transponder reader 130 to uniquely detect which object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is not in the vehicle 110 (because it cannot be detected) and / or which object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is damaged. Depending on the type of transponders 140, 200 used, as well as the number and location of objects 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 in the vehicle, a number of transponder readers 130 can be installed, ensuring that all objects 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 in the vehicle can be read with an intact transponder 140, 200.

[0047] Furthermore, the unique identifier or ID of each transponder 140, 200 can be used to store, in addition to the unique identifier, whether it is a permanently installed object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 or each specific part of the object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 in the vehicle's memory unit (e.g., exhaust system or individual parts of the exhaust system, exhaust system or individual parts of the exhaust system, oil pan or individual sections of the oil pan, a multitude of cables and / or connectors), which is, for example, routed or installed on the vehicle's underbody (as described below with reference to...). Fig. 3 explained). This can be done to reduce memory requirements by using a flag or status indicator, which is achieved through a variable type with a narrowly limited set of values, for example by using a Boolean variable.

[0048] For example, a flag can be used to differentiate the status "permanently integrated into vehicle 110" from the status "loose in vehicle 110".

[0049] If the status of object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is "permanently integrated into vehicle 110," the control unit can determine via the flag that it is a permanently installed object 310, 320, 330, such as one or more parts of the exhaust system, a crossmember of vehicle 110, one or more lines and / or cables routed along the underbody of vehicle 110, the oil pan of vehicle 110, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit, etc. If object 310, 320, 330 cannot be read by the transponder reader 130, the control unit 120 can determine that object 310, 320, 330 is damaged and issue a corresponding warning message to output unit 160 (as described below with reference to...). Fig. 3 explained in more detail).

[0050] If the status is "loose in vehicle 110", the control unit 120 can determine via the flag that it is not a permanently installed object 210, 220. If the object 210, 220 cannot be read by the transponder reader 130, the control unit 120 can thus determine that the object 210, 220 is not present in vehicle 110 or has not been used as intended (as further described below with reference to...). Fig. 2B explained) and output a corresponding message via output unit 160.

[0051] Similarly, further data or information about objects 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 can be stored and evaluated accordingly by the control unit 120.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, for each unique identifier for each transponder 140, 200, a (further) flag (see above) can be used to indicate whether it is a safety-critical object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 or a safety-critical part of an object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330. Furthermore, the control unit 120 can also be configured to enable or prevent the engine start of the vehicle 110.

[0053] For example, a separate engine control unit (not shown) can be provided in vehicle 110 to control the engine start or the engine release of vehicle 110. Any other arrangement of the engine control unit is also possible, such as integration into a central control unit that provides various functionalities. The control unit 120 can also be implemented via a (separate or combined) control unit (not shown) that is electrically connected to the engine control unit. Thus, upon detection that object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is not in vehicle 110 or that object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 is damaged, control unit 120 can, under predetermined conditions, prevent an engine start initiated by the user 170 of vehicle 110.

[0054] In particular, the control unit 120 can be configured so that, if the transponder reader 130 cannot read an object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 marked as safety-critical, or a part of an object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 marked as safety-critical, it prevents the engine from starting in addition to issuing a message. In this case, the user 170 can start the engine via an input unit (not shown) in the vehicle 110 or the mobile device 172, despite the absence of the object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 marked as safety-critical. If an object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 or a part of an object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330, which is not marked as safety-critical, cannot be read, the control unit 120 can limit itself to outputting the message to the display unit 160.

[0055] Advantageously, if the absence or damage of safety-relevant or safety-critical objects 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 or parts thereof is detected, a journey with vehicle 110 can be prevented. This increases the safety of the user 170 of vehicle 110 and / or other road users.

[0056] At the same time, the user can move the vehicle if an object is defective or missing that is not safety-critical for the user, thus ensuring usability.

[0057] The 140 / 200 transponder, i.e., the RFID and / or NFC tag 140 / 200, can be destroyed if damaged. For example, the 140 / 200 RFID and / or NFC tag could be a so-called transponder seal or security transponder that detects damage to the tag.

[0058] Advantageously, such transponders 140, 200 can be attached to objects 210, 220, 310, 320, 330 in such a way that the transponder 140 is destroyed when the object 210, 220, 310, 320, 330, to which the transponder is attached, is used as intended. Furthermore, it can be a transponder that is damaged if critical parts of the object itself are damaged (as described below with reference to...). Fig. 2B and Fig. 3 explained in more detail).

[0059] The System 100 enables simple and comprehensive detection of missing parts, thereby preventing potential hazards and consequential costs. Even defects or damage to objects or areas on the vehicle that are not immediately visible can be detected and rectified promptly. The time and cost required for inspecting these objects is minimal and can be performed as part of the on-board diagnostics.

[0060] Fig. Figure 2A shows, as an example, object 210, a floor mat that is loosely attached in the vehicle. The floor mat 210 includes a transponder 140, 200. If the floor mat 210 is not present in the vehicle, this can be detected by the transponder reader 130 (since the transponder 140, 200 cannot be read) and the control unit 120 can output a corresponding message (e.g., "Rear left floor mat missing") via the output unit 160.

[0061] Fig. Figure 2B shows, as an example, a first-aid kit 220 to which a transponder 140, 200 is attached. The transponder 140, 200 is attached in such a way that it is destroyed when the first-aid kit 220 is used as intended, i.e., when it needs to be opened in an emergency. This can be achieved, for example, by interrupting a conductor loop in the transponder 140, 200 when the first-aid kit is opened.

[0062] Fig. Figure 3 shows a variety of exemplary objects 310, 320, 330 on the underbody of a vehicle (as above with reference to Fig.(1 explained), to which one or more transponders 200 are attached. The transponders 200 can be attached to objects 310, 320, 330 located on the underbody or undercarriage of the vehicle 110, which can be damaged by improper driving. These objects can be, for example, body supports, trim panels, exhaust components, etc., which can be damaged if the vehicle 110 bottoms out, for example, when driving over high curbs. In particular, the transponders 200 can be attached in such a way that a conductor loop in the transponder 200 is destroyed when object 310, 320, 330 is damaged. Advantageously, this allows for early detection of damage to one or more objects 310, 320, 330 in the undercarriage, so that this damage can be repaired promptly.By attaching transponders 200 to protruding or damage-prone parts, a simple and time-independent check of these parts for integrity is made possible.

Claims

[1] System (100) for detecting at least one damaged and / or missing object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) in the vehicle (110), comprising: one output unit (160); at least one transponder reader (130); a control unit (120) which is configured to output messages via the output unit (160), wherein the control unit (120) is also configured, - to detect, prior to each predetermined event, via the transponder reader (130), whether the object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) is in the vehicle (110) and / or whether the object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) is damaged in the vehicle (110), ◯ where each object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) comprises at least one transponder (140, 200); and ◯ wherein each transponder (140, 200) includes a unique identifier (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) and for each object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) it is stored whether it is an object permanently installed in the vehicle (110) (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) or an object loose in the vehicle (110) (210, 220, 310, 320, 330); ◯ where each unique identifier (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) is additionally marked by a further flag to indicate whether it is a safety-critical object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330); and - upon detection that the object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) is not in the vehicle (110) and / or that the object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) is damaged, to issue a message via the output unit (160); and - upon detection that the object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) is a safety-critical object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330), to prevent the engine of the vehicle (110) from starting. [2] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the transponder reader (130) is capable of reading Radio Frequency Identification, RFID, and / or Near Field Communication, NFC tags (140, 200); wherein the transponder (140, 200) is an RFID and / or NFC tag (140, 200) with a unique identifier (210, 220, 310, 320, 330). [3] System (100) according to claim 2, wherein the RFID and / or NFC tag (140, 200) is destroyed upon damage. [4] Vehicle (110) comprising a system (100) for detecting at least one damaged and / or missing object (210, 220, 310, 320, 330) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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