Method and system for monitoring the position of an object

Abstract

Method for automatic position monitoring of an object (O1; O2; O3) by a position monitoring system (AP, MD1, MD2, MD3), wherein the method is performed iteratively and has (i) for each iteration: Capture (S5) a current position (P i ) of the object to be monitored (O1; O2; O3); Determining (S6) a spatial distance (D i ) of the recorded current position (P i ) from a previously designated central position (Z i ) specified location; and Check (S7) whether the specified spatial distance exceeds a predetermined distance threshold (T) and only if this is the case: Triggering (S10) a predefined functionality of the object (O1; O2; O3) and / or the position monitoring system (AP, MD1, MD2, MD3) and setting (S13) the detected current position (P i ) or a position derived from it as a central position (Z) i) for the subsequent iteration (i+1); where the predefined functionality includes locking or removing at least one functionality of the object (O1; O2; O3), wherein setting (S17) the predetermined distance threshold (T) includes an automatic selection (S16, S17) of a predefined distance threshold (TN) from a set of two or more predefined distance thresholds depending on at least one selection parameter (A).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a system for the automatic position monitoring of an object, in particular a vehicle or other mobile equipment, such as a work tool or implement. In particular, the invention is applicable—but not limited thereto—in the field of position monitoring of construction vehicles or equipment, agricultural vehicles and equipment, or transport or storage vehicles or equipment, especially also within the framework of fleet management for such objects. Thus, the invention can be used, inter alia, to support fleet management processes, especially maintenance management, of rental objects of the aforementioned type.It is particularly applicable in the area of ​​position monitoring of mobile equipment, such as vehicles, which, due to their nature, are typically parked or stored during periods when they are not in use, often in areas that are not or only weakly secured, such as construction sites, event grounds or agricultural or horticultural areas, and are therefore generally subject to an increased risk of unauthorized removal from a designated place of use, parking or storage, especially through theft.

[0002] Besides the use of security services, technical measures for monitoring the position of objects, particularly geofencing, are also known. Geofencing refers to the automated triggering of an action when an object crosses a defined boundary on the earth's surface or in the air. This boundary can be a closed area, allowing for differentiation between locations inside and outside the boundary. Specifically, geofencing can be used to monitor an object by triggering a notification when the monitored object enters and / or leaves a defined area enclosed by the boundary.For this to work, the object's spatial position must be determined at regular intervals. This can be done, in particular, via a mobile communication system at the cell level or, using coordinates, via a navigation satellite system. It is also known to use geofencing areas defined by appropriate boundaries in the form of circles, rectangles, or more generally, polygons. However, a prerequisite for geofencing in any case is that a corresponding geofencing area or its boundary must be defined in advance for the object to be monitored. Only then can the actual monitoring of the object take place. If the spatial monitoring area for an object is to be changed, for example, because it is to be moved to a different location, the geofencing area for the object must be redefined accordingly by configuring the geofencing system.

[0003] US 2012 / 0258734A1 describes a mobile device that receives information adapted to the mobile device's current location. This information is received via a mobile communications network from an information service that provides a communication device capable of transmitting location-adapted information to mobile devices. The mobile device repeatedly identifies its location and calculates a linear distance between its previous location and its current location. If this linear distance exceeds a threshold, the mobile device transmits a signal indicating its current location; otherwise, it does not.

[0004] US 6,342,847 B1 describes a remote tracking and locating device with a receiver for a global positioning system. A processor receives a position signal from the receiver of the global positioning system. A communication interface connects the processor to at least two wireless communication systems. A power management system supplies the processor with power based on an output from a motion sensor.

[0005] US 2005 / 0194198A1 describes an anti-theft device in which a main unit and receiver are provided on a car to cooperate with a transmitter worn by the car's owner, such that the car's main unit activates an anti-theft mechanism when the owner's transmitter exceeds the range for receiving signals, and activates a rescue alarm if the car is driven after it has been stolen or robbed. The ignition is engaged in this process, and then disengaged to prevent the car from being started.

[0006] The present invention is based on the objective of further improving the position monitoring of an object, in particular a vehicle or other mobile equipment, and in particular simplifying its implementation and configuration.

[0007] The solution to this problem is achieved according to the teaching of the independent claims. Various embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for automatically monitoring the position of an object, in particular a vehicle or other mobile equipment, by means of a position monitoring system.The procedure is performed iteratively and, in each iteration, comprises: (i) acquiring a current position of an object to be monitored; (ii) determining a spatial distance of the acquired current position from a previously defined location as the central position; and (iii) checking whether the determined spatial distance exceeds a predetermined distance threshold and, only if this is the case, (iii-1) triggering a predefined functionality of the object and / or the position monitoring system and (iii-1) setting the acquired current position or a position derived therefrom as the central position for the subsequent iteration, (iv) wherein setting the predetermined distance threshold includes automatically selecting a predefined distance threshold from a set of two or more predefined distance thresholds depending on at least one selection parameter.This allows the dynamic setting of the distance threshold, and thus the monitoring area, to be automated and based on a selection of predefined, and especially situation-adapted, distance thresholds. Individual settings, particularly those made by a user, are therefore no longer necessary. Furthermore, the distance thresholds can be optimized, tested, and defined in advance, so that dynamically setting the distance threshold is reduced to simply selecting one of several predefined thresholds. The predefined functionality includes the ability to block or disable at least one functionality of the object, such as its operational or usable status as a whole.

[0009] The functionality of an object can be disabled, particularly if the object is a vehicle, machine, or other device with at least one lockable function, by transferring the object into a secure mode protected against unauthorized unlocking. In this mode, only a predetermined partial operation with limited functionality, or even no operation at all, is possible. In other cases, it may even be appropriate to permanently eliminate the functionality, for example, by deliberately destroying the object components required for its execution, perhaps to counter potential hazards emanating from the object.

[0010] A "mobile device" is understood to be a device or tool, or a functionally linked group of individual devices or tools, which, by their nature and purpose, (i) are mobile as a whole and either possess their own inherent mobility, such as vehicles, or (ii) are at least intended or suitable for passive transport by hand, such as by carrying, dragging, or rolling, or by means of another means of transport, such as a towing or lifting device or a cart. Immobile installations, which after their installation are regularly intended solely for stationary operation, are not mobile devices within the meaning of the invention, even if parts thereof are movable or mobile.In particular, mobile equipment may be such equipment or groups of equipment of the aforementioned type, whose spatial area of ​​operation is typically limited to a narrowly defined area, for example a few kilometers in diameter or less, and which must regularly be transported by means of a separate means of transport to cover longer distances (for example excavators, forklifts, cranes, agricultural vehicles, mobile aircraft handling equipment).

[0011] The "current position" of an object to be monitored can be understood, in particular, as the position of a position monitoring device, a marker, or another characteristic feature on, in, or by means of which the current position of the monitored object can be identified. The current position can be specified, in particular, using absolute coordinates (e.g., geographical longitude and latitude) or relative coordinates referenced to a specific reference point.

[0012] A "derived position" from the current position is understood to be a position that is determined within the framework of the procedure according to a predetermined derivation rule, for which the recorded position serves as the input variable. For example, in a simple case—without this being to be understood as a limitation—the derivation rule may involve adding a respective predetermined distance value to at least one position coordinate or multiplying it by a predetermined factor.

[0013] In the context of the invention, the "central position" is understood to be a spatial position relative to which the spatial distance of the detected current position of the monitored object is determined. The central position thus represents the center point of a virtual circle (in a two-dimensional view) or a sphere (in a three-dimensional view), relative to which the spatial distance of the monitored object is determined according to the method.

[0014] The procedure thus makes it possible to automatically set up a monitoring area around the current central position, defined by the distance threshold, and to trigger a predetermined functionality, such as a notification, if the corresponding limit of the monitoring area defined by the distance threshold is exceeded, and to define a new central position based on the recorded position.It is particularly distinguished by the fact that, unlike conventional geofencing, where a spatial adjustment or a new setting of a geofencing area for a monitored object must be carried out administratively and individually via configuration if necessary (for example, if the object is moved to another location where it is to be protected against unauthorized changes of location by means of geofencing), such time-consuming and costly configuration effort is not required due to the procedural automatic, iterative adjustment of the central position.This can increase the efficiency of position monitoring, especially for tracking the location of the object, for securing the object, particularly against theft, or for administrative purposes, such as checking regulatory or maintenance plans, managing rental fleets of objects, or managing object locations during their maintenance.

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the method are described below, which, unless expressly excluded or technically impossible, can be combined with each other and with the other described aspects of the invention as desired.

[0016] In some embodiments, the current position of the monitored object is detected either by the object itself or by an additional position detection device, in particular also with the aid of a satellite-based positioning system.

[0017] In some embodiments, the distance threshold is set to zero, so that steps (iii-1) and (iii-2) are traversed in each iteration.

[0018] The object to be monitored can be – but is not limited to – a vehicle or other mobile equipment, such as a work tool or implement, or construction or building materials. Specifically, the object can be a construction vehicle or piece of construction equipment, such as an excavator, roller, crane, compressor, asphalt paver, etc., or an agricultural vehicle, such as an agricultural tractor or trailer and implements, or a combine harvester. The object can also be, in particular, a transport or storage vehicle, such as a forklift or a transport or mobile storage robot, or a ground vehicle used for handling or maintenance, especially for cleaning, de-icing, refueling, loading and unloading, or maneuvering aircraft.Furthermore, the object may also be an aircraft, such as a drone or a balloon, or a watercraft, such as a floating sensor platform, a rental boat, or a water sports device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method further includes: capturing the current position of the object to be monitored and defining an initial central position to initialize the first iteration of the method based on this captured current position. This eliminates the need for individual configuration of an initial monitoring area by a user or administrator of the corresponding position monitoring system executing the method, and thus also the associated effort. Instead, in these embodiments, an initial central position, as well as all subsequent central positions defined in each iteration, are determined based on the captured position of the object to be monitored itself.

[0020] In the context of the invention, a "first" iteration is understood to be an iteration of the method that does not itself build upon the result of a previous iteration, i.e., in which the determination of the spatial distance of the current position is not relative to a central position determined in and adopted from a previous iteration, but rather relative to an independently determined initial central position. The initial central position can, however, be determined in the same way and with the same means as the respective central positions during subsequent iterations of the method.

[0021] In some embodiments, each subsequent iteration is triggered, in particular only, when the occurrence of one or more conditions from the set of the following conditions or from a predetermined non-empty subset thereof is detected: (i) Activating or deactivating a power supply or operational function of the object to be monitored; (ii) Expiry of a predetermined time interval since a defined reference point, in particular since a defined reference point of a previous iteration, such as its completion point; (iii) a predetermined time, which may be defined in particular as absolute or relative to another measurable time, such as a specific daily time or a time determined by a period of time since the activation or deactivation of an operational operation of the object to be monitored; (iv) The occurrence of a predetermined state of motion or a predetermined change in the state of motion of the object, such as the beginning or end of motion, a speed or an acceleration of the object; (v) The occurrence of a handover to another mobile cell with respect to a mobile communication connection existing with the object or its associated monitoring device to a mobile network; (vi) When recording a current position, a change in location of the object or its associated monitoring device compared to a previously recorded position is detected.

[0022] In this way, the granularity of the iterations, i.e., their temporal sequence, as well as their possible triggers, can be selected and specified in a variety of ways according to the respective requirements of a planned application. Condition (i) is particularly suitable for ensuring that the monitoring area is redefined each time there was a possibility that the object, while in a deactivated state, might have been subject to a change of location, for example, if the object, while in a deactivated state, was moved to a different location where a new monitoring area is now to be established. Conditions (ii) and (iii), on the other hand, are defined as time-dependent and are therefore particularly suitable for ensuring that the monitoring area is not dependent on the actual use or...To define an independent, regular monitoring of the object, which, provided a suitable power supply is available (e.g., battery-backed), can also be used to monitor the object even when it is deactivated. Condition (iv) can be used not only during an active operating mode of the monitored object, but also, like conditions (ii) and (iii), when the object itself is inactive and, for example, being passively moved, as might occur during a theft.

[0023] In some embodiments, the current position of the monitored object is determined based on a plurality of positions detected during the current iteration, particularly by averaging these positions. This allows, for example, the determination of the object's center of gravity, which can then be used both to determine the spatial distance in the current iteration and to define a new central position for the subsequent iteration. This can be particularly helpful when, for example, on a large construction site whose dimensions exceed the distance threshold, the monitoring area for the object within the site needs to be limited to a sub-area that also corresponds to the object's actual, or at least predominant, spatial area of ​​operation.The object could, for example, be an excavator that is intended to be used and remain, at least in essence, in a narrow section of a large motorway construction site, without necessarily being used in a stationary position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the predefined functionality additionally includes issuing or transmitting a notification and / or a current position to a counterpart. In particular, the notification can also be transmitted to a different location remote from the location of the object, for example via a communication link to a monitoring center, in particular a central data processing platform, which acts as the counterpart, i.e., as the counterpart to the notification transmission.

[0025] In some of these embodiments, if a notification is issued or transmitted in the current iteration: (i) a query is initiated at a human-machine interface, offering the user the option to specify the central position of the current iteration or another specific location as the central position for the subsequent iteration, instead of the currently recorded position; and (ii) if the user provides the appropriate input at the human-machine interface, the central position for the subsequent iteration is set according to the input. This makes it possible, in particular, to retain the existing central position in cases where a shift in the central position is to be avoided for at least the next iteration.This is particularly advantageous when the object's intended location should remain unchanged. On the other hand, it is also possible to specify a different location, which can be useful, for example, if the notification is triggered by an authorized transport of the object outside the existing monitoring area, and the object is moved to a new location. This new location can then be selected as the new central position and set via the human-machine interface, without requiring the object to first undergo at least one new iteration at the new location.

[0026] In some of these embodiments, during the iterative execution of the method, if in several iterations the test reveals that the specific spatial distance exceeds a predetermined distance threshold, the issuance of a further notification is suppressed if, in one or more previous iterations, a defined number N, with N ≥ 1 (preferably N = 1), of notifications have already been issued, each signaling an exceedance of the distance threshold. Thus, notifications are only issued n times, which is particularly advantageous when, during authorized or unauthorized movement or transport of the object over a longer period of time, or...Otherwise, one or more additional notifications would occur over a greater distance, which, in view of the preceding notification, would be redundant or at least disruptive or would reduce the efficiency of the process, particularly with regard to available communication capacity and potentially limited, especially battery-based, power supply capacities.

[0027] In some embodiments, the predetermined distance threshold is set to a new value during the iterative execution of the procedure. This new value is then used in future iterative tests to determine whether the specified spatial distance exceeds the predetermined distance threshold. In particular, this can be done in such a way that previous test results from prior interactions remain unaffected, i.e., they do not need to be recalculated. This allows for a dynamic adjustment of the distance threshold, and thus the monitoring area itself, during the execution of the procedure, for example, depending on the time of day. For instance, the monitoring area could be defined much more narrowly for nighttime hours, when the object is not intended for use, than for daytime hours, when the object is typically in use.

[0028] In some related embodiments, this new value can be zero, in particular to force the triggering of the predefined functionality of the object and / or the position monitoring system for subsequent iterations, as well as the setting of the detected current position or a derived position as the central position for the subsequent iteration. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the new value for the distance threshold can also correspond to the previously determined spatial distance of the detected current position from a previously defined central position.

[0029] In some of these embodiments, the predefined distance thresholds can be determined based on the movement history of the object being monitored and / or on one or more other objects associated with the object being monitored, particularly based on the same or related object type, operating environment, or spatial proximity. This allows for the use of past experience, especially automated data, and / or foreseeable or known correlations to optimize the definition of the various predefined distance thresholds, for example, with regard to efficiency, application, error prevention, or monitoring sensitivity.

[0030] In some embodiments, the at least one selection parameter identifies one or more of the following pieces of information regarding the object to be monitored: (i) the nature or type of the object; (ii) a detected position, in particular a previously defined central position, of the object; (iii) a specific time period or point in time; (iv) a detected property or state of the object's spatial environment; (v) a current state or operating mode of the object; (vi) a current usage context of the object. For example, by means of the appropriately selected selection parameter, the monitoring area can be chosen to be larger for a vehicle than for a non-autonomous device, according to option (i); a location-dependent definition of the new monitoring area can be established, according to option (ii); or day and night hours or weekdays and weekends can be defined, according to option (iii).Holidays can be set differently; according to option (iv) they can be adjusted to ambient brightness or current weather conditions; according to option (v) they can be set depending on, for example, a filling or load state or a maintenance state of the object; or according to option (vi) they can be set depending on a current operational task, or on the activation or deactivation of a transport or travel mode of the object.

[0031] A second aspect of the invention relates to a system for automatically monitoring the position of an object, in particular a vehicle or other mobile equipment, wherein the system is configured to perform the method according to the first aspect of the invention, preferably according to one or more of the associated embodiments described herein. The system can be implemented, in particular, as a single unit or assembly, or as a spatially distributed system consisting of several components arranged at least partially remote from one another.

[0032] In some embodiments, the system comprises a data processing platform and one or more monitoring devices separately configured from the data processing platform, each designed to detect the current position of a respective object to be monitored. The system is configured to execute the method according to the first aspect of the invention, preferably according to one or more of the associated embodiments described herein, by the data processing platform and each of the monitoring devices in a division of labor between the two.In particular, the design or configuration of the system may be chosen such that at least one of the monitoring devices is configured within the procedure to (i) acquire a current position of an object to be monitored, while the data processing platform is configured to (ii) determine a spatial distance of the acquired current position from a previously defined location position, (iii) check whether the determined spatial distance exceeds a predetermined distance threshold and, if so, (iii-1) trigger a predefined functionality of the object and / or the position monitoring system and (iii-2) define the acquired current position as the central position for the subsequent iteration.

[0033] The data processing platform can comprise one or more processors and, in particular, can be implemented as a central data processing platform, for example, by means of one or more servers, which can communicate with the monitoring devices located locally in the respective monitoring area via appropriate communication links, for example, via the internet. The monitoring devices can, in particular, be part of the object being monitored or be connected to it. The monitoring devices can thus be, for example, positioning modules for interaction with a satellite-based tracking system, or tracking devices based on mobile communication or other positioning principles.In this way, the system can be implemented and administered centrally in an efficient manner, and can also be used for, in particular, simultaneous position monitoring of a large number of objects.

[0034] In some embodiments, the system is set up to provide a human-machine interface, for example as an internet portal, which is configured to: (i) provide a means of configuring the system to perform position monitoring of an object to be monitored in accordance with the method by means of at least one user input; and / or (ii) issue a notification initiated by the system during the execution of the method.

[0035] This approach provides a convenient and, in the case of a centralized implementation of the data processing platform, centralized means of administration, particularly the configuration of the system and the position monitoring it performs for one or more monitored objects. Specifically, it enables the efficient and convenient definition of initial or subsequent central positions, as well as the individual setting of distance thresholds, selection parameters, and predefined sets of distance thresholds, even remotely.

[0036] This also allows notifications, triggered, for example, by exceeding the boundaries of a monitoring area defined by a corresponding distance threshold, to be issued centrally at the human-machine interface. This supports, in particular, the simultaneous, resource-efficient central monitoring of multiple objects and a coordinated response to multiple notifications. Furthermore, the notifications can be issued at locations other than the object itself or its immediate surroundings. This is especially useful for theft prevention monitoring, allowing warnings to be issued without the stolen object or its immediate environment being readily apparent.

[0037] A third aspect of the invention relates to a mobile device, in particular a vehicle, comprising a system according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0038] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a computer program which, when executed on a system according to the second aspect of the invention, is configured to cause the system to execute the method according to the first aspect, preferably according to one or more of the associated embodiments described herein.

[0039] The computer program can be stored, in particular, on a non-volatile data carrier. For example, this can be a data carrier in the form of an optical data carrier or a flash memory module. This can be advantageous if the computer program as such is to be traded independently of a processor platform, such as the system according to the invention, on which the one or more programs are to be executed. In another implementation, the computer program can be stored as a file on a data processing unit, in particular on a server, and be downloadable via a data connection, for example the Internet or a dedicated data connection, such as a proprietary or local network. Furthermore, the computer program can comprise a plurality of interacting individual program modules.

[0040] The features and advantages explained in relation to the first aspect of the invention also apply accordingly to the other aspects of the invention.

[0041] Further advantages, features and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures.

[0042] This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic overview of a system according to an embodiment of the invention in connection with an exemplary set of objects to be monitored; the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B Flowcharts to illustrate a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention; Fig. 3 a diagram to further illustrate the method according to the invention in a preferred embodiment; and Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary application scenario in which different divisions of labor are shown between the individual object-related monitoring devices and a central management platform, depending on the object.

[0043] The same reference numerals are used throughout the figures for the same or corresponding elements of the invention.

[0044] First, the focus will be on Fig. 1. Reference is made to this. It shows an exemplary system which has a central data processing platform AP, which is configured to output information to a user U and to receive user input from the user via a human-machine interface MMI, which may in particular be designed by means of an internet portal. Via a network NW, which may in particular be the internet, the data processing platform AP can establish a communication connection and exchange data with a plurality of monitoring devices – here, for example, and without this being to be understood as a limitation, with three monitoring devices MD1 to MD3. The monitoring devices MD1 and MD2 are each as components of an associated object to be monitored O1 and O2, respectively.O2 is integrated or, in the case of MD3, connected to a monitoring object O3 in such a way that a change in location of the corresponding object O3 also results in a corresponding change in location of the monitoring device MD3.

[0045] The in Fig. The system according to the invention, as shown in Figure 1, thus comprises the data processing platform AP and the monitoring devices MD1 to MD3, optionally also the human-machine interface MMI. In other embodiments not shown here, however, each of the monitoring devices MD1 to MD3 can itself constitute a system according to the invention. Each of these systems, in particular the one shown in Figure 1, is thus also a system according to the invention. Fig. The system shown in Figure 1 is configured to carry out the method according to the invention; in particular, it can be configured to perform the actions now associated with the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B explained an exemplary embodiment of the procedure.

[0046] Fig. Figure 2A shows an initialization phase of the procedure, which is particularly relevant when the system is used for the first time to monitor a specific object, for example, object O1. Fig. 1, or after a system reset. The procedure is illustrated by reference to Fig. 1 explained.

[0047] In the initialization phase, in step S1 an initial position P0 of the respective monitoring object is set - in the following, this will be exemplified by object O1. Fig. 1. The corresponding monitoring device MD1 has a positioning device, which can be, in particular, a satellite navigation device, that interacts with one or more corresponding global satellite navigation systems – such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou – for position determination. Then, in step S2, an initial central position Z1 is initialized with the detected value P0, and furthermore, a distance threshold T is set to an initial distance threshold T0 queried by a user U via the user interface MMI.Furthermore, in the initialization phase, in step S3, an iteration counter i and an event counter n are each set to a starting value, here “0”, and an event threshold N ≥ 1 is defined, which determines how often, in the event of multiple occurrences of a monitoring event, a functionality of the system predetermined for this case, such as the output of a notification, should be triggered.

[0048] As shown by means of the corresponding diagram connector "1", the following follows the one in Fig. The initialization phase of the procedure shown in 2A includes an iteration phase, which is divided into Fig. Figure 2B illustrates this. Steps S4 to S16 or S17 of the iteration phase, depending on the process flow, each together represent one iteration of the process. In step S4, the iteration counter i is incremented to correctly indicate the current iteration, so that in this example, i = 1 for the first iteration, i = 2 for the second iteration, and so on. Of course, any other counter is conceivable, or implementations that do not require a counter at all. Then, in step S5, the current position P is determined using the monitoring device MD1. i of object O1.

[0049] Thus, the prerequisites are met to determine the value (i.e., magnitude) of the spatial distance D in a further step S6. i between position P i and the current central position Z i to calculate.

[0050] By comparing the calculated distance D iIn step S7, the current distance threshold T is used to determine whether the distance exceeds the threshold T. If this is the case (S7 - yes), a monitoring event occurs, triggered by a corresponding – possibly unauthorized – change in the location of the monitored object O1 outside the monitoring area F defined by the distance threshold (see...). Fig. 3) was triggered. In this case (S7 - yes), the event counter n is incremented in step S8 and compared with the event threshold N in step S9. If the result of this comparison is that the event threshold N has been exceeded (S9 - yes), or if, according to step S7, no monitoring event is present from the outset (S7 - no), the process branches to step S14, which is described below. Otherwise (S9 - no), step S10 follows, in which a predetermined functionality is triggered by the system to signal the occurrence of the monitoring event. This functionality can, in particular, consist of issuing a notification to one or more predetermined recipients, which can be done, in particular, at the human-machine interface (HMI).Another such functionality could be the triggering of one or more signals that, via the monitoring device MD1, put the corresponding object O1 into a different mode, in particular into a mode or state in which its functionality is wholly or partially blocked against unauthorized use. For example, the power supply to object O1 could also be interrupted in this way to prevent or at least make unauthorized use more difficult.

[0051] Then, in the case (S9 - no), in an additional step S11, the central position Z of the next iteration is determined to prepare it. i+1 to the current object position P iof the current iteration i. Therefore, in the procedure illustrated here, the predetermined functionality (S10) is only triggered and, subject to the steps S12 and S13 described below, a new central position is only set for the next iteration (S11) if the checks in steps S7 and S9 show that the current distance threshold T has been exceeded and, in addition, the event counter n exceeds the value N. However, the distance threshold can optionally be set to a very small value relative to the typical action radius of the object, or even to T = 0 (possibly with an additional length unit), so that steps S10 and S11 are then regularly executed in most or all iterations, and in particular, a new central position is set.Conversely, the distance threshold T can be set to a larger value, in particular at least twice as large, in relation to the typical action radius of the object, so that steps S10 and S11 are only carried out in the case of large changes in location.

[0052] Optionally, further steps S12 and S13 may be provided (as shown), which allow the user, for example in response to a corresponding query at the human-machine interface MII, to adjust the central position Z. i+1 For the next iteration i +1, reset if desired, in particular to the value Z ithe central position of the current iteration i. This can be particularly useful if an unchanged monitoring area is also advantageous for the next iteration. An example of this would be if a piece of construction equipment (object) is parked at the edge of the monitoring area of ​​the current iteration i at the end of the day, but is to be used in the same monitoring area the next day, so that a shift of the monitoring area is not practical.

[0053] The next step, S14, checks whether a single condition or a predefined combination of several predetermined conditions for the next iteration is met. Such a condition can, in particular, consist of the detection, by means of the corresponding monitoring device MD1, of an activation or deactivation of a power supply or an operational phase of the object O1 to be monitored, the elapsed time of a specific time interval since a defined reference point, for example, since the beginning of the last iteration i-1, a time absolutely predetermined, in particular by means of a corresponding time, or the occurrence of a predetermined state of motion or a predetermined change in the state of motion of the object O1 (speed, acceleration, etc.) being signaled to the data processing platform AP.

[0054] If the condition is not (yet) met (S14 - no), step S14 is repeated in a loop, possibly after each predetermined time interval, which can also be configured variably. Otherwise (S14 - yes), the following can still be done, as in the exemplary procedure from Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, an adjustment of the distance threshold T can optionally be performed. This is expediently done based on a check in step S15 to determine whether such an adjustment is requested by the user U or specified by a rule. Accordingly, in step S15, for example, a corresponding user request can be triggered at the human-machine interface (HMI) and the corresponding user input evaluated. It is also possible to perform the check in step S15 based on a parameter known to the system, such as a time or information about object O1, such as its current state or operating mode, that has been recorded by the corresponding monitoring unit MD1.

[0055] If, according to the test in step S15, the distance threshold T is to be replaced by a new value (S15 - yes), then this new value TN must be determined. In the exemplary procedure from Fig. 2B, this is done by selecting the new value TN from a set of predefined possible values. In step S16, the value for a selection parameter A is recorded (for example, by MD1). Based on this value, in step S17, TN is selected from the set and set as the new distance threshold T for at least the next iteration i+1. The selection parameter A can, in particular, identify one or more of the following pieces of information regarding the object O1 to be monitored: the type of object O1, a recorded position of object O1, a specific time period or point in time, a detected property or state of the spatial environment of object O1, a current state or operating mode of object O1, or a current usage context of object O1, as already described in detail above.Otherwise (S15 - no), and possibly after completion of step S17, the procedure branches back to step S4 to begin a new iteration. Naturally, the procedure will usually include the option to terminate the process at at least one point (not shown here). This can be done, in particular, by means of a dedicated user prompt, or by defining a specific input or test result as a termination criterion during one of the aforementioned user prompts or other checks.

[0056] In the upper right part of Fig. Figure 3 schematically illustrates the concept of a monitoring area F, which surrounds a central position Z. iThe monitoring area is defined by a distance threshold T. If the object being monitored leaves this monitoring area F, i.e., if it crosses the circular or spherical boundary line or surface of the monitoring area F, this constitutes a monitoring event, which is detected using the method and triggers a predetermined reaction.

[0057] The other part of the Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the iterative nature of the method according to the invention once again in a different way using an exemplary embodiment. Again, an initially detected position P0 of the monitoring object is defined as the central position Z1 for a first iteration i = 1. This initialization occurs, for example, when – as shown on the left side of Figure 3 – the position of the object being monitored is determined. Fig. Figure 3 schematically illustrates this – a change in the object's operating mode occurs, for example, from a switched-off state (symbolized by an unfilled circle) to a switched-on state (symbolized by a filled circle). A further change in operating mode (back to the switched-off state) triggers the first iteration i = 1, in which the distance D1 between a detected current position P1 and Z1 is determined. Depending on a comparison of D1 with the distance threshold T, a notification MSG is triggered to the system user U (if a monitoring event is detected by the comparison), or otherwise (no monitoring event is detected). The central position Z2 for the next iteration is then defined by the current position P1, thus preparing the next iteration i = 2.The process continues accordingly, with each subsequent iteration being triggered by another change in operating mode. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the shifting of the central position from Z1 to Z4, and thus a corresponding shift of the monitoring area F for the monitored object O1. This adjustment or shift occurs automatically, without requiring any user reconfiguration of the monitoring area F.

[0058] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary application scenario in which different divisions of labor are shown between the individual, object-specific monitoring devices MD1 and MD2 and the central management platform AP, depending on the object. Two different objects to be monitored, O1 and O2, are shown as examples. Object O1 is initially located at position PA and then moves 11 km to a new position PB. Similarly, object O2 moves from its original position PC to a new position PD, which is 20 km away from PC. The distance threshold T is set at 10 km for both objects. For both objects, the respective monitoring device MD1 or MD2 is primarily responsible for recording the respective positions PA, PB and PC, PD, respectively.In the case of MD1, this system is also configured to compare the two positions within each iteration of the procedure and to communicate the comparison result to the data processing platform AP. The data processing platform AP is then able to detect an exceedance of the boundary (since 11 km > T) of the monitoring area F and thus a monitoring event, and therefore trigger the display of a corresponding notification, specifying PB, on an associated human-machine interface (HMI), which in turn can be designed as an internet portal, in order to inform a user U about the occurrence of the monitoring event concerning object O1.

[0059] In contrast, the monitoring unit MD2 is not itself capable of, or at least not used in the illustrated case, to perform the corresponding comparison of the PC and PD positions. Rather, this only takes place at the data processing platform AP based on the PC and PD positions transmitted by MD2. Therefore, there is a different division of labor between the monitoring unit MD2 and the data management platform AP than in the case of the MD1 / AP pairing.

[0060] Fig.Figure 4 further illustrates how, depending on the specific application scenario, a different response to the monitoring event that occurred in both cases can occur. In the case of object O1, a corresponding query at the human-machine interface (HMI) (or alternatively in a database containing the relevant information) yields an assessment indicating that the new position PB of object O1 is unknown to the user or operator U of the system, or at least that the change of location from O1 to PB is not authorized. As a consequence, a further function is triggered, which in this case involves transmitting a blocking command regarding object O1 to the associated monitoring device MD1 in order to block critical functions of object O1 or even its entire operation.

[0061] In the case of object O2, based on the input requested by user U and corresponding data from the database, the information is available that position PD is both known and authorized. For example, it could be a depot to which object O2 was deliberately moved with U's authorization. Position PD could also be a new, desired location for O2, or a location to which it has been loaned. Therefore, the notification can be ignored in this case without triggering any further actions to ensure the protection of object O2.

[0062] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be noted that a large number of variations exist. It should also be noted that the described exemplary embodiments are merely non-limiting examples, and it is not intended to restrict the scope, applicability, or configuration of the devices and methods described herein. Rather, the preceding description will provide the person skilled in the art with guidance for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment. It is understood that various modifications to the function and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment can be made without derogating from the subject matter defined in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. REFERENCE MARK LIST O1, O2, O3 objects to be monitored PA, PB, PC different positions of the objects MD1, MD2, MD3 monitoring devices AP Data Processing Platform NW network, especially cloud MMI Human-Machine Interface Users, especially system administrators i Iteration counter P0 initial position of an object P i Current recorded position of objects for the i-th iteration Z i Central position of the i-th iteration D i spatial distance determined in i-th iteration T0 initial distance threshold T distance threshold in current iteration TN new selected distance threshold F Monitoring area n event counter N threshold for event counter A selection parameter MSG notification

Claims

[1] Method for the automatic position monitoring of an object (O1; O2; O3) by a position monitoring system (AP, MD1, MD2, MD3), wherein the method is carried out iteratively and for each iteration (i) comprises: Detecting (S5) a current position (P i ) of the object to be monitored (O1; O2; O3); Determining (S6) a spatial distance (D i ) of the recorded current position (P i ) from a previously designated central position (Z i ) specified location; and Check (S7) whether the determined spatial distance exceeds a predetermined distance threshold (T) and only if this is the case: Triggering (S10) a predefined functionality of the object (O1; O2; O3) and / or the position monitoring system (AP, MD1, MD2, MD3) and setting (S13) the detected current position (P i ) or a position derived from it as a central position (Z i) for the subsequent iteration (i+1); wherein the predefined functionality comprises blocking or removing at least one functionality of the object (O1; O2; O3), wherein the setting (S17) of the predetermined distance threshold (T) comprises an automatic selection (S16, S17) of a predefined distance threshold value (TN) from a set of two or more predefined distance threshold values ​​depending on at least one selection parameter (A). [2] The method of claim 1, further comprising: Detecting (S1) a current position (P0) of the object to be monitored (O1; O2; O3) and setting an initial central position (Z i ) to initialize the first iteration of the procedure based on this recorded current position (P0). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the triggering of a further iteration (i+1) occurs when the occurrence of one or more conditions from the set of the following conditions or from a predetermined non-empty subset thereof is detected (S14): - Activating or deactivating a power supply or an operational mode of the object to be monitored (O1; O2; O3); - Expiry of a predetermined time interval since a defined reference point in time; - A predetermined time; - occurrence of a predetermined state of motion or a predetermined change in the state of motion of the object (O1; O2; O3); - The occurrence of a handover to another cell of a mobile radio connection to a mobile radio network existing with the object or its associated monitoring device; - When a current position is recorded, a change in location of the object or its associated monitoring device compared to a previously recorded position is detected. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection of the current position (P i ) of the object to be monitored (O1; O2; O3) is carried out on the basis of a plurality of positions of the object (O1; O2; O3) detected during the current iteration (i). [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein the detection of the current position (P i ) of the object to be monitored (O4; O2; O3) is carried out on the basis of an averaging over the majority of positions of the object (O1; O2; O3) detected during the current iteration (i). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predefined functionality additionally comprises outputting or transmitting a notification and / or a current position to a counterpart. [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein a query is initiated at a human-machine interface, by which a user is offered the option of specifying the central position of the current iteration or another specific location position by user input as the central position for the subsequent iteration instead of the detected current position (S12); and in the case of a corresponding user input at the human-machine interface, the central position for the subsequent iteration is specified according to the user input (S13). [8] Method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, in the context of the iterative implementation of the method, in the event that in several of the iterations during the checking it is determined that the specific spatial distance exceeds a predetermined distance threshold (T), an output of a further notification is suppressed (S9) if, in the context of one or more previous iterations, a defined number N, with N ≥ 1, of notifications has already been output (S10), each signaling an exceeding of the distance threshold (T). [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein during the iterative execution of the method the predetermined distance threshold (T) is set to a new value (TN) (S17) and this new value (TN) is used in the context of the iterative execution of the method for future checks (S7) as to whether the determined spatial distance exceeds the predetermined distance threshold (T, TN). [10] Method according to claim 1, wherein the predefined distance thresholds of the set are determined on the basis of a movement history of the object to be monitored (O1; O2; O3) itself and / or on the basis of one or more other objects associated with the object to be monitored (O1; O2; O3). [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the at least one selection parameter (A) characterizes one or more of the following information regarding the object to be monitored (O1; O2; O3): - Nature or type of object (O1; O2; O3); - a detected position of the object (O1; O2; O3); - a specific period of time or a specific point in time; - a detected property or a detected state of the spatial environment of the object (O1; O2; O3); - a current state or operating mode of the object (O1; O2; O3); - a current context of use of the object (O1; O2; O3). [12] System (AP, MD1, MD2, MD3) for automatic position monitoring of an object (O1; O2; O3), wherein the system (AP, MD1, MD2, MD3) is configured to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims. [13] System (AP, MD1, MD2, MD3) according to claim 12, comprising: a data processing platform (AP), one or more monitoring devices (MD1; MD2; MD3) formed separately from the data processing platform, each configured to detect a current position of a respective object (O1; O2; O3) to be monitored; wherein the system (AP, MD1, MD2, MD3) is configured to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 11 by the data processing platform (AP) and one of the monitoring devices (MD1; MD2; MD3) in division of labor between both. [14] The system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the system is arranged to provide a human-machine interface configured: - to provide a possibility for configuring a position monitoring of an object to be monitored (O1; O2; O3) to be carried out by the system according to the method by means of at least one user input; and / or - to issue a notification initiated by the system as part of the implementation of the procedure. [15] Mobile device (O1; O2; O3), in particular a vehicle, comprising a system (MD1; MD2; MD3) according to one of claims 12 to 14. [16] A computer program configured, when executed on a system (AP, MD1, MD2, MD3) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, to cause the system (AP, MD1, MD2, MD3) to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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