Method for issuing inspection information, as well as electronic information output system and vehicle

Abstract

A method for outputting inspection information for an upcoming inspection date of at least one vehicle (4) using an electronic output unit (2), wherein: - the inspection information is output in two stages using the electronic output unit (2), - a first warning information and a second warning information are provided with the inspection information, and - the first warning information is output using the electronic output unit (2) within a predefined first time window before a legally required inspection date, characterized in that: - an electronic evaluation unit (3) checks whether the legally required inspection date has been carried out after the first warning information has been issued, - the second warning information is output using the electronic output unit (2) within a predefined second time window, different from the first, before the legally required inspection date.if the legally required inspection date has not been carried out after the first notification has been issued, - the first notification and / or the second notification is issued by a user (7) of the vehicle (4) using a portable communication device (6), - the first time window and / or the second time window is specified by the user (7), whereby the user (7) determines the intervals at which the first notification and / or the second notification is to be issued before the upcoming legally required inspection date, whereby the first and second time windows are entered using the user's (7) portable communication device (6), and - the first notification and / or the second notification is dynamically generated by the electronic evaluation unit (3) depending on a past, carried out legally required inspection date of the vehicle (4),and / or depending on the vehicle type of the vehicle (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for outputting inspection information about an upcoming inspection date of at least one vehicle using an electronic output unit, the inspection information being output in two stages using the electronic output unit, and the inspection information being provided with first information and second information. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electronic information output system and a vehicle.

[0002] DE 102 24 280 A1 describes a signal generator with which information about forthcoming motor vehicle inspection intervals can be displayed in the interior of motor vehicles.

[0003] US Pat. No. 7,079,019 B1 describes an inspection alarm device. An alert mechanism of the inspection alert device includes first programming for programming an expiration date indicating that an event must be performed. Second programming is included to program a notification date to inform a user that the event must be performed. A display device then shows the expiry date. A timing mechanism produces a current date and is associated with the first and second programming. A processor compares the actual date generated by the timing mechanism with the expiration date and the notification date. An alert device alerts a user that at least the expiration date and a notification date are greater than or equal to the actual date. Depending on the expiration date and / or the notification date that is greater than or equal to the actual date, the processor causes the alerting device to issue an alert, thereby notifying the user that the event must be performed.

[0004] US 5,910,931 A describes an inspection reminder device for automobiles. The inspection reminder device will trigger an illuminated LED approximately one month before the next vehicle inspection is due. The inspection reminder uses a conventional battery-powered digital clock circuit to perform the setting of a counter to the current time and date. The month and day the inspection is due can also be stored in a memory of the inspection reminder device. With the inspection reminder device, an alarm date can be set which differs from the inspection due date. A microswitch is provided for each of the 12 months of the year to set the inspection due date in memory. A button temporarily activates the LED or the beeper. After a test, the device can be set to the new test due date.

[0005] Notification of inspection deadlines for a vehicle is only limited in the prior art. As a result, an inspection appointment can easily be forgotten. This can have an impact on the operational safety and the approval of the vehicle.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a method, an electronic information output system and a vehicle with which or with which informing a user of a vehicle with regard to specific inspection appointments is improved.

[0007] This object is achieved by a method, an electronic information output system and a vehicle according to the independent patent claims. Useful further developments result from the dependent claims.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for outputting inspection information about an upcoming inspection date of at least one vehicle using an electronic output unit, the inspection information being output in two stages using the electronic output unit, and the inspection information being provided with first information and second information. The first piece of information is output with the electronic output unit in a predefined first time window before a legally prescribed inspection date, and an electronic evaluation unit checks whether the legally prescribed inspection date was carried out after the first piece of information was output. The second piece of information is output with the electronic output unit in a predefined second time window that differs from the first time window before the statutory inspection date if the statutory inspection date has not been carried out after the first piece of information has been issued. By outputting the first piece of information and / or the second piece of information with the electronic output unit, the user of the vehicle can be specifically informed about the forthcoming statutory inspection date without being overloaded with information by a permanent message. As a result, the user in particular can be presented with a better and clearer presentation of the forthcoming statutory inspection dates to be carried out. In particular, with the first time window for the output of the first piece of information, the user can be given sufficient time to be able to schedule the implementation of the legally prescribed inspection appointment. The output of the second piece of information should be designed by the second time window in such a way that although the urgency of the statutory inspection to be carried out is clearly explained to the user, the user still has a certain amount of time available to set a suitable date for the statutory inspection set mandatory inspection.

[0009] For example, the first item of information can be provided four weeks before the actual test date prescribed by law, and the second item of information can be, for example, two weeks before the test date prescribed by law. The statutory inspection date can in particular be a date for a main inspection of the vehicle and / or a main emissions test of the vehicle and / or a TÜV appointment or a specific TÜV inspection prescribed for the vehicle type.

[0010] Statutory inspections for a vehicle in particular have a significant impact on the operating permit and thus also on the permissible use in traffic. It is precisely these dates that must be observed and must not be forgotten.

[0011] In particular, if the vehicle has been successfully inspected, a corresponding inspection sticker is attached to the vehicle, in particular to a vehicle number plate. In particular, the test sticker represents the proof of the statutory inspection that has been carried out and shows when the next inspection date is to be carried out.

[0012] It is preferably provided that the inspection information of the forthcoming legally prescribed inspection date and / or the first and / or the second time window is provided individually by the electronic evaluation unit in a vehicle-specific manner for at least two different vehicle types. In this way, the legally prescribed inspection dates can be made available and issued to the user, in particular for several different vehicle types that belong to the user. In this way, the user can be given an improved overview of all forthcoming statutory inspection dates, particularly if the user has a large fleet of vehicles. In particular, the electronic evaluation unit can provide the statutory inspection dates in such a way that if the user has several vehicles, the output of the first piece of information and / or the output of the second piece of information is adjusted so that the inspection dates to be carried out are clearly displayed for the user. The first and / or the second time window can be provided by the electronic evaluation unit depending on the type of vehicle or vehicles of the user. For example, if there are several vehicle types, the electronic evaluation unit can form groups in which several identical vehicles of the same type are combined. Depending on the vehicle group, the upcoming statutory inspection dates, for example for a special brake inspection, a gas inspection of a mobile home or a special inspection for electric vehicles, can be made available to the user. Vehicle types can be motor vehicles, two-wheelers, mobile homes or trailers, for example.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first piece of information and / or the second piece of information is provided dynamically by the electronic evaluation unit depending on a past, performed, legally prescribed inspection date of the vehicle and / or depending on the vehicle type of the vehicle. The electronic evaluation unit can, for example, take into account the last statutory inspection carried out on the vehicle, in particular for the provision of the first piece of advice and / or the second piece of advice, and then determine the first piece of advice and / or the second piece of advice accordingly. For example, it may be that the last legally prescribed inspection date was carried out with a time delay, so that the legally prescribed inspection interval has changed accordingly depending on the delay. As a result, the electronic evaluation unit should take this fact into account, so that the new statutory inspection date and consideration of the statutory time interval can be redetermined. In this way, in particular, the user can be shown how the inspections of the vehicle can be carried out in an improved manner, without time being lost, as a result of which, for example, an operating license for the vehicle could expire.

[0014] In particular, there may be different statutory inspection intervals between vehicle inspections from vehicle type to vehicle type. This can be taken into account in particular by the electronic evaluation unit for the calculation of the first item of advisory information and / or the second item of advisory information.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the electronic output unit provides a user of the vehicle with a selection of inspection service providers, which have the available capacity to carry out the inspection of the vehicle before the time of the statutory inspection date, depending on the upcoming statutory inspection date will. As a result, the user in particular can carry out improved planning for the implementation of the upcoming, legally prescribed inspection appointment, so that the user can select the inspection service provider that is suitable for him, which is, for example, close to the current or upcoming location of the user. For example, the user can determine the appropriate inspection service provider who can offer a suitable appointment, which on the one hand meets the prescribed inspection appointment and is also perceptible to the user. For example, when providing the selection of the inspection service provider, the first and / or the second time window for the output of the first and / or the second piece of information can be taken into account, so that the user has an inspection service provider for compliance with the first time window and / or for compliance with the second Time window can be provided. This allows the user to have the statutory inspection appointment carried out at any time and by any inspection service provider.

[0016] The inspection service provider can be, for example, a technical inspection association (TÜV) or a workshop.

[0017] For example, the inspection service provider can send electronic feedback about a free inspection appointment to the electronic output unit. Likewise, the electronic output unit can transmit an electronic request for an upcoming inspection to be carried out to the inspection service provider.

[0018] Provision is preferably made for statutory inspection dates for at least two different vehicle types to be stored in a database of the electronic evaluation unit. For example, the vehicle and a trailer belonging to the vehicle can be stored together in the database and the legally prescribed inspection date of the vehicle on the one hand and the legally prescribed inspection date of the trailer on the other hand can be stored together. For example, inspection service providers can be stored in the database, which can be automatically requested and commissioned in a specific time window. As a result, the user in particular can be presented with an improved overview of all his different vehicle types.

[0019] Since different vehicle types, for example vehicles with an electric drive or motor vehicles with a conventional internal combustion engine, usually have different statutory inspection intervals, they usually also have different inspection dates. The proposed method is very advantageous in order to perceive all of them in good time and to keep track of them.

[0020] The table below shows examples of legally prescribed inspection intervals for a first inspection or examination and a subsequent inspection of a wide variety of vehicle types. motorcycles and cars first inspection subsequent inspection Motorcycles and motor vehicles of the L3e, L4e, L5e and L7e categories after 24 months every 24 months Motorcycles and motor vehicles of the L3e, L4e, L5e and L7e categories after 24 months every 24 months car after 36 months every 24 months mobile homes up to 3,500 kg gross vehicle weight after 36 months every 24 months Over 3,500 to 7,500 kg gross vehicle weight after 24 months every 24 months Over 7,500 kg gross vehicle weight after 12 months every 24 months follower unbridled after 36 months every 24 months up to 750 kg gross vehicle weight after 36 months every 24 months over 750 to 3,500 kg gross vehicle weight after 24 months every 24 months over 3,500 to 10,000 kg gross vehicle weight after 12 months every 12 months Trucks / Commercial Vehicles Up to 40 km / h top speed after 24 months every 24 months Up to 3,500 kg gross vehicle weight after 24 months every 24 months Over 3,500 to 7,500 kg gross vehicle weight after 12 months every 12 months

[0021] The database can be a server or an external database, for example, or the database can be integrated into the electronic evaluation unit. By using the database and the legally required inspection dates stored in it, the user can be presented with an overview of all the legally required inspection dates for the different vehicle types in his fleet at any time.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the first item of advisory information and / or the second item of advisory information is output acoustically and / or visually using the electronic output unit. As a result, the user in particular can be given an improved overview of the forthcoming statutory inspection dates and the first piece of advisory information and / or the second piece of advisory information can be output in a targeted manner. For example, the first item of advisory information and / or the second item of advisory information can be displayed on a screen of the electronic output unit. In the case of an acoustic output of the first item of advisory information and / or the second item of advisory information, a loudspeaker or a loudspeaker system of the electronic output unit can be used. In particular, a short but concise acoustic output can be carried out via the electronic output unit, so that the first item of information and / or the second item of information can be clearly output and displayed to the user. In particular, the acoustic and / or visual first piece of information and / or the second piece of information can be short but concise output forms, so that the user is not overloaded with too much information.

[0023] Provision is preferably made for the first item of advisory information and / or the second item of advisory information to be output with an infotainment system of the vehicle and / or with a user's portable communication terminal. In particular, the infotainment system of the vehicle and / or the user's portable communication terminal can be used as the electronic output unit. The infotainment system can be, for example, a multi-media interface system of the vehicle, which is located, for example, in a combination display and / or in the dashboard. The portable communication terminal can be a mobile phone and / or smartphone and / or tablet, for example. In particular, the first item of advisory information and / or the second item of advisory information can be displayed and output directly to the user in the vehicle using the infotainment system as an electronic output unit. When using the portable communication terminal, there is the particular advantage that the user does not have to be present directly at the vehicle; or the second advisory information is output. For example, the portable communication terminal can have an application that can output the first item of advisory information and / or the second item of advisory information. For example, the first item of advisory information and / or the second item of advisory information can be output as a message or displayed message on the portable communication terminal. As a result, the user in particular can be informed of the current and forthcoming inspection dates at all times. For example, the user can access the database with the infotainment system and / or with the portable communication terminal, so that the user can access specially stored legally required inspection dates at any time. As a result, the overview of the forthcoming test dates can be increased, particularly in the case of vehicles with a seasonal license plate, which are generally not the focus of operation by the user outside of the insurance period.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first time window and / or the second time window are specified by a user. In particular, the user has the option of defining himself the first time window and / or the second time window in which the first item of advisory information and / or the second item of advisory information is output with the electronic output unit. Therefore, in particular the user can specify the time intervals at which the first item of advisory information and / or the second item of advisory information is to be output before the actually forthcoming statutory inspection date. For example, when buying a new vehicle, the user can enter into the electronic output unit when the first legally prescribed inspection date is to be carried out for this new vehicle. In particular, by manually entering the first and / or the second time window for the user, certain complications—for example, in the case of an inspection that was carried out too late—can be taken into account in a past inspection of the vehicle and these can be communicated to the system. If the inspection has not been carried out, in particular after the second notification by the second notification information, the user can enter the time in the system at which the overdue inspection was carried out and the user and / or the system can then for an inspection to be carried out in the future adjust the first and / or the second time window so that the user can perceive the inspection. In particular, the user can carry out the first time window and / or the second time window with the aid of the electronic output unit. In particular, the first and the second time window are entered using the user's portable communication terminal. The entry can also be made via the vehicle's infotainment system.

[0025] A further aspect of the invention relates to an electronic information output system with an electronic output unit and an electronic evaluation unit, the electronic information output system being designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding aspects. For example, the electronic information output system can be part of a system in a vehicle or can be designed as an external unit. For example, the electronic output unit can be an infotainment system of the vehicle and / or a user's portable communication terminal. In particular, for example, the electronic output unit can also include the electronic evaluation unit, with which, for example, first information and / or second information can be output. The electronic evaluation unit can be part of an infotainment system in the vehicle, for example, or can be integrated in the user's portable communication terminal.

[0026] For example, the electronic information output system can be designed with a detection system. The detection system can have a camera, for example. With the detection system, a test sticker of the vehicle can be detected, which is located in particular on a vehicle number plate and which represents the next legally prescribed inspection date. The inspection sticker therefore provides information as to when the next, legally required inspection of the vehicle is due. With the help of the camera unit of the detection unit, for example, the next legally prescribed inspection date of the inspection sticker can be detected and transmitted to the electronic output unit and / or the electronic evaluation unit. In this way, in particular, the next inspection date to be carried out, a plausibility check, can be carried out to determine whether it is correct.

[0027] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle with an electronic information output system according to one of the preceding aspects. For example, the vehicle can be a motor vehicle and / or a towing vehicle and / or a vehicle trailer and / or a truck and / or a motorcycle and / or trailer with air pressure brakes and / or a mobile home. These examples are not to be understood as conclusive, but are intended to show the diversity of the vehicle. For example, an inspection, in particular a special inspection, can also be carried out for a piece of equipment of a vehicle or for a vehicle battery.

[0028] A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to execute the method according to the aspect mentioned above or an advantageous embodiment thereof.

[0029] The invention also includes the combinations of features of the described embodiments.

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. For this purpose, the only figure shows a schematic exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0031] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another and that also develop the invention independently of one another.

[0032] Therefore, the disclosure is also intended to encompass combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those illustrated. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention that have already been described.

[0033] The figure shows an electronic information output system 1 with an electronic output unit 2 and with an electronic evaluation unit 3 .

[0034] In particular, with the electronic output unit 2 inspection information about an upcoming, legally prescribed inspection date for at least one vehicle 4 be issued. The inspection information can, in particular, be sent in two stages with the electronic output unit 2 be output, and with the inspection information a first piece of advice and a second piece of advice can be provided. The electronic output unit 2 can, for example, an infotainment system 5 of the vehicle 4 be and / or a portable communication terminal 6 a user 7 be. For example, the portable communication terminal 6 be a mobile phone and / or a smartphone and / or a tablet. With the infotainment system 5 it can be a multimedia interface system, for example. The first item of advisory information and / or the second item of advisory information can, in particular, be associated with the infotainment system 5 of the vehicle 4 and / or with the portable communication terminal 6 of the user 7 be issued. In particular, the first item of advisory information and / or the second item of advisory information with the electronic output unit 2 be output acoustically or visually. In particular, a screen and / or a speaker system of the electronic output unit 2 be used.

[0035] In particular, the first piece of information can be sent to the electronic output unit in a predefined first time window before a statutory inspection date 2 be issued. With the electronic evaluation unit 3 In particular, it can be checked whether after the output of the first item of advisory information by the electronic output unit 2the statutory inspection date has been carried out. The statutory inspection date can in particular be a general inspection of a motor vehicle (e.g. TÜV approval). The second item of information can be used in a predefined second time window, which is different from the first, before the statutory inspection date with the electronic output unit 2 the user 7 the information about the statutory inspection date is issued. In particular, the second item of advisory information is output when the legally prescribed inspection date for the vehicle is reached 4 has not been carried out after the first advisory information has been issued.

[0036] For example, the inspection information about the forthcoming, legally prescribed inspection date and / or the first and / or the second time window can be evaluated by the electronic evaluation unit in a vehicle-specific manner for at least two different vehicle types 3 be provided individually. For a vehicle of a first vehicle type, an individually associated, legally prescribed inspection date can thus be taken into account and a first time window and / or second time window corresponding thereto can be determined. The same can also be done for at least one vehicle of a second vehicle type.

[0037] With the electronic evaluation unit 3 may depend on a past statutory inspection of the vehicle 4 and / or depending on the vehicle type of the vehicle 4 the first indication information and / or the second indication information are provided dynamically. In particular, with the electronic output unit 2 depending on the upcoming statutory inspection date of the vehicle 4 a selection of inspection service providers 8 , which has an available capacity to perform the inspection of the vehicle 4 before the time of the statutory inspection date, the user 7 of the vehicle 4 to be provided. At the inspection service provider 8 it can be, for example, a workshop or a technical inspection association (TÜV). With the inspection service provider 8 can in particular the forthcoming statutory inspection of the vehicle 4 be performed. By providing the choice of inspection service providers 8 can in particular the user 7 determine which inspection service provider 8 the user 7 for carrying out the upcoming inspection of the vehicle 4 want to select.

[0038] For example, the electronic evaluation unit 3 Statutory inspection dates for at least two different vehicle types in one database 9 to save. At the database 9 For example, it may be an external server or entity, or the database 9 is in the electronic output unit 2 with integrated. In particular, the database 9 be used to when providing the first piece of information and / or the second piece of information by the electronic evaluation unit 3 use stored inspection dates.

[0039] At the vehicle 4 it can be, for example, a motor vehicle or a vehicle trailer or a truck or a two-wheeler or a coach.

[0040] For example, with the inspection information, a special test or special inspection for specific vehicle components of the vehicle 4 to be provided. For example, a special test can be understood as the test of a gas bottle in a mobile home or a trailer with air pressure brakes.

[0041] For example, the electronic information output system 1 a detection unit 10 exhibit. At the registration unit 10it can be, for example, a camera system with at least one camera 11 act. With the camera 11 the registration unit 10 can, in particular, an inspection sticker 12 of the vehicle 4 be recorded and checked. The inspection sticker 12 provides in particular the next forthcoming statutory inspection date of the vehicle 4 and a current inspection sticker 12 is after successfully completed, legally required inspection date of the vehicle 4 especially a vehicle license plate 13 appropriate. In particular, the next inspection date of the vehicle 4 with the registration unit 10 detected. By capturing the inspection date with the camera 11 the registration unit 10 In particular, a plausibility check can be carried out. Thus, the forthcoming inspection date to be carried out, which is in the electronic output unit 2 is deposited or in the database 9 is saved, with the actual fixed inspection date on the inspection sticker 12 be compared. For example, the camera can 11 above or below or next to the vehicle number plate 13 to be installed. In particular, so that preferably the inspection sticker 12 can be captured as best as possible.

[0042] For example, the registration unit 10 at a specific point on a company premises or a private property of the user 7 be mounted. In particular, the detection unit 10 at a gate entrance from a car park of the user 7 to be installed. As a result, when the vehicle enters 4 the inspection sticker in the car park 12 are recorded. QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of the documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Patent Literature Cited

[0000] DE 10224280 A1

[0002] US7079019B1

[0003] US5910931A

[0004]

Claims

[1] Method for outputting inspection information of an upcoming inspection date of at least one vehicle (4) using an electronic output unit (2), wherein the inspection information is output in two stages using the electronic output unit (2), and wherein the inspection information includes a first warning information and a second warning information, characterized by , that - the first warning information is issued with the electronic output unit (2) within a predefined first time window before a legally required inspection date, and wherein - an electronic evaluation unit (3) checks whether the legally required inspection date has been carried out after the first notification information has been issued, and wherein, - the second notification information is issued by the electronic output unit (2) in a predefined time window different from the first second notification window before the legally required inspection date, if the legally required inspection date has not been carried out after the first notification information has been issued. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the inspection information of the upcoming legally required inspection date, and / or the first time window and / or the second time window is individually provided by the electronic evaluation unit (3) for at least two different vehicle types. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the first warning information and / or the second warning information is dynamically provided by the electronic evaluation unit (3) depending on a past, legally required inspection date of the vehicle (4), and / or depending on the vehicle type of the vehicle (4). [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that with the electronic output unit (2) depending on the upcoming legally required inspection date, a selection of inspection service providers (8) which have available capacity to carry out the inspection of the vehicle (4) in advance of the legally required inspection date, is made available to a user (7) of the vehicle (4). [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that legally required inspection dates for at least two different vehicle types are stored in a database (9) of the electronic evaluation unit (3). [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first warning information and / or the second warning information is output acoustically and / or visually by the electronic output unit (2). [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first warning information and / or the second warning information is issued via an infotainment system (5) of the vehicle (4) and / or via a portable communication terminal (6) of a user (7). [8] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first time window and / or the second time window is specified by a user (7). [9] Electronic information output system (1) comprising an electronic output unit (2) and an electronic evaluation unit (3), wherein the electronic information output system (1) is configured to perform a method according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Vehicle (4) with an electronic information output system (1) according to claim 9.

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