Method for generating a damage image of a motor vehicle using a system, as well as system

Abstract

Method for generating a damage pattern (10) of a motor vehicle (1) by means of a system (9) in which at least one parameter characterizing damage to the motor vehicle (1) is recorded by means of at least one detection device (2) of the motor vehicle (1) and the parameter characterizing the damage is transmitted by means of a communication device (7) of the motor vehicle (1) to a central electronic computing device (8) of the system (9) external to the motor vehicle, wherein the parameter characterizing the damage is evaluated externally to the motor vehicle depending on an evaluation criterion stored in the central electronic computing device (8) external to the motor vehicle and the damage pattern (10) is generated depending on this, wherein the damage pattern (10) and / or the parameter characterizing the damage is stored by means of the central electronic computing device (8) external to the motor vehicle, characterized in thatthat the damage pattern (10) and / or the parameter characterizing the damage is taken into account in the future generation of a future further damage pattern (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for generating a damage image of a motor vehicle using a system in which at least one parameter characterizing damage to the motor vehicle is detected by means of at least one detection device of the motor vehicle, and the parameter characterizing the damage is transmitted by means of a communication device of the motor vehicle to a central electronic computing unit of the system located external to the motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a system for generating a damage image.

[0002] It is already known that when a rental car or leased vehicle is returned, for example, an inspection is carried out to identify any damage that may have occurred during its use by a previous user or renter. This inspection is performed by a person, and in particular, hidden damage may not be visible to the inspector. Furthermore, it is possible, for example, that a previous user caused the damage, but it went undetected and is only discovered by a current user, meaning that the current user, who did not cause the damage, could still be held liable.

[0003] Furthermore, retrofit solutions are known which, in particular, do not have access to necessary vehicle data and, in particular, must be retrofitted, which involves complex installation work and additional costs.

[0004] DE 10 2018 211 047 A1 describes a sensor device attachable to a vehicle for determining the state of at least one mechanical vehicle component, which has at least one sensor element capable of detecting a mechanical quantity, wherein sensor data detected by the at least one sensor element can be continuously detected in every operating state of the vehicle, a communication element by means of which the detected sensor data can be transmitted to an external computer for further processing, and a computing unit for reducing the amount of sensor data to be transmitted to the external computer.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to create a method and a system by means of which the generation of a damage pattern can be carried out more efficiently.

[0006] This problem is solved by a method and a system according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for generating a damage image of a motor vehicle by means of a system in which at least one parameter characterizing damage to the motor vehicle is detected by means of at least one detection device of the motor vehicle and the parameter characterizing the damage is transmitted by means of a communication device of the motor vehicle to a central electronic computing unit of the system located outside the motor vehicle, wherein the parameter characterizing the damage is evaluated outside the motor vehicle depending on an evaluation criterion stored in the electronic computing unit located outside the motor vehicle and the damage image is generated depending on this.

[0008] In other words, the system envisages that, by means of a damage detection device, a report is sent to, for example, an internal electronic computer within the vehicle. This report is then forwarded to an external electronic computer, which is typically centralized. The internal electronic computer, or communication device, then transmits the relevant damage data to the external, centralized electronic computer, where the damage is calculated based on the available damage and vehicle data. A damage report can then be generated, which can subsequently be made available for further use.

[0009] In particular, this allows for a more efficient generation of damage reports. Time can be saved during vehicle returns, for example, to a car rental or leasing company, as the visual inspection by an appraiser can be eliminated or significantly reduced. Furthermore, improved processes for the customer can be implemented during vehicle returns. It can also create transparency regarding damage for both the vehicle rental company and the renter, potentially leading to lower insurance premiums for both parties.

[0010] In particular, the system is thus designed as an external "damage assessor." Additional information, especially evaluation criteria, can be used to generate the damage report. Technical developments and further information regarding the vehicle and / or contractual terms can be taken into account when generating the damage report. Furthermore, pre-existing damage, for example, can also be considered. This creates a more effective way to generate the damage report. Therefore, no internal vehicle evaluation of the damage takes place; instead, the damage report is generated externally, thus providing a more detailed representation of the damage.

[0011] Furthermore, the inventive method makes it possible, for example, to also record damage caused by vandalism and to generate a corresponding damage report. This information can then be used for further analysis, for example by insurance companies, so that corresponding insurance premiums can be adjusted.

[0012] In one advantageous configuration, the damage report is transferred to the vehicle owner for further use. For example, the vehicle owner could be a car rental or leasing company. If damage is then caused by a user of the vehicle, such as a lessee or renter, the damage report can be transferred directly to the owner. Based on this report, the owner can then, for example, perform a monetary assessment of the damage and potentially invoice the user or lessee, thus providing the owner with an improved way to settle the claim.

[0013] It is also advantageous if the damage pattern is generated based on the location and / or type of damage recorded and / or at least one parameter characterizing the vehicle as a respective evaluation criterion. For example, the location can be used to determine which component of the vehicle is damaged, thereby generating the damage pattern and enabling, for instance, a monetary valuation. The type of damage, such as a collision with another vehicle, can also be used to generate a more detailed damage pattern and perform a monetary valuation. Furthermore, the damage pattern can be evaluated based on a parameter characterizing the vehicle, such as the material of the damaged vehicle component.

[0014] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to transmit the damage-characterizing parameter from the communication device to the vehicle-external, central electronic computing unit via mobile data transmission. For example, the communication device can transmit the damage-characterizing parameter to the vehicle-external, central electronic computing unit using mobile data transmission. In particular, as soon as the communication device has internet connectivity, it can be provided that the damage-characterizing parameter is then transmitted to the vehicle-external, central electronic computing unit. This allows the damage profile to be generated externally at an early stage, enabling appropriate measures to be taken, for example, by the vehicle owner.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one vibroacoustic sensor in the detection device is used to detect structure-borne sound as the parameter characterizing the damage. In particular, the damage or the parameter characterizing the damage can be reliably detected based on the structure-borne sound. For this purpose, the vibroacoustic sensor can include appropriate electronics or evaluation logic that converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The vibroacoustic sensor is protected against environmental influences. Furthermore, the vibroacoustic sensor has a housing that provides shielding, so that combined external mechanical and electromagnetic interference can be effectively attenuated.For this purpose, for example, a polyvinylidene fluoride film can be connected to the appropriate electrodes and form a functional layer.

[0016] According to another advantageous embodiment, the parameter characterizing the damage is transmitted in real time to the central, external electronic computing unit. In particular, the damage report can then be generated directly after the transmission. This allows the vehicle owner to be informed of the damage immediately and to carry out a corresponding monetary assessment at an early stage. This can, in particular, lead to the early settlement of the claim, resulting in cost savings for the vehicle owner.

[0017] It is also advantageous to consider the rental agreement of the vehicle's end user and the party responsible for the damage when evaluating the parameter. For example, if the party responsible for the damage is a renter of the vehicle, relevant clauses of the rental agreement can be taken into account. If, for instance, the rental agreement contains a clause stipulating that the end user is only liable for damages exceeding €500.00, this can be considered, and the end user can only be held accountable if the damage reaches this amount. Furthermore, depending on the rental agreement and the parameter characterizing the damage, it can be determined whether the damage is due to normal wear and tear or a specific type of damage. This allows for the efficient integration of the rental agreement between the end user and the lessor, reducing the overall effort required.

[0018] It is further advantageous if the damage pattern and / or the parameter characterizing the damage are saved using the vehicle-external, central electronic computing device and / or taken into account when a future damage pattern is generated. In particular, this allows the damage pattern to be documented and secured, for example, for evidentiary purposes. Furthermore, it is specifically intended that the saved damage pattern will be considered when a future damage pattern is generated. This can, for example, mean that if damage is caused by an initial user but not recorded by an expert, but is subsequently recorded by a later expert in the case of a subsequent user, the later user will not be held liable for damage they did not cause.This allows for transparency regarding the damage, enabling more efficient rental of the vehicle.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one detection device comprises a plurality of sensor devices, each sensor device being installed at different locations on the vehicle. Depending on a plurality of signals from each sensor device, the parameter characterizing the damage is determined, and / or the respective signals are transmitted as the parameter characterizing the damage to the central electronic computing unit external to the vehicle. In other words, a complete picture of the parameter characterizing the damage can be transmitted within the vehicle from the various signals of the different sensor devices.Alternatively or additionally, the individual signals, as raw signals, can be transmitted to the central, external electronic computing unit as parameters characterizing the damage. For example, sensor devices can be arranged at the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle, as well as in the center. This allows for a reliable determination of the damage.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention relates to a system for generating a damage image of a motor vehicle with at least one central electronic computing unit external to the motor vehicle, wherein the system is configured to carry out a method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is carried out by means of the system.

[0021] The system is specifically designed as a computer-implemented system. In particular, the system has a computer-readable storage medium on which program instructions can be stored in the form of a computer program product in order to carry out the procedure accordingly.

[0022] The invention also includes further developments of the system according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the system according to the invention are not described again here.

[0023] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0024] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the invention. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1. A schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of a detection device; and Fig. 2 a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the method.

[0025] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0026] In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 1 with a detection device 2. The detection device 2 comprises a plurality of sensor devices 3. In particular, it is shown that the sensor devices 3 are installed at different locations on the motor vehicle 1. Specifically, the sensor devices 3 serve to detect a parameter characterizing damage to the motor vehicle 1. The sensor devices 3, or the detection device 2, can be configured as a vibroacoustic sensor. Furthermore, other detection devices 2, or sensor devices 3, such as a camera, ultrasonic sensor, lidar sensor, or radar sensor, can also be used. In particular, a combination of different sensor devices 3 can enable the efficient detection of damage to the motor vehicle 1.The multitude of sensor devices 3 is used in particular on a front area of ​​the motor vehicle 1, on a rear area of ​​the motor vehicle 1, as well as on side areas of the motor vehicle 1 and in the underbody area of ​​the motor vehicle 1.

[0028] The detection device 2 can, for example, include an amplifier 4 designed to amplify signals 5 from the respective sensor device 3. Furthermore, the detection device 2 can include an input / output device 6 by means of which the corresponding signals 5 can be processed. The input / output device 6 can, for example, be configured as an electronic computing device, such as a head unit, of the motor vehicle 1. In particular, it can also be provided that the motor vehicle 1 has a communication device 7 by means of which the parameter characterizing the damage can be transmitted to a central electronic computing device 8 located outside the motor vehicle. The electronic computing device 8 located outside the motor vehicle is, in particular, configured as part of a system 9.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0030] In the method for generating a damage pattern 10 of the motor vehicle 1 using the system 9, at least one parameter characterizing the damage to the motor vehicle 1 is recorded by means of the recording device 2 of the motor vehicle 1 and the parameter characterizing the damage is transmitted by means of the communication device 7 of the motor vehicle 1 to the motor vehicle-external, central electronic computing device 8, wherein the parameter characterizing the damage is evaluated externally depending on an evaluation criterion stored in the motor vehicle-external, central electronic computing device 8 and the damage pattern 10 is generated depending on this.

[0031] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one recording device 2, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows a plurality of sensor devices 3, wherein each sensor device 3 is installed at different locations on the motor vehicle 1, and depending on a plurality of respective signals 5 of the respective sensor device 3 the parameter characterizing the damage is determined and / or the respective signals 5 are transmitted as the parameters characterizing the damage to the motor vehicle-external, central electronic computing device.

[0032] According to the Fig.In a first step S1, for example, it can be provided that a user 12 of the motor vehicle 1, such as a renter of the motor vehicle 1, causes damage, which is recorded by the recording device 2 and transmitted by the communication device 7. In a second step S2, the parameter characterizing the damage is then evaluated by the motor vehicle-external, central electronic computing device 8, whereby the motor vehicle-external, central electronic computing device 8 is specifically configured to transmit the damage profile 10 to an owner 11 of the motor vehicle 1. The owner 11 can, for example, be a lessor of the motor vehicle 1 or a leasing company. In particular, the damage profile 10 is thus transmitted to the owner 11 for further use.In a third step, owner S3 11 can then carry out a monetary assessment of the damage 10 and, for example, transfer it to the user 12 of the motor vehicle 1 or inform them of the amount of damage for settlement at an early stage.

[0033] In particular, it can be provided that, depending on the location of the recorded damage and / or the type of recorded damage and / or at least one parameter characterizing the motor vehicle 1 as a respective evaluation criterion, the damage image 10 is generated in the second step S2. Data transmission via the communication device 7 takes place, in particular, via mobile data transmission of the communication device 7. Furthermore, it is specifically provided that the parameter characterizing the damage is transmitted in real time to the central electronic computing device 8 external to the motor vehicle. Real time is understood to mean, in particular, that data transmission is possible without delay, so that the damage image 10 can be generated at an early stage.

[0034] In evaluating the parameter characterizing the damage, in particular a rental agreement or a leasing agreement of user 12 or of an end user of the motor vehicle 1 can be taken into account.

[0035] Furthermore, it may be provided in particular that in the second step S2 the damage pattern 10 and / or the parameter characterizing the damage is stored by means of the vehicle-external, central electronic computing device 8 and / or is taken into account in a future generation of a future further damage pattern 10.

[0036] In particular, vehicle-internal sensors are used to record the damage pattern 10. This recording device 2 is then configured to transmit the relevant damage data to the vehicle-external, central electronic computing unit 8 via the communication device 7, whereby the damage can be calculated based on the available damage data and corresponding vehicle data. The damage pattern 10 is then received by the owner 11, who is, for example, a car rental company, and who can then issue a possible invoice to the party responsible for the damage or the user 12.

[0037] This provides a solution that can be integrated into vehicle 1 by the vehicle manufacturer during production and is therefore considered within the entire electronic vehicle architecture. No additional components need to be installed, and no expensive approvals are required. In particular, this creates a cost-effective option for implementing the corresponding system 9. Furthermore, the owner 11 saves time, as, for example, no inspection of vehicle 1 is necessary upon vehicle return. Moreover, a high degree of transparency is achieved, enabling the vehicle rental company and the vehicle renter to be informed about damages. This can, for example, lead to a reduction in insurance premiums for both the user 12 and the owner 11.

[0038] System 9 can also be referred to as a damage indicator. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle 2. Recording device 3 Sensor device 4 Amplifier unit 5 Signal 6 Input / Output Device 7 Communication device 8 external, central electronic computing devices 9 System 10 Damage pattern 11 owners 12 end users S1 first step S2 second step S3 third step QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102018211047 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Method for generating a damage pattern (10) of a motor vehicle (1) by means of a system (9), in which at least one parameter characterizing damage to the motor vehicle (1) is recorded by means of at least one recording device (2) of the motor vehicle (1), and the parameter characterizing the damage is transmitted by means of a communication device (7) of the motor vehicle (1) to a central electronic computing device (8) of the system (9) external to the motor vehicle, wherein the parameter characterizing the damage is evaluated external to the motor vehicle as a function of an evaluation criterion stored in the central electronic computing device (8) external to the motor vehicle, and the damage pattern (10) is generated as a function thereof. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the generated damage image (10) is transmitted to an owner (11) of the motor vehicle (1) for further use. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the damage pattern (10) is generated as a respective evaluation criterion depending on a location of the detected damage and / or on a type of the detected damage and / or on at least one parameter characterizing the motor vehicle (1). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the parameter characterising the damage is transmitted to the central electronic computing device (8) external to the motor vehicle by means of a mobile data transmission of the communication device (7). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a structure-borne sound is detected as the parameter characterizing the damage by means of at least one vibroacoustic sensor device (3) of the detection device (2). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the parameter characterising the damage is transmitted in real time to the central electronic computing device (8) external to the motor vehicle. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a rental contract of a user (12) of the motor vehicle (1) and the person causing the damage is taken into account in the evaluation of the parameter characterizing the damage. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damage pattern (10) and / or the parameter characterizing the damage is stored by means of the central electronic computing device (8) external to the motor vehicle and / or is taken into account in a future generation of a further future damage pattern (10). [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one detection device (2) has a plurality of sensor devices (3), wherein a respective sensor device (3) is installed at different locations on the motor vehicle (1), and depending on a plurality of respective signals (5) of the respective sensor device (3), the parameter characterizing the damage is determined and / or the respective signals (5) are each transmitted as the parameter characterizing the damage to the central electronic computing device (8) external to the motor vehicle. [10] System (9) for generating a damage image (10) of a motor vehicle (1) with at least one central electronic computing device (8) external to the motor vehicle, wherein the system (9) is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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