Method for assessing a potential disinfection need of at least one vehicle in a vehicle fleet, as well as computer program product and electronic fleet management system

Abstract

Method for assessing a potential disinfection need of at least one vehicle (1) of a vehicle fleet (2) in which the following steps are carried out: - Providing electronic information concerning the usage status and / or type of use (6) of at least one vehicle (1) of the vehicle fleet (2) to an evaluation unit (4) of an electronic fleet management system (3); - Providing electronic information concerning a specified disinfection procedure (9) and / or a specified disinfection information (10) to the evaluation unit (4) of the electronic fleet management system (3); - Assessing the disinfection status (14) of at least one vehicle (1) of the vehicle fleet (2) depending on the electronic information provided by the evaluation unit (4) of the electronic fleet management system (3); - Generating and providing an assessment result concerning a potential disinfection need of the at least one vehicle (1) depending on the assessed disinfection status (14) of the at least one vehicle (1) by the evaluation unit (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for assessing a potential disinfection need of at least one vehicle in a vehicle fleet.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product and an electronic fleet management system.

[0003] Vehicles in a fleet, car-sharing service, or rental car service are used by a wide variety of people at different times. Since these vehicles, especially in car-sharing services, are used by different users in succession without significant breaks, they usually remain in operation or use without being cleaned. This can lead to the spread and multiplication of viruses and / or bacteria within the vehicles. Ideally, the surfaces and / or air volumes of the respective vehicles should be kept clean and disinfected. This is not feasible in the mobility sector.

[0004] For example, the disinfection of vehicle fleets in public transport (e.g., buses) is carried out through manual cleaning or disinfection processes.

[0005] For example, surfaces or rooms can be disinfected, or at least cleaned, by chemical treatment of the surfaces, by irradiation with UV light, or by controlling an airflow.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an automated solution or concept for the automated checking and disinfection of several vehicles in a vehicle fleet.

[0007] This task is solved by a method, a computer program, and an electronic fleet management system according to the independent patent claims. Meaningful further developments arise from the dependent claims.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for assessing a potential disinfection need of at least one vehicle in a vehicle fleet, in which the following steps are carried out: - Providing electronic information concerning the usage status and / or type of use of at least one vehicle in the fleet to an evaluation unit of an electronic fleet management system; - Providing electronic information regarding a specified disinfection procedure and / or specified disinfection information to the evaluation unit of the electronic fleet management system; - Assessing the disinfection status of at least one vehicle in the fleet based on the electronic information provided by the evaluation unit of the electronic fleet management system; - Generating and providing an assessment result regarding a potential disinfection need of at least one vehicle depending on the assessed disinfection status of at least one vehicle by the evaluation unit.

[0009] The proposed method enables the automated control and monitoring of multiple vehicles within a fleet, specifically regarding the disinfection status of each individual vehicle. This allows for an overview of the disinfection status of each vehicle in the fleet. Depending on the assessment results, an automated disinfection process can optionally be initiated, controlled, and monitored for each vehicle. This allows for the individual monitoring and disinfection of each vehicle within the fleet. In particular, the disinfection status can be assessed based on current usage and / or the number of passengers.Depending on the assessed state of disinfection, a decision can be made as to whether immediate disinfection of the vehicle is necessary or whether an intermediate stop must be made at a later time to disinfect the vehicle.

[0010] Providing the assessment results allows for disinfection to be carried out as needed, thus avoiding unnecessary disinfection processes. This enables the economical and targeted use of disinfection resources, thereby saving costs and resources.

[0011] In particular, the timing of disinfection can be determined based on the assessment results and the current and / or future usage of the vehicle. This ensures that disinfection is carried out when no one is in the vehicle, thus protecting the privacy and / or safety of the passengers.

[0012] Specifically, the proposed method can provide an efficient solution for managing a vehicle fleet in the event of a disinfection requirement. This is particularly advantageous during outbreaks of disease, epidemics, or pandemics.

[0013] In particular, the proposed procedure can be applied not only to vehicle fleets, but also, for example, to car-sharing services, rental car providers, public transport, other means of transport, or mobility solutions.

[0014] In particular, the assessment results can be used to implement rule-based control of disinfection processes for vehicles in a fleet. It is also conceivable that the proposed method could be used not only for vehicles, but also in private, public, or professional spaces and / or application areas. Specifically, the assessment results enable cloud-based control of disinfection processes for vehicles in a fleet.

[0015] The electronic fleet management system can, for example, be a central monitoring and / or control unit for the vehicle fleet. Specifically, the electronic fleet management system can be a central server, a backend, a decentralized system, or a cloud-based test system. In particular, the electronic fleet management system can monitor, check, or control all vehicles in the fleet. Specifically, the usage status and / or type of use of the evaluation unit (e.g., computing unit or processing unit) of the electronic fleet management system can be transmitted or provided for each vehicle in the fleet. For example, the evaluation unit could be a processor or a processor unit of the electronic fleet management system.

[0016] The condition of use can refer to, for example, the vehicle's state of repair, wear and tear, and / or frequency of use. The type of use can refer to how often, by which individuals, and / or by which service providers the vehicle was used or booked. For instance, the vehicle might serve as a means of passenger transport for multiple people. Another type of use could be the use of the vehicle by the same person. Here, a distinction can be made between whether the vehicle was used by one person or by multiple people. The frequency of passenger changes in the vehicle can also be defined in relation to the type of use.

[0017] For example, disinfection instructions and / or disinfection information may refer to specifications and / or legal requirements regarding hygiene measures. Specifically, the prescribed disinfection instructions and / or disinfection information may specify the frequency, number, and / or intensity of a disinfection process. In particular, the disinfection instructions and / or disinfection information may specify the intervals at which vehicles must be disinfected. For example, the prescribed disinfection instructions and / or disinfection information may be provided by external information bodies, such as health authorities, government institutes, health centers, and / or research centers. These are transmitted to the electronic fleet management system, primarily via communication connections.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the assessment result is transmitted to an output unit of the at least one vehicle and / or to a portable communication device of a user of the at least one vehicle, wherein the user of the at least one vehicle is informed acoustically and / or visually and / or haptically about a disinfection process to be carried out on the at least one vehicle via the output unit and / or the portable communication device. In particular, the electronic fleet management system can transmit the generated and provided assessment result to the at least one vehicle and / or the portable communication device of the user of the at least one vehicle via a communication connection.This allows at least one vehicle, and in particular its systems or the user, to be informed about the disinfection requirements. Either the vehicle or a vehicle system can automatically schedule a disinfection time, or the user can plan a stop or break so that the disinfection process can be carried out during that time. Specifically, the output of the assessment results allows for the rescheduling of the vehicle's current usage, enabling the potential disinfection process to be carried out as quickly as possible without significantly impacting the vehicle's operation.

[0019] The output unit of at least one vehicle can be, for example, a screen, a display, an infotainment system, or a combination display. The user's portable communication device can be, for example, a tablet or a smartphone. Thus, the user can be informed about the current disinfection status of at least one vehicle via the portable communication device and / or the output unit. Depending on the urgency or priority of the potential disinfection need, the output unit and / or the portable communication device can also provide the user with an audible, visual, and / or haptic notification.This means that in the event of an urgent disinfection process, the user can be informed as quickly as possible that the disinfection process must be carried out.

[0020] In particular, the disinfection process can be carried out manually by the user. The user can also operate, control, or activate the disinfection equipment of at least one vehicle in accordance with the disinfection regulations. For example, the user can disinfect the vehicle interior and / or vehicle components using special disinfectants (chemical disinfectants). Specifically, depending on the assessment results, the passenger compartment or the vehicle interior will be disinfected.

[0021] Disinfection refers specifically to a hygiene measure designed to kill or inactivate pathogens, thereby significantly reducing their number on or in an object or on a biological surface. The primary goal is to achieve a state where injection is no longer likely.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the generated and provided assessment result is transmitted via a communication unit of the electronic fleet management system to a disinfection device of the at least one vehicle, wherein, depending on the assessment result, an automatic disinfection process of the at least one vehicle is carried out by means of the disinfection device. In other words, depending on the assessment result, a coordinated, automatic control of the disinfection device for the disinfection of the at least one vehicle takes place.

[0023] For example, the assessment result can be transmitted to the disinfection unit or the vehicle via a mobile communication standard (LTE, 5G) using the communication unit. In particular, the assessment result can be transmitted simultaneously to multiple vehicles in the fleet. The communication unit can also transmit a control signal, generated based on the assessment result, to the disinfection unit. This allows the disinfection unit to be activated and controlled accordingly. The disinfection unit can then perform an automated disinfection process on at least one vehicle. Specifically, the disinfection unit can provide several disinfection methods.For example, the disinfection system can use a chemical disinfectant or a physical disinfection process (such as UV disinfection) to carry out a disinfection process. In particular, the disinfection system can provide and perform a wide variety of disinfection methods. Specifically, the disinfection system is designed to disinfect virtually all surfaces in the vehicle interior. To achieve this, the disinfection system can have several separate units distributed throughout the vehicle interior. This allows for an automated disinfection process of all surfaces in the vehicle interior.

[0024] In particular, the disinfection system allows for the automatic, individual disinfection of various vehicle components and / or surfaces within the vehicle interior. This enables intelligent control of the system, allowing for specific disinfection processes to be carried out depending on the disinfection status of individual surfaces in the vehicle interior. Specifically, the type and / or extent of the automatic disinfection process can be adjusted by the disinfection system based on the assessment results.

[0025] Furthermore, depending on the transmitted assessment results, the disinfection system can adjust the duration and / or intensity of the disinfection process and then carry it out automatically. This ensures efficient disinfection of the vehicle.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that, for the automatic disinfection process, several light sources of the disinfection device, which are arranged distributed on and / or in at least one vehicle, are controlled such that the several light sources emit ultraviolet radiation, particularly in a predetermined wavelength range, for disinfecting the interior of the at least one vehicle. Thus, UV-C radiation can be used for the automatic disinfection of the vehicle interior with the several light sources. Surface disinfection and, in particular, air disinfection can be carried out with the aid of UV-C radiation. The several light sources can be individually controllable UV-C sources or UV lamps, or UV LED strips, or radiation systems, or light sources, or lighting units.In particular, the multiple light sources can be used to irradiate the surfaces of the vehicle interior with UV light. Ultraviolet radiation is electromagnetic radiation with a specific wavelength. For example, the ultraviolet rays can be specified within a wavelength range between 100 nm and 380 nm. Specifically, when using UV-C radiation for disinfection, a wavelength range between 280 nm and 100 nm is employed. UV-C radiation can be used to kill bacteria and / or viruses on surfaces and / or in the air. This allows for efficient disinfection of the surfaces of the vehicle interior components.

[0027] For example, the multiple light sources can be positioned in various locations within the vehicle's interior. These light sources can also be controllable, particularly swiveling, units. This allows for individual control of each light source, enabling efficient disinfection of the areas requiring disinfection.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that when assessing the disinfection status of at least one vehicle in the vehicle fleet, a past and / or a current and / or a future route of a journey of the at least one vehicle and / or a past and / or a current and / or a future period of use of the at least one vehicle by a user of the at least one vehicle are taken into account, in particular a number of passengers in the at least one vehicle and / or geographical stops of the at least one vehicle during the journey of the at least one vehicle are taken into account when assessing the disinfection status.For example, various pieces of information regarding the vehicle's route or journey can be used to determine the areas or locations the vehicle has visited. This can be particularly helpful in assessing risk areas. Thus, depending on where the vehicle has been or will be, it can be determined to what extent the vehicle has been or will be disinfected. This can be taken into account for an efficient disinfection process. Another crucial piece of information is the vehicle's duration of use.For example, the specified disinfection procedure and / or the specified disinfection information can be used to determine the time interval, duration, and / or intensity at which a disinfection process of the vehicle should be carried out.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, a control signal for a ventilation system of the at least one vehicle is generated by the evaluation unit, depending on the assessment result. This generated control signal is transmitted to the ventilation system of the at least one vehicle via the communication unit of the electronic fleet management system, enabling automatic ventilation of the vehicle interior. This allows for efficient air exchange within the vehicle interior, thus facilitating the simple removal of disease-causing germs, bacteria, or viruses from the vehicle interior. The ventilation of the vehicle interior can also be integrated with the disinfection system.For example, the ventilation system can draw air from the vehicle interior and disinfect it via special ductwork using one or more light sources from the disinfection unit. The ventilation system can also be integrated with UV lamps. This allows for both air exchange and disinfection of the exchanged or drawn-in air using UV radiation. In particular, this enables efficient disinfection of the vehicle interior while adhering to hygiene standards.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, when assessing the disinfection status of at least one vehicle in the fleet, disinfection processes carried out in the past are taken into account. In particular, disinfection processes carried out by at least one vehicle in the fleet are stored in a database of the electronic fleet management system, so that the stored data can be considered when assessing the current disinfection status of the at least one vehicle. By taking past disinfection processes into account, a current disinfection process can be carried out more efficiently and, in particular, more precisely. This allows, for example, the amount of disinfectant to be dosed and used more sparingly, or the irradiation time of the light sources to be adjusted.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that, depending on the specified disinfection procedure and / or the specified disinfection information, a time interval for disinfecting at least one vehicle is determined by the evaluation unit, wherein the time interval is taken into account when generating the assessment result, and in particular, depending on the time interval, an automatic disinfection process of the at least one vehicle is initiated by the evaluation unit. Specifically, the duration of a disinfection process to be carried out can be specified by the external information center or health authority and / or by a fleet provider. The disinfection interval ensures that successful, and in particular effective, disinfection of the vehicle can be carried out.

[0032] Another effect of the invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to execute a method according to a previous aspect or a further development thereof.

[0033] Another aspect of the invention relates to an electronic fleet management system comprising a communication unit and an evaluation unit, wherein the electronic fleet management system is configured to carry out a method according to one of the preceding aspects or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The electronic fleet management system may, for example, be a central or decentralized computing or processing unit for managing, controlling, and monitoring a vehicle fleet consisting of several vehicles. For example, the electronic fleet management system may be configured as a cloud-based system, a server, a backend, or a data processing unit. In particular, the method described above can be carried out using the electronic fleet management system.

[0034] Advantageous embodiments of the method are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the computer program product and the electronic fleet management system. In particular, advantageous embodiments of individual aspects can be regarded as advantageous embodiments of all other aspects.

[0035] The invention also includes further developments of the computer program product and the electronic fleet management 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 computer program product and the electronic fleet management system according to the invention are not described again here.

[0036] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0037] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the invention. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a vehicle from a vehicle fleet; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an electronic fleet management system of the vehicle fleet Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 a schematic interior view of a passenger compartment of the vehicle from Fig. 1.

[0038] 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.

[0039] In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0040] The Fig. Figure 1 shows, for example, a schematic representation of a vehicle 1 in a vehicle fleet 2. For example, the vehicle fleet 2 could be a fleet belonging to a fleet provider or a car-sharing service, a rental car fleet, company vehicles, or vehicles belonging to a taxi company. The vehicle fleet 2 can consist of several, in particular a large number, of vehicles.

[0041] For example, vehicle 1 can be a motor vehicle or a truck. Specifically, vehicle 1, and preferably all vehicles in the fleet 2, are monitored, controlled, managed, and administered using an electronic fleet management system 3. The electronic fleet management system 3 can be, for example, a cloud-based system, a backend, a central computing unit, a decentralized computing unit, or a server.

[0042] For example, a wide variety of vehicles can be assigned to vehicle fleet 2. For example, vehicle fleet 2 can consist of public vehicles and / or private vehicles.

[0043] In particular, the vehicles of fleet 2 and vehicle 1 can log in or register with the electronic fleet management system 3 via corresponding applications or web applications for fleet 2. Thus, by registering with the electronic fleet management system 3, vehicle 1 is added to fleet 2.

[0044] In particular, the vehicles in fleet 2 are used by various users. For example, several users can book and use the same vehicle at different times on the same day. This can lead to contamination, especially after each use of vehicle 1. Hygiene regulations must be observed between driver or user changes of vehicle 1. Therefore, the vehicles must be disinfected after each user change. Consequently, automated disinfection of vehicle 1 in fleet 2 is particularly necessary. This is now illustrated in the schematic system diagram of the method according to the invention in the Fig. 2 explained.

[0045] The electronic fleet management system 3 is in a reciprocal relationship with a wide variety of units.

[0046] The electronic fleet management system 3 includes an evaluation unit 4 for processing all information relating to a disinfection process of the vehicle 1. The evaluation unit 4 may, in particular, include a processor 5 for data processing. The processor 5 may, for example, be a microprocessor or a processor unit. The evaluation unit 4, together with the processor 5, may be referred to as a computer program. In particular, a method according to the invention can be carried out using this computer program or computer program product.

[0047] In order to assess the potential disinfection needs of vehicle 1, particularly using evaluation unit 4, a wide range of information is required. Specifically, evaluation unit 4 can be provided with electronic information regarding the usage status and / or usage type 6 of vehicle 1 within the vehicle fleet 2. Evaluation unit 4 can independently retrieve or extract the usage type and / or usage status 6 of at least one vehicle 1, or this electronic information can be automatically transmitted to evaluation unit 4. Evaluation unit 4 can include a server 7, be integrated with a server 7, or be in communication with a server 7. Server 7 could, for example, be a database or data storage device for evaluation unit 4.It is also conceivable that server 7 is a cloud-based application, a data cloud, a cloud system, or a centralized or decentralized computing unit. In particular, evaluation unit 4 can retrieve electronic information and other information using server 7. The usage status and / or usage type 6, for example, refers to the occupancy of vehicle 1, the number of bookings or reservations, and / or the previous, current, or future usage duration of vehicle 1. Historical data concerning the past use of vehicle 1 can also be taken into account. In order to ensure the most efficient disinfection of vehicle 1, legal disinfection regulations and / or hygiene regulations must be observed.These predefined regulations or rules can be provided in particular to the electronic fleet management system 3 via an external information point 8.

[0048] The external information point 8 could be, for example, a public health department, a health authority, a government agency, a research institution, or a scientific institute. This external information point 8 can, for example, provide electronic information regarding a specified disinfection regulation 9 and / or specified disinfection information to the evaluation unit 4. This electronic information can also be transferred to server 7 and stored or temporarily cached there.

[0049] For example, specific map data 11 can also be provided by the external information center 8 to server 7 and, in particular, to evaluation unit 4. For example, specific geographical areas and / or localities where a particularly stringent hygiene protocol must be followed can be provided using map data 11. In particular, regions with strict hygiene regulations can be provided to evaluation unit 4 using map data 11. Specifically, defined health risk areas (areas with a specific pandemic and / or a high risk of infection) can be provided using map data 11.

[0050] In particular, the vehicle fleet 2 is in constant information exchange with the external information center 8 via the electronic fleet management system 3. For example, the necessity of disinfecting all vehicles in vehicle fleet 2 can be defined by a health authority (external information center 8) based on rules and, if necessary, tightened or adjusted by the fleet operator of vehicle fleet 2. For this purpose, the fleet operator and the external information center 8 can communicate via server 7 (cloud). Disinfection rules and / or disinfection logics can be exchanged and adjusted. This also allows vehicle fleet 2 and the external information center 8 to be continuously informed about the implemented disinfection measures.In particular, the electronic fleet management system 3 can continuously transmit the current disinfection status of all vehicles in the vehicle fleet 2 to the external information point 8, depending on the respective geographical positions of the vehicles.

[0051] For example, evaluation unit 4 can be connected to a positioning unit 12. Using positioning unit 12, the current position of vehicle 1 and the respective positions of the vehicles in fleet 2 can be provided or transmitted to evaluation unit 4. Positioning unit 12 can be a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). This allows for precise positioning of vehicle 1 and the vehicles in fleet 2. Position information 13 of vehicle 1 can also be provided to server 7.

[0052] In particular, the evaluation unit 4 can be used to assess, analyze, evaluate, or determine the disinfection status 14 of vehicle 1, depending on the electronic information provided (especially the information stored in server 7, information from vehicle 1, or other information). The assessed disinfection status 14 can then be temporarily stored in server 7 or provided to the external information center 8 or the fleet operator. For example, a current and / or future disinfection status 14 can be determined based on the respective current and / or future usage of vehicle 1.

[0053] Furthermore, with the aid of evaluation unit 4, an assessment result regarding a potential disinfection requirement of vehicle 1 can be generated and provided, depending on the assessed disinfection status 14 of at least one vehicle 1. Using this assessment result, it can be determined, in particular for vehicle 1, when and to what extent a disinfection process must be carried out. Specifically, the assessment result provides information on a current and / or future potential disinfection process for vehicle 1. For example, the assessment result can be used to inform vehicle 1 and / or a user 15 of vehicle 1 that disinfection of vehicle 1 is necessary either immediately or within a specific time frame.

[0054] For example, when assessing the disinfection status 14 of vehicle 1, a past and / or present and / or future route or journey trajectory 16 of vehicle 1 can be taken into account. In particular, the journey 16 of vehicle 1 can be assessed to determine whether vehicle 1 has been or will be in a specific region of the stored map data 11. Thus, for example, a more intensive disinfection of vehicle 1 can be calculated or determined. Furthermore, a past and / or present and / or future usage period of vehicle 1 can be taken into account when assessing the disinfection status 14.The usage duration can be automatically determined by the electronic fleet management system 3, or the vehicle 1 can automatically and independently transmit the usage duration to the electronic fleet management system 3 after completing a journey 16. Furthermore, the number of passengers in the vehicle 1 and / or geographical stops made by the vehicle 1 during the journey 16 can be taken into account when assessing the disinfection status 14. The geographical stops during the journey 16 can, in turn, be compared with the map data 11, and any overlap of hygienically relevant areas can be considered when assessing the disinfection status.For example, a map showing risk areas based on map data 11 can be used for the automated control of a disinfection process for vehicle 1, which can depict the location-dependent need for disinfection of vehicle 1. This can, for example, be incorporated into a disinfection logic.

[0055] In particular, the number of occupants or passengers in vehicle 1 is important for assessing the state of disinfection or the need for disinfection. The use or degree of use of the vehicle interior and / or vehicle trunk 18 is also crucial for the assessment.

[0056] Furthermore, when assessing the disinfection status 14 or the disinfection needs of vehicle 1 in fleet 2, disinfection processes carried out on vehicle 1 in the past can be taken into account. In particular, completed or planned disinfection processes can be temporarily stored or saved on server 7. This allows past data and, in particular, past experience to be considered when assessing the current disinfection status 14. For this purpose, the disinfection processes carried out, and especially the respective disinfection method and disinfection time, can be stored in a database 19 of the electronic fleet management system 3, and specifically on server 7, so that the stored data from database 19 can be considered when assessing the current disinfection status 14 of vehicle 1.

[0057] Furthermore, vehicle information 20 can be considered for assessing the disinfection status 14 and / or the disinfection needs of the vehicle 1. This vehicle information 20 can include a wide variety of information concerning the vehicle 1. This information can either be automatically provided by the vehicle to the fleet management system 3 or the evaluation unit 4. The evaluation unit 4 can also retrieve or request this vehicle information 20 independently. The vehicle information 20 can include, for example, the use of a driver's seat, a rear seat, a rear seat position (left seat, middle seat, right seat), a front passenger seat, a vehicle trunk 18, or the status of the central locking system of the vehicle 1.Based on these exemplary vehicle information 20, a more precise assessment of the respective usage duration and / or type of use of vehicle 1 can be determined. Thus, the disinfection requirement of vehicle 1 can be determined even more accurately.

[0058] Furthermore, regardless of the disinfection status of vehicle 1, external information point 8 can request a disinfection service or a disinfection order for vehicle 1 and / or vehicle fleet 2. For example, any level of disinfection of vehicle 1 and, in particular, vehicle fleet 2 can be provided to external information point 8.

[0059] Vehicle 1, external information point 8, or the fleet operator can also transmit a disinfection request 21 to evaluation unit 4. Evaluation unit 4 can then analyze and assess the disinfection requirements in detail, depending on the current disinfection status 14 and the specific disinfection request 21. The corresponding result can then be transmitted back to the requesting party by evaluation unit 4.

[0060] For example, the evaluation unit 4 can send the assessment result to an output unit 22 (compare Fig. 3) of the vehicle 1 and / or to a portable communication device 23 of the user 15 of the vehicle 1. The output unit 22 can be, for example, an infotainment system or a combination display of the vehicle 1. The portable communication device 23 can be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet of the user 15. The user 15 can thus be informed acoustically and / or visually and / or haptically about a disinfection process to be carried out on the vehicle 1. Thus, the user 15 can be notified of a disinfection process to be carried out manually or warned of an upcoming automatic disinfection process.

[0061] In particular, the generated and provided assessment result can be transmitted via a communication unit 24 of the electronic fleet management system 3 to a disinfection device 25 of the vehicle 1. The disinfection device 25 is an automated unit or device for carrying out an automated disinfection process of the vehicle 1. Depending on the assessment result, the disinfection device 25 can perform an automatic disinfection process of the vehicle 1. For example, the disinfection device 25 can be in communication communication with the evaluation unit 4 or with the electronic fleet management system 3. For this purpose, the evaluation unit 4 can, for example, generate a corresponding control signal 26 and transmit it to the disinfection device 25.The disinfection device 25 can include several individual components or units for carrying out vehicle-specific processes. In particular, disinfection can be performed using UV light or a chemical disinfectant with the aid of the disinfection device 25. Depending on the current disinfection status of the vehicle 1, the type of disinfection and / or disinfection location in or on the vehicle 1 and / or the duration and / or intensity of the disinfection can be set or adjusted using the disinfection device 25. Thus, efficient disinfection of the vehicle 1 can be carried out automatically, and in particular fully automatically.

[0062] In particular, the disinfection device 25 can have several light sources 27. These multiple light sources 27 can be arranged distributed on or inside the vehicle 1. Depending on the vehicle size, for example, the number of multiple light sources 27 can be defined or adjusted. Specifically, the light sources 27 can be used to irradiate specific vehicle components of the vehicle 1 with ultraviolet radiation for disinfection. The ultraviolet radiation is emitted by the light sources 27 within a predefined wavelength range. For example, the multiple light sources 27 are ultraviolet lighting units. In particular, the multiple light sources 27 are UVC lamps. These multiple light sources 27 can be fixed in position, or the individual light sources 27 can be selectively controlled and swiveled accordingly.Thus, 27 different vehicle components can be irradiated or disinfected with one light source. For example, with the help of multiple light sources, 27 (compare . Fig. 3) A steering wheel, a gearshift lever, a handbrake, a center console, a glove compartment, sunglasses, an interior mirror, a cockpit, a door handle, or the vehicle trunk 18 can be disinfected. In particular, the most diverse and extensive vehicle components and / or vehicle systems and / or vehicle parts of the vehicle 1 can be disinfected using the light sources 27. In particular, the multiple light sources 27 can be arranged at various positions in the vehicle interior 17, depending on the radiation range.

[0063] Another additional or optional possibility for disinfecting vehicle 1 is that, depending on the assessment result, a control signal for a ventilation system 28 (compare Fig.3) of the vehicle 1 is generated by the evaluation unit 4, the generated control signal being transmitted by a communication unit 24 of the electronic fleet management system 3 to the ventilation system 28 of the vehicle 1, so that the ventilation system 28 can perform automatic ventilation or automatic air exchange of the vehicle interior 17 of the vehicle 1. Thus, in particular, an air exchange can be carried out after each use of the vehicle 1 by a user. This allows bacteria, viruses, or germs in the air to be exchanged. The ventilation system 28 can also draw in air from the vehicle interior 17 and disinfect it, for example, by means of specially arranged light sources 27. Thus, it can always be ensured that germ-free or virus-free air is present in the vehicle 1.For example, depending on the specified disinfection procedure 9 or the specified disinfection information 10, a time interval for disinfecting vehicle 1 can be determined by the evaluation unit 4, whereby the time interval is taken into account when generating the assessment result. In particular, depending on the time interval, an automatic disinfection process of at least one vehicle 1 can be initiated by the evaluation unit 4. This disinfection interval can, for example, be provided or transmitted to the disinfection device 25. For example, as soon as the user 15 has left vehicle 1, an automatic disinfection process can be carried out, taking into account the disinfection interval and subsequent use of vehicle 1.

[0064] For example, a disinfection logic can be implemented in the electronic fleet management system 3. This logic is based on the regulations of health authorities and fleet operators, as well as the environmental information of vehicle 1. Based on the vehicle's usage, the system calculates the need for disinfection and, if necessary, requests disinfection by communicating with vehicle 1. This allows for a more effective automated disinfection process.

[0065] In vehicle 1, corresponding commands or instructions for disinfection can be received and implemented, provided this poses no risk to potential drivers or passengers. For example, disinfection may be postponed to a later time when no one is in vehicle 1. The degree of disinfection is measured or estimated based on experience and transmitted to the electronic fleet management system 3. For instance, disinfection can be limited to different areas of the vehicle interior 17 and the vehicle trunk 18, as the usage of vehicle 1 can be individually recorded.

[0066] In particular, by combining all disinfection information relating to vehicle 1, a locally resolved map of disinfection implementation can be generated, which in turn can be reported to health authorities and / or fleet operators at regular intervals. This ensures that the privacy of user 15 is respected, because not individual vehicles, but only the degree of disinfection compliance is displayed or logged.

[0067] In particular, the electronic fleet management system 3, in compliance with regulations from health authorities and anonymized feedback on the degree of compliance with these regulations, can be used to determine the precise status of the disinfection level of the vehicle fleet 2. Specifically, by specifying rules, considering vehicle 1 usage, and environmental information, the necessity and degree of disinfection can be determined for each vehicle using a disinfection logic.

[0068] Another possibility is that the corresponding disinfection logic is not only implemented in the electronic fleet management system 3, but can also be provided as a downloadable application for the individual vehicles of fleet 2. In this case, the disinfection procedures carried out in the individual vehicles (degree of completion as a function of time) would be transmitted to a central processing unit.

[0069] For example, health authorities and / or fleet operators can query vehicle 1 based on defined risk areas and defined minimum usage durations. If vehicle 1 has been in a defined risk area and / or the usage duration is between 1 and 24 hours, a disinfection procedure can be initiated and transmitted to vehicle 1 or to disinfection unit 25. This information is received by vehicle 1 via communication systems and processed accordingly. User 15 can then be informed of an upcoming disinfection procedure via output unit 22. For example, user 15 can be notified that the next opportunity to stop (such as for a break or refueling) should be taken.If this intermediate stop occurs, user 15 can be asked to leave vehicle 1 for, for example, 30 minutes, so that a disinfection process can be carried out without endangering user 15. As soon as user 15, or the driver, has left vehicle 1, the disinfection process starts automatically. Simultaneously, vehicle 1 can also be ventilated using ventilation system 28. Afterwards, the respective location and / or usage duration of vehicle 1 can be transmitted to the health authority and / or the fleet provider for verification of the disinfection status.

[0070] In another example, the health authority might order UV disinfection of all vehicles in fleet 2. Similarly, the fleet provider might order disinfection of all vehicles in fleet 2. Alternatively, only individual vehicles in fleet 2 could be disinfected. This information is updated for the ultraviolet disinfection rules and transmitted to the UV disinfection rules or logic. This allows for verification of whether the respective vehicles have updated their disinfection status. Subsequently, a UV disinfection request is sent to individual vehicles or to all vehicles in fleet 2. These vehicles then receive this request, and either a manual or automatic disinfection process is carried out.For example, user 15 of vehicle 1 can be instructed to perform a corresponding service or workshop service to carry out disinfection. User 15 can also perform a manual disinfection process. Alternatively, an automated disinfection process of the vehicle interior 17 and / or the vehicle trunk 18 can be carried out. The respective usage status (which doors, seats, and trunk were used) can be taken into account. Using the electronic fleet management system 3, the respective UV disinfection status, usage duration, and usage status (usage pattern) of each vehicle can be checked. In particular, it is continuously checked whether all vehicles or the respective vehicle have been 100% disinfected. If this is not the case, another disinfection process is carried out.The respective disinfection status or condition of each individual vehicle 1 or the vehicle fleet 2 can be provided to the health authority and / or the fleet provider, for example, as a percentage. This allows for efficient and continuously updated monitoring of the disinfection status of the vehicle fleet 2. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 2 vehicle fleet 3 electronic fleet management system 4 evaluation units 5 processor 6. Condition and / or type of use 7 servers 8 external information point 9 Disinfection instructions 10 Disinfection information 11 Map data 12 Position determination unit 13 Position information 14 Disinfection status 15 users 16. Travel 17 Vehicle interior 18 vehicle trunk 19 database 20 Vehicle Information 21 Disinfection request 22 output units 23 portable communication device 24 communication units 25 Disinfection equipment 26 Control signal 27 light sources 28 Ventilation system

Claims

[1] Method for assessing a potential disinfection need of at least one vehicle (1) of a vehicle fleet (2), in which the following steps are carried out: - Providing electronic information relating to a usage status and / or a usage type (6) of the at least one vehicle (1) of the vehicle fleet (2) to an evaluation unit (4) of an electronic fleet management system (3); - Providing electronic information relating to a predefined disinfection regulation (9) and / or predefined disinfection information (10) to the evaluation unit (4) of the electronic fleet management system (3); - Assessing a disinfection status (14) of the at least one vehicle (1) of the vehicle fleet (2) as a function of the provided electronic information by the evaluation unit (4) of the electronic fleet management system (3); - generating and providing an assessment result relating to a potential disinfection need of the at least one vehicle (1) as a function of the assessed disinfection state (14) of the at least one vehicle (1) by the evaluation unit (4). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the assessment result is transmitted to an output unit (22) of the at least one vehicle (1) and / or to a portable communication terminal (23) of a user (15) of the at least one vehicle (1), wherein the user (15) of the at least one vehicle (1) is informed acoustically and / or optically and / or haptically by the output unit (22) and / or the portable communication terminal (23) about a disinfection process to be carried out on the at least one vehicle (1). [3] Method according to claim 1, wherein the generated and provided assessment result is transmitted to a disinfection device (25) of the at least one vehicle (1) by a communication unit (24) of the electronic fleet management system (3), wherein an automatic disinfection process of the at least one vehicle (1) is carried out with the disinfection device (25) as a function of the assessment result. [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein for the automatic disinfection process, a plurality of light sources (27) of the disinfection device (25), which are arranged distributed on and / or in the at least one vehicle (1), are controlled in such a way that the plurality of light sources (27) emit ultraviolet radiation, in particular in a predetermined wavelength range, for disinfecting a vehicle interior (17) of the at least one vehicle (1). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the assessment of the disinfection state (14) of the at least one vehicle (1) of the vehicle fleet (2), a past and / or a current and / or a future route of a travel journey (16) of the at least one vehicle (1) and / or a past and / or a current and / or a future period of use of the at least one vehicle (1) by a user (15) of the at least one vehicle (1) are taken into account, in particular a number of passengers in the at least one vehicle (1) and / or geographical stopping points of the at least one vehicle (1) during the travel journey (16) are taken into account in the assessment of the disinfection state (14). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, depending on the assessment result, a control signal (26) for a ventilation system (28) of the at least one vehicle (1) is generated by the evaluation unit (4), wherein the generated control signal (26) is transmitted to the ventilation system (28) of the at least one vehicle (1) by a communication unit (24) of the electronic fleet management system (3), so that automatic ventilation of a vehicle interior (17) of the at least one vehicle (1) is carried out by the ventilation system (28). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the assessment of the disinfection status (14) of the at least one vehicle (1) of the vehicle fleet (2), disinfection processes carried out in the past on the at least one vehicle (1) of the vehicle fleet (2) are taken into account, in particular disinfection processes carried out on the at least one vehicle (1) of the vehicle fleet (2) are stored in a database (19) of the electronic fleet management system (3), so that the stored data can be taken into account in a current assessment of the disinfection status (14) of the at least one vehicle (1). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a time disinfection interval for disinfecting the at least one vehicle (1) is determined by the evaluation unit (4) as a function of the predetermined disinfection rule (9) and / or the predetermined disinfection information (10), wherein the time disinfection interval is taken into account when generating the assessment result, in particular an automatic disinfection process of the at least one vehicle (1) is initiated by the evaluation unit (4) as a function of the time disinfection interval. [9] A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8. [10] Electronic fleet management system (3) with a communication unit (24) and an evaluation unit (4), wherein the electronic fleet management system (3) is designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8.

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