vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle (1) comprising a motion sensor, interior lighting, an alarm system (2) and a computing unit (3), wherein the computing unit (3) is configured to control the alarm system (2) to issue an alarm when movement is detected by means of the motion sensor, where the motion sensor is designed as a motion detector (2.1) and is located in the vehicle interior (4), the interior lighting is designed as cargo area lighting (5), and the computing unit (3) is further configured to switch on the cargo area lighting (5) when a movement is detected by means of the motion detector (2.1), characterized by the fact that the computing unit (3) is configured to check a second and a third criterion when detecting movement, regardless of the door locking status, and: - to activate the alarm system (2) to trigger the alarm if the second criterion is met, or to leave the alarm system (2) switched off if the second criterion is not met; and - to switch on the cargo area lighting (5) if the third criterion is met, or to leave the cargo area lighting (5) switched off if the third criterion is not met; wherein - the second criterion corresponds to a failure to detect a known identifier and / or the third criterion corresponds to a detection of a known identifier.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle of the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Vehicles equipped with anti-theft alarm systems are quite common. Such a vehicle has a motion detector located inside the vehicle, which detects movement within the interior. Once the vehicle doors are closed, especially locked, the anti-theft alarm system is activated. This means that an alarm can now be triggered by the vehicle as soon as movement is detected by the motion detector. This can involve activating external lighting devices such as the headlights, taillights, and / or turn signals, particularly in a pulsating mode, as well as sounding an audible alarm signal, for example, the vehicle's horn. Furthermore, if a suitable communication interface is available, alarm messages can be sent externally, for example, to the vehicle owner's smartphone.

[0003] Furthermore, it is common practice to equip vehicles with interior lighting. Such interior lighting makes it easier for vehicle users to locate items inside the vehicle in adverse lighting conditions, such as at dusk or at night. This is particularly helpful when using commercial vehicles like vans, as it facilitates loading and unloading. This type of cargo area lighting is typically activated manually, for example, by pressing a switch, which can be quite cumbersome. In particular, operating such a switch with full hands can be difficult or even impossible.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2021 002 164 A1 discloses a method for illuminating a vehicle, in particular a motorhome or caravan. The vehicle is equipped with external motion sensors, specifically in the form of environmental sensors already present for driver assistance systems. These sensors can be, for example, a camera, lidar, or an ultrasonic sensor. The motion sensor(s) detect when a person approaches the vehicle. Two distance zones with different distances from the vehicle are defined around the vehicle. Depending on which distance zone detects an approach, two different lighting modes can be activated. If movement is detected in the distance zone closer to the vehicle for a certain period of time, an alarm can be triggered.Furthermore, the document describes the switching on of vehicle interior lighting when a camera detects a person getting up from a bed or performing a specific gesture.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2004 012 605 A1 discloses an interior light with an interior monitoring device for vehicles. The interior monitoring device can be switched between a monitoring state, in which an alarm signal can be issued, and a standby state, in which a light source can be activated. The alarm signal is issued or the light source is activated depending on movements detected by an IR motion detector. If a locking device of the vehicle reports a locked door status, the interior monitoring device operates in the monitoring state and in the standby state if the door status is unlocked.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 10 2017 214 010 A1 discloses a method and a device for monitoring the interior of a vehicle. Movements in the vehicle's interior are detected by means of a suitable sensor, in particular a radar sensor. According to a first operating mode, a gesture of a vehicle occupant is determined from the movements, and according to a second operating mode, the detected movements are used to infer the intrusion of a person or object into the interior. In the second operating mode, an anti-theft measure can be triggered. Switching between the operating modes is possible depending on the detection of an authorized vehicle occupant. A vehicle occupant is considered authorized if they are in the vehicle while it is unlocked.

[0007] The dual use of a motion detector to activate a vehicle interior light and to detect an intrusion into the vehicle interior is also known from DE 10 2013 224 810 A1, DE 10 2007 054 139 A1 and EP 2 746 805 A1.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a vehicle with an alarm system that is improved compared to the prior art, is particularly safe to use in adverse lighting conditions and is characterized by a simple design.

[0009] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a vehicle with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments result from the dependent claims.

[0010] A vehicle of this type, comprising a motion sensor, interior lighting, an alarm system, and a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to control the alarm system to issue an alarm when movement is detected by the motion sensor, provides that the motion sensor is designed as a motion detector and is arranged in the vehicle interior, the interior lighting is designed as cargo area lighting, and the processing unit is further configured to switch on the cargo area lighting when movement is detected by the motion detector. According to the invention, it is provided that: The computing unit is configured to check a second and a third criterion when detecting movement, regardless of the door locking status, and: - to activate the alarm system to trigger the alarm if the second criterion is met, or to leave the alarm system deactivated if the second criterion is not met; and - to switch on the cargo area lighting if the third criterion is met, or to leave the cargo area lighting switched off if the third criterion is not met; wherein - the second criterion corresponds to a failure to detect a known identifier and / or the third criterion corresponds to a detection of a known identifier.

[0011] According to the invention, the motion detector of the alarm system, particularly in the form of an anti-theft alarm system, is used to function as a switch for the cargo area lighting. This eliminates the need for additional motion sensors if the vehicle is equipped with a motion-activated alarm system. Activating the cargo area lighting ensures safe use of the vehicle in adverse lighting conditions. Furthermore, the user does not need to manually operate a light switch to turn on the cargo area lighting. The lighting can be switched on simply by performing a movement, which is easy and safe even with full hands.

[0012] It is generally known that interior lighting switches on when the vehicle doors are opened. However, after a certain period of time, the lighting switches off again to save energy. This can easily happen, especially when loading or unloading the vehicle's cargo area, as the vehicle user often leaves the vehicle with the doors open, particularly the tailgate, for extended periods. This requires the user to walk back and forth, for example, to bring cargo to the vehicle or to transport cargo away from the vehicle for storage. According to the invention, the cargo area lighting can be switched on particularly reliably and safely based on motion detection.

[0013] The motion detector is located inside the vehicle, as its original purpose is to detect the theft of items from the vehicle interior and, in such a situation, to activate the alarm system. However, the motion detector can advantageously be designed and positioned in the vehicle in such a way that, when a vehicle door, particularly the tailgate, is opened, movements outside the vehicle interior, namely in the area adjacent to the open door, can also be detected. This allows for the particularly early activation of the cargo area lighting. The motion detector can remain in its usual installation position, dictated by the alarm function, which allows for particularly simple manufacturing of the vehicle according to the invention.However, the motion detector can also be positioned differently in order to more reliably detect surrounding areas in front of an open vehicle door while simultaneously detecting the vehicle interior.

[0014] In general, a wide variety of motion detector designs are known, all of which can be used for the implementation of the invention. It could be an active motion detector, which, for example, emits electromagnetic waves such as microwaves or Doppler radar and detects corresponding echoes. It could also be an ultrasonic motion detector. Likewise, it could be a passive motion detector, such as a pyroelectric sensor.

[0015] Additionally, a brightness sensor can be provided so that the cargo area lighting only switches on when the ambient light level falls below a certain threshold. The brightness sensor can be integrated into the vehicle or the motion detector itself. The detection range of the motion detector can also be varied via an adjustable proximity sensitivity. The motion detector can also be designed as a presence detector and / or a dual detector. Presence detectors are characterized by particularly high detection accuracy or resolution, and dual detectors by the presence of at least two separate measuring devices or sensors.

[0016] The cargo area lighting can be automatically deactivated if no further movement is detected within a certain period of time. This period starts counting down as soon as movement is detected and can optionally be restarted with each new detection.

[0017] As already described, the processing unit is further equipped to check a second and a third criterion when detecting a movement, and: - to activate the alarm system to trigger the alarm if the second criterion is met, or to leave the alarm system deactivated if the second criterion is not met; and - to switch on the cargo area lighting if the third criterion is met, or to leave the cargo area lighting switched off if the third criterion is not met.

[0018] This allows the alarm system and cargo area lighting to be switched on and off by individually checking various criteria. This enables the vehicle user to define even more precisely how the vehicle should be operated.

[0019] The method according to the invention provides that the second criterion corresponds to the non-detection of a known identification feature and / or the third criterion corresponds to the detection of a known identification feature, in particular the detection of an authorized person and / or an authorized mobile device. The vehicle can be capable of identifying persons and comparing them with a list of known authorized persons. For example, a person can log in to the vehicle with a username and password or be identified by a biometric feature. For example, an iris scan can be performed, a characteristic movement pattern can be recognized, facial recognition can be carried out, a voice analysis can be performed, or the like. The presence of a mobile device known to the vehicle can also indirectly allow the inference of the presence of the authorized person.For example, it can be checked whether a known key fob, transponder, smartphone or similar device is within radio range of the vehicle.

[0020] If movement is detected by the motion detector, the alarm system is activated unless the presence of an authorized person is confirmed. If, however, the presence of an authorized person is detected, the alarm system remains deactivated. This occurs regardless of the door's locking status.

[0021] If movement is detected by the motion detector, the cargo area lighting will switch on if the presence of an authorized person is confirmed. The cargo area lighting may also remain off if no authorized person is present in the vicinity of the vehicle. This occurs regardless of the door locking status.

[0022] An advantageous embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention further provides that the processing unit is also configured to switch on an external lighting device when it detects movement. This can further facilitate and make loading and / or unloading the vehicle safer in adverse lighting conditions. For example, a vehicle user could bump into and trip over objects or obstacles in the vicinity of the vehicle. Illuminating the surroundings, however, reduces this risk. All conceivable external lighting devices are suitable for this purpose, such as the rear lights, headlights, license plate lights, or dedicated ambient lighting devices. A lighting device located inside the vehicle could also be directed outwards through an open vehicle door.Activating the vehicle's external lighting can be advantageously linked to checking the first, second, and / or third criteria. It is particularly advantageous if the vehicle's external lighting is activated and / or deactivated in the same way as the cargo area lighting.

[0023] The vehicle according to the invention is thus able to advantageously operate the alarm system and the cargo area lighting according to a light control method. This light control method is also part of the invention.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, it is designed as a commercial vehicle, in particular as a van. The lighting control according to the invention is particularly advantageous in a commercial vehicle because, as mentioned at the outset, situations frequently arise in which the vehicle is left with the doors open for loading and / or unloading, requiring the cargo area lighting to be switched on several times.

[0025] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the vehicle according to the invention also result from the exemplary embodiments, which are described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0026] This shows: Fig. 1 A schematic top view of a vehicle according to the invention; and Fig. 2 A flowchart of a light control method executable by the vehicle according to the invention.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of a vehicle 1 according to the invention, advantageously in a transporter configuration. In general, however, it could be any vehicle 1 that has a vehicle interior 4, for example a car or a watercraft, rail vehicle or aircraft.

[0028] Vehicle 1 is equipped with an alarm system 2, which in turn consists of a motion detector 2.1, acoustic 2.2 and / or visual output devices 2.3, and a processing unit 3 for processing the sensor signals generated by the motion detector 2.1 and controlling the output devices 2.2 and 2.3. The motion detector 2.1 is located inside the vehicle interior 4 and is capable of detecting movements within the vehicle interior 4. The acoustic output devices 2.2 could be, for example, loudspeakers, the vehicle 1's horn, or similar devices. The visual output devices 2.3 could be, for example, an external lighting device such as a headlight of vehicle 1, a display device, or similar devices.

[0029] The vehicle 1 further includes an idealized cargo area light 5. According to the invention, the motion detector 2.1 of the alarm system 2 functions as a switch for turning on the cargo area light 5. If the processing unit 3 detects movement in the vehicle interior 4, and, if the vehicle door 6 is open, possibly also outside the vehicle 1, the alarm system 2 and / or the cargo area light 5 can be activated. If the vehicle doors 6 are open, the cargo area light 5 can also shine from inside the vehicle interior 4.

[0030] Advantageously, either only the alarm system 2 or the cargo area lighting 5 is activated. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a decision tree used by the computing unit 3, or the procedural steps carried out for this purpose.

[0031] In step 201, the motion detector 2.1, upon detecting movement in the vehicle interior 4, transmits a sensor signal to the processing unit 3. The processing unit 3 can execute an interior lighting control 3.1 and an anti-theft alarm master 3.2. The interior lighting control 3.1 and the anti-theft alarm master 3.2 can therefore be programs running on the same computer system. Generally, the interior lighting control 3.1 and the anti-theft alarm master 3.2 could also be executed or provided on dedicated hardware devices. These two hardware devices then function together as a single logical processing unit 3.

[0032] In step 202, the interior light control 3.1 checks whether a criterion for switching on the cargo area lighting 5 is met or not and accordingly switches on the cargo area lighting 5 in step 203 or remains in the switched-off state in step 204.

[0033] In step 205, the anti-theft alarm master 3.2 checks whether a criterion for switching on alarm system 2 is met or not and accordingly switches on alarm system 2 in step 206 or leaves it switched off in step 207.

[0034] Various criteria are possible. For example, according to an embodiment not covered by the scope of the invention, a door locking status can constitute such a criterion. According to the invention, however, the presence of an authorized person in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 constitutes such a criterion. For example, in steps 202 and 205, both the interior light control 3.1 and the anti-theft alarm master 3.2 check the door locking status, wherein the interior light control 3.1 switches on the cargo area lighting 5 when the door locking status is "unlocked" and the anti-theft alarm master 3.2 switches on the alarm system 2 when the door locking status is "locked".

[0035] The procedure ends in step 208.

Claims

[1] Vehicle (1) comprising a motion sensor, interior lighting, an alarm system (2) and a computing unit (3), wherein the computing unit (3) is configured to control the alarm system (2) to issue an alarm when motion is detected by means of the motion sensor, where the motion sensor is designed as a motion detector (2.1) and is located in the vehicle interior (4), the interior lighting is designed as cargo area lighting (5), and the computing unit (3) is further configured to switch on the cargo area lighting (5) when a movement is detected by means of the motion detector (2.1), characterized by , that the computing unit (3) is configured to check a second and a third criterion when detecting movement, regardless of the door locking status, and: - to activate the alarm system (2) to trigger the alarm if the second criterion is met, or to leave the alarm system (2) switched off if the second criterion is not met; and - to switch on the cargo area lighting (5) if the third criterion is met, or to leave the cargo area lighting (5) switched off if the third criterion is not met; wherein - the second criterion corresponds to a failure to detect a known identifier and / or the third criterion corresponds to a detection of a known identifier. [2] Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that detecting the known identifier is equivalent to detecting an authorized person and / or an authorized mobile device. [3] Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the computing unit (3) is further equipped to switch on an external lighting device when a movement is detected. [4] Vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by a version as a commercial vehicle, especially a van.

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