Sensor device for detecting surface damage

Abstract

Sensor device (1) for detecting surface damage on a vehicle (2), comprising: a three-layer film (3) with a first film layer (7) for attachment to a vehicle surface, preferably a vehicle body surface, comprising a plurality of first sensor elements (8) by which a surface deformation parameter can each be detected, and a second and third film layer (9, 10), wherein second sensor elements (11) are arranged between the second and the third film layer (9, 10), which in conjunction with the second and third film layer (9, 10) form a sensor device configured to detect contact on the third film layer (10), and a computer device (4) for recording the sensor data of the sensor elements (8, 11), wherein the sensor data recorded by the sensor elements (8, 11) over time enable a determination of the location and time of an occurring surface deformation.

Description

Technical field The present invention relates to a sensor device for detecting surface damage on a vehicle, a vehicle with the sensor device, a system consisting of the vehicle and an external control center computer for detecting and locating surface damage, a method for applying a film to the vehicle, and a computer-implemented method for calibrating a film. Background of the invention Carsharing and rental vehicles have constantly changing and relatively inexperienced customers, which regularly leads to accidents and vehicle damage. Since there is often no personal return of the vehicles, many damages go unnoticed or cannot be clearly attributed to a specific driver. To counteract these disadvantages, it is known to require customers to report any unidentified damage caused by the previous renter to the rental company via a software application before the start of a rental period. However, such a solution requires a relatively complex verification process involving the customer. Furthermore, it is known to equip vehicles with accident sensors, such as acceleration sensors and / or gyroscopes. These accident sensors operate predominantly electromechanically and are installed in the vehicle interior. Such accident sensors are known, for example, from DE 10 2018 211 047 A1. However, such sensors are relatively prone to malfunction and cannot indicate where on the vehicle damage has occurred. Furthermore, they do not allow for a determination of the extent of the damage, whether the area was already damaged, and / or what proportion of the damage is attributable to the new damage. Therefore, it is difficult for rental car and car-sharing providers to attribute damage to a specific renter and / or an entire fleet and to determine the current condition of the vehicle. DE 10 2020 205 508 A1 discloses a method and an arrangement for recording and evaluating a collision event involving a vehicle. DE 10 2019 003 864 A1 discloses a device and a method for detecting a collision between a car body and an object. It also describes a vehicle and an outer skin with a device for detecting a collision between a car body and an object. DE 10 2006 012 336 A1 discloses a device and method for touch detection for a motor vehicle with a touch sensor and a vehicle-integrated evaluation device. The invention is based on the objective of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages. This objective is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Summary The following is a summary to present a selection of representative concepts in simplified form, which are discussed in more detail in the subsequent descriptions. The aspects explained below each represent independent improvements, are optional, and can be combined with all other aspects. The described aspects are explained specifically in relation to passenger vehicles. The term "vehicles" encompasses all types of vehicles, including motorcycles, bicycles, yachts, ships, and aircraft. First aspect of the invention: Sensor device According to a first aspect of the invention, a sensor device for detecting surface damage on a vehicle is provided, comprising: a film with at least one first film layer for attachment to a vehicle surface, preferably a vehicle body surface, comprising a plurality of first sensor elements by which each a surface deformation parameter can be detected, and a computer device for recording the sensor data of the sensor elements, wherein the sensor data recorded by the sensor elements over time enable a determination of the surface location and the time of an occurring surface deformation. Furthermore, the sensor data recorded by the sensor elements over time can enable a determination of the size and severity of any surface deformation that has occurred. By applying the film to the vehicle's surface, the location and time of any surface deformation can be continuously recorded. This allows a vehicle owner, especially a rental car or car-sharing provider, to draw conclusions about the accident sequence and to clearly attribute surface damage to its responsible party or renter. This reduces the need for time-consuming investigations by the vehicle owner or insurance company to determine responsibility. Furthermore, the use of the film reduces the need for a time-consuming and personal vehicle inspection by the rental company or for the customer to check the vehicle before the start of a rental to identify any new damage caused by the previous renter. This not only saves time for both the customer and the rental company, but also reduces the impact of human error during the inspection and assists the rental company in the legal allocation of claims. Further aspects regarding computer setup The computer system can be trained to determine the location and time of a surface deformation that has occurred. The computer system can be trained to receive its raw sensor data from the first sensor elements and pre-process it for further transmission to an external control center computer. The computer setup can be a microcontroller. The computer equipment can be installed and / or housed inside the vehicle. The computer device can be configured to determine, based on a predefined mapping, at which surface location and / or in which zone a contact or deformation has occurred. This mapping can be stored as a mapping function in a non-volatile memory unit that is connected to or part of the computer device. According to an alternative embodiment, the computer device can also consist of a simple controller unit and does not necessarily have to include a microcontroller. In particular, the sensor device can also be provided without such electronic components and then essentially consists only of the adhesive film itself with printed strain gauges and contact lines, and optionally of such a film with two further layers and the electronics to provide the contact function on the film. Further aspects regarding data preprocessing by the computer system The sensor device may include a storage device for the continuous temporary storage of acquired sensor data. During preprocessing, the computer system can determine whether a predefined damage threshold is exceeded based on the acquired raw data, indicating the presence of potential surface damage. If the damage threshold is exceeded, a time window relevant to the detection time, containing sensor data, can be extracted for further processing and transmitted to an external control center computer. This reduces the network load between the control center computer and the sensor device. The storage device can continuously record and temporarily store sensor data while the vehicle is in motion and, preferably, also when it is stationary. Since car-sharing vehicles, in particular, often dominate the streetscape in some urban areas, it is relatively common for unauthorized individuals to make claims alleging or suspecting that the rental vehicle caused damage. To the detriment of the rental company, these claims are frequently settled by the rental company or its insurance company, even though there is no conclusive evidence of a collision. This results in relatively high insurance costs for rental vehicles. By recording and temporarily storing the collected sensor data, especially when the vehicle is stationary, it can be clearly proven whether the rental vehicle was involved in an accident at the specified time or not. This allows for the prevention of unjustified claims by third parties. Further aspects regarding a communication connection of the slide The membrane can include a data transmission system that connects the first sensor elements to the computer system. This data transmission system can be a bus system. Further aspects regarding a communication device of the sensor device The sensor device may include a communication device, preferably an LTE module, for transmitting the data processed by the computer device to an external control center computer. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor device can be configured to communicate with a communication device provided by the vehicle manufacturer, preferably an LTE module, for the transmission of sensor data to the external control center computer. Further aspects regarding the position data The sensor device can include a communication interface for receiving positional data about the vehicle. Receiving this data allows for the determination of the vehicle's position, in addition to the location of damage on the vehicle's surface and the time of the surface deformation. This provides more accurate evidence as to whether the rental vehicle was involved in an accident at the specified time, thus reducing the burden on the rental company. Furthermore, unlike conventional accident detection tracking systems, this sensor device can pinpoint the vehicle's location. The sensor device may include a position sensor to provide the vehicle's position data. The position sensor may be a GPS and / or GNSS receiver. The computer system can be configured to correlate the vehicle's position with sensor data acquired over time and transmit it to the external control center computer. Further aspects regarding the surface deformation parameter and the first sensor elements The surface deformation parameter is characteristic of a deformation of a part of the vehicle body located below the respective first sensor element. The first sensor elements can be configured to detect electrical resistance or changes in electrical resistance. Known crash and accident sensors operate predominantly electromechanically and register impacts above a certain threshold. This often leads to misinterpretations, for example, due to vibrations caused by other factors or improper vehicle use. Conversely, minor impacts, such as those encountered when parking, are not detected at all. By detecting a surface parameter according to the invention, such disturbances and misinterpretations can be reduced. The first sensor elements can be formed by strain gauges applied to the first film layer. Strain gauges are particularly suitable for use on films. With their conductive traces arranged in a pattern, they can be applied as thin elements to almost any type of film. The first sensor elements can be designed as tile-shaped elements, preferably hexagonal tiles. The first sensor elements can be applied adjacent to each other and cover a contiguous area essentially without gaps. The first sensor elements can have an area of ​​0.0025 to 0.09 m2, preferably 0.01 to 0.04 m2. Further aspects regarding the first film layer The first layer of film may include an adhesive layer for attachment to a vehicle body surface. The first sensor elements can be applied to the side of the first film layer facing away from the adhesive layer. Further aspects regarding the slide The film can be a modified car wrapping film. The film can comprise a second and third layer, forming a three-layer film together with the first layer. Second sensor elements can be arranged between the second and third layers, forming a sensor device configured to detect touches on the third layer and determine the position of the touch relative to the vehicle surface (i.e., a point of contact on the vehicle surface). Capturing touch data enables the implementation of further vehicle-specific functions with the film. This results in a multifunctional film that, in addition to detecting surface damage, can also recognize unlocking patterns and / or fingerprints for opening or locking the vehicle. If damage occurs, the three-layered film allows for a three-dimensional analysis of the direction of impact, the size and shape of the contact, the location of the contact on a component, and the depth and severity of the damage. This enables more precise documentation of accidents and allows for verification of their plausibility and compatibility. The flexible structure of the film, with one or three layers, allows for the definition of different zones with different functions within a component or vehicle. In one embodiment, a zone could be located in the area of ​​lettering. The computer system can be configured to correlate the captured touch data with the surface deformations detected by the first sensor elements. The sensor device can be designed as a resistive or capacitive touchpad. Alternatively, the second sensor elements can be printed infrared sensors or fiber optic systems whose connection is interrupted upon contact. The sensor device can detect one or more of the following movement patterns: swiping motions, in particular unlock patterns entered by means of such swipes, palm size, and / or fingerprints. The third film layer may include a protective layer on its outer side. This protective layer may be dirt-repellent. The protective layer may exhibit a lotus effect. Further aspects regarding a power supply The sensor device may include an interface for electrical connection to a voltage source of the vehicle's electrical system. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device can include an integrated voltage source, preferably containing a printed battery and / or solar cells. Second aspect of the invention: vehicle According to a second aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided with a sensor device according to the first aspect. The film can be applied in such a way that at least damage-prone areas are covered. Once applied, the film can cover at least substantially the entire circumference of the vehicle in order to detect typical vehicle damage. The sensor device's film can be applied to the body paint, preferably by adhesive, so that at least a portion of the body paint is covered by the film. The vehicle can be a motor vehicle, in particular a rental vehicle. Third aspect of the invention: System According to a third aspect of the invention, a system consisting of the vehicle according to the second aspect of the invention and an external control center computer is provided, wherein the external control center computer can detect and locate surface damage to the vehicle based on the sensor data acquired and transmitted to it. The control center computer can be trained to recognize, based on the recorded sensor data, whether the detected deformation is surface damage or mechanical damage. Mechanical damage refers to damage that significantly impairs or prevents the vehicle's functionality as a result of an accident. Such significant damage includes not only surface damage but also additional damage to a functionally essential component of the vehicle, such as substantial alterations to the vehicle structure and / or relatively large-scale damage to the bodywork. The control center computer can be trained to recognize whether the vehicle body has been temporarily or permanently deformed and, based on this, to deduce the force and duration of any external impact on the surface. The control center computer can also be trained to assess the severity of the damage based on the collected sensor data and, based on this assessment, to perform a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether and to what extent vehicle repairs are necessary. This allows the vehicle owner to make a faster and more efficient decision as to whether the vehicle needs to be inspected and / or repaired. If a repair is necessary, artificial intelligence can be used to automatically calculate costs and plan vehicle availability. In cases where repairs are carried out by the landlord, artificial intelligence can be used to calculate the future availability of materials and personnel. This allows for more efficient planning and faster execution of repairs; in other words, a "just-in-time repair" approach can be implemented. The control center computer can be trained to recognize palm prints or fingerprints based on the touch data from the sensor unit for driver identification or access control purposes. The control center computer can be trained to recognize, based on the acquired sensor data, characteristics of a contact, such as an impact, a collision or a touch with the vehicle surface, whereby the characteristics of the contact include: a direction from which the contact occurred, the extent and / or shape of the contact, temporary or permanent deformations, and / or the depth of damage (also referred to as severity) produced by the contact. The control center computer may include an artificial intelligence (AI) module that is trained to perform one or more of the aforementioned detections. The AI ​​module can be trained to systematically and graphically interpret touches or damage, distinguish between a touch, surface damage, and mechanical damage, provide a 3D graphic representation of the damage or touch, and automatically initiate various processes based on this. These processes can include, among other things, live alert notifications to people or systems, vehicle access control based on palm or fingerprint recognition, and various cost-benefit analyses, such as an economic analysis to determine whether and to what extent vehicle repairs are necessary. The AI ​​module can also integrate with third-party systems. Further aspects regarding the storage of previous damage The system can include a data storage device to record previous damage and its location, so that new surface damage and / or mechanical damage occurring in the same location can be distinguished from previous damage. Fourth aspect of the invention: Method for applying the film According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for applying a film to a vehicle is provided, wherein the film enables the detection of surface damage to the vehicle. The method comprises: providing at least one film with at least one first film layer comprising sensors with a plurality of first sensor elements, each of which can detect a surface deformation parameter, and applying the at least one film to a vehicle surface. The film can have one or more features of the film described in the first aspect of the invention. The first sensor elements can comprise strain gauges with conductive tracks, and the film can be stretched during application to the vehicle to improve the alignment of the conductive tracks.The DMS (Dynamic Strain Gauges) can have a curved shape during deployment, repelling the film, and the film is stretched during application such that the conductive traces, together with the film, form a flat surface in the applied state. After application, the film can cover essentially the entire circumference of the vehicle to encompass all typical damage-prone areas. The film can comprise a plurality of film pieces that are applied to the vehicle's surface without overlapping, preferably flush with one another. The film pieces can be spaced apart from each other on the vehicle's surface. In alternative embodiments, the film can also be painted onto the vehicle's surface. Fifth aspect of the invention: calibration method According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method for calibrating a film is provided, which enables the detection of surface damage to the vehicle, wherein the film comprises first sensor elements for detecting a surface deformation parameter and second sensor elements for detecting a touch, wherein the first and second sensor elements are arranged one above the other and in close proximity and are associated with each other, wherein the method comprises the following steps: specifying a vehicle-specific position (i.e., a location on the vehicle surface) at which a user must touch the vehicle for calibration, detecting the touch by a second sensor element, and assigning the specified vehicle-specific position at which the touch occurred to the first sensor element associated with the second sensor element, such that future sensor data of the first sensor element can be assigned to this vehicle-specific position. The touch can be a wiping motion. The film can have one or more features of the film described in the first aspect of the invention. Sixth aspect of the invention: Slide According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a film is provided, comprising at least one first film layer for attachment to a vehicle body surface, with sensors comprising a plurality of first sensor elements by which each surface deformation parameter can be detected. The film may have one or more features of the film described in the first aspect of the invention. Seventh aspect of the invention: vehicle According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided with a body coating comprising a body paint and a film according to the sixth aspect of the invention, wherein the film is applied to the body paint, preferably glued, such that at least part of the body paint is covered with the film. The foil described in the first aspect of the invention and the foil described in the sixth aspect of the invention can be applied according to the method described in the fourth aspect of the invention and / or calibrated according to the method described in the fifth aspect of the invention. Figures Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system with a sensor device according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a vehicle door with a film of the sensor device according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a vehicle with a film of the sensor device according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a film of the sensor device according to one embodiment of the invention. Various functions that can be implemented with the film are shown. Description Fig. 1 shows a schematic structure of a system with the sensor device 1 according to the invention for detecting surface damage on a vehicle 2. In the embodiment shown, the sensor device 1 comprises a film 3, a computer device 4 and a communication device 5, preferably an LTE module, for transmitting the data processed by the computer device to an external control center computer 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the film 3 comprises three film layers: A first film layer 7 lies directly on the vehicle surface. The first film layer 7 comprises first sensor elements 8, preferably strain gauges, by which a deformation of the vehicle surface lying beneath the sensor element 8 can be detected. Each of the first sensor elements 8 can be individually accessed and its position on the vehicle surface (location) can be determined. The first sensor elements 8 can be designed as hexagonal tiles, as shown in Fig. 2. A second film layer 9 and a third film layer 10, together with the first film layer 7, form the three-layer film 3. Second sensor elements 11 are arranged between the second film layer 9 and the third film layer 10, each of which can detect a touch. In the illustrated embodiment, the second sensor elements 11, together with the second and third film layers 9, 10, form a resistive touchpad-like sensor device. The third foil layer 3 faces outwards and is printed or painted in all common color variations or with company logos. It forms the outer membrane, and the underside of the third foil layer 10 is supplied with a DC voltage via the vehicle's electrical system. On the underside of the third foil layer 3 is a printed or painted electrically conductive layer, for example, brass foil, graphene, silicon, or other comparable conductive materials, which is spaced from the underlying second foil layer 9 by spacers. When an event occurs, such as contact or impact with foil 3, an electrical connection is established between the first and second foil layers 9 and 10. This allows a touch and its location to be identified, similar to a resistive touchpad. In the illustrated embodiment, the computer unit 4 is configured as a microcontroller for acquiring sensor data from the sensor elements 8 and 11. The microcontroller is mounted inside the vehicle and is configured, based on a predefined assignment, to determine at which surface location and / or in which zone a contact or deformation has occurred. In alternative embodiments, the microcontroller receives the sensor data, including sensor identification, via a bus system. The computer unit 4 receives the raw sensor data acquired by the sensor elements over time via a data line system 12 and stores this data locally along with the event time. If, during preprocessing, the computer unit 4 detects that a predefined damage threshold has been exceeded, indicating potential surface damage, it can extract the raw data stored within a predefined time window and transmit it to the control center computer 6 for further processing. The external control center computer 6 is trained to detect and locate surface damage on the vehicle based on the sensor data transmitted to it, and to initiate various processes based on this detection. Preferably, the control center computer 6 comprises an artificial intelligence (AI) module 13, which is trained to systematically and / or graphically interpret contacts or damage, to distinguish between contact, surface damage, and mechanical damage, to provide a graphical 3D representation of the damage or contact, and / or to automatically initiate various processes based on this representation.These processes can include, among other things, live alarm notifications to people or systems, vehicle access control based on palm or fingerprint recognition, and various calculative evaluations, such as an economic analysis to determine whether and to what extent vehicle repairs are necessary. In an alternative embodiment, a communication device 20 provided by the vehicle manufacturer, preferably an LTE module, can be used to transmit the sensor data to the external control center computer 6, either additionally or instead of the communication device 5. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a vehicle, namely a small van, with the film 3 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the film is divided into several zones 14-17 with different functions. Such functions are shown by way of example in Fig. 4 and include surface damage detection, touch detection, and / or fingerprint detection. It should be noted that the latter two functions are implemented exclusively with the second and third film layers 9, 10. Surface damage detection, on the other hand, is implemented with the first film 7, whereby in alternative embodiments, touch detection with the second and third film layers 9, 10 can additionally be used to reconstruct the accident sequence. For example, the size of the object with which the collision occurred can be deduced from the touch detection, and / or whether components under the film 3 were permanently or temporarily deformed. In one embodiment, for example, the lower side panel 18 of the transporter shown in Fig. 3 and the side panel 19 of the cargo area can be equipped only with the first film layer 7 for detecting surface damage. The area around the door handle of the driver's or rear door, on the other hand, can be additionally equipped with the second and third film layers so that surface damage can be detected and vehicle access control, for example via fingerprint recognition, can be implemented. According to an alternative embodiment, the different functions are implemented via software. In such an embodiment, preferably essentially all damage-prone areas of the vehicle are covered with the three-layer film 3.

Claims

Sensor device (1) for detecting surface damage on a vehicle (2), comprising: a three-layer film (3) with a first film layer (7) for attachment to a vehicle surface, preferably a vehicle body surface, comprising a plurality of first sensor elements (8) by which a surface deformation parameter can each be detected, and a second and third film layer (9, 10), wherein second sensor elements (11) are arranged between the second and the third film layer (9, 10), which in conjunction with the second and third film layer (9, 10) form a sensor device configured to detect contact on the third film layer (10), and a computer device (4) for recording the sensor data of the sensor elements (8, 11), wherein the sensor data recorded by the sensor elements (8, 11) over time enable a determination of the location and time of an occurring surface deformation. Sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the computer device (4) is configured to receive raw sensor data from the first sensor elements (8) and to pre-process it for further transmission to an external control center computer (6). Sensor device according to claim 2, wherein the computer device (4) determines during preprocessing whether, based on the acquired raw data, a predetermined damage threshold is exceeded, indicating that possible surface damage is present. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sensor elements (8) detect an electrical resistance or the change of an electrical resistance. Vehicle (2) with a sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims. System consisting of the vehicle (2) according to claim 5 and an external control center computer (6), wherein the external control center computer (6) can detect and locate surface damage to the vehicle based on the sensor data acquired and transmitted to it. Method for applying a film (3) to a vehicle (2) which enables the detection of surface damage to the vehicle (2), the method comprising: providing at least one film (3) with at least one first film layer (7) comprising sensors with a plurality of first sensor elements (8) by which each a surface deformation parameter can be detected, and applying the at least one film (3) to a vehicle surface, wherein the first sensor elements (8) comprise strain gauges, SMS, with conductor tracks and the film is stretched during application to the vehicle in order to improve the alignment of the conductor tracks. A computer-implemented method for calibrating a film (3) that enables the detection of surface damage to the vehicle (2), wherein the film (3) comprises first sensor elements (8) for detecting a surface deformation parameter and second sensor elements (11) for detecting a touch, wherein the first and second sensor elements (8, 11) are arranged one above the other and closely adjacent to each other and are associated with each other, wherein the method comprises the following steps: specifying a vehicle-specific position at which a user must touch the vehicle (2) for calibration, detecting the touch by a second sensor element (11), and assigning the specified vehicle-specific position at which the touch occurred to the first sensor element (8) associated with the second sensor element (11) such that future sensor data of the first sensor element (8) can be assigned to this vehicle-specific position.

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