Method and device for detecting the rise of a water level

Abstract

The present invention claims a method and a device with which dynamic water level information regarding a vehicle can be generated, as well as a processing unit which analyzes and uses this water level information for higher-level purposes, in particular for other road users.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting the rise of a water level. State of the art

[0002] If a vehicle veers off the road and falls into an adjacent body of water, the vehicle's occupants may not be able to open the doors in time before the water pressure makes it impossible to open them. In this case, it is important to enable the occupants to escape the sinking vehicle, for example, by opening the windows. The same applies if a stationary or slow-moving vehicle on a road is submerged by rapidly rising water.

[0003] For example, US Pat. No. 11,383,661 B2 describes a method and device that uses a sensor variable to detect whether a vehicle is about to fall into water. Based on this detection, a door or window, for example, is opened.

[0004] The present invention, however, is intended to describe a system which detects the dynamically applied water level. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The present invention claims a method and a device with which dynamic water level information relating to a vehicle can be generated, as well as a processing unit which analyses and uses this water level information for higher-level purposes, in particular for other road users.

[0006] To generate the water level information, water level values ​​​​appearing on the vehicle are determined. To determine the water level values ​​or, more generally, the water rise, at least one sensor value from a first sensor is evaluated, the value of which is changed directly or indirectly by a rising water level on the vehicle. Furthermore, the driving condition of the vehicle is recorded using at least one further sensor value from a second sensor. The first water level value or the sensor value associated with this water level value is used in a first comparison to detect a rise in water in at least one part of the vehicle. The mere exceeding of a threshold value by the individual water level value or the sensor value can indicate the rise, since water is not normally expected around the vehicle.The duration of this water level rise or the magnitude of the further rise is then recorded. This can be done, for example, by recording another sensor value from the first sensor and then, by means of a second comparison, determining the change in the sensor value of the first sensor, the second water level value, or the continued exceedance of a threshold value. If this second comparison also determines that a threshold value has been exceeded by the other sensor value of the first sensor or the second water level value, the time difference between the recording of both sensor values ​​or the determination of the underlying first and second water level values ​​is determined as the time period.If this water level value or the associated water level on the vehicle persists for a predetermined period of time, a short-term event can be ruled out and, instead, an impairment of the vehicle must be expected. The same naturally also applies if it is determined that a further increase has been detected with the second water level value within a determined period of time. Based on the detection that a predetermined water level is present on the vehicle for at least a predetermined period of time, water level information is then generated depending on the vehicle's condition. This water level information can consist of a single value or a data set containing further information.In addition to simply displaying a flood level on the vehicle, the information can also include the rate of rise, the duration of the first threshold being exceeded, the geoposition of the vehicle in the form of a location variable, a movement variable of the vehicle, a camera image or video, particularly of the surroundings, or information on the vehicle's occupants or the function of vehicle components.

[0007] The advantage of detecting the dynamics of water rise on a vehicle, made possible by the method according to the invention, can be extremely important for both the vehicle user and other road users, both to prevent damage to vehicles and to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants. The water level information generated in this way can also be used to warn other road users and protect existing infrastructure.

[0008] To detect a water level on the vehicle that may impair the operation or safety of the vehicle, the at least one sensor variable of the first sensor or the first water level value derived therefrom can be compared with a threshold value in the first comparison. If the sensor variable or the first water level value exceeds a first threshold value, it can be assumed that the water present potentially poses a threat to the vehicle as such, individual components, general operation, or the safety of the vehicle occupants. In the subsequent second comparison, this first threshold value can also be used to demonstrate that the water rise is of a predetermined duration.The predetermined duration depends on the vehicle, the driving condition, or even individual vehicle components, in order to account for the impact of water on the vehicle and / or its components. For example, the effectiveness of the door seal, the installation position of the battery, the motor, or the electrical cables can also be taken into account. Alternatively, a second, higher threshold value can be used for the second comparison to detect a further increase in water on the vehicle.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the second comparison is carried out twice in order to obtain further information. For example, a comparison is first carried out with the first threshold value and, if this first threshold value is exceeded by the detected sensor variable, the derived second water level value or a water level gradient, a further comparison is carried out with a higher second threshold value. This split second comparison not only provides the time period in which the first threshold value is exceeded, but also information about the further dynamics of the water rise. This information can then be incorporated into the generation of the water level information or supplemented with the data if this is generated in the form of a data set. This specific and dynamic information can, for example, be used to generate a timely warning for other road users.

[0010] As already explained, a water level gradient can also be used alternatively for the comparisons. For this purpose, two sensor variables from the first sensor are recorded at a time interval to derive a dynamic change in the adjacent water level and thus the water level rise. This water level gradient can then also be used for the first and second comparisons. In this case, the second comparison can be used to determine, using appropriate threshold values, whether the water level rise is increasing, remaining the same, or decreasing.

[0011] The thresholds used for the comparisons can vary depending on the vehicle's driving condition. For example, lower thresholds can be set for a stationary or parked vehicle than for a moving vehicle. Optionally, it would also be possible to select the thresholds based on the vehicle's speed or acceleration. Alternatively, it would be possible to define the thresholds for speed or acceleration ranges, e.g., for speeds of 0 km / h, 0 km / h < v < 5 km / h, 5 km / h < v < 20 km / h, and 20 km / h < v.

[0012] Depending on the detection of water levels rising on the vehicle, in particular over a longer period of time, for example a predetermined period of time, at least one component in the vehicle can be activated to prevent damage to the vehicle or its occupants. For example, if water levels rising are detected or corresponding water level information is available, the vehicle's battery can be de-energized or protected from water ingress. Such a procedure is particularly important for electrically powered vehicles. Optionally, instead of completely deactivating or interrupting the power supply, especially in electrically powered vehicles, emergency operation can be ensured for at least a specific period of time. This can, for example, be used to make an emergency call, to assist the occupants when exiting the vehicle, or to maneuver the vehicle out of the danger zone.The latter can also occur automatically in vehicles capable of (semi-)autonomous operation. Other components that can be controlled or operated based on the detected water level rise or water level information include, for example, a door opening system, a window lift, hazard warning lights, a brake, a steering system, or, in a convertible, a convertible top actuator. Furthermore, protective measures against water ingress can be activated, such as reversible or irreversible seals or shielding of electrical cables.

[0013] To detect the water level rise and to generate water level information, various sensor variables from different sensor types can be used individually or in combination. For example, it is conceivable to use a pressure sensor and a hose connected to it to detect the air pressure generated by the rising water in the hose. Furthermore, pressure sensors, other force sensors, ultrasonic sensors, lidar systems, and / or cameras on the body can detect rising water by directly impacting the body or by evaluating the characteristic reflections of the detected variables on a water surface, which indicate a rise in the water level. Furthermore, the driving status of the vehicle can be detected using motion variables such as acceleration or yaw rates.The geoposition or location of the vehicle and / or the water rise on the vehicle can also be recorded and used for comparisons or the detection of the water rise and the generation of water level information.

[0014] For example, it is possible to distinguish whether the vehicle is moving, stationary, or essentially at a standstill during the detected water rise. The movement of the vehicle due to the detected water rise can also be recorded, in particular in order to obtain insights and information about the extent of the water rise and the associated quantity of water. For example, it can be detected whether a previously parked vehicle is being swept away. Furthermore, an inclination sensor can be used, for example, to detect whether the vehicle was on a largely level roadway or was moving, or was moving on a slope, for example towards a body of water, when the water rise was detected. The latter can be detected, for example, in conjunction with the geoposition of the vehicle and map data or environmental data.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the water level information can be transmitted to external recipients via a transmitter module in the vehicle, optionally also as an extension to eCall. It is conceivable to send this water level information, or a series of data and information on the detected water level and / or its rise dynamics, to a processing unit, for example, a central server. Other recipients of the data transmitted with the water level information could be other road users (for example, via mobile devices), a traffic control center, infrastructure operators such as charging station operators, as well as workshops or insurance companies. The geoposition and / or the dynamics of the detected water rise can also be transmitted along with the information on the water level rise.It is conceivable that this information could be used to deactivate nearby charging stations, both to protect potential users and to prevent consequential damage. For emergency services, the water level information can be supplemented with data on the number and location of people in the vehicle, as well as the open status of windows and / or doors. Optionally, landmarks of the surrounding area can also be transmitted via camera images to identify the vehicle's location.

[0016] Furthermore, it is planned to operate a processing unit with the water level information recorded in this way, for example in the form of a central server, which processes the findings from this information and forwards it to other recipients. The processing unit can then use the information transmitted in this way to identify a hazardous situation for the vehicle's occupants, but also for other road users or the surrounding infrastructure, and initiate appropriate measures. For example, the detected water rise can be used to conclude that a (local) flood is imminent, particularly if confirmed by further feedback from vehicles or other (weather) information. Another option for evaluating the water level information is to be able to estimate the damage to the vehicle as early as possible in order to contact a suitable workshop for repairs.It is also conceivable that information can be sent to a fleet operator who, based on the information available, can then inform the other vehicles in the fleet and move them out of the danger zone.

[0017] The present invention makes it possible to detect rising water on the body of a vehicle that is essentially stationary or moving at a very low speed. While the rise occurs suddenly when the vehicle falls into a body of water, the slower dynamics of the water rise on the level surface can also be detected. Furthermore, the present invention is of course also applicable when the vehicle falls into a body of water.

[0018] A further special feature of the present invention is that by detecting the location on the vehicle where the water rises, appropriate targeted measures can be initiated in local relation to the installation locations of the water-critical components of the vehicle.

[0019] Further advantages emerge from the following description of embodiments and from the dependent patent claims. Short description of the drawings In the Fig. 1 schematically shows an evaluation unit which carries out a method according to the invention, as is exemplified by the flow chart of Fig. 2 is shown. With the Fig. 3 shows a processing unit that draws conclusions about potential hazards based on the transmitted water level information and forwards them to third parties. Embodiments of the invention

[0020] As already stated at the outset, the present invention describes a method and a device with which a rising water level in the vicinity of the vehicle and in particular on at least one part of the vehicle body can be detected. For this purpose, an evaluation unit 100, which can be implemented, for example, in the form of an airbag or brake control unit, first detects sensor variables from a first sensor 120. These sensor variables are selected such that they can detect a water level adjacent to the vehicle and, in particular, a rising water level. In the present exemplary embodiment, pressure sensor variables are detected that detect an increasing air pressure in a hose that increasingly fills with water as the water level rises. Such a pressure sensor can be attached, for example, to the underbody in the area of ​​the fenders, on the wheel house, in the engine compartment, on the bumpers, or in the area of ​​the doors.Other sensors that can detect water levels on or around the vehicle include force sensors on the body, humidity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, lidar sensors, cameras, or acceleration sensors.

[0021] It is also possible to use sensors already used in the vehicle for other functions, in particular pressure sensors, to detect water rise.

[0022] Based on the sensor variables thus detected by the first sensor 120, it can be determined by comparing them with threshold values ​​stored in a memory 110 whether and with what dynamics the water is rising on the body. Furthermore, it can be determined whether the rise could be dangerous for the operation of the vehicle and / or the safety of the vehicle occupants. If such a danger is detected, the endangered component 160 can be controlled to prevent or reduce damage to the vehicle and / or the occupants. For example, it would be conceivable for a battery to be deactivated if a potential rise in water were to reach the contacts or other electrical lines. In addition, the doors or windows can also be controlled to enable the vehicle occupants to escape.Furthermore, water level information can be derived from the detected water level rise and made available to third parties. This water level information or a data set related to the water level information can be transmitted to an external processing unit, such as a central server. This central server can then process and / or use the recorded information for further purposes, such as assessing the potential danger to other road users or the surrounding infrastructure. Furthermore, the water level information thus recorded, as well as other data related to the detected situation, can be forwarded to fleet operators, workshops, traffic control centers, insurance companies, infrastructure operators such as charging station operators, weather services, or other road users.For example, if water levels are detected in the front area of ​​a vehicle, it would be conceivable to alert following vehicles of the hazardous situation via car-to-car information. It would also be conceivable to directly alert nearby charging stations to the water level, allowing them to be switched to safety mode or deactivated.

[0023] In addition to detecting the rise in water on the body, a second sensor 130 records the driving state of the vehicle. Typical sensor variables that provide information about the driving state or operation of the vehicle include speeds, acceleration variables, yaw rates, and also the inclination angle of the roadway. The driving state recorded in this way can be used both to derive the rise in water and to generate water level information. For example, a change in speed or acceleration in the direction of travel, with otherwise constant drive energy, can be used to infer resistance due to water masses in the direction of travel. The driving state, and in particular the state of motion in the form of speed and / or acceleration, can also be used to derive or change the threshold values.Optionally, the evaluation unit 100 can also record the geoposition of the vehicle, for example using a GPS.

[0024] As already explained, the rise in the water level on the vehicle can be detected in various ways. In addition to the sensor values ​​of the first sensor 120, at least one additional sensor 150 can be used to redundantly monitor the water level. For example, camera images, ultrasonic sensor values, or LIDAR sensor signals can be used and evaluated.

[0025] Using the flow chart of the Fig. 2, a possible embodiment of the detection of the water level rise and, in particular, its dynamics will be described. In a first step 200, at least one first sensor variable from a first sensor is detected, the sensor value of which directly or indirectly represents a change in the water level applied to the vehicle. A water level value could also be derived directly from this sensor variable. Alternatively, two sensor variables from the first sensor can also be detected in order to derive a water level gradient from their changes. In a further step 210, the driving state or operating state of the vehicle is detected using suitable sensor variables from a second sensor. Optionally, the operating state of various components for which a water level rise could have critical effects can also be detected.Common sensor variables from which the driving condition can be derived include speed, acceleration, or yaw rate. Optionally, additional sensor variables can be recorded that can be used to verify the presence of water rise, such as ultrasound signals, lidar signals, and camera images, which can also detect the presence of water around the vehicle and can be used to verify the detection of water rise. Furthermore, a location variable can be recorded to determine the vehicle's geoposition.

[0026] The first sensor variable detected in step 200, a first water level value derived therefrom, or a first water level gradient is compared with a first threshold value in the first comparison 220 in order to determine whether the water level rise has reached a level that is hazardous for the vehicle and / or for certain components. If the water level rise is still below the first threshold value, the method can be terminated or repeated with step 200. If, however, it is detected that the water level has reached or exceeded this first threshold value, a second comparison is carried out in step 230. For this second comparison, at least one first sensor variable of the first sensor, a second water level value derived therefrom, or a second water level gradient is again compared with the first threshold value.The further first sensor variable can be recorded as early as step 200 or not until step 230, whereby it is important that sufficient time has elapsed between the recording of the first sensor variables of the first sensor in order to detect a change in the rise. If it is determined in the second comparison in step 230 that the later first sensor variable or the second water level value derived therefrom is below the first threshold value, it can be assumed that the water level is falling. In this case, the method is terminated or repeated starting with step 200. However, if an exceedance is determined in step 230, the subsequent step 240 determines which time period lay between the first sensor variables used for the comparisons. This time period is compared with a predetermined time period in step 250 in order to check the effect of the water on the vehicle and in particular on its components.If the time period is shorter than the predetermined period, it can be assumed that no significant impairments exist. In this case, the method can be terminated or repeated with step 200 or with the acquisition of further first sensor variables and the second comparison. If it is determined that the water rise lasts at least the predetermined period, water level information is generated in step 260, possibly with further relevant information that could be useful to third parties. Optionally, this step can also provide for the water level information and all other relevant data to be transmitted to third parties, for example, wirelessly to a processing unit or a central server.

[0027] In the method described above, it can also be provided that the further first sensor variable is only recorded after the predetermined time period has elapsed. In this case, the extent to which the water rise has changed after the predetermined (minimum) time period is detected. In general, the time period can also be varied in both approaches, or the first sensor variable of the first sensor can be recorded again in step 230 before the second comparison in order to record the further course of the water rise, for example, to detect different hazard potentials for different components.

[0028] Optionally, it can be provided that, in a further step 270, measures are initiated to prevent water penetration or damage to vehicle components. For example, if a problematic water rise is detected, it is conceivable to deactivate the battery or open the doors and / or windows so that the occupants can escape from the passenger compartment in an emergency.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second comparison in step 230 is split into two parts. Thus, a comparison can first be performed using the same first threshold value as in the first comparison 220. If the first sensor variable or the water level value continues to be above this first threshold value, a further comparison is performed using a higher threshold value. The result of this further comparison can be taken into account when generating the water level information, in particular to communicate the dynamics of the water rise.

[0030] Instead of the water level value in steps 200 and 230, a gradient of the water level values ​​can also be used for the comparisons in steps 220 and 230. In this case, the threshold values ​​must be selected such that even a constant increase in the water level indicates a risk to the vehicle, its components, or the occupants. Optionally, the decision in the second comparison 230 is thus only fulfilled if the water level gradient is not negative.

[0031] The information about a water rise detected in this way can be transmitted to third parties as already explained above. Fig.3 shows, by way of example, a processing unit 300 that records, evaluates, and further processes the water level information as well as all other optionally recorded, derived, or determined data of at least one vehicle 320. Based on the information and data thus obtained, the processing unit, for example in the form of a central server, can derive a hazard potential of the rising water level for other road users 350 or for a charging infrastructure in the form of charging stations 360. Based on the derived hazard potential, the road users 350 or the operators of the charging infrastructure can be informed. Other possible recipients for the hazard potential can be a traffic control center, emergency services, or disaster control 380. Forwarding the information and / or the hazard potential to a weather service is also possible.Optionally, it can also be provided that the charging points near the water level are deactivated directly. It is also conceivable that, based on the damage detection or the damage analysis performed on the vehicle in the processing unit 300, a workshop 370 or an insurance company is directly informed. If the vehicle is part of a fleet, the fleet operator can also be informed, for example, to bring other vehicles in its fleet to safety, to support the affected vehicle, or to be able to estimate the damage in advance. To derive the hazard potential or the damage analysis, the processing unit 300 can have a memory 310 with corresponding information.

[0032] The processing unit 300 can optionally also wait for data from several vehicles 330 and / or obtain other information to derive the hazard potential, for example from a weather service 340. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 11 383 661 B2

[0003]

Claims

[1] Method for detecting the rise of a water level which is applied to at least a part of a vehicle, the method • at least two sensor variables of a first sensor (120) are determined (200) which are directly or indirectly variable due to a rising water level on the vehicle, • records the driving status of the vehicle (210), • carries out a first comparison depending on at least one first sensor variable of the first sensor or a water level value derived from this sensor variable (220), • carries out a second comparison depending on at least one second sensor variable of the first sensor or a water level value derived from this sensor variable (230), • depending on the first and second comparison, a time period is determined (240), • in a third comparison, compares the time period with a predetermined time period (250), and • water level information is generated depending on the third comparison and the driving condition (260). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the method determines in the first and / or second comparison (220, 240) that a threshold value is exceeded by at least one first sensor variable of the first sensor, a water level value derived therefrom or a water level gradient between two derived water level values, wherein it is provided in particular that a lower first threshold value is used for the first comparison (220) and a higher second threshold value is used for the second comparison (240). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the procedure in the second settlement (240) • firstly detects an exceeding of a first threshold value by at least one second sensor variable of the first sensor, a water level value or the water level gradient between two specific water level values, wherein the first and • when detecting the exceedance, detects an exceeding of a higher second threshold value by at least one second sensor variable of the first sensor, a water level value or the water level gradient between two specific water level values, wherein it is provided in particular that the water level information is additionally generated as a function of the detection of the exceeding of the second threshold value. [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized bythat the method defines at least one threshold value as a function of the vehicle state, wherein it is particularly provided that the threshold value is defined as a function of the speed or acceleration of the vehicle. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the method controls a component of the vehicle depending on the water level information (270), in particular by the method deactivating the energy connections of the vehicle's battery or activating protection of the battery against water adhering to the contacts. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the procedure at least • a location size, and / or • a movement quantity, and / or • a print size, and / or • a camera image is captured (210) and taken into account when carrying out the first comparison (220) and / or when carrying out the second comparison (240) and / or when generating the water level information (260). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the method transmits at least the water level information to a central server, to other road users, to a fleet operator, to a workshop, to a charging station operator and / or to an insurance company (260), wherein it is provided in particular that the method additionally transmits the current geoposition of the vehicle, movement data of the vehicle, the number and position of the persons in the vehicle, the opening state of the windows and / or doors, landmarks of the surroundings. [8] Device for detecting the rise of a water level which is present at least on a part of a vehicle, with an evaluation unit (100) which carries out a method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the evaluation unit (100) is in particular part of an airbag control unit, wherein the evaluation unit (100) • at least two water level values ​​are determined as a function of at least one sensor variable of a first sensor (120), • detects the driving condition of the vehicle by means of a second sensor (130), • carries out a first comparison depending on at least one first water level value, • carries out a second comparison depending on at least one second water level value, • depending on the first and second comparison, a time period is determined, • in a third comparison, the time period is compared with a predetermined time period, and • water level information is generated depending on the third comparison and the driving condition. [9] Device according to claim 8, characterized by that the evaluation unit (100) determines in the first and / or second comparison that a threshold value has been exceeded by at least one water level value or the water level gradient between two specific water level values, wherein it is provided in particular that a lower threshold value is used for the first comparison (220) than for the second comparison (240). [10] Device according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized by that the evaluation unit (100) controls a component of the vehicle (160) depending on the water level information, in particular by the method deactivating the energy connections of the vehicle's battery or activating protection of the battery against water adhering to the contacts. [11] Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized bythat the evaluation unit (100), in particular by means of a wireless transmission unit, transmits at least the water level information to a processing unit (300), a central server, to other road users (350), to a fleet operator (380), to a workshop (370), to a charging station (360) and / or to an insurance company (380), wherein it is provided in particular that the method additionally transmits the current geoposition of the vehicle, movement data of the vehicle, the number and position of the people in the vehicle, the opening state of the windows and / or doors, and landmarks of the surroundings. [12] Processing unit (300), in particular a central server, which receives water level information generated according to a method according to claims 1 to 7 or by means of a device according to one of claims 8 to 11, which determines hazard information as a function of the water level information, which is transmitted to the civil protection service, a rescue service, a traffic control center, a workshop, other road users, charging stations, charging station operators and / or an insurance company. [13] Processing unit (300) according to claim 12, characterized bythat the processing unit, depending on the water level information and the transmitted geoposition, estimates the risk that electric charging stations in the area of ​​the geoposition should be deactivated for safety reasons with regard to their functionality or danger to users, wherein it is provided in particular that the processing unit, depending on the hazard information, sends out indirect or direct control signals in order to deactivate at least one electric charging station (360) in the area of ​​the geoposition. [14] Processing unit (300) according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized bythat the processing unit forecasts a further rise in the water level or a spread of the water rise in the area of ​​the geoposition from at least two items of water level information transmitted by different vehicles and the respective geopositions, wherein it is particularly provided that the processing unit transmits the forecast of the further rise in the water level or the spread of the water rise to the civil protection service, a rescue service, a traffic control center and / or other road users. [15] Processing unit (300) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized by that the processing unit estimates the damage caused to the vehicle as a function of the water level information, wherein it is provided in particular that the processing unit transmits information about the estimated damage to a workshop (370), a fleet operator (380) and / or to an insurance company (380).

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