Procedure for determining an unauthorized opening operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting an impermissible opening process of a connection point (10) that is created by positive locking, material locking or force locking and connects at least two components (12, 14) together, wherein the following method steps are carried out: e) Macroscopic image of at least one image (16) of the connection point (10) of the at least two components (12, 14), f) Generating an encoding (50) of the at least one image (16) and storing the at least one image (16) in a storage medium (20, 22), g) repeat macroscopic imaging of at least one comparison image (24) of the junction (10) for comparison purposes and h) Comparison of characteristic surface properties (18) of the macroscopic image of the at least one image (16) of the joint (10) according to procedure step a) with the macroscopic image of the at least one comparison image (24) of the joint (10).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a method for detecting an impermissible opening process of a connection point that is created by a form-fitting, material-fitting, or friction-fitting method and connects at least two components. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the method in vehicle control units (MEP, VEP, ADAS) with high-performance processor systems or in power modules and / or in server applications. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the method in autonomously or semi-autonomously driving vehicles, in particular in their steering / braking systems or applications. State of the art

[0002] DE 10 2011 109 077 A1 concerns the creation and verification of a product label. To create a product label and to label a product with the product label, whereby the product label can be verified with the product alone, without connection to a database, at least one permanent, statistically distributed physical and / or chemical change in the product is recorded using a recording device. The product label is generated from the recorded change using a processing device and applied to the product using a marking device. To verify the product label, the changes to be recorded, which have been defined once, are recorded using another recording device, and a new product label is generated.If the new product label matches the product label applied to the product, the product is an original.

[0003] DE 10 2021 109 455 A1 relates to a method for the unique marking and identification of products. In the proposed method, an area on at least one surface of the product is defined for marking a product. The defined area is irradiated with photons, and all product inaccuracies are extracted from the defined area in the spectral range up to 3000 nm, preferably up to 1800 nm, particularly preferably up to 1400 nm, and most preferably up to 1100 nm. All production inaccuracies extracted from the defined area are stored. To identify the marked product, the defined area is irradiated with photons, and all production inaccuracies are extracted from the defined area in the spectral range up to 3000 nm, preferably up to 1800 nm, more preferably up to 1400 nm, and most preferably up to 1100 nm.Finally, the extracted production inaccuracies are compared with the stored production inaccuracies.

[0004] Currently, opening or attempted opening is achieved, and sometimes only detected, using special screw head geometries, such as Torx screws with internal pins, PCD (Physical Change Detection - thread locking compound on the screw head and screw partner), or screws that can only be screwed in one direction and destroy themselves upon unscrewing. This approach allows the detection of mechanical impact on a fastener. Even if an opening process, the necessary tools, and the material themselves are difficult to obtain, the probability of obtaining all of these elements, although low, is ultimately present. Therefore, a process involving only a few process steps is highly desirable. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] According to the invention, a method for detecting an impermissible opening process of a connection point is proposed, wherein the connection point is produced in a form-fitting, material-fitting or force-fitting manner in order to connect at least two components to one another, and the following method steps are carried out: a) Macroscopic recording of at least one image of the connection point of the at least two components, b) generating an encoding of the at least one image and storing the at least one image in a storage medium and / or a cloud, (c) re-taking at least one reference image of the joint for comparison purposes and d) comparing characteristic surface properties of the macroscopic image of the at least one image of the connection point according to method step a) with the macroscopic image of the at least one comparison image of the connection point.

[0006] The solution proposed according to the invention enables a macroscopic recording of the original appearance of a connecting design feature to be documented in a forgery-proof manner at the end of component, assembly or control unit production.

[0007] In an advantageous development of the method proposed according to the invention, the macroscopic recording of the at least one image of the connection point is made at the end of a component, assembly or part production.

[0008] In the method proposed in the invention, an achievable security depth can be varied, in particular: a) the size of a photographed area can be varied, b) a number of photographed areas is varied and c) a variation of the photographed areas themselves occurs.

[0009] In an advantageous development of the method proposed by the invention, the coding generated in step b) is decode in the storage medium and / or the cloud. This allows the decoding to be carried out very securely behind a "firewall" of the cloud or storage medium.

[0010] In an advantageous development of the method proposed according to the invention, information present in the cloud, in particular a code generated from the image taken, and information obtained via a security query, are added according to method step d).

[0011] Advantageously, the method proposed by the invention documents the condition of safety- and / or warranty-relevant connection points upon product delivery. This advantageously allows the condition of the product being delivered to be documented, i.e., unauthorized opening or tampering operations performed at connection points can be easily detected.

[0012] In an advantageous development of the method proposed according to the invention, the at least one image or the coding generated according to method step b) is stored in the storage medium and / or the cloud. In particular, the storage of the coding generated from the at least one image requires little storage space. In an advantageous development of the method proposed according to the invention, PCD (Physical Change Detection) and / or a "fingerprint" are combined. In the present case, the term "fingerprint" refers to a macroscopic image that clearly and unmistakably identifies a partial workpiece or a combination of these parts.

[0013] In the method proposed according to the invention, functional pairings, in particular the alignment of a Torx screw relative to the edges of components, are carried out as part of the comparison according to method step d). When comparing shape pairings, differences may also arise between a delivery state and an actual state of the connection in question, which is to be documented later.

[0014] The method proposed by the invention further provides for the analysis of mobile phone images in such a way that suitable sections are determined from image fragments. This significantly expands the range of documentation.

[0015] In an advantageous development of the method proposed according to the invention, the arrangement of semiconductor components on the top side of a printed circuit board can be documented with or without integral connection points, in particular solder joints. It is also possible to document weld seams, solder seams, and the like as connection points.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the method in vehicle control units, MIP; IP, ADAS (Advanced Driver's Assistance - technologies for autonomous driving) with high-performance processor systems or in power modules and / or server applications. Furthermore, the method proposed by the invention can be used in autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, particularly in highly safety-relevant steering / braking systems or steering and braking applications in autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles. Advantages of the invention

[0017] The solution proposed by the invention can replace previously common methods, such as the application of sealing wax, the use of screws that can only rotate in one direction, or the use of special screw head geometries. The solution proposed by the invention creates a macroscopic image of a connecting design feature, for example, in the form of a screw with a held-down sheet metal part, at the end of component / assembly or control unit production. This ensures that this connection point is documented in a forgery-proof manner, making it easy to clarify subsequent warranty claims. After its completion, the connection point is documented in a forgery-proof manner, precisely through the characteristic macroscopic image of, for example, the screw and sheet metal and the surface structures present in this state.These characteristic surface structures inherently have a natural uniqueness, which gives each connection point its unique “fingerprint”.

[0018] Following the method proposed by the invention, a code is generated from this macroscopic image and stored in the cloud. This code is unique due to its uniqueness and its association with at least one macroscopic image, allowing unambiguous identification of the photographed safety-relevant or warranty-relevant connection point. If a device or connection point needs to be checked for its original condition, for example, for integrity, a photo of the same image section is taken and can be compared with the original, which was taken at the end of the manufacturing process. This allows for a very quick determination as to whether the connection point is intact or whether it has been tampered with.

[0019] If the connection is subsequently removed, it will statistically be impossible to restore it to its original condition. It is also not possible to tell from the connection whether it is the one photographically documented or whether it is another safety- or warranty-relevant connection point on the control unit.

[0020] Advantageously, the comparison of the macroscopic image and the comparison images or coding for annually recurring revenues can be used to document proper use. The comparison proposed according to the invention enables a final decision as to whether the connection is in its original state after the end of production or product delivery, or whether it is a tampered connection point.

[0021] In an advantageous development, the method proposed by the invention can be further developed such that, for example, a worldwide network of service centers is equipped with a corresponding camera setup that provides such high-resolution macroscopic images under suitable lighting conditions. Should such images not be sufficient in terms of resolution, the service centers could offer corresponding photos and the associated proof of authenticity as part of their services.

[0022] The solution proposed by the invention offers the advantage, compared to previously known detection methods, that surface cleanliness requirements for the fasteners, such as those required for PCD, can be completely eliminated. For example, the application of sealing wax can be completely eliminated, as can the curing of the wax and the associated setup time.

[0023] The solution proposed in the invention makes a mechanical copy impossible. Furthermore, decoding takes place in the cloud, which is secured against third-party access, or in storage systems. All information stored there can also be subsequently added to the security query. In this context, it is conceivable that not only the code but also the captured image is stored. This way, in the event of an inspection, additional features of the photo and the surfaces shown there can also be used for verification.

[0024] The coding is very secure, already scalable, and can be made very tamper-proof due to its constant adaptability and modification.

[0025] The method proposed by the invention can be used to inspect not only screw connections but also weld seams and soldered joints, as well as other material-to-material connections. The method proposed by the invention is particularly suitable for documenting safety-relevant connections upon product delivery. These cannot be subsequently modified, loosened, tightened, or otherwise corrected.

[0026] Both the macroscopic recording of at least one image and / or the generated code (approximately 1 kB per image) can be stored in the cloud. PCD (Physical Change Detection) and fingerprinting can be combined. The PCD can be detected without additional equipment; a fingerprint can be stored on the storage medium (PLC) or in the cloud for additional security.

[0027] Mobile phone images allow for larger image sections. These could also be transferred to a storage medium and analyzed there to locate the relevant sections.

[0028] Within the scope of the method proposed by the invention, mold pairings can be detected; furthermore, such a service offering can be used as an external service to ensure original condition, proof of origin, and as tuning protection. Furthermore, within the scope of the diverse application possibilities of the method proposed by the invention, it is also possible to document semiconductor components (chips) on printed circuit boards (PCBs) with or without solder joints, thus offering a very broad range of applications. Furthermore, it should be noted that the method proposed by the invention can be implemented in central vehicle control units (MIP, VIP, ADAS applications), all of which comprise high-performance processor systems. This also includes power modules or server applications.Due to the high safety relevance, any warranty claims that may arise in autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles whose steering or braking systems are checked using the method proposed in the invention can be clarified more easily.

[0029] The method proposed in the invention for detecting unauthorized opening of a connection point makes it completely forgery-proof and also traceable worldwide. It doesn't matter where the hardware in question is located; it can be immediately checked for authenticity or original condition using a sent image. Short description of the drawings

[0030] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings and the following description.

[0031] They show: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 microscopic images, pictures of joints in their original state after completion of a joint, Fig. 3 traces made visible by UV irradiation at the joints according to Fig. 2 during an opening process, Fig. 4 the top view of a connection point in the form of a Torx screw, Fig. 4.1 the side view of the Torx screw according to Fig. 4, Fig. 5 an enlarged view of the screw head according to Fig. 4 with relevant first and second excerpts, Fig. 6 an exemplary process of processing a macroscopic image, Fig. 7 a surface selection or a representation of resulting surface characteristics and Fig. 8 storage of microscopic images in a programmable logic controller or an MES. Embodiments of the invention

[0032] In the following description of the embodiments of the invention, identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals, whereby a repeated description of these elements is omitted in individual cases. The figures only schematically illustrate the subject matter of the invention.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a safety or warranty-relevant connection point 10, with which, for example, Fig. 4.1 schematically illustrated first and second components 12 and 14 are connected to each other. From the illustrations according to Fig. 2 shows that, for example, a macroscopic image in the form of image 16 was taken after completion. In the Fig. In the images 16 of the connection point 10 shown in Figure 2, for example, a cap nut 26 is shown, in particular in its initial or original state after establishing a safety-relevant or warranty-relevant connection.

[0034] In contrast, Fig. 3 comparison images 24 are shown, which show the same connection point 10 which is shown in the two macroscopic images according to Fig. 2 in its original state. After irradiation, for example UV light irradiation 32, damage to the cap nuts 26 becomes clearly visible, ie a manipulated state 30 can be determined. A comparison between the connection points 10, as they are in the original state 28 in Fig. 2 are shown, with the Fig. 3, it can be concluded that starting from the original state 28, as shown in the macroscopic images according to Fig. 2 is documented, unauthorized opening operations may have taken place.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows an example of a plan view of a connecting element 34 in the form of a Torx screw 36. The Torx screw 36 is shown in the illustration according to Fig. 4 only the screw head 38 is shown. The screw head 38 comprises a Torx tool attachment 40 in a characteristic design. A first cutout 42 and a second cutout 44 are shown on the circumference of the screw head 38 of the Torx screw 36. Within the two shown cutouts 42, 44, images of characteristic surface structures 18 located on the surface of the screw head 38 can now be taken using a suitable camera system. The transition area between the peripheral edge of the screw head 38 and the underlying bearing surface can also be of interest for later documentation purposes in the context of a shaping pairing. Fig. 4 and 4.1, respectively, show that the connecting element 34, designed as a Torx screw 36, establishes a connection between the first component 12 and the second component 14, which may be sheet metal components, for example, on a steering system of an autonomously or semi-autonomously driving vehicle.

[0036] In Fig. 5 shows the first section 42 and the second section 44 in an enlarged view. In the enlargement 46, the characteristic surface structures 18 on the upper side of the screw head 38, which is rounded here, are more clearly visible. The first section 42 and the second section 44, respectively, encompass parts of the Torx tool attachment 40. Here, too, in the area of ​​the Torx tool attachment 40, deformations that could result, for example, from a tool attachment could be documented.

[0037] Fig. 6 shows, for example, that starting from the macroscopic image in the form of image 16, an enlargement 46 of a relevant section 42, 44 (cf. representation of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) from the image 16. The image 16 can now be subjected to coding 50 as part of an image conversion 48. From the macroscopic recording of the at least one image 16, the coding 50 takes place in the form of a binary code, which can be stored in a storage medium 20, for example a cloud 22, without consuming much storage space. Instead of the Fig. A programmable logic controller 72 or similar could also be used for the Cloud 22 indicated in Figure 6.

[0038] From the processing flow according to Fig. 6 shows that in this embodiment, both the code obtained from the coding 50 and a fingerprint 52 can be stored in the storage system 20 or the cloud 22. Storing the code obtained from the coding 50 is less space-intensive than storing the fingerprint 52: According to the illustration Fig. 7 shows a surface selection 54 with regard to characteristic surface structures 18. In the representation according to Fig. 7 shows, by way of example, the surface of a casting 56, the surface 58 which is obtained during machining, as well as cast or injection-molded plastic material 60 or its characteristic surface structure 18. In addition, the illustration according to Fig. 7 shows the characteristic surface structure 18 of a material, such as leather 62 and a forged material 64. Said materials or processed materials all exhibit characteristic surface structures 18 that occur in the original state 28, i.e., in the state of product delivery, at safety- or warranty-relevant connection points 10.

[0039] Fig. Figure 8 shows an algorithm structure 70 that is fed to a programmable logic controller 72 as part of a macroscopic recording of at least one image 16. As an alternative to the programmable logic controller 72, an MES system 76 could also be used. A MEMS system 76 can be integrated into a production process, for example, for DMC generation. The handling device 74 here represents an automated production process that could be organized in a line format.

[0040] In the method proposed by the invention, a macroscopic recording of at least one image 16 of a connecting design feature is taken, here in the form of the connecting element 34, designed as a Torx screw 36. The state depicted in the macroscopic recording of the at least one image 16 corresponds to the original state 28 at the end of component, assembly, or control unit production. This safety-relevant and / or warranty-relevant connection point 10 is thus documented in a forgery-proof manner, specifically in the macroscopic image of, for example, the Torx screw 36 and a sheet metal part and their respective characteristic surface structures 18. These characteristic surface structures 18 have a natural uniqueness that lends each safety-relevant and / or warranty-relevant connection point 10 its fingerprint 52.From this, a code is generated within the framework of the coding 50 and stored in the cloud 22, whereby the code is also unique due to the uniqueness of the characteristic surface 18 and can be unambiguously identified.

[0041] When checking a device or a safety- or warranty-relevant connection point 10 for its original state 28, a comparison image 24 is generated from the same image section as the image section corresponding to the original state 28 and can be compared with the original state 28 at the end of the manufacturing process or product delivery. In the event of an impermissible, subsequent removal of the safety- or warranty-relevant connection point 10, it is highly unlikely that it will be restored to its original state 28. The method proposed by the invention results in considerable simplification and generates cost advantages because the surface cleanliness requirement for connecting elements, such as screws, Torx screws, or the like, is eliminated.The use and application of varnish, as well as the time required for curing, are eliminated. Security-related advantages include the fact that no mechanical copy can be made, and the security depth can be varied by enlarging the area captured during the macroscopic image, increasing the number of photographed areas, and varying the photographed areas externally or internally, as well as depending on the presence of installed components. Furthermore, it should be noted that the code generated during coding 50 is decoded in Cloud 22, which is protected against third-party access. Information available there, such as the code, the photo, and, if applicable, the product data, can also be added to the security query subsequently.This means that the 50 encoding can be made very secure, widely scalable and, due to its constant change, very tamper-proof.

[0042] The method proposed by the invention can also extend to bonded joints 10, such as welds and soldered joints. The method is highly suitable for documenting safety- and / or warranty-relevant joints 10 upon product delivery. These joints cannot be subsequently altered, loosened, tightened, or otherwise tampered with after the macroscopic image has been taken.

[0043] Furthermore, it should be noted that both the macroscopic recording of at least one image 16 in its original state 28 and / or the code generated during encoding 50 (1 kB / image) are stored in the cloud 22. Furthermore, the PCD and fingerprint 52 can be combined, providing an end customer with visible proof that an opening has been detected.

[0044] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method proposed according to the invention, photographs taken ideally with a mobile phone, which represent a larger image section, can be stored in the storage medium 20 and / or in the cloud 22. These can then be evaluated within the scope of the image conversion 48 in such a way that the sections of interest, for example those in the Fig. 4 and Fig.5, can be found. Furthermore, in addition to characteristic surface structures 18, the method proposed according to the invention can also document shape pairings, such as the orientation of the wrench attachment on the Torx screw 36, ie, the Torx tool attachment 40 or its relative position to edges or corners.

[0045] The method proposed according to the invention can be used, for example, as an app or the like, as an external service to secure an original state 28 as proof of origin or as tuning or styling protection.

[0046] Furthermore, the method proposed according to the invention can be designed in such a way that the position of semiconductor components on the top side of printed circuit boards (PCBs) with and without a material connection in the form of solder joints can also be documented.

[0047] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described here and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, numerous modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, which are within the scope of one skilled in the art. 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] DE 10 2011 109 077 A1

[0002] DE 10 2021 109 455 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Method for detecting an impermissible opening process of a connection point (10) which is produced by positive locking, material locking or force locking and connects at least two components (12, 14) to one another, with at least the following method steps: a) Macroscopic recording of at least one image (16) of the connection point (10) of the at least two components (12, 14), b) generating a code (50) of the at least one image (16) and storing the at least one image (16) in a storage medium (20) and / or a cloud (22), c) re-taking at least one comparison image (24) of the connection point (10) for comparison purposes and d) comparing characteristic surface properties (18) of the macroscopic image of the at least one image (16) of the connection point (10) according to method step a) with the macroscopic image of the at least one comparison image (24) of the connection point (10). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the macroscopic recording of the at least one image (16) of the connection point (10) is made at the end of a component, assembly or part production. [3] Method according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by that a security depth can be varied: a) because it is larger than a photographed area, b) by selecting the photographed areas, c) by varying the photographed areas. [4] Method according to claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat a decoding of the coding (50) generated according to method step b) is carried out in the storage medium (20) and / or the cloud (22). [5] Method according to claims 1 to 4, characterized by that information present in the cloud (22), in particular a code generated from the recorded image (16) and information obtained via a security query, is added according to method step d). [6] Method according to claims 1 to 5, characterized by that safety and / or warranty-relevant connection points (10) are documented with regard to their condition upon product delivery. [7] Method according to claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the at least one image (16) and / or the coding (50) generated according to method step b) are stored in the storage medium (20) and / or the cloud (22). [8] Method according to claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat PCD (Physical Change Detection) and / or a “fingerprint” (52) are combined. [9] Method according to claims 1 to 8, characterized by that, within the scope of the comparison according to method step d), shaping pairs, in particular an alignment of a Torx screw (36) in comparison to edges of components (12, 14) is carried out. [10] Method according to claims 1 to 9, characterized by that an evaluation of images from a mobile phone is carried out in such a way that suitable sections (42, 44) are determined from image sections. [11] Method according to claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the arrangement of semiconductor components on the top side of printed circuit boards (PCBs) with material-fit connection points (10), in particular solder joints, is documented. [12] Use of the method according to one of claims 1 to 11 in vehicle control units (MEP, VEP, ADAS) with high-performance processor systems or in power modules and / or server applications. [13] Use of the method in autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, in particular in their steering / braking systems or applications.

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