Tire sensor-based method for detecting tire loss, in particular tire theft.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting tire loss in a monitoring system (10), comprising the following steps: a) sending signals with electronic transmitting units (16) from system vehicle tires (14) arranged on a system vehicle (12) via a communication unit (18) to the central electronic data processing unit (22), b) evaluating the signals received from the electronic transmitting units (16) of a system vehicle (12) with the central electronic data processing unit (20) to detect a possible loss of a system vehicle tire (14) assigned to the system vehicle (12), and c) triggering a reaction measure (26) by a central electronic data processing unit (22) when the evaluation detects the loss of a system vehicle tire (14) assigned to the system vehicle (12).if a communication unit (18) which receives the signals of a part of the electronic transmitting units (16) assigned to the system vehicle (12) does not receive the signals of at least one other electronic transmitting unit (16) assigned to the system vehicle (12) or receives them with a signal intensity that is reduced by at least a predetermined attenuation factor.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for detecting tire loss, in particular tire theft, in a monitoring system and a monitoring system, in particular for use in a corresponding method.

[0002] Advancing technological development and increasing digitalization are particularly affecting the field of automotive technology and vehicle tires. There is continued interest in continuously recording performance data from the components used in vehicles, for example, to continuously monitor performance and operational reliability. Information that can be monitored in vehicle tires includes, for example, tire pressure and tire temperature. For this purpose, vehicle tires are now equipped with suitable sensors.

[0003] Despite technological advances, however, a very old problem persists almost unchanged. Tire loss, particularly in large vehicle fleets, occurs repeatedly, whether due to carelessness or theft.

[0004] In particular, it would be desirable for fleet managers of large vehicle fleets to receive information as early as possible when the loss of a vehicle tire is to be feared. It would be particularly desirable for the corresponding backend, i.e. the database in which the information on the tire inventory and their properties as well as their allocation to the vehicles in the vehicle fleet, to be automatically updated, for example by registering a loss and issuing a corresponding procurement and replacement order to the relevant employees.

[0005] However, a corresponding functionality would also be interesting for other target groups, especially if it were possible to locate a lost vehicle tire, for example for private customers or law enforcement authorities.

[0006] To the extent that methods for the automated detection of tire loss are known in the prior art, the inventors believe that these do not meet many of the requirements placed on such methods.

[0007] The primary object of the present invention was to eliminate or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] In particular, it was an object of the present invention to provide methods for detecting tire loss, in particular tire theft, in a monitoring system and a monitoring system designed to carry out the method, with which automated detection of tire loss is possible in a reliable manner, wherein the detection should desirably be possible as early as possible.

[0009] It was an object of the present invention that the method to be specified should be as time- and cost-efficient as possible.

[0010] In addition, it was an object of the present invention that the method to be specified should be executable as far as possible using components which are already present in modern vehicle systems, so that in particular no complex additional electronics should be required.

[0011] In this respect, it was an object of the present invention that the method to be specified should be operable in the most energy-efficient manner possible, whereby it was an important requirement that the use of the method should not reduce the service life or durability of the components of the vehicle system or should reduce this to the smallest possible extent.

[0012] Furthermore, it was an object of the present invention that the method to be specified, in addition to detecting the mere tire loss, ideally also be able to provide information about the position of the lost vehicle tire in order to enable its replacement.

[0013] It was a further object of the present invention that the method to be specified should be able to automatically trigger an optimized reaction in the event of a tire loss, wherein it was particularly desirable that the method to be specified should be able to provide automated maintenance of the data stock of a fleet management system.

[0014] The inventors of the present invention have now found that the above objects can be achieved if the sensor technology installed in modern vehicle tires is used in conjunction with the allocation information stored in a central memory for distributing the vehicle tires to the vehicles, in order to register a deviation from the expected value in the signals sent by the vehicle tires of a vehicle, in order to conclude from the absence or weakening of signals that vehicle tires are missing and consequently to trigger a reaction measure as defined in the claims.

[0015] This makes it possible to detect tire loss reliably and automatically at an early stage in a time- and cost-efficient manner, whereby electronics that are usually already present can be used in an advantageous manner. The inventors have particularly succeeded in identifying preferred operating modes with which the service life or durability of the components of the vehicle system is not reduced or is reduced to the smallest possible extent, and in obtaining information about the position of the lost vehicle tire if necessary.

[0016] The above-mentioned objects are thus achieved by the subject matter of the invention as defined in the claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following statements.

[0017] Such embodiments, which are designated as preferred below, are combined in particularly preferred embodiments with features of other embodiments designated as preferred. Combinations of two or more of the embodiments designated as particularly preferred below are thus particularly preferred. Likewise preferred are embodiments in which a feature of one embodiment designated as preferred to any extent is combined with one or more further features of other embodiments designated as preferred to any extent. Features of preferred monitoring systems result from the features of preferred methods.

[0018] The invention relates to a method for detecting tire loss, in particular tire theft, in a monitoring system, the monitoring system comprising: i) one or more system vehicles, each comprising a plurality of system vehicle tires, each system vehicle tire comprising an electronic transmitting unit for transmitting signals in a wireless transmission method, ii) at least one communication unit separate from the system vehicles, wherein the communication unit is configured to receive, in the wireless transmission method, the signals from electronic transmitting units of the system vehicle tires located in a control area, and iii) a central electronic data processing device comprising a central storage unit, wherein allocation information about the allocation of the electronic transmission units of the system vehicle tires to the system vehicles is stored on the central storage unit, wherein the monitoring system is set up so that electronic transmission units located in the control area can send signals to the central electronic data processing device via the communication unit, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: a) Sending signals with the electronic transmission units of the system vehicle tires arranged on a system vehicle via the at least one communication unit to the central electronic data processing device, b) evaluating the signals received by the electronic transmitting units of a system vehicle with the central electronic data processing device to detect a possible loss of a system vehicle tyre assigned to the system vehicle, and c) triggering a reaction measure by the central electronic data processing device if the evaluation detects the loss of a system vehicle tire assigned to the system vehicle, wherein the loss of a system vehicle tire assigned to the system vehicle is detected if a communication unit which receives the signals of some of the electronic transmission units assigned to the system vehicle does not receive the signals of at least one further electronic transmission unit assigned to the system vehicle or receives them with a signal intensity which is reduced by at least a predetermined attenuation factor.

[0019] The method according to the invention serves to determine the loss of a vehicle's access, for example as a result of tire theft. The components interacting in the method are referred to as a monitoring system within the scope of the present invention. The monitoring system can, for example, be a fleet management system together with the communications infrastructure used, which is used in particular for the administration of commercial vehicle fleets, which often comprise a large number of vehicles, which are referred to as system vehicles within the scope of the present invention for the purpose of clear identification and differentiation from other vehicles. An example of a method according to the invention is one in which the monitoring system comprises 5 or more, preferably 10 or more, particularly preferably 20 or more, system vehicles.Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is also exemplary, wherein the system vehicles are commercial vehicles, preferably trucks or buses, particularly preferably trucks.

[0020] In the method according to the invention, the interaction takes place in particular with the vehicle tires of the vehicles equipped with integrated electronics, which, within the scope of the present invention, are referred to as system vehicles for clear identification and to differentiate them from other vehicle tires, in particular vehicle tires not equipped with electronics. Those skilled in the art will understand that while it is possible for a system vehicle to include other vehicle tires in addition to system vehicle tires, this is not preferred.

[0021] The system vehicles each comprise a plurality of system vehicle tires. It is expedient to provide as many system vehicle tires as possible on each system vehicle, thereby increasing the reliability of tire loss detection. Accordingly, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the system vehicles each comprise 4 or more, preferably 6 or more, system vehicle tires, wherein the system vehicles preferably comprise exclusively system vehicle tires.

[0022] The inventors propose that any spare wheels in particular should be designed as system vehicle tires, as these are often particularly susceptible to theft and loss. Vehicle tires located on lift axles of trucks or other commercial vehicles are also easier to steal in many cases. Furthermore, the loss of spare wheels or unloaded lift axles is more likely to go unnoticed by the driver, even during vehicle use, than the loss of a vehicle tire on a loaded axle, so that the method according to the invention can generate additional information, particularly during driving. Preference is given to a method according to the invention wherein at least one of the system vehicle tires is a spare tire. Preference is additionally or alternatively given to a method according to the invention wherein at least one of the system vehicle tires is arranged on a lift axle.

[0023] The method according to the invention exploits the fact that the system vehicle tires, or more precisely the electronics installed therein, can transmit signals using a wireless transmission method, with the corresponding transmitting units in many cases also being capable of receiving corresponding signals. A preferred method according to the invention is one in which the system vehicle tires are pneumatic vehicle tires, with the electronic transmitting unit being attached to the tire inner layer, preferably below the tread.

[0024] The method according to the invention is based on the evaluation of the signals transmitted by the system vehicle tires of a system vehicle, or the corresponding transmitting units, or the detection of their absence or attenuation. It is expedient for the transmitted signals to contain information by means of which the transmitting unit and thus indirectly the system vehicle tire can be identified. For this purpose, the transmitted signal can, for example, include a unique identification (at least with respect to the monitoring system), by means of which the signal can be assigned to a system vehicle tire in the backend.For substantially all embodiments, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein each electronic transmitting unit is assigned a unique piece of identification information in the monitoring system, wherein the electronic transmitting unit of each system vehicle tire is configured to transmit the identification information at least at time intervals and / or wherein the signal transmitted by the electronic transmitting units of the system vehicle tires comprises the identification information at least at time intervals.

[0025] To achieve the greatest possible added value, the inventors propose that additional electronic sensor units can be provided in the vehicle tires, which can be used to determine important operating variables such as temperature or pressure. The corresponding tire information can advantageously be incorporated into the method according to the invention, as further disclosed below. Thus, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the system vehicle tires each comprise an electronic sensor unit for detecting tire information.

[0026] Among the possible sensor functionalities, the use of pressure sensors is particularly preferred, as these provide tire information that is particularly important for the management of vehicle fleets and vehicle driving safety. Accordingly, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the system vehicle tires each comprise a pressure sensor unit for detecting pressure information associated with the respective system vehicle tire. In this case, the method according to the invention is characterized by the monitoring system being a tire pressure monitoring system.

[0027] If a corresponding sensor functionality is present, it is expedient for the detected sensor information to be transmitted via the electronic transmission unit. Against this background, it is also particularly preferred to integrate the transmission unit and the sensor unit into a single electronic component. Consequently, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the electronic transmission unit of each system vehicle tire is configured to transmit the detected tire information, preferably the detected pressure information, at least at time intervals and / or wherein the signal transmitted by each system vehicle tire comprises the tire information, preferably the pressure information, at least at time intervals. Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the electronic sensor unit, preferably the pressure sensor unit, and the electronic transmission unit are formed by the same electronic component.

[0028] The method according to the invention utilizes the evaluation of the signals transmitted by the system vehicle tires of a system vehicle, or the corresponding transmitting units. As a result, the temporal resolution with which the absence of a vehicle tire can be detected is inherently dependent on the rate at which the transmitting units transmit signals. The inventors therefore suggest that the transmission rate should not be chosen too high. At the same time, a high transmission rate also correlates with high energy consumption, which is particularly detrimental to the lifetime of the system if no internal energy-generating device is provided, as will be further disclosed below.Firstly, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the electronic transmitting units of each system vehicle are set up to transmit at least once in an interval of 400 s or less, preferably of 300 s or less, particularly preferably 200 s or less, wherein the electronic transmitting units of each system vehicle are particularly preferably set up to transmit essentially simultaneously, and / or wherein the transmission of signals in method step a) takes place such that all electronic transmitting units of the system vehicle transmit at least once in an interval of 400 s or less, preferably of 300 s or less, particularly preferably 200 s or less.Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the electronic transmission units are designed to transmit signals to the central electronic data processing device at predetermined intervals, preferably at intervals of 400 s or less, preferably of 300 s or less, particularly preferably 200 s or less, and / or wherein the transmission of signals in method step a) takes place at predetermined intervals, preferably at intervals of 400 s or less, preferably of 300 s or less, particularly preferably 200 s or less.In addition or alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the electronic transmission units are configured to transmit signals to the central electronic data processing device at predetermined intervals, preferably at intervals of 10 s or more, particularly preferably 50 s or more, very particularly preferably 100 s or more, and / or wherein the transmission of signals in method step a) takes place at predetermined intervals, preferably at intervals of 10 s or more, particularly preferably 50 s or more, very particularly preferably 100 s or more.

[0029] In addition to the transmission rate, further framework parameters can also be set for transmission, for example a synchronization of the transmission or a request-based transmission following a trigger signal, whereby such measures are more interesting for specific applications, in particular if the transmission units would transmit at a very low transmission rate during normal operation, which would excessively reduce the temporal resolution of the method according to the invention. Thus, a method according to the invention is more preferred for special applications, wherein the electronic transmission units of each system vehicle have an at least partially, preferably substantially completely, synchronized transmission scheme, and / or wherein each system vehicle is configured to effect synchronous transmission of signals from the electronic transmission units of the system vehicle, preferably by transmitting a trigger signal to the electronic transmission units.

[0030] According to expert understanding, the electronic transmitting units require energy to transmit the signals. This energy can in principle be provided via an energy storage device, for example a button battery. Since corresponding energy storage devices inside the vehicle tire often cannot be replaced economically, the capacity of the energy storage devices represents an inherent limit for the service life of the transmitting unit or the integrated sensor units. A method according to the invention is relevant for a majority of applications, wherein the system vehicle tires at least partially, preferably entirely, comprise an energy storage device for supplying the electronic transmitting units with electrical energy.

[0031] In order to conserve the energy storage device, it is preferred that the method according to the invention be carried out in the absence of alternative energy sources in such a way that comparatively short-range communication takes place, for example with a location-based communication infrastructure such as that available under the trade name ContiConnect Yard, as will be disclosed further below. In the opinion of the inventors, however, it is actually preferable for many applications if the method can also be carried out outside of a locally controlled area, which will regularly require the use of relatively long-range transmission technologies and the use of existing radio networks. However, this embodiment is more energy-intensive. In order to nevertheless maintain advantageous lifetimes for the electronics used in the system vehicle tire, the inventors propose that so-called "energy harvesters" can be used in the system vehicle tire.Corresponding components are commercially available from various manufacturers and allow the mechanical stress experienced by system vehicle tires during operation to be converted into usable electrical energy. A method according to the invention is therefore preferred, particularly in combination with a long-range wireless transmission method using existing external radio networks, wherein the system vehicle tires at least partially, preferably all, comprise an energy recovery device for supplying the electronic transmitting units with electrical energy and / or for charging an energy storage device, wherein the energy recovery device is configured to recover electrical energy as a result of the deformation of the system vehicle tire. An example of a method according to the invention is one in which the energy recovery device is attached to the tire inner layer, preferably beneath the tread.Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is also exemplary, wherein the energy generation device is a piezoelectric or electromechanical energy generation device.

[0032] The signals transmitted by the system vehicle tires are received by a communication unit located outside the system vehicle and transmitted to the central electronic data processing device. Relevant to essentially all embodiments is a method according to the invention, wherein the communication unit is a stationary communication unit. In this respect, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein at least one of the communication units, preferably all communication units of the monitoring system, is a radio mast.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, the term "control area" refers to the area within which a communications unit, for example, a radio mast, can still receive the signals from the transmitting units or sufficiently resolve them between other signals. The absolute dimensions of the control area will therefore depend on the transmission technology used and the components installed in the communications infrastructure and the transmitting units.The definition of the control area advantageously allows a distinction to be made between short-range transmission technologies, which, for example, are intended to cover only the premises of a fleet operator, and longer-range technologies, such as those known from mobile communications, whereby the former is advantageously suitable for combination with exclusively battery-supported transmitting units, whereas the second variant results in an advantageous method, particularly when using integrated energy generation devices.

[0034] Thus, on the one hand, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the monitoring system comprises a plurality of spatially separated communication units, preferably 100 or more, particularly preferably 200 or more, particularly preferably 500 or more, wherein the average distance between adjacent communication units is 100 m or more, preferably 200 m or more, particularly preferably 300 m or more, and / or wherein the control area of ​​the communication unit extends substantially circularly with a radius r around the communication unit, wherein r is 100 m or more, preferably 200 m or more, particularly preferably 300 m or more.Particularly preferred in this case with regard to the transmission technology is a method according to the invention, wherein the wireless transmission method is selected from the group consisting of 3G, 4G, 5G, Sigfox, LoRaWAN and Narrowband IOT, preferably Sigfox, LoRaWAN and Narrowband IOT, particularly preferably Sigfox and Narrowband IOT.

[0035] With a view to the more local solution, a method according to the invention is alternatively preferred, wherein the monitoring system comprises 15 or fewer, particularly preferably 10 or fewer, particularly preferably 5 or fewer, particularly preferably only one communication unit, and wherein the average distance between adjacent communication units is 75 m or fewer, preferably 50 m or fewer, particularly preferably 25 m or fewer, and / or wherein the control area of ​​the communication unit extends substantially circularly with a radius r around the communication unit, wherein r is preferably in the range from 1 to 50 m, particularly preferably in the range from 2 to 20 m.Particularly preferred in this case with regard to the transmission technology is a method according to the invention, wherein the wireless transmission method is selected from the group consisting of a radio method with a frequency of 433 MHz or Bluetooth, preferably Bluetooth.

[0036] Especially with the more local solution disclosed above with shorter-range transmission technologies, it is possible to link the transmission of signals to the entry of the respective system vehicle into the control area, for example when a corresponding system vehicle drives onto a company premises covered by a "ContiConnect Yard" system. In this case, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the electronic transmission units are configured to transmit a signal to the central electronic data processing device upon entering the control area of ​​a communication unit, preferably as a result of a trigger signal transmitted by the communication unit, and / or wherein the transmission of signals in method step a) occurs upon entering the control area of ​​a communication unit, preferably as a result of a trigger signal transmitted by the communication unit.

[0037] For evaluation purposes, the signals received by the communication unit are transmitted to a central electronic data processing device, which may, for example, be the computer of a fleet management system. An example of a method according to the invention is one in which the communication unit is connected to the central electronic data processing device in a signal-conducting manner. An additional or alternative example of a method according to the invention is one in which the communication unit communicates with the electronic data processing device via a wireless communication method.

[0038] The electronic data processing device, together with the storage unit, can in principle be formed by any commercially available data processing device, which can be configured according to the invention through appropriate programming. However, according to the inventors, it is particularly advantageous if the central electronic data processing device is provided via a cloud. A preferred method according to the invention is one in which the central electronic data processing device is formed by a physical server or a virtual server, preferably by a virtual server, particularly preferably by a cloud.

[0039] Assignment information about the assignment of the electronic transmission units of the system vehicle tires to the system vehicles is stored on the central storage unit. This enables the electronic data processing device, upon receipt of a signal from one or more electronic transmission units of the system vehicle tires of a specific system vehicle, to deduce which further signals should also be received from other system vehicle tires within the transmission interval specified by the transmission units. In preferred embodiments, it is even possible to track the tire positions occupied by the system vehicle tires on the system vehicle. Accordingly, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the assignment information comprises information about the assignment of the system vehicle tires to the tire positions of the system vehicles.

[0040] Within the scope of the present invention, with regard to the detection of the loss of a system vehicle tire, it is defined that a loss is detected as such when a communication unit that receives the signals of some of the electronic transmission units assigned to the system vehicle does not receive the signals of at least one further electronic transmission unit assigned to the system vehicle or receives them with a signal intensity that is reduced by at least a predetermined attenuation factor. A method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the loss of a system vehicle tire assigned to the system vehicle is detected when a communication unit receives all of the signals from the electronic transmission units assigned to the system vehicle except for one signal.

[0041] In this respect, in addition to the complete absence of the signal, the case in which the signal is measured only with a reduced intensity is also covered. This advantageously makes it possible to detect the loss even when the lost system vehicle tire is still relatively close to the system vehicle, enabling a particularly rapid response. To avoid false alarms, for example, due to sensors weakening over time, it is advisable not to select too low a level of attenuation required for triggering.In this respect, according to the inventors' assessment, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the loss of a system vehicle tire assigned to the system vehicle is detected when the signals of at least one further, preferably exactly one further, electronic transmitting unit assigned to the system vehicle are not received or are received with a signal intensity reduced by a predetermined attenuation factor of 75% or more, preferably not received or are received with a signal intensity reduced by a predetermined attenuation factor of 90% or more, particularly preferably not received or are received with a signal intensity reduced by a predetermined attenuation factor of 99% or more, very particularly preferably not received.

[0042] It can be seen as an advantage of the method according to the invention that the detection of the loss of a system vehicle tire by the electronic data processing device can optionally be linked to further boundary conditions, making it possible, in particular, to avoid false alarms and / or enable earlier detection. For example, in the case of minor differences in signal intensity, a loss report can be tied to the condition that the presumably lost system vehicle tire transmits groove information that suggests a different rotational speed. In other words, the predetermined attenuation factor can be reduced if, in the case of minor differences in signal intensity, predetermined limit values ​​exist in the differences in the transmitted tire information, for example, with regard to tire temperature.A method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the system vehicle tires of the system vehicle comprise an electronic sensor unit for detecting tire information, preferably an acceleration sensor or a speed sensor, wherein the predetermined damping factor is reduced if the tire information detected for a system vehicle tire, preferably the detected radial acceleration or the rotational speed, deviates by more than a predetermined tolerance value.

[0043] The method according to the invention advantageously allows the position of a lost vehicle tire or at least the location of the loss to be spatially localized by using a communication unit separate from the vehicle. In particularly efficient embodiments, this is possible because the position of the communication unit that detects the signals of the lost system vehicle tire and / or the remaining system vehicle tires is known. In embodiments that are often more technically complex, it is also conceivable to carry out a more precise position determination, for example by means of triangulation. A method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the monitoring system is configured to determine or estimate the position of the electronic transmitting units, preferably the electronic transmitting units of the system vehicle tires detected as lost, based on the signals transmitted by the electronic transmitting units.A method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the position of the electronic transmitting units is estimated from the position of the communication unit that receives the signal from the electronic transmitting unit or receives it with the greatest signal strength. More complex and more relevant to specific embodiments is additionally or alternatively a method according to the invention, wherein the position of the electronic transmitting units is determined by triangulation using three or more communication units.

[0044] The method according to the invention provides that a reaction measure is triggered by the central electronic data processing device when the loss of a system vehicle tire is detected. This reaction measure can be selected by the person skilled in the art as needed. A method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the reaction measure is selected from the group consisting of issuing a warning signal, preferably a visual and / or acoustic warning signal, informing the responsible personnel, for example by email or SMS, updating the allocation information stored on the central storage unit, and informing security authorities, preferably issuing a visual or acoustic warning signal. In this case, it is particularly preferred if at least the allocation information stored on the central storage unit is updated automatically.

[0045] A further advantage of the method according to the invention is that it can be advantageously combined with a short-range wireless communication network that exists between the transmitting units—which in this case necessarily also have a receiving function. The execution of the method according to the invention can be linked to the condition that one of the system vehicle tires is no longer detected in the short-range wireless communication network.This is particularly advantageous when the transmission in the method according to the invention is carried out using a preferably longer-range transmission technology which differs from the transmission technology used in the communication network, since this makes it possible to verify the suspicion of a lost system vehicle tire that arose on the basis of one technology by means of a second technology, whereby it is advantageously possible to exclude the failure of the short-range transmission device in the system vehicle tire as a cause of the error.For certain applications, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the system vehicle tires of the system vehicle communicate with each other at least partially, preferably all, in a short-range, wireless communication network, preferably in a Bluetooth mesh, wherein the monitoring system is configured to carry out the method steps of the method if the system vehicle tires in the wireless communication network have not received a communication signal from one or more of the system vehicle tires for a predetermined period of time.

[0046] The invention further relates to a monitoring system, in particular for use in a method according to the invention, comprising: i) one or more system vehicles, each comprising a plurality of system vehicle tires, each system vehicle tire comprising an electronic transmitting unit for transmitting signals in a wireless transmission method, ii) at least one communication unit separate from the system vehicles, wherein the communication unit is configured to receive, in the wireless transmission method, the signals from electronic transmitting units of the system vehicle tires located in a control area, and iii) a central electronic data processing device comprising a central storage unit, wherein allocation information about the allocation of the electronic transmission units of the system vehicle tires to the system vehicles is stored on the central storage unit, wherein the monitoring system is configured so that electronic transmission units located in the control area can send signals to the central electronic data processing device via the communication unit, wherein the central electronic data processing device is configured to evaluate the signals received from the electronic transmitting units of a system vehicle and to detect a possible loss of a system vehicle tire assigned to the system vehicle, wherein the loss of a system vehicle tire assigned to the system vehicle is detected when a communication unit receiving the signals of some of the electronic transmitting units assigned to the system vehicle does not receive the signals of at least one further electronic transmitting unit assigned to the system vehicle or receives them with a signal intensity that is reduced by 50% or more, wherein the central electronic data processing device is configured to trigger a reaction measure if the evaluation detects the loss of a system vehicle tire assigned to the system vehicle.

[0047] The invention and preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a monitoring system according to the invention in use in a method according to the invention in a first preferred embodiment, and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a monitoring system according to the invention in use in a method according to the invention in a second preferred embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a preferred monitoring system 10 according to the invention in a preferred embodiment used in a method according to the invention for detecting tire loss.

[0049] The monitoring system 10 is in the example shown a tire pressure monitoring system and comprises a system vehicle 12 with a total of six system vehicle tires 14, which in the example shown is the Fig. 1 is designed as a truck. The system vehicle tires 14 each comprise an electronic transmitting unit 16 with a pressure sensor unit for determining the air pressure prevailing in the system vehicle tire 14, i.e., pressure information. Each electronic transmitting unit 16, i.e., indirectly, each system vehicle tire 14, is assigned a unique identification number in the monitoring system 10.

[0050] In addition, the monitoring system 10 shown comprises a stationary communication unit 18, which is designed as a radio mast and in the example of Fig. 1 has a control area 20 with a radius r of approximately 15 m. Within the control area 20, the communication unit 18 can receive signals using a wireless transmission method. In the example shown, the communication unit 18 is connected in a signal-conducting manner to a central electronic data processing device 22, which is formed by a virtual server and has a central storage unit 24.

[0051] To detect a tire puncture, the method according to the invention, in the example shown, involves sending signals from the electronic transmission units 16 via Bluetooth to the communication unit 18, with the interval between two transmissions being approximately 120 seconds. The signal includes the detected pressure information and the identification number. The signal is received by the communication unit 18 and forwarded to the electronic data processing device 22 via the signal-conducting connection.

[0052] The central storage unit 24 stores allocation information, i.e., the identification numbers of the electronic transmission units 16 or information about the allocation of the system vehicle tires 14 to the tire locations of the system vehicle 12. Based on the allocation information, the data processing device 22 evaluates all received signals and then detects a loss of a system vehicle tire 14 if at least one signal from an electronic transmission unit 16 allocated to the system vehicle 12 is not received or is only received with a signal intensity reduced by a predetermined attenuation factor, for example, 75%.

[0053] In the example shown the Fig. In Figure 1, the signal emitted by the electronic transmission units 16 is shown as a dashed arrow. One of the system vehicle tires 14 of the rear axle is missing entirely in the example shown. The associated electronic transmission unit 16 therefore does not send a signal to the communication unit 18, and the electronic data processing device 22 detects the loss or theft of the tire, since the signals from all other system vehicle tires 14 of the associated system vehicle 12 continue to be received.

[0054] Following the detection of the loss, the central electronic data processing device 22 triggers a reaction measure 26, as a result of which, in particular, the allocation information stored in the central storage unit 24 is updated, which can be supplemented, for example, by issuing an optical and / or acoustic warning signal, in particular to a mobile terminal of a user of the system vehicle 12.

[0055] In the example shown the Fig. 2, the monitoring system 10 comprises a plurality of spatially separated communication units 18, designed as stationary radio masts, each with a significantly larger control range 20 of more than 100 m. However, the more distant masts are shown as smaller units for clarity. In this monitoring system 10, communication between the electronic transmission units 16 of the system vehicle tires 14 and the communication units 18 takes place, for example, via Sigfox or Narrowband IoT.

[0056] Due to the increased energy requirements of the transmission technologies, the system vehicle tires 14 in the example shown have Fig. 2, an energy recovery device 28 is provided below the tread to supply the electronic transmission units 16 with electrical energy, which is designed to recover electrical energy as a result of the deformation of the system vehicle tire 14. In this example, the communication unit 18 and the central electronic data processing device 22 communicate via a wireless communication method (represented by the satellite in Fig. 2).

[0057] Fig. Figure 2 schematically visualizes that the missing system vehicle tire is in the area of ​​influence of other radio masts. In the example of Fig.2, the monitoring system 10 can estimate the position of the electronic transmitter units 16 of the system vehicle tire 14 detected as lost based on the signals transmitted by the electronic transmitter unit 16, since the position of the communication unit 18 receiving its signal is known. The response measure 26 can, for example, consist of transmitting the thus determined position of the electronic transmitter units 16 of the system vehicle tire 14 detected as lost to the law enforcement authorities. List of reference symbols 10 Monitoring system 12 system vehicles 14 system vehicle tires 16 electronic transmitter unit 18 Communication unit 20 Control Area 22 central electronic data processing facility 24 central storage unit 26 Reaction measure 28 Energy generation facility

Claims

[1] A method for detecting tire loss in a monitoring system (10), the monitoring system (10) comprising: i) one or more system vehicles (12), each comprising a plurality of system vehicle tires (14), each system vehicle tire (14) comprising an electronic transmitting unit (16) for transmitting signals in a wireless transmission method, ii) at least one communication unit (18) separate from the system vehicles (12), wherein the communication unit (18) is configured to receive, in the wireless transmission method, the signals from electronic transmission units (16) of the system vehicle tires (14) located in a control area (20), and iii) a central electronic data processing device (22) comprising a central storage unit (24), wherein allocation information about the allocation of the electronic transmission units (16) of the system vehicle tires (14) to the system vehicles (12) is stored on the central storage unit (24), wherein the monitoring system (10) is configured such that electronic transmission units (16) located in the control area (20) can send signals to the central electronic data processing device (22) via the communication unit (18), wherein the method comprises the following method steps: a) sending signals with the electronic transmission units (16) of the system vehicle tires (14) arranged on a system vehicle (12) via the at least one communication unit (18) to the central electronic data processing device (22), b) evaluating the signals received by the electronic transmitting units (16) of a system vehicle (12) with the central electronic data processing device (20) to detect a possible loss of a system vehicle tire (14) assigned to the system vehicle (12), and c) triggering a reaction measure (26) by the central electronic data processing device (22) if the evaluation detects the loss of a system vehicle tire (14) assigned to the system vehicle (12), wherein the loss of a system vehicle tire (14) assigned to the system vehicle (12) is detected if a communication unit (18) which receives the signals of some of the electronic transmission units (16) assigned to the system vehicle (12) does not receive the signals of at least one further electronic transmission unit (16) assigned to the system vehicle (12) or receives them with a signal intensity which is reduced by at least a predetermined attenuation factor. [2] The method according to claim 1, wherein the system vehicle tires (14) each comprise an electronic sensor unit for detecting tire information. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the electronic transmitting unit (16) of each system vehicle tire (14) is configured to transmit the detected tire information at time intervals. [4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the system vehicle tires (14) at least partially comprise an energy recovery device (28) for supplying the electronic transmitting units (16) with electrical energy, wherein the energy recovery device (28) is configured to recover electrical energy as a result of the deformation of the system vehicle tire (14). [5] Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the communication unit (18) is a stationary communication unit (18). [6] Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the monitoring system (10) comprises a plurality of spatially separated communication units (18), wherein the average distance between adjacent communication units (18) is 100 m or more, or wherein the monitoring system (10) comprises 15 or fewer communication units (18), and wherein the average distance between adjacent communication units (18) is 75 m or less. [7] Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wireless transmission method is selected from the group consisting of 3G, 4G, 5G, Sigfox, LoRaWan and Narrowband IOT, or wherein the wireless transmission method is selected from the group consisting of a radio method with a frequency of 433 MHz or Bluetooth. [8] Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the monitoring system (10) is configured to determine or estimate the position of the electronic transmitting units (16) on the basis of the transmitted signals of the electronic transmitting units (16). [9] Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the loss of a system vehicle tire (14) assigned to the system vehicle (12) is detected when the signals of at least one further, preferably exactly one further, electronic transmitting unit (16) assigned to the system vehicle (12) are not received or are received with a signal intensity reduced by a predetermined attenuation factor of 75% or more. [10] Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the system vehicle tires of the system vehicle communicate with each other at least partially in a short-range wireless communication network, wherein the monitoring system is configured to carry out the method steps of the method if the system vehicle tires in the wireless communication network have not received a communication signal from one or more of the system vehicle tires for a predetermined period of time. [11] Monitoring system (10), in particular for use in a method according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: i) one or more system vehicles (12), each comprising a plurality of system vehicle tires (14), each system vehicle tire (14) comprising an electronic transmitting unit (16) for transmitting signals in a wireless transmission method, ii) at least one communication unit (18) separate from the system vehicles (12), wherein the communication unit (18) is configured to receive, in the wireless transmission method, the signals from electronic transmission units (16) of the system vehicle tires (14) located in a control area (20), and iii) a central electronic data processing device (22) comprising a central storage unit (24), wherein allocation information about the allocation of the electronic transmission units (16) of the system vehicle tires (14) to the system vehicles (12) is stored on the central storage unit (24), wherein the monitoring system (10) is configured so that electronic transmission units (16) located in the control area (20) can send signals to the central electronic data processing device (22) via the communication unit (18), wherein the central electronic data processing device (22) is configured to evaluate the signals received from the electronic transmission units (16) of a system vehicle (12) and to detect a possible loss of a system vehicle tire (14) assigned to the system vehicle (12), wherein the loss of a system vehicle tire (14) assigned to the system vehicle (12) is detected,if a communication unit (18) receiving the signals of some of the electronic transmission units (16) assigned to the system vehicle (12) does not receive the signals of at least one further electronic transmission unit (16) assigned to the system vehicle (12) or receives them with a signal intensity that is reduced by 50% or more, wherein the central electronic data processing device (22) is configured to trigger a reaction measure (26) if the evaluation detects the loss of a system vehicle tire (14) assigned to the system vehicle (12).

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