Detection system and method for detecting profile information from vehicle tires
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102024200326
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-17
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a detection system for detecting tire condition information of vehicle tires and a method for detecting profile information of vehicle tires using such a detection system.
[0002] Given the steady increase in global road traffic and the associated rise in traffic accidents, driving safety has become increasingly important in recent years. One vehicle component that plays a key role in driving safety is the tires used, which are specifically tuned to the expected environmental influences to optimize driving and braking performance.
[0003] In addition to the type of rubber compound used, the tire tread pattern is particularly important with regard to the driving safety-relevant properties of vehicle tires. Due to its structure, this structure is largely responsible for driving and braking characteristics. However, with prolonged use, vehicle tires wear down, with the tread pattern and the specific structure being eroded over time. Given the high safety relevance of a sufficiently pronounced tread pattern, many countries have strict requirements regarding the minimum tread depths to be maintained. Furthermore, in the commercial sector, particularly for fleet operators, regular inspection of the tread pattern is often required by law.
[0004] There is a growing need to capture additional information, for example, to determine the condition of other tire components, such as the tire shoulder or sidewall. This allows, in particular, maintenance intervals to be set and / or tire replacements to be scheduled to avoid tire replacements that are too early or too late. Furthermore, signs of irregularities in use, such as excessive wear in the shoulder area, should be detected as early as possible.
[0005] In many countries, vehicle owners are required to regularly check the remaining tread depth of their tires themselves. In everyday practice, very simple tests using a ruler or similar size reference are sometimes used for this purpose. The time required and the level of expertise required are often seen as too high, which leads some drivers to neglect checking. In the case of commercial vehicles in particular, the condition of vehicle tires is regularly documented, for example, in workshops, although this often only requires manual recording. In addition, documentation is often done by hand on paper, meaning that a fleet manager, for example, does not have easy access to the condition of all the tires used on vehicles in the fleet.
[0006] In the wake of increasing digitalization and to simplify the recording of tread depths, permanently installed, at least partially automated recording systems are also known from the state of the art. These are sometimes referred to by experts as "Drive Over Solutions (DOS)". In this case, profile information or identification information of the vehicle tires can be recorded, for example using suitable sensors or RFID readers, when the vehicle drives over a corresponding recording system. In principle, it is considered advantageous that such recording systems can record the condition of vehicle tires particularly quickly and without the need for manual recording, which often has to be carried out by the driver of a vehicle and is therefore time-consuming.It is also considered an advantage that this makes it particularly easy to record additional information, such as information about the sidewall or axle load information.
[0007] However, the (semi-)automated detection systems proposed in the state of the art are often perceived as disadvantageous because they are often installed in fixed locations, particularly in private parking lots and / or workshops. As a result, such detection systems are often not accessible to the general public. Furthermore, permanently installed solutions are perceived as disadvantageous in some applications, as they are perceived as lacking in flexibility.
[0008] Another disadvantage is that such detection systems are often costly and involve numerous installation requirements, particularly the need for a constant power supply. Furthermore, recesses in the floor are often required for the installation of such detection systems, meaning they cannot easily be installed in public spaces. Furthermore, it is often considered a disadvantage that such detection systems must sometimes be installed indoors to protect the installed sensors from environmental influences, particularly the ingress of liquids. Furthermore, the simultaneous measurement of the axle load often requires complex additional devices or installations.
[0009] The primary object of the present invention was to eliminate or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0010] In particular, the object of the present invention was to provide a largely automated detection system for easily detecting tire condition information, particularly tread information. A desirable requirement was that the detection system to be specified should be particularly cost-effective to manufacture and install.
[0011] Furthermore, it was an object of the present invention that the detection system to be specified should be particularly robust, so that it should be able to withstand high mechanical loads in particular and should have a high resistance to weather influences.
[0012] Furthermore, it was an object of the present invention that the detection system to be specified should be particularly easy to transport and thus spatially relocatable, so that suitability for mobile deployments was particularly desirable, for example, for police use in mobile traffic checks. A desirable requirement here was that the detection system to be specified should be particularly easy and quick to set up and dismantle, with easy transportability being desirable.
[0013] Furthermore, it was an object of the present invention to provide a method for detecting profile information of vehicle tires using the detection system to be specified.
[0014] It was also an object of the present invention that the specified method should be particularly easy to implement using the same detection system at different locations, so that multiple implementations of the method should not be location-specific. A desirable requirement was that the specified method should be implementable as far as possible using devices and elements that are already provided in modern pneumatic vehicle tires.
[0015] The inventors of the present invention have now found that the above objects can surprisingly be achieved if a detection system has a sensor mat based on an elastomeric rubber material, with the sensors installed therein of which profile information of a vehicle tire can be detected and tire condition information can be obtained from the detected profile information via an electronic data processing device, as defined in the claims.
[0016] This allows for simple, automated recording of vehicle tire condition information, particularly tread depth, but also, for example, axle load and sidewall information, using a mobile, i.e., non-stationary system, allowing for particularly time-efficient relocation, for example, several times a day. The recording system according to the invention can advantageously be designed to be particularly handy, making it particularly easy to transport.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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 therefore very 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 methods result from the features of preferred detection systems.
[0019] The invention particularly relates to a detection system for detecting tire condition information of vehicle tires, comprising: i) a sensor mat comprising a mat base body made of an elastomeric rubber material, wherein the sensor mat has a base side intended for ground contact and a detection side opposite the base side, wherein the sensor mat has a base area of 0.25 m 2 or more, wherein the sensor mat comprises one or more electronic sensor units arranged in the elastomeric rubber material, wherein the sensor mat is configured to detect profile information of a vehicle tire contacting the sensor mat on the detection side with the electronic sensor unit(s), and ii) an electronic data processing device, wherein the detection system is configured to transmit profile information detected by the sensor mat to the electronic data processing device, wherein the electronic data processing device is configured to derive tire condition information from the detected profile information.
[0020] The detection system according to the invention is suitable for detecting tire condition information from vehicle tires. For this purpose, the detection system comprises a sensor mat with at least one electronic sensor unit for detecting profile information from a vehicle tire contacting the sensor mat.
[0021] The one or more electronic sensor units are arranged in a rubber material and designed to detect a vehicle tire arranged on a side of the sensor mat referred to as the detection side in the context of the present invention, wherein the detection side is arranged opposite a base side of the sensor mat intended for ground contact. Those skilled in the art will understand that, in practice, the base side will lie on the ground, so that the detection side faces upwards or away from the ground. Accordingly, a vehicle can drive with one or more of the vehicle tires onto the detection side of the sensor mat.
[0022] The detection side is intended for contact with one or more vehicle tires, in particular those arranged on a vehicle. In practice, for the majority of applications, this means that at least one vehicle tire should be accommodated on the sensor mat for the detection of associated tire condition information. In this regard, the inventors also consider it preferable if more than one vehicle tire, in particular exactly two vehicle tires arranged on a vehicle, are accommodated on the sensor mat at the same time, so that an entire axle can be measured simultaneously. Advantageously, this allows a vehicle to drive over the sensor mat and tire condition information to be obtained for all vehicle tires arranged on the vehicle, whereby time-inefficient maneuvering of the vehicle or manual folding of the sensor mat to detect all vehicle tires can advantageously be avoided.A detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the sensor mat on the detection side has a base area of 1 m. 2 or more, preferably 2 m 2 or more, especially preferably 4 m 2 or more, most preferably 6 m 2 or more. An example of this is a detection system according to the invention, wherein the sensor mat has a rectangular basic shape.
[0023] With a view to a cost-effective implementation of the sensor mat of the detection system according to the invention, the inventors consider a composition of the mat base body of the sensor mat to be as uniform as possible, so that, for example, apart from the electronic components contained therein, it can consist essentially entirely of the elastomeric rubber material. Advantageously, this also makes it possible to obtain a particularly flexible sensor mat, i.e., one that can be deformed reversibly and non-destructively, which optimally protects the electronic components it comprises from damage, in particular from the penetration of liquids. A detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the sensor mat consists of 80% or more, preferably 90% or more, particularly preferably 95% or more, of the elastomeric rubber material.
[0024] To implement a collection system that is as sustainable as possible, a collection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the elastomeric rubber material is selected from the group consisting of recycled rubber materials, preferably rubber materials recycled from vehicle tires. This allows, in particular, used tires at the end of their service life to be put to meaningful use in the field of tire technology.
[0025] The inventors consider a sensor mat design with an anti-slip structure on the base side to be preferred. This advantageously prevents the sensor mat from slipping during use, particularly when one or more vehicle tires roll on or over the sensor mat. Accordingly, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the sensor mat comprises an anti-slip structure on the base side intended for ground contact, preferably with a plurality of macroscopic elevations.
[0026] The detection system according to the invention comprises the sensor mat and an electronic data processing device, as well as optionally further components. In principle, it would theoretically be possible to install the present invention at a fixed location, i.e., stationary. This would be particularly conceivable for applications in private spaces, for example, in parking lots of supermarkets or department stores that want to enable users of their parking spaces to easily and cost-effectively check tire condition information. However, the inventors consider it preferable for the components of the detection system to be as portable as possible. An important advantage is that this allows for high application flexibility, so that the detection system according to the invention can, for example, be particularly easily transported between different locations.This can be particularly advantageous for emergency services, such as the police, when they want to record and / or check tire condition information of vehicles being inspected, for example, during a traffic check. Therefore, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the detection system is reversible and non-destructively transportable.
[0027] It is fundamentally seen as an advantage of the present invention that the sensor mat is particularly flexible in handling due to the elastomeric rubber material encompassed by the mat base body. In this regard, and with a view to a particularly easily portable solution, the inventors consider it particularly preferred if the mat base body of the sensor mat can be manually rolled up, so that the sensor mat can be reversibly and non-destructively rolled up and unrolled again at another location, for example using typical manual forces for transport without damaging the components it encompasses. Advantageously, this allows the space required for transport to be minimized particularly easily and effectively, while at the same time keeping the required personnel expenditure to a minimum.A detection system according to the invention is therefore preferred, wherein the sensor mat can be rolled up reversibly and non-destructively using manual force.
[0028] With a view to easy handling of the sensor mat, in particular with regard to a solution that is as portable as possible, the inventors propose, in addition to or as an alternative to roll-up, dividing the sensor mat into two or more partial sensor mats. This advantageously not only reduces the size of the individual partial sensor mats, but also their weight, so that in practice, for example, only a single user can assemble or transport a corresponding sensor mat. Accordingly, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the sensor mat is designed as a multi-part sensor mat comprising two or more partial sensor mats. In this respect, a detection system according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the partial sensor mats have connecting elements in the edge regions, via which the partial sensor mats can be reversibly and non-destructively connected to the sensor mat, preferably via a form-fit connection.
[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the inventors propose keeping the weight of the sensor mat of the detection system according to the invention and its rigidity as low as possible. Regardless of the material selected for the sensor mat, this can be achieved by selecting a suitable thickness, i.e., the smallest possible thickness, for the sensor mat. In addition, the thickness of the sensor mat should also be matched to the dimensions of the electronic components arranged in the mat base body. A detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the sensor mat has an average thickness in the range of 5 to 20 mm, preferably 5 to 15 mm, particularly preferably 5 to 10 mm.
[0030] Those skilled in the art will understand that an important aspect of the mat base body of the sensor mat of the detection system according to the invention is its functionality as a carrier for the electronic sensor units. The electronic sensor units, in turn, can be used to detect profile information of a vehicle tire contacting the sensor mat on the detection side. In the context of the present invention, profile information refers to information about the condition of the tread pattern of this vehicle tire, i.e., for example, a tread groove depth. In this respect, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the tire condition information comprises the maximum and / or average tread depth of the vehicle tire. Additionally or alternatively, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the tire condition information comprises the weather suitability of the vehicle tire, in particular whether it is a winter tire.
[0031] According to the inventors' assessment, the precision achieved in detecting profile information can be increased if more than one electronic sensor unit is provided in the sensor mat. This advantageously also makes it possible to detect profile information from more than one vehicle tire simultaneously. A detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the sensor mat comprises two or more, preferably four or more, particularly preferably six or more, and most particularly preferably eight or more, electronic sensor units arranged in the elastomeric rubber material.
[0032] Additionally or alternatively, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the sensor mat is configured such that profile information from two or more vehicle tires contacting the sensor mat on the detection side can be detected, preferably simultaneously, with the electronic sensor unit(s).
[0033] In most applications, the arrangement of the one or more electronic sensor units in the sensor mat will be such that they are protected from damage, for example from damage caused by environmental influences, in particular the penetration of liquids, or by the vehicle tires contacting the sensor mat. However, the need to measure the vehicle tires requires that for many sensor types, in particular optical sensors, the sensor units be at least partially exposed and not completely enclosed by the rubber material. A detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the one or more electronic sensor units are arranged on the detection side in the mat base body, wherein the electronic sensor units are preferably arranged in the mat base body such that they are aligned with the surrounding mat base body or do not protrude from the mat base body.
[0034] The inventors consider it advantageous to distribute the electronic sensor units as evenly as possible across the sensor mat in order to achieve the largest possible detection range for the sensor mat, within which the profile information can be reliably detected. This advantageously allows the profile information to be detected as precisely as possible, even if a vehicle tire to be measured, for example, does not contact the detection side of the sensor mat centrally and / or not along a predefined axis. A detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the sensor units are distributed across the width of the sensor mat, preferably substantially evenly.
[0035] In principle, the selection of electronic sensor units is limited solely by their functionality for capturing profile information. However, the inventors have identified optical sensor units as particularly preferred electronic sensor units, as optical sensor units can obtain particularly reliable profile information. Additionally or alternatively, the inventors consider electromagnetic sensor units to be particularly preferred, in particular electromagnetic sensor units based on conductivity or impedance, which operate with high-frequency signals, for example, via corresponding transmitting and / or receiving units.A detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the one or more electronic sensor units are selected from the group consisting of optical sensor units and electromagnetic sensor units, preferably selected from the group consisting of cameras, LIDAR scanners, RADAR scanners, LASER scanners, and electromagnetic sensor units based on impedance or conductivity. However, a detection system according to the invention is particularly preferred, wherein the one or more electronic sensor units are selected from the group consisting of optical sensor units, preferably selected from the group consisting of cameras, LIDAR scanners, RADAR scanners, and LASER scanners.
[0036] In light of the possible sensor units, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the detected profile information comprises a two- or three-dimensional representation of a partial section of the tire profile of the vehicle tire, preferably a two-dimensional image recording or a three-dimensional topography.
[0037] It is seen as an important advantage of the present invention that the detection system according to the invention can be designed flexibly with regard to the electronic components it comprises. In particular, the inventors consider it preferable if the detection system according to the invention comprises further electronic components in the sensor mat itself, for example for measuring identification information or load information of the vehicle tire or vehicle contacting the sensor mat. The inventors believe that all electronic components comprised by the mat base body can be designed flexibly, for example by printing them. This is advantageously possible for different types of sensors, in particular for piezoelectric and electromagnetic sensor units.
[0038] RFID chips are now installed in many vehicle tires for the unique identification of the vehicle tires and / or their position on the vehicle. Advantageously, the acquisition of identification information in conjunction with the acquisition of tire condition information enables a unique assignment of a tire condition to the vehicle tires of a vehicle detected by the sensor mat, so that, for example, a user of the detection system according to the invention can be directly displayed the tire condition for all vehicle tires. Against this background, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the detection system additionally comprises: iii) one or more RFID readers, The detection system is configured to allow the one or more RFID readers to read identification information of a vehicle tire with an RFID chip that contacts the sensor mat on the detection side. The detection system is configured to allow identification information detected by RFID readers to be transmitted to the electronic data processing device. The electronic data processing device is preferably configured to correlate the tire condition information with the identification information. In this respect, a detection system according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the one or more RFID readers are arranged in the elastomeric rubber material.
[0039] Additionally or alternatively, the inventors consider detection of the axle load distribution or wheel load measurement using load sensor units arranged in the sensor mat to be particularly advantageous. Accordingly, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the sensor mat comprises one or more load sensor units, wherein the sensor mat is configured such that the force acting on the sensor mat can be measured, preferably with spatial resolution, using the load sensor unit(s). Advantageously, the profile information can be detected as a function of the spatially resolved force in order to more precisely detect the profile information. Accordingly, a detection system according to the invention is additionally preferred, wherein the detection system is configured such that the force measured by the sensor mat can be transmitted to the electronic data processing device.Additionally or alternatively, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the detection system is configured such that the profile information is detected as a function of the measured force. Additionally or alternatively, a detection system according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the detection system is configured such that the profile information is detected only when the force measured by the sensor mat exceeds a predetermined limit value, wherein the predetermined limit value is preferably dimensioned such that it indicates that a vehicle is standing on the sensor mat. With regard to the design of the sensors, additionally or alternatively, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the load sensor units are selected from the group consisting of piezoelectric sensors.
[0040] As explained above, the detection system according to the invention is reversibly and non-destructively transportable in preferred embodiments. In the opinion of the inventors, the power supply of the components comprised by the mat base body is therefore achieved in particularly preferred embodiments by a power supply unit in the sensor mat itself. Various embodiments are conceivable for this. However, with a view to achieving the most autonomous power supply possible, the inventors consider a combination of a battery and a plurality of solar cells to be preferred. Thus, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the sensor mat comprises a power supply unit for supplying the electronic components present in the sensor mat. A detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the power supply unit comprises a battery.Additionally or alternatively, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the energy supply unit comprises one or more solar cells, wherein the solar cells are preferably arranged on the detection side of the sensor mat.
[0041] The inventors consider it preferable if the detection system according to the invention additionally comprises one or more separate optical image capture units, preferably high-speed cameras. Conversion of images of the vehicle or the vehicle tires, in particular the license plate and / or the sidewalls of the vehicle tires, obtained in this way into processable data can be carried out, for example, by means of the data processing device. This advantageously allows further vehicle-specific and / or tire-specific data to be captured or collected. Thus, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the detection system additionally comprises: iv) one or more optical image capture units, preferably cameras, separate from the sensor mat, wherein the detection system is configured such that image information of an object located on the sensor mat or in the vicinity of the sensor mat can be recorded using the one or more optical image detection units, wherein the detection system is configured such that image information captured by the optical image detection units can be transmitted to the electronic data processing device. In this respect, a detection system according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the image information comprises an image of the tire sidewall of the vehicle tire, wherein the electronic data processing device is configured to read the tire type and / or tire manufacturer from the image of the tire sidewall.Additionally or alternatively, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the image information comprises an image of a vehicle license plate of a vehicle, wherein the electronic data processing device is configured to derive a vehicle identification from the image of the vehicle license plate, wherein the electronic data processing device is preferably configured to correlate the tire condition information with the vehicle identification.
[0042] Many alternatives for implementing data exchange between the sensor mat and the data processing device are known to those skilled in the art, and the invention is advantageously not limited in this respect. In other words, in practice, this is a detection system according to the invention, which additionally comprises: v) a communication infrastructure for transmitting data from the sensor mat to the electronic data processing device, preferably comprising one or more electronic transmitting and receiving units for wirelessly transmitting data in a satellite and / or radio mast-based wireless data transmission method.
[0043] With a view to the respective intended application scenarios, the inventors propose that the data transmission between the electronic data processing device and the sensor mat be carried out either wirelessly or via a cable. A signal-conducting connection can advantageously enable a secure and fast direct connection, for example, for an electronic data processing device located in a police vehicle. Wireless data transmission can be advantageous, for example, when using the detection system in private parking lots, especially if the electronic data processing device is formed by a cloud.A detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the detection system is configured so that profile information detected by the sensor mat can be transmitted to the electronic data processing device in a wireless data transmission method, preferably with Bluetooth, or wherein the sensor mat and the electronic data processing device are connected in a signal-conducting manner by means of a cable.
[0044] Basically, as explained above, the profile information will comprise information about the tread profile of the vehicle tire to be measured, for example, the tread depth at various sections of the tread profile and / or a graphical representation of the profile. The tire condition information is derived from the profile information and, depending on the underlying profile information, comprises, for example, the profile information directly, e.g., as an indication of the tread depth, or parameters derived therefrom, for example, as a result of a classification based on the profile information. In other words, this is a detection system according to the invention, wherein the tire condition information correlates with the tread condition of the vehicle tire and / or the tire type of the vehicle tire.
[0045] With a view to providing tire condition information that is as precise as possible and easy to interpret for a user, the inventors believe that in many cases it is preferable to output a qualitative condition assessment, e.g., "good" or "tire change necessary," rather than technical specifications, e.g., the remaining tread depth in mm. Such output can be achieved by classifying the profile information into the classes of a classification, which may, for example, be classified based on applicable legal regulations. Accordingly, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the electronic data processing device is configured to classify the profile information into the classes of a classification and to output the result of the classification as tire condition information.
[0046] Additionally or alternatively, the condition information can also be determined by comparing the profile information with a data set of profile information from vehicle tires with a known tire condition, essentially based on experience. Particularly in combination with artificial intelligence, this can often result in a particularly precise statement about the tire condition. Thus, a detection system according to the invention is initially preferred, wherein the electronic data processing device is configured to identify the tire condition information by comparing the profile information with a plurality of profile information items from vehicle tires with a known tire condition stored in the electronic data processing device.Additionally or alternatively, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the electronic data processing device is configured to evaluate the tire condition information by evaluating the profile information with a condition evaluation module based on machine learning, wherein the condition evaluation module is trained to derive tire condition information from profile information, in particular image recordings, wherein the training is carried out with a set of training data which comprises a plurality of profile information items of vehicle tires, preferably images of profile sections of vehicle tires, with known tire conditions.
[0047] In principle, both stationary and mobile data processing devices are conceivable for use in a measuring system according to the invention, with mobile data processing devices being preferred for most applications because they allow a user of the detection system the greatest possible flexibility with regard to using the detection system at different locations. A detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the electronic data processing device is a mobile electronic data processing device, preferably a tablet or a mobile phone. Additionally or alternatively, a detection system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the electronic data processing device is arranged in a vehicle, preferably a transport vehicle, whose loading space is suitable for accommodating the sensor mat.Additionally or alternatively, a recording system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the electronic data processing device is formed by a central data processing device, preferably a central server or a cloud, particularly preferably a cloud, wherein the data transmission preferably takes place by means of the GDSO standard.
[0048] The invention also encompasses a method for detecting profile information of vehicle tires using a detection system according to the invention, comprising the method steps: a) Positioning a vehicle tire on the detection side of the sensor mat contacting the ground with the base side, b) Detecting profile information of the vehicle tyre contacting the sensor mat on the detection side with the electronic sensor unit(s) of the sensor mat, c) transmitting the collected profile information to the electronic data processing device, and d) Deriving tire condition information from the detected profile information using the electronic data processing device.
[0049] Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred, additionally comprising, before carrying out the remaining method steps, the preparatory method step: v1) Lay out the sensor mat so that the base touches the ground, preferably unrolling the sensor mat before laying it out.
[0050] Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred, additionally comprising, before carrying out the remaining method steps, the preparatory method step: v2) Construction of the sensor mat by connecting two or more partial sensor mats.
[0051] Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred, additionally comprising, after repeated execution of the remaining method steps, the step: x1) Roll up the sensor mat.
[0052] Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred, additionally comprising, after repeated execution of the remaining method steps, the step: x2) Transporting the recording system to a new recording location.
[0053] Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred, additionally comprising, after repeated execution of the remaining method steps, the step: X3) Dismantling the sensor mat by separating the partial sensor mats.
[0054] Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein in method step b) profile information from two or more vehicle tires contacting the sensor mat on the detection side is detected, preferably simultaneously.
[0055] Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred, additionally comprising the method step: e1) Reading identification information of a vehicle tire with an RFID chip contacting the sensor mat on the detection side with the RFID reader(s) and transmitting the identification information to the electronic data processing device.
[0056] Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred, additionally comprising the method step: e2) Recording image information of an object located on the sensor mat or in the vicinity of the sensor mat, in particular a tire sidewall or a vehicle license plate, and transmitting the image information to the electronic data processing device.
[0057] Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred, additionally comprising the method step: e3) Measuring the force acting on the sensor mat with the load sensor unit and transmitting the force values to the electronic data processing device.
[0058] A method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the positioning of a vehicle tire in method step a) comprises the positioning of a vehicle on the detection side of the sensor mat, wherein the vehicle preferably contacts the sensor mat with at least two vehicle tires each.
[0059] Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the positioning of a vehicle tire in method step a) comprises rolling over the detection side of the sensor mat with the vehicle tire, preferably in the course of driving over the sensor mat with a vehicle.
[0060] A method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the derived tire condition information is output by the electronic data processing device, preferably via a display of the electronic data processing device and / or by electronic transmission of the tire condition information to a recipient, preferably by e-mail or mobile radio message.
[0061] 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 the detection system according to the invention in a preferred embodiment, and Fig. 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensor mat of the detection system according to the invention in a preferred embodiment.
[0062] Fig. 1 schematically visualizes a detection system according to the invention for detecting tire condition information of vehicle tires 10 in use in a method according to the invention in a preferred embodiment.
[0063] The detection system comprises a rectangular sensor mat 12 with a base area of approximately 6 m 2 in whose mat base body 14 several electronic sensor units 20 designed as optical sensor units are arranged. In addition, the mat base body 14 has several RFID readers 24 and several load sensor units 28 designed as piezoelectric sensors.
[0064] The structure of the sensor mat 12 is shown schematically in Fig. 2. To supply the electronic components present in the sensor mat 12, the sensor mat 12 has a power supply unit 34 with a battery, which can be charged, for example, via several solar cells arranged on the surface of the sensor mat.
[0065] In the example shown the Fig. 1, the sensor mat 12 lies with its base 16, on which an anti-slip structure 30 is arranged, on the floor, so that the detection side 18 faces upward. All electronic sensor units 20 of the sensor mat 12 are evenly distributed across its width on the detection side 18 such that they do not protrude from the mat base body 14. The sensor mat 12 shown has a thickness of only approximately 5 mm.
[0066] The mat base body 14 is made of an elastomeric rubber material, in the example shown a recycled rubber material, which ensures a high degree of flexibility of the sensor mat 12 so that it can be manually rolled up reversibly and non-destructively and can therefore be transported particularly easily, for example in a vehicle.
[0067] The detection system also includes an electronic data processing device 22 and a communications infrastructure 32 for transmitting data from the sensor mat 12 to the electronic data processing device 22. For this purpose, the communications infrastructure 32 includes multiple electronic transmitting and receiving units for wirelessly transmitting data using a satellite and / or radio mast-based wireless data transmission method. Furthermore, the detection system includes a separate optical image capture unit 26 embodied as a camera, with which the license plate and the tire sidewalls can be captured.
[0068] Within the scope of an exemplary method according to the invention, the sensor mat 12 of the detection system is first rolled out so that a vehicle with at least two vehicle tires 10 can drive simultaneously on or over the sensor mat 12. The electronic sensor units 20 detect profile information, i.e., for example, a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional topography of the tire profile, of the two vehicle tires 10 contacting the sensor mat 12. Furthermore, the RFID readers 24 read identification information from the RFID chips of the vehicle tires 10, and the load sensor units 28 detect the force acting on the sensor mat 12 with spatial resolution. Furthermore, the optical image capture unit 26 records image information, i.e., the vehicle's license plate and the tire sidewall of all vehicle tires 10.
[0069] All information thus determined is transmitted via the communication structure 32 to the electronic data processing device 22, which in the example shown is implemented as a cloud. The electronic data processing device 22 derives tire condition information from the transmitted profile information, for example, by classifying the detected profile information, in particular the profile depth, into the classes of a classification.
[0070] In the method presented, the tire condition information is additionally correlated with the identification information. Furthermore, the tire type and / or tire manufacturer are read from the image of the tire sidewall, and a vehicle identification is derived from the image of the vehicle license plate, which in turn can also be correlated with the tire condition information. This allows a comprehensive snapshot of the tire condition of all vehicle tires 10 of a vehicle rolling over the sensor mat 12 to be obtained.
[0071] The tire condition information, as well as optionally other received information, is transmitted to a recipient, such as the driver of the vehicle or a police officer, via email or mobile phone message. After collecting the information for a large number of vehicles, the sensor mat 12 can be rolled up again and transported, for example, in a vehicle to a new destination. List of reference symbols 10 vehicle tires 12 Sensor mat 14 mat base bodies 16 Base page 18 Recording page 20 electronic sensor unit 22 electronic data processing device 24 RFID readers 26 optical image capture unit 28 Load sensor unit 30 anti-slip structure 32 Communication infrastructure 34 Power supply unit
Claims
[1] A detection system for detecting tire condition information of vehicle tires (10), comprising: i) a sensor mat (12) comprising a mat base body (14) made of an elastomeric rubber material, wherein the sensor mat (12) has a base side (16) provided for ground contact and a detection side (18) opposite the base side (16), wherein the sensor mat (12) has a base area of 0.25 m 2 or more, wherein the sensor mat (12) comprises one or more electronic sensor units (20) arranged in the elastomeric rubber material, wherein the sensor mat (12) is configured to detect profile information of a vehicle tire (10) contacting the sensor mat (12) on the detection side (18) with the electronic sensor unit(s) (20), and ii) an electronic data processing device (22), wherein the detection system is configured to transmit profile information detected by the sensor mat (12) to the electronic data processing device (22), wherein the electronic data processing device (22) is configured to derive tire condition information from the detected profile information. [2] Detection system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor mat (12) can be rolled up reversibly and non-destructively using manual force. [3] Detection system according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the one or more electronic sensor units (20) are selected from the group consisting of optical sensor units and electromagnetic sensor units. [4] Detection system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tire condition information correlates with the profile condition of the vehicle tire (10) and / or the tire type of the vehicle tire (10). [5] Detection system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electronic data processing device (22) is arranged to classify the profile information into the classes of a classification and to output the result of the classification as tire condition information. [6] Detection system according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the detection system is configured so that profile information detected by the sensor mat (12) can be transmitted to the electronic data processing device (22) in a wireless data transmission method or wherein the sensor mat (12) and the electronic data processing device (22) are connected in a signal-conducting manner by means of a cable. [7] Detection system according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detection system additionally comprises: iii) one or more RFID readers (24), wherein the detection system is configured such that identification information of a vehicle tire (10) with an RFID chip contacting the sensor mat (12) on the detection side (18) can be read out with the one or more RFID readers (24), wherein the detection system is configured such that identification information detected by RFID readers (24) can be transmitted to the electronic data processing device (22). [8] Detection system according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detection system additionally comprises: iv) one or more optical image capture units (26) separate from the sensor mat (12), wherein the detection system is configured such that image information of an object located on the sensor mat (12) or in the vicinity of the sensor mat (12) can be recorded using the one or more optical image detection units (26), wherein the detection system is configured such that image information captured by the optical image detection units (26) can be transmitted to the electronic data processing device (22). [9] Detection system according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensor mat (12) comprises one or more load sensor units (28), wherein the sensor mat (12) is configured such that the force acting on the sensor mat (12) can be measured with the load sensor unit(s) (28). [10] Method for detecting profile information of vehicle tires (10) with a detection system according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the method steps: a) positioning a vehicle tire (10) on the detection side (18) of the sensor mat (12) contacting the ground with the base side (16), b) detecting profile information of the vehicle tire (10) contacting the sensor mat (12) on the detection side (18) with the electronic sensor unit(s) (20) of the sensor mat (12), c) transmitting the acquired profile information to the electronic data processing device (22), and d) deriving tire condition information from the detected profile information using the electronic data processing device (22).