Vehicle identification device for recognizing a vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle identification device for identifying a vehicle (60) in a vehicle treatment facility (10), in particular in a vehicle wash facility, wherein the vehicle identification device is configured to obtain vehicle identification data (FI) from an environment detection device (15) of the vehicle treatment facility (10) and wherein the vehicle identification device (20) is further configured to anonymize the obtained vehicle identification data (FI) and to store and / or output it as an anonymous ID (ID).

Description

The present invention relates to vehicle treatment systems, in particular vehicle washing systems, and the identification of vehicles within such systems. Modern vehicle treatment facilities, especially car washes, can benefit from efficient and precise vehicle identification to offer tailored services. Vehicle detection plays a crucial role in optimizing the treatment process and meeting customer needs. It is advantageous that the detection process is fast and reliable to avoid impacting the facility's throughput. Existing vehicle identification techniques are not optimally developed. In practice, there are proposals to offer an even better service for customers who manually identify themselves before treatment through customer-specific registration and contracts. CN 1 15 158 237 A describes a vehicle handling system in which vehicles are recognized and controlled based on their license plate number. The identification data is used as a unique identifier. DE 10 2019 132 833 A1 discloses a system for vehicle-specific service adaptation based on centrally stored vehicle profiles. GB 2 417 152 A relates to a system for preventing misfueling using vehicle license plates. US 2024 / 0375619 A1 describes the sensor-based acquisition of vehicle geometries for process adaptation. Traditional customer identification methods, such as manual data entry or simple barcode scans, reach their limits when it comes to fast processing. These methods are prone to errors. Furthermore, they lack seamless integration and unambiguous mapping of historical data. These limitations highlight the need for an improved solution that offers a streamlined processing workflow and greater customer value. The purpose of this disclosure is to improve vehicle identification. The solution is defined by the features of the independent claims. The present disclosure relates to a vehicle identification device for recognizing a vehicle in a vehicle treatment facility, in particular in a vehicle wash facility. The vehicle identification device is configured to obtain vehicle identification data from an environmental sensing device of the vehicle treatment facility. The obtained vehicle identification data is anonymized. The anonymized data is stored as an anonymous ID. In a preferred training scenario, tax data is output to a system control unit. This tax data can be based on an anonymous ID and can be generated individually for each vehicle. Historical usage data, particularly data associated with the same anonymous ID, can be used and analyzed to generate this tax data. This solution enables efficient and data protection-compliant vehicle identification and the generation of individualized tax data based on historical usage data. In an alternative or additional configuration, the vehicle identification device can be configured to store and / or output the anonymous ID along with associated usage data, in particular to send a usage report message to a (preferably remote / external) analysis facility. In this way, usage data collected at a vehicle handling facility can be transmitted for (remote / external) storage and / or analysis. The usage report message can be free of personal data and / or pose no data protection concerns due to the use of the anonymous ID. The analysis facility can receive multiple such usage report messages. These can relate to several or many different and individually identified vehicles that can be linked to each other via the anonymous ID.The usage report messages can originate from one or more vehicle treatment facilities. This enables a data privacy-compliant and location-independent analysis of vehicle treatment facility usage patterns, which, for example, also allows for the evaluation of vehicle transfers between two or more facilities. The analysis of usage patterns can thus be extended beyond the data set of a single vehicle treatment facility, enabling significantly more complex analyses. A (first) system interface allows vehicle identification data to be transmitted efficiently and securely to the vehicle identification device. This improves the accuracy and reliability of vehicle recognition, as the data can be processed and forwarded in real time. The (first) system interface contributes to the modularity and scalability of the vehicle identification device. It allows for easy integration of the device into existing systems or future expansions and upgrades without requiring changes to the entire system architecture. This results in a longer system lifespan and reduces overall maintenance and upgrade costs. Vehicle identification data can be generated, in particular, by converting sensor data into vehicle identification data, preferably with the aid of a recognition unit. The vehicle identification device may preferably include at least one storage unit for storing an anonymous ID. This technical design enables the secure and efficient storage of the anonymized vehicle identification data. The storage unit allows for the permanent or temporary storage of an anonymous ID, enabling subsequent use and / or analysis of the data. This is advantageous for generating (vehicle-)individualized usage data and / or tax data based on historical usage data. The storage unit contributes to improved data protection because the data, which includes vehicle identification, is stored in anonymized form, and in particular, is stored exclusively in anonymized form. This reduces the risk of misuse of personal data and supports compliance with data protection regulations. Preferably, the storage of vehicle identification data in its originally recorded form, or in a form that allows for personal identification in non-anonymous form, can be excluded or made dependent on user consent. Integrating the storage unit into the vehicle identification device enables seamless storage and / or management of anonymous IDs. This improves the efficiency and reliability of the entire system, as the data can be retrieved and processed quickly and securely. The storage unit can be located locally within the vehicle treatment plant and / or centrally within a network of multiple plants. This offers flexibility in implementation and enables a scalable solution that can be adapted to the specific requirements of each plant. The vehicle identification device preferably has a (second) system interface configured to output and / or receive control data. This technical design enables flexible and expandable communication between the vehicle identification device and other system components of the vehicle handling system. The second system interface can be separate, combined with the first system interface, or identical. The (second) system interface allows control data to be transmitted efficiently and securely to the system controller. This improves the accuracy and reliability of vehicle handling, as the control data can be processed and implemented in real time. The (second) system interface can alternatively or additionally be configured to obtain a control data recommendation, in particular from an (external / remote) analysis facility. The ability to both output and receive control data enables bidirectional communication. This means that the vehicle identification device can not only send control data to the plant control system, but also receive control data or other information from other systems within the vehicle handling plant. This is particularly useful for integration into complex plant control systems that rely on precise and up-to-date data. Such other information can include, in particular, time or location data. The output and / or received control data can be part of usage data that can be captured, stored, and transmitted, especially in relation to a specific vehicle handling process. The (second) system interface contributes to the modularity and scalability of the vehicle identification device. It allows for easy integration of the device into existing systems or future expansions and upgrades without requiring changes to the entire system architecture. This results in a longer system lifespan and reduces overall maintenance and upgrade costs. The vehicle identification device can preferably send a request message containing an anonymous ID (for a vehicle to be treated) to an analysis facility. The analysis facility can be located locally (at the vehicle treatment facility) or, alternatively, externally, particularly remotely. In response to the request message, the vehicle identification device can receive a recommendation message and / or an analysis result message. Preferably, one or more steps of the evaluation and / or analysis of usage data can be performed remotely, particularly at a central analysis facility that communicates with multiple vehicle treatment facilities or vehicle identification devices.Preferably, one or more steps of generating (vehicle-specific) tax data recommendations and / or tax data can be performed remotely, particularly at a central analysis unit that communicates with multiple vehicle treatment systems or vehicle identification devices. A result or partial result of a usage data analysis and / or the generation of a tax data recommendation can be received at a vehicle treatment system or vehicle identification device for a vehicle to be treated and preferably considered or implemented for the specific execution of a vehicle treatment. An analysis result message preferably includes an analysis result that identifies usage behavior in relation to an anonymous ID previously sent with a request message. The vehicle identification device can preferably output tax data based on the (received) analysis result. A request message can have any structure. It preferably includes a specific anonymous ID for a vehicle to be processed. The request message can identify the sending vehicle processing facility and / or vehicle identification device, for example, based on a facility ID. A request message can include a request for a tax data recommendation and / or a request for an analysis result. Alternatively or additionally, further request information can be included, such as whether the anonymous ID is previously known. The vehicle identification device preferably captures vehicle identification data that includes at least one sensor-detectable feature. The captured features can be of any type and number. This technical design ensures precise and reliable vehicle identification. The captured features can include at least one of the following specific features: license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and / or an ID code. Capturing at least one such specific feature increases the accuracy of vehicle recognition, leading to improved efficiency of the vehicle treatment system. The ability to utilize various sensor-detectable characteristics offers flexibility in the implementation of the vehicle identification device. This allows for adaptation to different requirements and conditions within the vehicle handling facility, as well as potentially varying availability of vehicle identification data in different countries. Furthermore, changes in the vehicle-user association, such as the sale of a vehicle, can be handled. Such an association can be recorded in any way and compared with a previously known association, for example, by assigning a new anonymous ID when a different (newly assigned) license plate number is recorded for a specific (previously known) chassis number. Assigning a new anonymous ID can be advantageous for complying with data protection requirements. Precise vehicle identification and / or differentiation improves customer satisfaction, as each vehicle can be individually recognized and handled. This reduces errors and ensures that customers receive the services they require. The vehicle identification device can generate an anonymous ID in any way. A preferred implementation is the generation of a hash value. This technical implementation ensures secure and data protection-compliant anonymization of the vehicle identification data. One or more of the recorded vehicle identification data can be included in the hash value generation, for example, a vehicle identification number (VIN), a license plate number, and / or a transmitted code. Generating a hash value transforms the vehicle identification data into a form that prevents any inferences about personal data. This improves data protection and reduces the risk of data misuse. Using a hash value for anonymization offers a high level of security, as the original vehicle identification data cannot be recovered from the hash. This is particularly advantageous for ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and strengthening customer trust. Furthermore, even with multiple / re-identifications, the same hash value is always generated from a specific vehicle identification data element. Generating the anonymous ID using a hash value enables efficient and / or fast data processing. This contributes to improving the overall performance of the vehicle identification device, as anonymization can occur in real time. Furthermore, using a hash value offers flexibility in implementing the vehicle identification device. One or more hash algorithms can be used. The selection and number of hash algorithms used can be defined to meet specific requirements and security standards. An anonymous ID can be generated alternatively or additionally by applying encryption. This encryption can be performed in addition to creating a hash value. Encryption can secure the transmission of messages, especially usage report messages, request messages, and / or recommendation messages, for example, against eavesdropping by third parties or the manipulative posting of messages by others. A vehicle treatment system can be identified by a system ID. The system ID can serve to unambiguously determine the recipient or sender of a message. It can also be used alternatively or additionally to store, analyze, and / or compare usage data related to a specific vehicle treatment system. The vehicle identification device enables a comparison of the generated anonymous ID with at least one previously known, in particular already stored, anonymous ID. This technical design ensures precise and reliable identification of recurring vehicles, i.e., vehicles that, after initial identification, are subject to further recording and vehicle identification. In other words, it enables the recognition of vehicles, preferably at the same vehicle processing facility and / or at several different vehicle processing facilities. By matching the anonymous ID, historical usage data can be efficiently used to generate personalized tax data. This historical usage data can originate from the same vehicle treatment facility and / or from different facilities. This allows for the automatic retrieval and application of a specific treatment program for a recurring vehicle, increasing efficiency and customer satisfaction – ideally regardless of the operator and / or location of a particular vehicle treatment facility. The tax data can have any form and composition. Preferably, the tax data includes individual configurations of the vehicle treatment system, in particular data on specific (selected) wash programs and / or prices and / or discount promotions. Comparing a currently generated anonymous ID with at least one previously known / stored anonymous ID improves the accuracy and reliability of vehicle recognition, as known vehicles can be quickly and reliably re-identified. This reduces the need for manual input and minimizes errors. The previously known anonymous ID can be stored locally or remotely. The comparison can be performed via messages, specifically usage report messages, request messages, and / or recommendation messages. Furthermore, an analysis result can be requested / sent. The ability to compare a newly / currently recorded anonymous ID with at least one previously stored anonymous ID supports compliance with data protection regulations, as vehicle identification occurs without the use of personal data. This strengthens customer confidence in the data protection-compliant processing of their vehicle data. Integrating this function into the vehicle identification device enables seamless and efficient management of at least one anonymous ID and its associated usage data. This contributes to optimizing the entire treatment process at the vehicle treatment facility. The data collected from one or more vehicle treatment facilities can be used to analyze usage patterns that can be tracked and attributed to specific vehicles. This analysis can be performed for any purpose, such as optimizing offers, opening hours, and / or pricing. Alternatively or additionally, a returning customer (vehicle) can be offered a specific, personalized treatment without having to make any selections themselves, for example, repeating the last selected vehicle treatment. Integrating this function into the vehicle identification device supports compliance with data protection regulations, as the tax data is generated using anonymized data. This strengthens customer confidence in the data protection-compliant processing of their vehicle data. By linking and / or comparing the anonymous ID with historical usage data, individualized or personalized tax data can be generated based on the previous usage habits and preferences recorded for a vehicle. This makes it possible to automatically retrieve and apply specific treatment programs for returning vehicles, increasing efficiency and customer satisfaction. The relationship, and especially the individual link, between an anonymous ID and historical usage data contributes to improving the accuracy and reliability of vehicle recognition, as the data can be continuously updated and used. This reduces the need for manual input and minimizes errors. The ability to link an anonymous ID with historical usage data supports compliance with data protection regulations, as vehicle identification occurs without the use of personal data. This strengthens customer confidence in the data protection-compliant processing of their vehicle data. Integrating this function into the vehicle identification device enables seamless and efficient management of the anonymous ID and associated usage data. This contributes to optimizing the entire treatment process at the vehicle treatment facility. The vehicle identification device preferably enables the generation of control data based on a comparison of a newly or currently recorded anonymous ID with historical usage data, which is specifically assigned to a stored anonymous ID. This technical design ensures personalized and efficient vehicle handling. By comparing the anonymous ID with stored historical usage data, specific tax data can be generated based on the previous usage habits and preferences recorded for a vehicle. This makes it possible to automatically retrieve and apply preferred treatment programs for returning vehicles, increasing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Generating control data based on historical usage data improves the accuracy and reliability of vehicle management, as the data can be continuously updated and used. This reduces the need for manual input and minimizes errors. The ability to generate tax data based on a comparison of the anonymous ID with historical usage data supports compliance with data protection regulations, as vehicle identification occurs without the use of personal data. This strengthens customer confidence in the data protection-compliant processing of their vehicle data. Integrating this function into the vehicle identification device enables seamless and efficient management of control data and related usage data. This contributes to optimizing the entire treatment process in the vehicle treatment facility. The vehicle identification device enables the output of vehicle-specific control data. This technical design ensures tailored and efficient vehicle handling. By outputting vehicle-specific control data, specific treatment programs can be generated for each vehicle, based, for example, on individual usage habits and preferences. This makes it possible to automatically retrieve and apply the preferred treatment programs for each vehicle, increasing efficiency and customer satisfaction. The ability to analyze usage patterns on a site-specific and / or cross-site basis creates the opportunity to optimize and adapt the structures of vehicle treatment facilities. This contributes to better capacity utilization and / or higher customer satisfaction. Vehicle-specific output of control data contributes to improved accuracy and reliability of vehicle handling. Usage data can be continuously updated and utilized. This reduces the need for manual input and minimizes errors. The ability to output vehicle-specific tax data based on an anonymous ID supports compliance with data protection regulations, as vehicle identification occurs without the use of personal data. This strengthens customer trust in the data protection-compliant processing of their vehicle data. Integrating this function into the vehicle identification device enables seamless and efficient management of control data and related usage data. This contributes to optimizing the entire treatment process in the vehicle treatment facility. The vehicle identification device is designed to obtain vehicle identification data from an environmental sensing device. This technical design ensures precise and reliable acquisition of the vehicle identification data. The ability to obtain vehicle identification data from an environmental sensing device offers flexibility in the implementation of the vehicle identification device. This allows for adaptation to different requirements and conditions within the vehicle handling system and any emerging sensor technologies. The collection of vehicle identification data by the environmental sensing device contributes to improved customer satisfaction, as vehicles can be individually recognized and handled. This reduces errors and ensures that customers receive the desired services. Vehicle identification can be performed independently of manual input and without knowledge of the specific benefit. Integrating the environmental sensing device into the vehicle identification device enables seamless communication and data processing. This contributes to optimizing the entire treatment process in the vehicle treatment plant and ensures high efficiency and reliability. The vehicle handling system, as disclosed herein, comprises a system control unit, a vehicle identification device as disclosed herein, and an environment detection device. This technical design enables precise and efficient detection and handling of vehicles. Integrating the vehicle identification device into the vehicle handling system enables seamless communication between the various system components. The environmental sensing device captures the vehicle identification data, which is then anonymized by the vehicle identification device and stored as an anonymous ID. The system control unit receives the generated control data and processes it to offer personalized services. The combination of these components improves the accuracy and reliability of vehicle detection and treatment. The environmental sensing device ensures precise acquisition of vehicle identification data, while the vehicle identification device anonymizes and stores the data. The system control uses this data to optimize the treatment process and meet customer needs. The vehicle treatment system offers flexibility in implementation and enables a scalable solution that can be adapted to the specific requirements of each facility. This results in a longer service life for the system and reduces overall maintenance and upgrade costs. Compliance with data protection regulations is ensured through the anonymization of vehicle identification data. This strengthens customer trust in the data protection-compliant processing of their vehicle data and increases customer satisfaction through individualized and efficient services. A software product according to the present disclosure, in particular stored on a data carrier and / or communicating via a data interface, comprises instructions designed to cause a data processing device to execute a vehicle identification procedure with the following steps: Obtaining vehicle identification data from an environment detection device; Anonymizing the obtained vehicle identification data by generating an anonymous ID; Preferably storing the anonymous ID; Outputting control data to the plant control system depending on the anonymous ID The vehicle identification procedure is an independent aspect of the disclosure. It may also exist independently of the software product and / or the data processing equipment, or be implemented by other means. The vehicle identification process may also include the step of sending a request message with the anonymous ID, particularly to an (external / remote) analysis facility. The vehicle identification process may also include the step of receiving a recommendation message and / or receiving an analysis result message. The tax data can be generated and / or output based on the received recommendation message and / or analysis result message. The vehicle identification process may still include the step of sending a usage report message. The vehicle identification process enables efficient and data protection-compliant vehicle recognition as well as the generation and output of personalized tax data. Obtaining vehicle identification data from an environmental sensing device ensures precise and reliable vehicle data acquisition. This increases the accuracy of vehicle recognition and enables efficient data processing. Anonymizing vehicle identification data by generating an anonymous ID ensures the protection of personal data and supports compliance with data protection regulations. This strengthens customer trust in the data protection-compliant processing of their vehicle data. Storing the anonymous ID enables the later use and / or analysis of data collected during a current treatment process. Such data can be assigned to and stored using a currently generated anonymous ID. If the anonymous ID is again captured / generated or otherwise recognized during a future treatment process, the associated data may be partially or fully available as historical usage data. This can be advantageous for generating personalized tax data based on historical usage data, thereby contributing to improved efficiency and customer satisfaction. Storing the anonymous ID enables analysis of user behavior, particularly across multiple locations. This analysis can lead to optimizations for a vehicle treatment system or a group of vehicle treatment systems. Outputting control data to the system's control unit enables individualized vehicle treatment. Based on historical usage data, specific control data can be generated, including, for example, a preferred wash program for a particular vehicle. This improves customer satisfaction, as returning customers or vehicles automatically receive their preferred services without having to specify or select them each time. The (first) and (second) system interface can be designed as a single interface, a combined interface, or as two separate interfaces. An analysis device for investigating usage patterns at at least one vehicle treatment system preferably comprises a data processing device, which is specifically designed for recording and evaluating usage data. The steps performed by the analysis device can be implemented as a preferably computer-implemented analysis method. All subsequent explanations therefore refer equally to an analysis device and an analysis method. The analysis device is designed and equipped to receive at least one usage report message, which in particular contains an anonymous ID and the usage data associated with this ID. The received data is correlated with historical usage data. This usage data can contain any suitable content. It preferably includes location data, time information, details of the requested service, price information, and / or an anonymous ID. In particular, it can be compared with historical data associated with a previously known anonymous ID, preferably the same anonymous ID. The usage data can be partially or fully associated with a specific anonymous ID. Based on data analysis, an analysis result is generated that describes vehicle-specific usage behavior. The analysis can focus specifically on one or more anonymous IDs. Furthermore, the analysis can encompass aspects of user behavior that are independent of an anonymous ID, such as the (current) utilization of the vehicle treatment system, error states, fluid levels, or environmental conditions like weather data, calendar information (holidays, public holidays, high-frequency events such as trade fairs). The analysis tool can be configured to respond to an incoming request message with an anonymous ID. The response can take any form. Based on an evaluation of the usage data, an analysis result about vehicle-specific usage behavior can be determined and / or output, in particular with regard to at least one anonymous ID, preferably with regard to an anonymous ID received as part of a request message. Alternatively or additionally, a tax data recommendation can be determined based on the received anonymous ID and preferably the stored historical usage data. The tax data recommendation can refer in particular to historical data that is associated with at least one previously known anonymous ID, preferably at least partially with the same anonymous ID for which a query message was received. The recommendation message preferably contains the determined tax data recommendation. An analysis result message can be sent. The analytics tool can collect and analyze usage data and anonymous IDs from various locations. In particular, it allows this data to be correlated, enabling comprehensive analysis across multiple locations. This allows for the identification of cross-site usage patterns and the derivation of appropriate control measures. The analysis device can be located inside or outside the vehicle treatment system, in particular inside the vehicle identification device. The analysis unit's evaluation enables the optimization of individual or multiple vehicle treatment systems. Optimizations of a vehicle treatment system can include, in particular, price changes, changes to the wash program, and / or changes to the composition of the treatment agents. The evaluations from the analysis unit allow conclusions to be drawn about usage patterns and thus reveal weaknesses in the system. The usage data may include the usage data of at least one vehicle treatment facility and / or reference data, in particular location, time and / or treatment program. The vehicle identification device and / or the analysis device are capable of generating and / or transmitting a plant ID of the vehicle treatment plant. The transmitted messages, for example, the tax data recommendation and / or the request message, can contain a system ID of the vehicle treatment system. A system ID of a vehicle treatment system can uniquely identify the vehicle treatment system, i.e., distinguish it from others. The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and schematically in the drawings. These show: Fig. 1: A vehicle treatment system with an environment detection device and a vehicle identification device; Fig. 2: Schematic representation of the vehicle identification device. Fig. 1 shows a vehicle treatment system (10). In this example, the vehicle treatment system (10) is designed as an automatic car wash, in particular as a gantry car wash. In the treatment area (71) of the car wash, a plurality of treatment elements (11) are arranged on a support. These treatment elements (11) can be, for example, washing brushes, fluid nozzles, blowers, or polishing brushes. Alternatively or additionally, any other embodiment of a treatment element (11) can be present. The vehicle treatment system (10) may optionally include a moving device for at least one vehicle (60) to be treated, in particular a towing device. In other words, the vehicle treatment system (10) may be a car wash. At least one environmental sensing device (15) is provided. This at least one environmental sensing device (15) can be configured in any way. In particular, it can be an imaging sensor, and more specifically, a camera (16). The at least one environmental sensing device (15) can, in particular, acquire sensor data (SO). In this example, the environmental sensing device (15) acquires the license plate number of the vehicle (60) to be processed. Alternatively or additionally, any other characteristics can be acquired. For example, a vehicle identification number (VIN) and / or an ID code can also be acquired. In the illustrated example, the at least one environmental detection device (15) is aligned with a respective detection area. This detection area preferably encompasses the entry area (70) of the vehicle treatment system (10). Alternatively or additionally, it can be directed towards other areas, such as the treatment area (71) or the surrounding area of ​​the system. The acquired sensor data (SO) are converted, in particular, into vehicle identification data (FI), preferably by a recognition unit (14). The recognition unit (14) can be separate or be a component of the environment sensing device (15) or the vehicle identification data (FI). The vehicle identification device (20) is specifically designed to receive data, preferably vehicle identification data (FI). Alternatively or additionally, any other data, such as sensor data (SO), can be received. This includes, in particular, data transmitted directly from the environment detection device (15), but preferably data that has already been converted into vehicle identification data (FI), especially by a recognition unit (14). Vehicle identification data (FI) is, in particular, data that makes a vehicle (60) uniquely identifiable and distinguishable from all other vehicles, for example, a vehicle registration number, a chassis number and / or a transmitted ID code. In an exemplary embodiment, a plant control system (17), in particular a vehicle treatment plant control system, is provided which is configured to execute various treatment processes. The execution of these processes can be carried out in any way in one or more parts of the plant control system (17), wherein these parts can be connected by at least one interface. The system control unit (17) can, in particular, be part of the vehicle handling system. Alternatively or additionally, it can be arranged in any other way. The plant control system (17) can be designed, in particular, as a control system for a single vehicle treatment system (10). Alternatively, it can be designed as a central plant control system (17) for several vehicle treatment systems (10). According to an example, vehicle identification data (FI) is transmitted to the vehicle identification device (20) in particular via a (first) system interface (18). The vehicle identification device (20) enables the generation of an anonymous ID (ID). This generation is preferably carried out by assigning an identifier, in particular by assigning a specific hash value. Preferably, the anonymous ID (ID) is generated by an anonymization unit (23). This anonymization unit (23) is in particular part of the vehicle identification device (20). The vehicle identification device (20) is preferably configured to store a currently generated anonymous ID (ID). The storage of an anonymous ID (ID) can preferably be local. However, the storage of an anonymous ID (ID) can also be centralized, particularly across multiple vehicle treatment systems (10). Alternatively or additionally, the storage of an anonymous ID (ID) can take place in a remote control system, for example, in a server and / or data management service. The same applies to the retrieval of at least one previously known anonymous ID (ID) and / or associated usage data. The vehicle identification device (20) is, for example, configured to relate, preferably compare, a generated anonymous ID (ID) with usage data (ND). Usage data (ND) in the present example are previously known, already stored data, preferably a previously known anonymous ID (ID), and further preferably data relating to a previous treatment of the vehicle (60) for which the anonymous ID (ID) has been generated. Preferably, a generated anonymous ID (ID) is compared with another anonymous ID (ID) and tax data (SD) and / or a tax data recommendation are generated based on this comparison. Tax data (SD) and / or a tax data recommendation and / or an analysis result may be designed, in particular, as a computer-readable, ordered data structure. In a preferred embodiment, control data (SD) and / or a control data recommendation comprise data for controlling the vehicle treatment system (10), in particular program control data. Program control data may, for example, be available / configured for adjusting the washing program and / or for adjusting parameters for a specific service, in particular for adjusting the price of a service. The control data (SD) and / or a control data recommendation can be transmitted to the plant control system (17) via an interface, in particular via a (second) plant interface (19). The (second) plant interface (19) is preferably configured to transmit control data (SD) and / or a control data recommendation, preferably bidirectionally. In other words, the (second) plant interface (19) is preferably configured to transmit control data (SD) and / or a control data recommendation in both directions, i.e., to receive and / or send it. Fig. 2 shows a schematic setup of the vehicle identification device (20). The vehicle identification device (20) comprises, for example, an anonymization unit (23) and a data processing unit (22), and preferably a storage unit (21) and further preferably a recognition unit (14). The arrangement of the units can alternatively or additionally be configured differently. The storage unit (21) can be designed as part of the vehicle identification device (20). Alternatively or additionally, it can be remotely designed and / or be communicatively accessible via an interface. The storage unit (21) stores the data in a structured form, preferably in a database. The storage unit (21) can, for example, be configured as a server. The storage unit (21) preferably has a bidirectional interface for data processing. Furthermore, in the example shown, the storage unit (21) preferably has an interface to the environment detection device (15) and / or to the recognition unit (14). This interface allows, in particular, the reception of vehicle identification data (FI), but in an alternative example also of sensor data (SO). Usage data (ND), in particular a previously known anonymized ID (ID), can be transmitted via the interface between the data processing unit (22) and / or the anonymization unit (23). The anonymization unit (23) is preferably designed to generate an anonymous ID (ID) from received vehicle identification data (FI). The vehicle identification data (FI) generated by the anonymization unit (23) can preferably be transferred to the data processing unit (22) via an interface. In the present example, the data processing unit (22) is designed to receive anonymized data, preferably an anonymized ID (ID) from, for example, an anonymization unit (23). In the present example, the data processing unit (22) is trained to generate tax data (SD) and / or a tax data recommendation from comparison with usage data (ND), for example, comparison with a previously known anonymous ID (ID). In the present example, the data processing unit (22) is designed to transmit control data (SD) and / or a control data recommendation to the plant control unit (17). The arrangement of the components and / or interfaces in the present example can be modified as desired. Each of the units can be arranged both inside the vehicle identification device (20) and / or inside the vehicle handling system (10), as well as outside of it. All components and functions of the vehicle identification device (20) can be working parts and / or steps of the vehicle identification procedure and vice versa. Reference symbol list 10 Vehicle treatment system 11 Treatment agent 14 Recognition unit 15 Environment detection device 16 Camera 17 System control 18 First system interface 19 Second system interface 20 Vehicle identification device 21 Storage unit 22 Data processing unit 23 Anonymization unit 60 Vehicle 70 Entrance area 71 Treatment area SO Sensor data FI Vehicle identification data ID Anonymized ID SD Control data ND Usage data QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature CN 1 15 158 237 A

[0005] DE 10 2019 132 833 A1

[0006] GB 2 417 152 A

[0006] US 2024 / 0375619 A1

[0007]

Claims

Vehicle identification device for identifying a vehicle (60) in a vehicle treatment facility (10), in particular in a vehicle wash facility, wherein the vehicle identification device is configured to obtain vehicle identification data (FI) from an environment detection device (15) of the vehicle treatment facility (10) and wherein the vehicle identification device (20) is further configured to anonymize the obtained vehicle identification data (FI) and to store and / or output it as an anonymous ID (ID). Vehicle identification device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle identification device (20) is configured to output control data (SD) and / or control data recommendations to a plant control system (17). Vehicle identification device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle identification device (20) is configured to store and / or output the anonymous ID (ID) with associated usage data, in particular to send it as a usage report message to an (preferably external) analysis facility. Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle identification device (20) has a (first) system interface (18) which is configured to obtain vehicle identification data (FI). Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle identification data (FI) is generated in particular by converting sensor data (SD) into vehicle identification data (FI), preferably by a recognition unit (14). Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle identification device (20) stores the anonymous ID (ID), in particular having at least one storage unit (21) for storing the anonymous ID (ID). Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle identification device (20) has a (second) system interface (19) which is configured to obtain a control data recommendation and / or output and / or obtain control data (SD), wherein the control data (SD) and / or the control data recommendations are in particular assigned to the anonymous ID (ID) and / or generated depending on the anonymous ID (ID), and furthermore, in particular, are generated individually. Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle identification device (20) sends a request message with the anonymous ID (ID) to an analysis device on the basis of the anonymous ID (ID), and in particular receives a recommendation message or an analysis result message in response to the request message. Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recommendation message includes a tax data recommendation, in particular with respect to an anonymous ID previously sent with a request message, and wherein the vehicle identification device in particular outputs tax data (SD) based on the tax data recommendation. Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an analysis result message comprises an analysis result which characterizes a usage behavior with respect to an anonymous ID previously sent with a request message, and wherein the vehicle identification device in particular outputs tax data (SD) based on the analysis result. Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a control data recommendation and / or the control data (SD) comprise individual configurations of the vehicle treatment system (10), in particular data relating to specific washing programs and / or discount promotions. Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle identification data (ID) makes a vehicle (60) uniquely identifiable and distinguishable from all other vehicles and is in particular designed as a vehicle registration number, chassis number and / or a transmitted ID code. Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the generation of the anonymous ID (ID) is carried out by generating a hash value or includes generating a hash value. Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a comparison of a newly / currently generated anonymous ID (ID) with usage data, in particular at least one already stored anonymous ID (ID), is carried out, especially with a stored set of previously known anonymous IDs (ID). Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle identification device (20) is configured to relate an anonymous ID (ID) to historical usage data, in particular to usage data relating to one or more previously known anonymous IDs (ID). Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tax data (SD) and / or a tax data recommendation are generated based on a comparison of a newly / currently generated anonymous ID (ID) with historical usage data, in particular with respect to at least one previously known anonymous ID (ID). Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a request message and / or the control data (SD) and / or the control data recommendation is output on a vehicle-specific basis. Vehicle identification device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle identification device (20) obtains vehicle identification data (FI). Vehicle treatment system, in particular vehicle washing system, comprising a system control (17), a vehicle identification device (20) according to one of the preceding claims and an environment detection device (15). Software product, in particular stored on a data carrier and / or communicating via a data interface, wherein the software product includes instructions designed to cause a data processing device to execute a vehicle identification procedure with the following steps: - Obtaining vehicle identification data (FI) - Anonymizing the obtained vehicle identification data (FI) by generating an anonymous ID (ID) - Storing the anonymous ID (ID) - Outputting control data (SD) to the plant control (17) and / or sending a usage report message with the anonymous ID (ID) and / or sending a request message with the anonymous ID (ID). Analysis device for analyzing usage behavior at at least one vehicle treatment facility, wherein the analysis device includes a data processing device and is designed to: - Receive at least one usage report message with an anonymous ID and with usage data, in particular with usage data assigned to the anonymous ID; - Relate the received usage data with historical usage data, in particular with historical usage data assigned to a previously known anonymous ID, and further in particular with usage data assigned to the same previously known anonymous ID; - Output an analysis result on vehicle-specific usage behavior based on an evaluation of the usage data, in particular with regard to at least one anonymous ID. Analysis device according to the preceding claim, wherein the analysis device is configured to: - receive a request message with an anonymous ID; - provide a tax data recommendation based on the received anonymous ID and historical usage data, which in particular is assigned to at least one previously known anonymous ID, and further in particular based on historical usage data that is assigned to the same previously known anonymous ID; - send a recommendation message in response to the request message, wherein the recommendation message includes the tax data recommendation. Analysis device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the analysis device obtains and / or evaluates usage data and / or anonymous IDs from different locations, in particular relating usage data and / or anonymous IDs from different locations to each other for the purpose of determining an analysis result. Software product, in particular stored on a data carrier and / or communicating via a data interface, wherein the software product contains instructions that cause a data processing device to evaluate analysis data, in particular usage data and generated anonymous IDs of a vehicle treatment system, by means of an analysis procedure and to propose and / or implement optimizations for a vehicle treatment system based on the analysis procedure.

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