Device for determining a local usage situation of a facility, computer program, computer-readable medium, data processing device, transmitting and receiving device

Abstract

Device for determining a local usage situation of a device and further processing the information obtained, characterized in that a vibration sensor arrangement comprising a processor for analyzing the vibration patterns and the usage time is arranged on the device, wherein the vibration sensor arrangement is connected to a network for data transmission, whereby the transmission takes place to a backend device (server) which is provided for access by a frontend device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for determining a local usage situation of a facility and further processing the obtained information. The invention further relates to a computer program, a computer-readable medium, a data processing device, a transmitting device, and a receiving device.

[0002] In growing urban areas, publicly accessible resources for leisure and recreation, such as ping-pong tables, basketball courts, and skate parks, are becoming increasingly scarce. Optimal distribution, both temporally and spatially, among the available facilities is therefore becoming increasingly important. The sensor system offers a solution to this infrastructural challenge. Existing resources can thus be used more effectively and thus enhanced.

[0003] Such devices are known from the prior art. For example, the document DE 10 2018 220 421 A1 describes a magnetic parking sensor with a detection device for detecting geomagnetic measurements in the area of ​​a parking space in three coordinates and storing and processing them. Furthermore, a method for determining the availability status of the parking space is described, including its implementation as a computer program.

[0004] However, the proposed solution is specifically designed for a parking lot where magnetically detectable vehicles can be detected. Other local usage situations beyond a parking lot, such as sports and leisure equipment in public spaces, cannot be determined.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device for determining the local usage situation of a facility and for further processing the obtained information, which can be used for a wide range of different usage situations. The aim of the invention is, in particular, to detect the occupancy status of publicly accessible sports equipment, such as table tennis tables or basketball hoops, for example, in a city. The game is also to be analyzed and made available to the players as an evaluation.

[0006] The problem is solved by the independent claims. The vibrations generated by the impact of a ping-pong ball (or, in the future, a basketball hitting a hoop, a skateboard hitting a ramp, etc.) are recorded by a vibration sensor on the underside of the table, amplified, and evaluated by a microprocessor. If the criteria for a ping-pong match are met, a signal is sent via the low-energy wireless network technology LoRaWAN to a server on the Internet. This server evaluates the data, allowing information about usage distribution and behavior to be generated. The same applies to other sports equipment such as basketball hoops or skate ramps.

[0007] This server is connected to the server of the pongmasters app, which displays information about resources such as availability, utilization throughout the day, etc. for the end user on an interactive map. By tracking the location and timing of ball hits, the game can also be analyzed and provided to the players as an evaluation.

[0008] The device consists of hardware and software. The hardware is preferably structured as follows: The integrated RAK3172 module, which contains the STM32WLE5CC SoC (System-On-Chip) in the form of an ARM Cortex M4 chip and the SX1262 LoRaWAN transceiver, is connected in variant A to an operational amplifier (OPA333), which amplifies the signals of a piezoelectronic vibration sensor (MiniSense 100), and in variant B to an acceleration sensor (Memsic MC3419). The gain can be selected via software. Additionally, a threshold can be defined (in variant A via the microcontroller's internal digital-to-analog converter (DAC), in variant B implicitly via the configuration) to achieve the ideal sensitivity – reliable detection of desired events while simultaneously ensuring the greatest possible robustness against false positives from nearby vibration sources.

[0009] The power supply is provided by a solar cell, which was selected so that its voltage corresponds to the system operating point of 3.6V under the expected scattered light conditions under a ping-pong table to minimize conversion losses. As a compromise between simplicity and efficiency, the TPS63030 buck-boost voltage converter is connected upstream to charge the storage element even under suboptimal or fluctuating light conditions.

[0010] A 50-farad lithium supercapacitor (LIC) serves as the storage element. This buffer is designed for several days of operation in inclement weather. Overvoltage and overcharge protection is implicitly implemented by the TPS63030, which is set to an output voltage of 3.6V. Undervoltage and deep discharge protection are implemented via software.

[0011] In addition, the solar cell is wired in such a way that it can be disconnected from the storage module to measure its open-circuit voltage (Voc). This allows for dynamic responses to adverse weather events and sunrise and sunset to save energy. By comparing the average values, solar cell contamination can be detected and a maintenance signal generated.

[0012] The software puts the processor into deep sleep mode and activates an integrated voltage comparator, which, together with the integrated analog-to-digital converter, receives the amplified signals from the vibration sensor. The impact of the ping-pong ball generates a voltage above the comparator's defined threshold and wakes up the microprocessor (variant A). This allows for minimal power consumption (compared to active technologies such as radar, laser, active ADC sampling, etc.).

[0013] The processor now analyzes the pattern. Various methods are available for this, each with varying accuracy and energy requirements, and can be applied depending on the site's requirements: - Analysis of the vibration pattern: The signal is sampled over 40ms and classified into “table tennis ball” or “other” via a neural network - Analysis of the temporal sequence: Based on the characteristics of the temporal sequence of vibration events, a classification into “table tennis game” and “other” is made - Simple heuristic: Analysis of the number of events in a sliding window

[0014] If the analysis concludes that the resource (table tennis table) is currently in use, a signal is sent via LoRaWAN informing about the start of use.

[0015] A time window is now opened, 120 seconds by default, during which further positive match detections must occur to keep the time window open. If this does not happen, the current match is assumed to be over and a signal is sent via LoRaWAN informing the end of use. To further save energy, the microprocessor deactivates the operational amplifier and the voltage comparator at night (or optionally in bad weather).

[0016] A "heartbeat" is also implemented, which transmits vital signs with metrics such as light irradiation and charge level at selectable intervals during the day (and optionally at night). This allows for early detection of unforeseen events such as vandalism, system failure, or solar cell contamination.

[0017] The signals are sent via the LoRaWAN network "Helium," from where they are preferably transmitted to Google Cloud Functions, which acts as the backend. This stores the status and event history of all managed resources. Based on this, statistical analyses and forecasts are created, such as: - the temporal workload distribution in the past - the expected capacity utilization in the future - Information about the style of play, such as game speed, etc. - The latter information can be linked to the player's profile if desired.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, by evaluating vibrations, it is possible to awaken the sensor from "deep sleep," an energy-saving resting state, by detecting even the smallest movement events. This makes the technology significantly more energy-efficient and allows it to be optimized for comparatively minimal event amplitudes (such as the impact of a ping-pong ball on a concrete slab compared to that of a car).

[0019] With state-of-the-art technology, such as the Bosch parking sensor, the battery is permanently installed in the device. When it's empty, the entire device must be replaced. The service life is stated to be five years, assuming 200 messages per week and a relatively good network connection (SF7). The SF12 data rate expected in many locations requires 24 times the transmission time, which shrinks the expected service life to 2.5 months. This requires higher maintenance and costs, making it impractical for public, widely distributed resources.

[0020] The invention offers a way to reduce capacity utilization at high-traffic locations whose capacity is thus exhausted through better distribution. Compared to the conventional approach of building more new sports equipment, a significant effect can be achieved with relatively low investment requirements, both in terms of improved availability and increased capacity utilization.

[0021] Because the installation of the sensors is easy and involves fewer administrative and approval hurdles than new construction, this upgrade can be carried out on a large number of sports equipment in a short period of time.

[0022] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the description of embodiments and their representation in the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an inventive device for determining a local usage situation of a facility. The schematic data flow is shown. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2018 220 421 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Device for determining a local usage situation of a facility and further processing the information obtained, characterized by that a vibration sensor arrangement comprising a processor for analyzing the vibration patterns and the service life is arranged on the device, wherein the vibration sensor arrangement is connected to a network for data transmission, whereby the transmission takes place to a backend device (server) which is provided for access by a frontend device. [2] Device according to claim 1, comprising a device for functional testing (heartbeat). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, which comprises a device for energy generation and storage (solar cell with battery). [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the front-end device is a smartphone. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is a table tennis table and an analysis of the game results from the evaluation of vibration patterns of the impacting balls. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation of vibration patterns generates additional information on the use of the device, which information is also transmitted to the backend, assigned to a user and can be retrieved as individualized statistics. [7] A computer program comprising instructions causing the device of any one of claims 1 to 6 to carry out the program steps a. Vibrations that occur on the device during use are recorded by a vibration sensor, amplified and b. transmitted to a microprocessor, where vibration patterns are evaluated and signals are generated for the occupancy of the device by a user, c. the transmission is made via a (preferably wireless) network to a server where d. the signals are stored as information for retrieval by a frontend. [8] A computer-readable medium on which the computer program according to claim 7 is stored. [9] A data processing apparatus comprising means for executing the computer program according to claim 7. [10] A computer-readable medium on which the computer program according to claim 7 is stored. [11] Transmitting device comprising means for encoding data by executing program step c) and means for transmitting the encoded data to a receiving device. [12] Receiving device comprising means for receiving coded data from a transmitting device and means for decoding the data by executing program step d). [13] A system comprising a transmitting device according to claim 11 and a receiving device according to claim 12. [14] A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a first computer, cause the first computer to encode data by executing program step c) and to send the encoded data to a second computer. [15] A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a second computer, cause the second computer to receive coded data from a first computer and to decode the received data by executing program step d).

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