VEHICLE, SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH DEVICE FOR VANDALSM DETECTION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle with sensors.

[0002] Vehicles with sensors are already known. The disadvantage of existing vehicles with sensors is that the sensors are often not suitable for performing certain monitoring tasks to the desired extent, and / or the potential of the sensors is not or cannot be fully utilized.

[0003] Parked vehicles are usually located in enclosed, partially monitored areas outside of operating hours. However, access by unauthorized third parties can only be guaranteed with a sufficiently sophisticated security depot. Nevertheless, operators regularly encounter damage to vehicles in the form of graffiti, destroyed vehicle components, and forced entryways.

[0004] US 2020 / 001827 A1 shows a vehicle monitoring system for obtaining identification information from a personal electronic device of a potential intruder in response to a potential theft, vandalism or intrusion into a vehicle and can be considered the closest prior art.

[0005] From SE 541 541 C2 a method for intrusion detection in a vehicle is known, which comprises activating at least one sensor of the vehicle, triggered by a vehicle alarm, capturing an image with the sensor and detecting a predefined object in the image.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an improved monitoring system for vehicles, which in particular prevents vandalism and / or can be used to investigate vandalism. The device should be inexpensive to manufacture and use. The object of the invention is also to provide an improved method for monitoring a vehicle.

[0007] This object is achieved by the vehicle claimed in claim 1 and the method claimed in claim 9.

[0008] In the vehicle with sensors according to the invention, the sensors monitor the outer shell of the vehicle at least in some areas.

[0009] The invention enables individual monitoring of a vehicle's exterior shell by the vehicle itself. When a vehicle is parked, the sensors can detect vandalism, graffiti, and even unauthorized access to the vehicle.

[0010] Individual vehicle monitoring allows operators to significantly reduce costs associated with vandalism and graffiti. In particular, removing graffiti paint damages the paint layer as well as the installed buttons, indicator lights, loudspeakers, etc.

[0011] Vehicle-mounted alarm systems, if installed, typically monitor the interior of the vehicle. However, studies on the use of optical, acoustic, or radar sensors for use in entry systems on rail vehicles and buses have shown that the sensors can also be used to monitor the exterior of the vehicle in question.

[0012] The sensors include monitoring sensors. Monitoring sensors refer to sensors for detecting vandalism. The monitoring sensors are preferably also active outside of the vehicle's operating hours, for example, when the vehicle is parked or shut down.

[0013] The sensors include operational sensors. Operational sensors are sensors for detecting the position of passengers. The operational sensors are preferably in operation at least during the vehicle's operating hours.

[0014] The vehicle comprises a monitoring system that uses the monitoring sensors, which in particular prevents vandalism and / or can be used to investigate cases of vandalism. The monitoring system is preferably configured to operate outside of the vehicle's operating hours, for example when the vehicle is shut down or parked. The monitoring system comprises monitoring sensor electronics that are configured to operate the monitoring sensors outside of the vehicle's operating hours, at least when the vehicle is shut down. The vehicle can have an energy storage device for supplying energy to the monitoring system when the vehicle is shut down. In one embodiment, the monitoring sensor electronics are configured to operate the monitoring sensors exclusively outside of the vehicle's operating hours.

[0015] The monitoring system preferably comprises an activation device, which can further preferably trigger various measures. The activation device is preferably configured to trigger the activation of cameras and / or the output of an audible acoustic or silent alarm and / or the activation of lighting.

[0016] Preferably, each sensor has a detection area. The detection area can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The outer shell of the vehicle preferably has multiple surfaces. It can include or consist of a front surface, a rear surface, two side surfaces, an upper surface, and a lower surface.

[0017] Preferably, the monitoring sensors—or at least one of the monitoring sensors—have a detection area that is adapted or adaptable to the outer contour of the vehicle's outer shell, preferably by extending the detection area along at least one edge of a surface of the outer shell. This allows for particularly tailored, individual monitoring of the vehicle's outer shell. This allows the monitored area to be reduced to the necessary size, for example, to combat vandalism. This can reduce false alarms.

[0018] The vehicle has doors. Preferably, each door defines a door area. The door area can also be referred to as the area near the door and is preferably located outside the vehicle. Preferably, at least one of the monitoring sensors is arranged in an end area of ​​the vehicle, in particular away from a door or a door area of ​​the vehicle. Preferably, the door area has a horizontal extension parallel to a side wall of the outer shell of the vehicle. Preferably, the extension of a door area parallel to the side surface of the outer shell is less than 40% or 20% or 10% of the horizontal extension of the respective side surface. Preferably, at least one of the sensors has a detection area that is larger than a door area. The detection area of ​​at least one of the sensors can include the door area. The detection area of ​​at least one of the sensors can extend outside the door area.At least one of the monitoring sensors can have a detection range that is larger than the door area and which more preferably also detects the door area and which is particularly preferably adapted to the outer shell or to the outer contour of the outer shell of the vehicle. At least one of the monitoring sensors can have a detection range whose shape and size at least almost corresponds to the shape and size of an area of ​​the outer shell of the vehicle. In this way, particularly customized, individual monitoring of the outer shell of the vehicle can be carried out. The detection ranges of several monitoring sensors can also be selected such that together they at least almost cover an area of ​​the outer shell. The detection ranges of several monitoring sensors can overlap one another in an overlap region.Preferably, the monitoring sensors monitor at least one side surface of the outer shell to a degree of more than 50%, 60%, 80%, or 90%. Preferably, the monitoring sensors monitor at least two side surfaces of the outer shell.

[0019] By selecting the appropriate detection range of the sensors, it is also possible to detect vehicles crawling underneath.

[0020] Preferably, the monitoring sensors—or at least one of the monitoring sensors—have a detection range designed to detect crawling under the vehicle. This detection range preferably extends to the ground on which the vehicle is parked. Furthermore, this detection range can be adapted to the outer contour of the vehicle.

[0021] The vehicle can be a public transport vehicle or local public transport vehicle. The vehicle can be a rail vehicle, for example a subway or a commuter train. The vehicle can be a bus. The vehicle can comprise an electric drive, in particular an electric motor. The vehicle can comprise an energy storage device for the electric drive. The energy storage device can be a battery or an accumulator. The energy storage device can be rechargeable using charging electronics, in particular using a contactless, for example inductive, charging method. The charging electronics can be arranged on the underside of the vehicle or, during charging, underneath the vehicle. In particular, if the monitoring sensors or at least one monitoring sensor have a detection range designed to detect creeping underneath the vehicle, this can serve to protect the charging electronics.In buses with contactless (inductive) charging, sensors can be used to monitor and protect the charging electronics.

[0022] The vehicle has automatically closing doors. The vehicle includes an entry system, which can also be referred to as a "Boarding Management Unit" or "BMU." The entry system is used to detect the position of passengers to prevent them from becoming trapped when the vehicle doors automatically close. The entry system can react to passenger gestures and can include gesture control. The entry system includes or uses the operating sensors or at least one of the operating sensors, in particular for monitoring a door area. The operating sensors are preferably each arranged above a door. The entry system can use at least one of the operating sensors to exclusively monitor a door area. The detection range of this sensor is preferably adapted to the respective door area, at least during use by the entry system.The at least one operating sensor used by the entry system can also be referred to as a BMU sensor. The entry system preferably comprises entry sensor electronics, which are preferably configured to operate at least one of the operating sensors during the vehicle's operating hours. At least one of the sensors is used by both the monitoring system and the entry system, thus being a multi-use sensor. This can limit the additional effort associated with the monitoring system in vehicles with an entry system.

[0023] The sensors, or at least one of the sensors, is configured as both an operating sensor and a monitoring sensor and is used by both the entry system and the monitoring system. In one embodiment, the detection range of this sensor is variable. Preferably, the monitoring system uses this sensor with a different detection range than the entry system. Preferably, the entry system uses this sensor with a detection range adapted to the door area. Preferably, the monitoring system uses this sensor with a detection range adapted to the outer contour of the vehicle's exterior shell.

[0024] Alternatively, the detection range of at least one sensor configured as both an operating sensor and a monitoring sensor is fixed. It has been shown that this is not absolutely necessary, and the monitoring system, for example in the case of a retrofit, can also use sensors from the entry system without a variable detection range.

[0025] When vehicles approach, interfering contours can be detected (subway or S-Bahn surfers or dragged objects).

[0026] The vehicle preferably comprises an interfering contour detection system that can make the operation of the vehicle safer by, for example, enabling or improving the detection of interfering contours such as subway surfers or commuter train surfers and / or dragged objects, particularly when vehicles are approaching. The interfering contour detection system is preferably designed to be in operation during the operating hours of the vehicle, preferably exclusively. If the sensors used by the interfering contour detection system have a detection range that is adapted or adaptable to the outer contour of the vehicle's outer shell, then interfering contours can be detected particularly reliably. In vehicles with a monitoring system, the interfering contour detection system preferably uses sensors that are also used by the monitoring system - preferably exclusively.This can limit the additional effort associated with the interference contour detection system in vehicles with a monitoring system.

[0027] The task is solved in particular by a vehicle with sensors on its outer shell that ensure non-imaging detection.

[0028] Preferably, the sensors—or at least one of the sensors—ensure non-imaging detection. The sensors, or at least one of the sensors, can be arranged inside the vehicle. Preferably, the sensors do not monitor the interior of the vehicle. Preferably, at least one sensor is embodied as an external sensor. In this document, the term "external sensor" refers in particular to a sensor arranged outside the vehicle.

[0029] Preferably, the sensors - or at least one of the sensors - are arranged on the outside of the vehicle's outer shell.

[0030] The sensors are preferably non-contact. The sensors are preferably optical, for example, using laser technology, and / or acoustic, for example, using ultrasound and / or radar. The sensors can, in particular, be sensors that enable non-contact monitoring using ultrasound or laser technology. The sensors can be lidar sensors. The sensors can be laser scanners. They can emit and detect invisible light, for example, in the infrared range. If the sensors emit and detect visible light, alternatively or in addition to invisible light, then a deterrent effect can be achieved and the preventive effect of the monitoring system can be increased.

[0031] Preferably, the vehicle comprises a sensor evaluation device, preferably operatively connected to the sensors, by means of which a distinction can be made between objects that move past the vehicle and those that damage the vehicle.

[0032] By evaluating the sensor data accordingly, a distinction can be made between objects that move past the vehicle and those that damage the vehicle.

[0033] The activation device is preferably operatively connected to the monitoring sensors or the sensor evaluation device. The cameras can be cameras attached to the vehicle or cameras not attached to the vehicle. The vehicle or the monitoring system can comprise an alarm device for emitting an audible acoustic and / or a silent alarm. The activation device is preferably operatively connected to the alarm device. Alternatively or additionally, an alarm device can be provided which is not included in the vehicle. The activation device can be designed to interact with an alarm device which is not included in the vehicle. If the sensors detect a body in the detection area, various measures can be taken. For example, external cameras or cameras attached directly to the vehicle can be switched on to record the event.Alternatively or additionally, an audible acoustic or silent alarm can be triggered, or lighting can be switched on.

[0034] The monitoring system can use the sensors to create a protective field around at least part of the vehicle's outer shell. As soon as a sensor detects an object in the protective field, the activation device can activate cameras and / or issue an audible or silent alarm and / or turn on lighting.

[0035] In one embodiment, the monitoring sensors are operated exclusively outside of the vehicle's operating hours. In this embodiment, the monitoring sensors preferably serve exclusively to prevent and / or investigate vandalism. In another embodiment, the monitoring sensors are operated both during and outside the vehicle's operating hours. If the monitoring sensors are operated both during and outside the vehicle's operating hours, they are preferably multi-use sensors. They are then preferably used by the monitoring system outside of the vehicle's operating hours and by the interference contour detection system during operating hours. The monitoring sensors can be retrofitted sensors, particularly for the prevention and / or investigation of vandalism.

[0036] Preferably, the sensors of the monitoring system are arranged on the vehicle.

[0037] In one embodiment, the monitoring system also uses at least sensors of the entry system. Preferably, the monitoring system alternatively or additionally uses sensors that are installed in addition to the sensors of the entry system.

[0038] Preferably, the sensors of the monitoring system ensure non-imaging detection.

[0039] Preferably, at least one or all of the monitoring system's sensors are also suitable or approved for an entry-level system. Therefore, the monitoring system can use sensors that are already proven or approved for the vehicle.

[0040] The invention also relates to a method for monitoring a vehicle, especially for preventing vandalism and / or investigating vandalism. In this method, the vehicle's exterior shell is monitored at least in certain areas using sensors. In one embodiment of the method, the method is carried out exclusively outside of the vehicle's operating hours.

[0041] Preferably, the method is carried out by means of a monitoring system.

[0042] Preferably, at least one sensor is used for the method with temporal interruptions. Preferably, at least one sensor is used for the method that is used for a different purpose during these temporal interruptions, in particular for an entry system. At least one sensor is used for the method that is also or exclusively used for an entry system during the vehicle's operating hours, as an operational sensor for detecting the position of passengers.

[0043] The features listed individually in the claims can be combined with each other in any technically reasonable manner, even across categories, and can demonstrate further embodiments of the invention. For example, features described in connection with the vehicle can also be combined with the method. The description further characterizes and specifies the invention, particularly in conjunction with the figures.

[0044] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. These are to be understood as examples only and are not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments shown.

[0045] They show: Fig. 1 additionally installed sensors and a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention; Fig. 2 the use of the operating sensors used by the entry system and a part of a second embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention; Fig. 3 a view as in Fig. 1 with further details; Fig. 4 a view as in Fig. 2 with further details.

[0046] In the Fig. 1 and 3A first embodiment of a vehicle 1 according to the invention, namely a bus, is shown schematically from the side. The vehicle has wheels that have been omitted from the figures for the sake of simplicity. The sensors 2, 3 of the vehicle 1 monitor the outer shell 5 of the vehicle 1, at least in certain areas.

[0047] Only one side surface 21 of the outer shell 5 of the vehicle 1 is shown in the figures.

[0048] The sensors 2, 3 comprise monitoring sensors 29, 30 for detecting vandalism, which are also in operation at least outside the operating hours of the vehicle 1.

[0049] The monitoring system 6 of the vehicle 1, which uses the monitoring sensors 29, 30 and is in operation outside the vehicle's operating hours, prevents vandalism and serves to investigate cases of vandalism, is approximately in Fig. 3 shown schematically. The monitoring system 6 comprises monitoring sensor electronics 7, which is configured to operate the monitoring sensors 29, 30 at least outside of the vehicle's operating hours. The monitoring system 6 comprises an activation device 16, which is configured to switch on cameras and / or to emit an audible acoustic or silent alarm and / or to switch on lighting.

[0050] The vehicle has 18 doors (in Fig. 1 and 3 not shown), each defining a door area.

[0051] The monitoring sensors 29, 30 each have a detection area 10, 11, which is designed to detect crawling under the vehicle 1 and which extends to the ground 24 on which the vehicle 1 is standing. This serves to protect the charging electronics of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the detection areas 10, 11 are each adapted to the outer contour of the outer shell 5 of the vehicle 1 and are larger than a door area. The detection area 10, 11 of the monitoring sensors 29, 30 each encompasses the door area and is adapted to the outer shell 5 or to the outer contour 22 of the outer shell of the vehicle 1 by extending along two edges 23 of the side surface 21 of the outer shell 5. The two in Fig. 3 The detection areas 10, 11 shown overlap each other in an overlapping area 14 and together cover the side surface 21 of the outer shell 5 by more than 90%. The two Fig. 3 The monitoring sensors 29, 30 shown therefore monitor the side surface 21 of the outer shell to a proportion of more than 90%.

[0052] In the Fig. 2 and 4 A further embodiment is shown. The same reference numerals denote the same components. Reference is made to the above description. The vehicle 1 of the second embodiment also has the sensors 2, 3, 29, 30 of the first embodiment (in the Fig. 2 and 4 not shown). In the following, only the differences to the one in the Fig. 1 and 3 shown first embodiment.

[0053] About the Fig. 1 and 3In addition to the sensors shown, the vehicle of the second embodiment comprises further sensors 4 in the form of operating sensors 26, which are also in operation at least during the operating hours of the vehicle 1, for detecting the position of passengers. One of these sensors 4, 26 is shown in the Fig. 2 and 4 shown.

[0054] The vehicle 1 of the second embodiment comprises an entry system in the form of an entry system 8. The sensor used by the entry system is an external sensor 25. It is arranged, like all other sensors shown in the figures, outside the vehicle. Fig. 2 shows the two door leaves 19, the door travel 20 and the external sensor 25.

[0055] The operating sensor 4, 26 used by the entry system 8 is used multiple times and is also a monitoring sensor 31 used by the surveillance system 6 for detecting vandalism. The detection range 13 of the sensor 4, 26, 31 of the surveillance system 6, which is also used by the entry system 8, is adapted to the respective door area 12. The entry system 8 comprises entry sensor electronics 9, which is configured to operate the sensor 4, 26, 31 of the surveillance system 6, which is also used by the entry system 8, during the operating hours of the vehicle 1.

[0056] The monitoring system 6 of the second embodiment of the vehicle uses the already existing sensor 4, 26, 31, which is also used by the entry system 8, and the Fig. 3 shown additionally installed sensors 2, 3, 29, 30. The Fig. 4 The sensor 4, 26, 31 shown serves to detect the position of passengers during the operating hours of the vehicle 1 and to detect vandalism outside of the vehicle's operating hours. Since this sensor 4, 26, 31 is already an existing sensor used by the entry system 8, its continued use reduces the additional effort associated with the surveillance system 6.

[0057] All sensors shown in the figures are contactless and ensure non-imaging detection. They are located on the exterior shell of vehicle 1. The sensors operate optically, using laser technology.

[0058] The vehicles 1 of both illustrated embodiments comprise a sensor evaluation device 15 operatively connected to the sensors 2, 3, 4, 26, 29, 30, 31, by means of which a distinction can be made between objects moving past the vehicle 1 and those that could damage the vehicle. The activation device 16 is operatively connected to the sensor evaluation device 15. The monitoring system 6 has an alarm device 17 for emitting an audible acoustic alarm and a silent alarm, which can be activated by the activation device 16. Unlike what is shown in the figures, the monitoring sensor electronics 7, the sensor evaluation device 15, the activation device 16, and the alarm device 17 can be separate devices.

[0059] In addition to the monitoring system 6 using the monitoring sensors 29, 30, 31, the vehicles 1 of both exemplary embodiments have an interfering contour detection system that also uses the monitoring sensors 29, 30, 31. This allows interfering contours (subway or commuter train surfers or dragged objects) to be detected when the vehicle 1 starts moving.

[0060] The Fig. 1 and 3 or 2 and 4 also show two embodiments of a monitoring system 6. The Fig. 1 and 3 The first embodiment of the monitoring system 6 shown comprises the two in the Fig. 1 and 3 shown sensors 2, 3, 29, 30, which monitor the outer shell 5 of the vehicle 1 in certain areas. Fig. 2 and 4 In the second embodiment of the monitoring system 6 shown, the monitoring system 6 uses, in addition to the two Fig. 1 and 3The sensors 2, 3, 29, 30 shown also correspond to the Fig. 2 and 4 shown sensor 4, 26, 31 of the entry system 8.

[0061] The Fig. 1 bis 4 also show an exemplary embodiment of the method. In this method for monitoring the vehicle 1, the outer shell 5 of the vehicle 1 is monitored in sections using sensors 2, 3, 4, 29, 30, 31 and, by means of the monitoring system 6, at least also outside of the operating hours of the vehicle 1. Bezugszeichenliste

[0062] 1Vehicle 2, 3, 4Sensor 5Outer shell 6Monitoring system 7Monitoring sensor electronics 8Entry system 9Entry sensor electronics 10, 11Detection area 12Door area 13Detection area 14Overlap area 15Sensor evaluation device 16Activation device 17Alarm device 18Door 19Door leaf 20Doorway 21Side surface 22Outer contour of the outer shell 23Edge of a surface of the outer shell 24Floor 25External sensor 26Operating sensor 29, 30, 31Monitoring sensor

Claims

1. A vehicle (1) with sensors (2, 3, 4), which monitor at least part of the outer shell (5) of the vehicle (1), wherein the sensors (2, 3, 4) comprise monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) for the detection of vandalism, and the vehicle (1) comprises a monitoring system (6) using the monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) and the monitoring system (6) comprises monitoring sensor electronics (7) which are set up to operate the monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) at least also in the parked state of the vehicle (1), and the vehicle (1) comprises automatically closing doors (18) and the sensors (2, 3, 4) comprise operating sensors (26) for detecting the position of passengers, and the vehicle has an entry system (8) using the operating sensors (26), which serves to detect the position of passengers, in order to prevent a jamming of passengers during the automatic closing of the doors (18), wherein at least one sensor (2, 3, 4) is configured both as operating sensor (26) and also as monitoring sensor (29, 30, 31) and is used both by the monitoring system (6) and also by the entry system (8).

2. The vehicle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring system (6) comprises an activation device (16), which can bring about the switching on of cameras and / or the emitting of an audible acoustic alarm or a silent alarm and / or the switching on of a lighting.

3. The vehicle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) have a detection zone (10, 11), which is adapted to the outer contour of the outer shell (5) of the vehicle (1).

4. The vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) have a detection zone (10, 11), which is configured so that a crawling underneath of the vehicle (1) is detected.

5. The vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the vehicle (1) is a bus with electric drive, and comprises a drive battery chargeable in a contactless manner by means of charging electronics, and the monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) serve to protect the charging electronics.

6. The vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the vehicle (1) comprises an interfering contour detection system using the monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31).

7. The vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensors (2, 3, 4) are arranged externally on the outer shell (5) of the vehicle (1).

8. The vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sensors (2, 3, 4) act by means of radar and / or optically, preferably by means of laser technology and / or acoustically, preferably by means of ultrasound.

9. A method for monitoring a vehicle (1) for the detection of vandalism, wherein at least part of the outer shell (5) of the vehicle (1) is monitored by sensors (2, 3, 4), wherein the outer shell (5) is at least also monitored outside the operating times of the vehicle (1), wherein the vehicle (1) comprises automatically closing doors (18) and an entry system (8) and for the monitoring method at least one sensor (4, 26, 31) is used, which during the operating times of the vehicle is also or exclusively used for the entry system (8) as operating sensor (26), for detecting the position of passengers.

10. The method according to Claim 9, wherein for the at least partial monitoring of the outer shell (5) of the vehicle (1), operating sensors (26) and additionally installed monitoring sensors (29, 30, 31) are used.