Small mammal defense device and method for remote monitoring of small mammal defense devices

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a small mammal defense device, particularly for use in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle, with an RFID interface. The invention further relates to a system comprising a small mammal defense device having an RFID interface and an RFID reader. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for remotely monitoring small mammal defense devices installed in motor vehicles via an RFID interface. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Small mammals, especially martens, can cause significant damage by chewing on cables and hoses, especially in the engine compartment of a vehicle. For example, if a marten enters the engine compartment of a parked vehicle, it can damage electrical cables, such as the ignition cable, and other rubber hoses, potentially compromising the vehicle's drivability and safety.

[0003] Small mammal defense systems are widespread and feature various defense mechanisms. These defense mechanisms include actuator units that act upon a small mammal entering the engine compartment in such a way that the small mammal leaves the engine compartment. Conventional defense systems generate acoustic and / or optical signals that disrupt the intruding small mammal so that it leaves the vehicle's engine compartment. Known defense systems can, for example, use ultrasonic generators that emit ultrasonic signals to expel the small mammal from the engine compartment. Alternatively or additionally, conventional small mammal defense systems can be equipped with high-voltage actuator units that deliver an electric shock to the small mammal when touched, thereby driving it away.Other defense systems use flashes of light to blind, irritate and ultimately scare away the nocturnal martens.

[0004] In both cases, a power source is required to generate the ultrasonic signals or high-voltage electrical power, which supplies the respective generators or actuator units with electrical energy. There are essentially two options for this: Either the generators or actuator units can be connected to an external power source, such as a vehicle battery, via separate power lines (centralized power supply), or the generators or actuator units can each have their own locally allocated power sources, such as batteries or accumulators, assigned to the individual generators or actuator units (decentralized power supply).

[0005] In the case of a central power supply, several actuator units are usually connected to a central power source via one or more cables. For the operation of a small mammal repellent device in the engine compartment of vehicles, wired installation is associated with considerable difficulties, particularly in modern vehicles with limited installation space and encapsulated engine components. Furthermore, the constraints imposed by the wiring (such as specified cable lengths, the need to route the device away from rotating or hot engine components, avoiding electrical interference fields for the vehicle electronics, and the like) limit the possible mounting locations for the actuator units.Due to these limiting conditions, the points in the engine compartment that are strategically important for successful small mammal defense (e.g., the walking paths and / or entry points of the small mammals) often cannot be equipped with actuator units or can only be equipped with increased assembly effort.

[0006] In this case, eliminating cabling and the associated transition to a decentralized power supply for the actuator units can be advantageous. In particular, this eliminates the need for adaptation to changes in the vehicle manufacturer's on-board electronics systems. For this purpose, each of the actuator units can be equipped with a separate power source, such as a battery or accumulator, and operate autonomously.

[0007] However, self-contained small mammal deterrent devices must be manually checked for functionality and activity status. This can be complicated when deployed in the engine compartment of a vehicle due to their strategic positioning. For example, the lower area of ​​the engine compartment is difficult or impossible to see and cannot be accessed without prior disassembly, e.g., removing the floor panel for maintenance and repair purposes.

[0008] For example, document DE 10 2012 008 712 A1 proposes a pest repellent device with a facility for monitoring and informing about the device's activities. The monitoring device detects when the device has been triggered by pests, allowing the user to track whether the device is actually functioning. When the pest repellent device is used to repel martens in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle, the owner can detect that an alarm has been triggered, allowing them to check for possible damage to the vehicle caused by marten bites before setting off. The information obtained by monitoring the triggering device is transmitted to suitable communication media, such as the internet, a computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or the like.Document DE 10 2010 022 857 A1 discloses a telematics unit with batteries and an RFID module for monitoring the telematics unit. Document DE 10 2015 115 102 A1 discloses a sensor system with an RFID communication module for monitoring internal parameters of a vehicle battery.

[0009] However, monitoring devices such as those described in document DE 10 2012 008 712 A1 consume a relatively high amount of energy, which is detrimental to the energy management of self-contained small mammal repellent devices and can therefore drastically reduce their operating time between necessary maintenance operations.

[0010] The document DE 10 2011 122 565 A1 describes a small mammal defense device with an actuator unit and a monitoring device which is coupled to electrical components of the small mammal defense device and which is designed to monitor the operating state of the small mammal defense device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One of the objects of the invention is therefore to find solutions for optimizing the remote monitoring of small mammal defense devices that are as energy-efficient as possible.

[0012] These and other objects are achieved by a small mammal defense device having the features of claim 1, by a system having the features of claim 14 and by a method for remote monitoring of a small mammal defense device having the features of claim 17.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, a small mammal repellent device comprises an actuator unit designed to generate a repellent effect for repelling a small mammal, a monitoring device coupled to electrical components of the small mammal repellent device and designed to monitor the operating state of the small mammal repellent device, and a passive or semi-passive RFID transponder coupled to the monitoring device and designed to transmit an operating state signal representing the operating state of the small mammal repellent device to an RFID reader via an RFID air interface. In some embodiments, the small mammal repellent device can be arranged in an engine compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention, a system for remotely monitoring small mammal deterrent devices comprises at least one small mammal deterrent device according to the first aspect of the invention and a reader having an RFID interrogator. In some embodiments, the reader comprises a portable device with wireless network connectivity, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a notebook, or a smartwatch. For example, an application-specific software application ("app") for a conventional smartphone can enable a user to monitor a small mammal deterrent device via their personal mobile device for a potentially required battery change.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for remotely monitoring a small mammal defense device comprises the steps of detecting electrical operating parameters, in particular a charge state of an electrical energy storage device, of a small mammal defense device by means of a monitoring device of the small mammal defense device; temporarily storing the electrical operating parameters detected by the monitoring device in a memory of a passive or semi-passive RFID transponder integrated in the small mammal defense device; energizing the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder by an external RFID reader via an RFID air interface; and reading, by an RFID interrogator of the RFID reader, the detected electrical operating parameters from the memory of the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder into the RFID reader via the RFID air interface.

[0016] One of the advantages of the small mammal defense device according to the invention is that the location of the small mammal defense device can be freely selected independently of supply devices or a receiving unit that receives and evaluates the status signals emitted by the small mammal defense device.

[0017] Particularly when the system according to the invention is used in a motor vehicle, the spatial independence of the small mammal defense device and the associated receiving device results in a considerable advantage in the installation, maintenance, servicing and monitoring of the small mammal defense device(s) in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0018] By transmitting status information from the small mammal defense device(s) to an RFID reader as needed, which can be configured to ensure ease of use and accessibility or visibility by the user, small mammal defense devices can be continuously monitored for their functionality and operational readiness. A particular advantage is that monitoring the charge level of the energy storage device integrated into the small mammal defense device(s) enables needs-based and targeted maintenance and repair of the small mammal defense device(s) without requiring complex disassembly or modification work to monitor the small mammal defense device(s).

[0019] Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the small mammal defense device, the small mammal defense device may further comprise an electrical energy storage device which is coupled to the actuator unit and which is designed to supply the actuator unit with electrical energy for its operation.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the monitoring device can be coupled to the electrical energy storage device and designed to monitor the charge state of the electrical energy storage device. According to some embodiments, the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder can be designed to transmit an energy storage state signal representing the charge state of the electrical energy storage device monitored by the monitoring device to the RFID reader via the RFID air interface. Since recharging or battery replacement is inevitably necessary during operation in the case of self-sufficient small mammal deterrent devices with accumulators or batteries, the continuous monitoring of the charge state of the electrical energy storage device can identify the need for recharging or battery replacement in a timely manner and without high maintenance costs.a battery change can be detected from the outside via an RFID reading process.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the small mammal defense device, the actuator unit can comprise at least one electrode and a high-voltage generator configured to apply a high-voltage potential to the at least one electrode. In some embodiments, the actuator unit can comprise at least two electrodes, for example. In some embodiments, the high-voltage generator can be configured to apply a high voltage between the at least two electrodes. Electric shocks are an effective method for preventing small mammals from entering the engine compartment of a vehicle. Upon contact with the electrodes mounted in the engine compartment and charged by the high-voltage generator, and possibly with another grounded component, an electrical circuit is closed for a short time, and the small mammal receives a typically non-lethal electric shock (electric fence principle).

[0023] According to some further embodiments of the small mammal repellent device, the actuator unit can comprise an ultrasonic generator designed to generate sound signals at frequencies above the human hearing range. It is known that small mammals can also perceive frequencies in the ultrasonic range above approximately 12 kHz. Ultrasonic generators repel small mammals such as martens by emitting shrill, high-frequency sound pulses.

[0024] According to some further embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the actuator unit can have at least one light signal transmitter designed to emit flashes of light at periodic or irregular intervals. Small mammals, for example, are irritated by bright, intense flashes of light and their reflections on metal parts in the engine compartment. Martens, in particular, as nocturnal, light-shy animals, are uncomfortable with the effects of flashes of light and will leave the engine compartment.

[0025] Each of the aforementioned types of actuator units is powered by electrical current, which the respective active components of the actuator units can draw from the electrical energy storage device. It may of course also be possible to integrate several actuator units of different types into a small mammal repellent device, for example, to increase the probability of repelling a small mammal through a combination. For example, in some embodiments, a small mammal repellent device may have both a high-voltage generator and an ultrasonic generator. Likewise, in some embodiments, a small mammal repellent device may have both a high-voltage generator and a light signal transmitter. In some embodiments, it may also be possible to equip a small mammal repellent device with both an ultrasonic generator and a light signal transmitter.In some designs, a small mammal repellent device may include a high-voltage generator, an ultrasonic generator, and a light signal transmitter. It should be understood that several other types of actuator units suitable for repelling small mammals can also be used.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the small mammal defense device, the electrical energy storage device may comprise a battery or accumulator. In particular, the electrical energy storage device may be rechargeable.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the small mammal repellent device, a housing can be provided in which at least the electrical energy storage device, the monitoring device, and the RFID transponder are installed. This allows for advantageous shielding of the small mammal repellent device against adverse influences in the engine compartment, such as splash water and dirt deposits. Furthermore, a stable mechanical installation in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle is ensured.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the small mammal defense device, the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder can comprise a memory chip, an integrated circuit, and an RFID antenna. In some embodiments, the memory chip can be designed to temporarily store the most current energy storage status signal. This allows the memory requirements in the RFID transponder to be kept low, and the necessary data volume can be transmitted quickly and efficiently when reading the RFID transponder. This is particularly advantageous for passive or semi-passive RFID transponders, so that the radiation power to be transmitted via the RFID interrogator for temporarily energizing the RFID transponder does not have to be too high.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the small mammal defense device, the monitoring device can be integrated into a microprocessor of the small mammal defense device and configured to periodically detect the charge state of the electrical energy storage device and update the energy storage state signal stored in the memory chip of the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder. The monitoring device can advantageously access electrical parameters that are already necessary for the operation of the actuator units of the small mammal defense device and are therefore present in the processor.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the small mammal repellent device, the monitoring device can be integrated into the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder and configured to detect the charge state of the electrical energy storage device as soon as the integrated circuit of the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder is energized by the magnetic or electromagnetic field of an RFID reader. This offers the advantage that the charge state can be determined in real time and detection only occurs when information about the charge state of the electrical energy storage device is actually requested, thus saving energy in the electrical energy storage device.

[0031] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or described below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. SHORT SUMMARY OF THE CHARACTERS

[0032] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic block diagram of a small mammal repellent device in communication with an RFID reader according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 another schematic block diagram of a small mammal repellent device in communication with an RFID reader according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 another schematic block diagram of a small mammal defense device in communication with an RFID reader according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 4 an abstracted flowchart of an exemplary method for remote monitoring of a small mammal defense device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0033] The accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will be apparent upon review of the drawings. Elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "above," "below," "horizontal," "vertical," "front," "rear," and similar terms are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit generality to specific embodiments shown in the figures.

[0034] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and acting elements, features and components are provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise stated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0035] RFID transponders within the meaning of the present invention comprise transmitter-side system components used for the contactless and automatic transmission of transmitter-side data using high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency radio waves. The RFID transponders are mobile transmission interfaces that receive object-related information from the electronic components of objects to which they are attached and transmit this information to receiver-side system components via wireless radio wave transmission. The respective RFID transponder, acting as a transmitter, and a reader, acting as a receiver, are coupled via short-range alternating magnetic fields generated by the reader or high-frequency radio waves in order to transmit data from the RFID transponder to the reader.A passive RFID transponder can also be temporarily supplied with energy via this electromagnetic coupling, in particular with energy necessary to initiate and maintain radio wave transmission.

[0036] RFID transponders within the meaning of the present invention are electronic modules that essentially comprise an electronic memory chip and an antenna coupled to the memory chip and integrated into the module. RFID transponders can transmit and receive electromagnetic signals in various frequency bands, for example, in the range of 125 kHz ("low frequency", LF) and 5.8 GHz ("super-high frequency", SHF). The design of the integrated antenna is selected depending on the desired frequency band. Of particular importance are frequency bands around 13.56 MHz ("high frequency", HF) and between 860 MHz and 960 MHz ("ultra-high frequency", UHF).

[0037] UHF frequency bands, for example, can be used whenever a greater access and readout range is required on communication channels than on HF channels. The frequency, antenna shape, and antenna size can be selected accordingly to ensure the desired access and readout range, robustness to interference and environmental influences, and robustness to interference between RFID transponders. An air interface can be established via an electromagnetic field between a reader and the RFID transponder's integrated antenna, via which data can be exchanged wirelessly between the RFID transponder's memory chip and a processor in the reader using predefined data exchange protocols.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a small mammal deterrent device 10 communicating via an RFID air interface D with an RFID reader 20. The small mammal deterrent device 10 can be used, for example, to chase away or scare away mammals that have a relatively small body size, such as hedgehogs, shrews, rodents, bats, and lagomorphs. Small mammals can include, in particular, martens, marten-like rodents, and rats. The small mammal deterrent device 10 can be installed, for example, in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle to prevent martens or rats from entering the engine compartment.

[0039] The small mammal repellent device 10 generally comprises an actuator unit 2, a monitoring device 4, and an RFID transponder 5. Some or all of the components can be fully or at least partially integrated or built into a housing 7. It can be provided that some parts or subregions of certain components protrude from the housing 7 or form a wall section of the housing 7. For example, parts of the actuator unit 2, such as electrodes, loudspeakers, or lighting devices, can protrude from the housing 7 or be integrated into the wall of the housing 7.

[0040] The small mammal defense device 10 can further comprise an electrical energy storage device 3. The electrical energy storage device 3 can, for example, be a battery or a rechargeable accumulator that is electrically coupled to the actuator unit 2 and the monitoring device 4. The electrical energy storage device 3 thus provides a supply of electrical energy for the actuator unit 2 and the monitoring device 4. The RFID transponder 5 is, in particular, a passive or semi-passive transponder that is energized by a magnetic or electromagnetic radiation field of an RFID reader 20. Therefore, the RFID transponder 5 does not need to be coupled to the electrical energy storage device 3 and does not draw any electrical energy from it.In the case of a semi-passive RFID transponder 5, the RFID transponder 5 can have an additional (not explicitly shown) smaller battery that supplies electrical energy only to components of the RFID transponder 5 in addition to the energization from the magnetic or electromagnetic radiation field of an RFID reader 20. This additional smaller battery can increase the RFID transmission range of the RFID transponder 5 compared to a purely passive RFID transponder 5.

[0041] Furthermore, additional electrical components (not explicitly shown), such as voltage converters, on / off switches, or fuses, can be connected between the electrical energy storage device 3 and the respective power-supplied components 3 and 4, depending on the voltage and current requirements of the components. For example, an optical display device 6, such as a colored LED, can be embedded in a wall of the housing 7. This optical display device 6 is coupled to the electrical energy storage device 3 and can be used to externally display information about the charge state of the electrical energy storage device 3. For example, the LED 6 can flash periodically when the charge level of the electrical energy storage device 3 falls below a certain level.

[0042] In other variants, it may be possible for the small mammal defense device 10 to be supplied with electrical energy externally. For this purpose, the small mammal defense device 10 may have a suitable (not explicitly shown) power supply interface, via which the electrical components of the small mammal defense device 10 can be supplied with power for their operation via inductive energy transmission or via a wired power supply.

[0043] The actuator unit 2 is generally designed to generate a defensive effect to drive away a small mammal. This defensive effect can be based on various principles of action, such as the delivery of electric shocks, the delivery of acoustic signals, and / or the delivery of visual signals. For example, the actuator unit 2 can have one, two, or more electrodes. The actuator unit 2 can furthermore have a high-voltage generator designed to apply a high-voltage potential to one of the electrodes. For example, in the case of at least two electrodes, the high-voltage generator can apply a high voltage between the at least two electrodes.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the actuator unit 2 can comprise an ultrasonic generator designed to generate sound signals at frequencies above the human hearing range. These sound signals are intended to deter and scare away small mammals.

[0045] Finally, the actuator unit 2 can alternatively or additionally comprise at least one light signal transmitter designed to emit flashes of light at periodic or irregular intervals. These flashes of light can be suitable, particularly in dark environments, i.e., within a closed engine compartment and / or at night, for irritating, blinding, and ultimately scaring away small mammals such as martens.

[0046] In some variants, the small mammal defense device 10 can be designed for autonomous operation, meaning that no external intervention is necessary to maintain suitable defense operation of the actuator unit 2 once the device has been activated and sufficient electrical energy is available in the electrical energy storage device 3. In other variants, the small mammal defense device 10 can be supplied with electrical energy externally.

[0047] To ensure the maintenance of defense operations and to monitor the functionality of the small mammal defense device 10, the monitoring device 4 is designed to monitor electrical operating parameters of electrical components of the small mammal defense device 10. Such electrical operating parameters can be, for example, the current flow through the actuator unit 2 or the voltage level and / or the voltage level curve in certain operating modes of the small mammal defense device 10. In particular, it may be possible for the monitoring device 4 to monitor the charge state of the electrical energy storage device 3 as one of the electrical operating parameters.

[0048] For this purpose, the monitoring device 4 can comprise suitable electrical circuits, such as a voltmeter with measuring electronics, a series resistor, and / or a voltage divider. Furthermore, the monitoring device 4 can comprise suitable switching logic components capable of evaluating the measured electrical parameters and converting them into a measurement signal. The monitoring device 4 can comprise, for example, a microprocessor, an FPGA, an ASIC, or other suitable digital or analog circuits.

[0049] The monitoring device 4 forwards measurement signals, operating status signals, and / or correspondingly processed charge status signals to the RFID transponder 5. The RFID transponder 5 can, for example, comprise, in addition to an RFID antenna and an integrated circuit, a memory chip in which the respective measurement signals, operating status signals, and / or processed charge status signals of the monitoring device 4 can be stored as status signals. Depending on the memory size, it may be possible to store only the current value or multiple values ​​of the detected and, if applicable, processed status signals in chronological order on the memory chip of the RFID transponder 5.When the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder 5 is read, one or more of the status signal values ​​currently stored in the memory chip are read out and transmitted as an operating status signal representing the operating status of the small mammal defense device 10 monitored by the monitoring device 4 via an air interface D using a data exchange protocol provided according to RFID to an RFID interrogator 11 of an RFID reader 20. In particular, it may be possible to transmit an energy storage status signal E representing the detected charge status of the electrical energy storage device 3 via the air interface D to the RFID interrogator 11 of the RFID reader 20.

[0050] Transmitting status signals from the components of the small mammal defense device 10 via RFID offers the advantage that no direct access to or direct visibility of the small mammal defense device 10 is necessary for a readout process. Therefore, when the small mammal defense device 10 is mounted, for example, in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle, the operating status of the small mammal defense device 10 can be monitored without having to open the hood.

[0051] As in Fig. 1 As shown, the RFID transponder 5 can be integrated as a separate module into the small mammal defense device 10. For example, a passive RFID transponder 5 can be an adhesive label that can be glued into the housing 7, in particular, for example, into a battery compartment of the electrical energy storage device 3. By integrating the RFID transponder 5 into the housing 7, the RFID transponder 5 is protected from environmental influences such as moisture, dirt, or other influences that could potentially impair its functionality.

[0052] As in Fig. 3 As shown, the RFID transponder 5 can be integrated together with the monitoring device 4 into a common transponder module. The monitoring device 4 can also be activated during the external energization of the RFID transponder 5. Whenever an RFID interrogator 11 of an RFID reader 20 wishes to read the memory chip of the RFID transponder 5, the monitoring device 4 can detect status signals—in particular the charge state of the electrical energy storage device 3—in real time and as needed, so that the RFID transponder 5 can always transmit the most current operating status to the RFID interrogator 11 of an RFID reader 20.

[0053] It may also be possible to implement the monitoring device 4 together with a processor 1 of the small mammal defense device 10 in an electronic switching module side by side, as for example in Fig. 2 illustrated by way of example. The monitoring device 4 can then be connected to a data interface of the processor 1 and can detect the operating state via electrical parameters of the electrical energy storage device 3 and / or other electrically operated components, such as the actuator unit 2, detected by the processor 1. For example, the processor 1 can detect errors or defects in the electrical energy storage device 3 or in other electrically operated components, such as an excessively high voltage drop, an excessively rapid discharge, or a short circuit. Accordingly, the monitoring device 4 can also communicate such unusual operating states via the RFID transponder 5 to an RFID interrogator 11 of an RFID reader.

[0054] The RFID reader 20 can be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a notebook, or a smartwatch. For this purpose, the RFID reader 20 can have its own electrical energy storage device 12, which supplies the RFID interrogator 11 and other electronic components 13, such as a reader processor, input / output interfaces, or displays, with electrical energy. The operating state signals and / or energy storage state signals E retrieved from an RFID transponder 5 via the RFID interrogator 11 can be forwarded to the other electronic components 13 for evaluation by a user and, if necessary, for forwarding to third-party external devices, such as via a radio connection F.For example, an application-specific software application ("app") for a conventional smartphone may enable a user to monitor a small mammal repellent device 10 via his personal mobile device acting as an RFID reader 20 for a potentially necessary battery change.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows an abstract flowchart of a method M for remote monitoring of small mammal defense devices installed in motor vehicles via an RFID interface. The method M can be used in particular for remote monitoring of a small mammal defense device 10, as in connection with Fig. 1, 2 und 3 explained, can be used.

[0056] In a first step M1, electrical operating parameters, such as the charge state of an electrical energy storage device 3 of a small mammal defense device 10, are recorded by a monitoring device 4 of the small mammal defense device 10. In a second step M2, the electrical operating parameters recorded by the monitoring device 4 are temporarily stored in a memory of a passive or semi-passive RFID transponder 5 integrated into the small mammal defense device 10.In a third step M3, the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder 5 is energized by an external RFID reader 20 via an RFID air interface D, so that in a fourth step M4, an RFID interrogator 11 of the RFID reader 20 can read the recorded electrical operating parameters, such as the charge state of the electrical energy storage device 3, from the memory of the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder 5 via the RFID air interface D into the RFID reader 20.

[0057] In the foregoing detailed description, various features have been combined into one or more examples for clarity of illustration. It should be understood, however, that the above description is merely illustrative and not restrictive in nature. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the various features and embodiments. Many other examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based on their skill in the art in light of the above description.

[0058] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles underlying the invention and their possible practical applications. This will enable those skilled in the art to optimally modify and utilize the invention and its various embodiments with respect to the intended purpose. In the claims and the description, the terms "including" and "having" are used as neutral language terms for the corresponding term "comprising." Furthermore, the use of the terms "a," "an," and "an" is not intended to exclude a plurality of such described features and components.

Claims

1. Small mammal defence device (10), comprising: an actuator unit (2) configured to generate a repellent effect to drive away a small mammal; a monitoring device (4), coupled to electrical components of the small mammal defence device (10) and configured to monitor the operating state of the small mammal defence device (10); characterised by a passive or semi-passive RFID transponder (5) coupled to the monitoring device (4) and configured to send an operating state signal representing the operating state of the small mammal defence device (10) to an RFID reader (20) via an RFID air interface.

2. Small mammal defence device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising: an electrical energy storage device (3), coupled to the actuator unit (2) and configured to supply the actuator unit (2) with electrical energy for operating it.

3. Small mammal defence device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the monitoring device (4) is coupled to the electrical energy storage device (3) and configured to monitor the charge state of the electrical energy storage device (3).

4. Small mammal defence device according to claim 3, wherein the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder (5) is configured to send an energy storage state signal (E), representing the charge state of the electrical energy storage device (3) as monitored by the monitoring device (4), to the RFID reader (20) via the RFID air interface.

5. Small mammal defence device (10) according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the electrical energy storage device (3) comprises a battery or an accumulator.

6. Small mammal defence device (10) according to any of claims 2 to 5, further comprising: a housing (7) in which at least the electrical energy storage device (3), the monitoring device (4) and the RFID transponder (5) are installed.

7. Small mammal defence device (10) according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder (5) has a memory chip, an integrated circuit and an RFID antenna, and wherein the memory chip is configured to buffer the most current energy storage state signal (E).

8. Small mammal defence device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the monitoring device (4) is integrated into a microprocessor (1) of the small mammal defence device (10) and configured to detect the charge state of the electrical energy storage device (3) at periodic intervals and to update the energy storage state signal (E) stored in the memory chip of the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder (5).

9. Small mammal defence device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the monitoring device (4) is integrated into the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder (5) and configured to detect the charge state of the electrical energy storage device (3) as soon as the integrated circuit of the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder (5) is energised by the magnetic or electromagnetic field of an RFID reader (20).

10. Small mammal defence device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the actuator unit (2) has: at least one electrode; and a high-voltage generator configured to apply a high-voltage potential to the at least one electrode.

11. Small mammal defence device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the actuator unit (2) has at least two electrodes, and wherein the high-voltage generator is configured to apply a high voltage between the at least two electrodes.

12. Small mammal defence device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the actuator unit (2) has an ultrasound generator configured to generate sound signals at frequencies above the audible range of the human ear.

13. Small mammal defence device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the actuator unit (2) has at least one light signal generator configured to emit flashes of light at periodic or irregular intervals.

14. System comprising: at least one small mammal defence device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 13; and a reader (20) having an RFID interrogator (11).

15. System according to claim 14, wherein the reader (20) is a portable device having wireless network connectivity, in particular a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a notebook or a smartwatch.

16. Motor vehicle with a small mammal defence device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 13, which is arranged in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle.

17. Method (M) for remotely monitoring a small mammal defence device (10), comprising: detecting (M1) electrical operating parameters of a small mammal defence device (10) using a monitoring device (4) of the small mammal defence device (10); characterised by buffering (M2) the electrical operating parameters detected by the monitoring device (4) in a storage device of a passive or semi-passive RFID transponder (5) integrated into the small mammal defence device (10); energising (M3) the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder (5) via an RFID air interface (D) using an external RFID reader (20); and reading (M4) the detected electrical operating parameters from the storage device of the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder (5) into the RFID reader (20) via the RFID air interface (D), by means of an RFID interrogator (11) of the RFID reader (20).