DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE SPATIAL POSITION OF AN OBJECT

Description

[0001] The subject matter of the invention is a device in the form of a flat component with at least one longitudinal axis for monitoring the spatial position of an object, in particular a toilet lid or sensitive cargo, comprising a power supply and an integrated circuit as well as a programmable acoustic module for reproducing at least one sound recording, and at least one control unit by means of which an activation and / or deactivation of the acoustic module can be effected, wherein the control unit comprises at least one sensor and / or at least one actuator which reacts to a change in inclination of the component relative to the vertical or relative to the horizontal by triggering the playback of at least one sound recording. Furthermore, the subject matter of the invention is a system comprising a device and an object as well as a method and the use of the device for monitoring the spatial position of an object.Speaking devices that feature a programmable acoustic module for playing back sound recordings are well known in the art. Such devices typically feature a motion sensor that makes playback of the respective sound recording dependent on the physical presence of the recipient.

[0002] For example, DE202019005192U1 discloses a talking mailbox equipped with an acoustic sound system module including a light sensor, designed to deter mail carriers or delivery personnel from posting unsolicited mail. DE29904306U1, on the other hand, describes a support element for advertising, promotional information, and safety notices. Its voice or music module is activated when a buyer or prospective buyer passes by, thus directly addressing them upon entering the corresponding product area. Furthermore, the activation and deactivation of the voice or music module can also be triggered mechanically, optically, or manually.

[0003] WO 99 / 38428 A1 discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] What all prior-art talking devices have in common is that their activation and / or deactivation is linked to monitoring external changes in the immediate environment, particularly with regard to the presence or absence of the respective addressee. Furthermore, in some life situations, it could also be advantageous for such devices to monitor the status of an associated object and provide information about it via an acoustic stimulus.

[0005] For example, this could prevent the object in question from being in the wrong position for an extended period of time by having the talking device provide information about this condition and encourage correction. This is just as applicable to the position of a toilet lid as it is to the positioning of delicate cargo.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a speaking device that can provide information about changes in the state of an object assigned to it.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device that can communicate changes in the state, preferably with respect to the spatial position, orientation, and / or alignment, of an associated object by means of an acoustic stimulus. In particular, the device should draw attention to and document changes in the spatial position of the object, such as a toilet lid or sensitive cargo, by playing a sound recording. Such a device should be mass-producible and assignable to any object.

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by a device according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 10, a system according to claim 11 and the use according to claim 13.

[0009] Embodiments of the invention are disclosed in detail in the subclaims and in the description.

[0010] According to the invention, the device has a control unit for activating and / or deactivating a programmable acoustic module, which comprises at least one control element (sensor and / or actuator) that reacts to a change in inclination of the device relative to the vertical or relative to the horizontal, in particular relative to the plumb line, by triggering the playback of the at least one sound recording. Particularly preferred is a device that is in the form of a sticker that is as thin as possible and whose control unit comprises a control element that reacts to a change in inclination of the device by triggering the playback of the at least one sound recording when the longitudinal axis of the device deviates from the vertical or from the horizontal, in particular from the plumb line, by at least 1°, preferably at least 0.1°, particularly preferably at least 0.01°.

[0011] In this way, the device according to the invention can be used to monitor the spatial position of an object into which the device is integrated or on whose surface the device is attached. For example, the device according to the invention can be used in conjunction with a toilet lid to alert the user that it has not been closed when leaving the location. Likewise, the device according to the invention can be used as a goods transport companion to enforce a specific storage direction, such as upright, during transport of the goods in question. Furthermore, in a further development, incorrect storage can be recorded and any damage to the respective goods can be documented.

[0012] The device according to the invention is thus suitable for playing pre-programmed sounds or recorded texts depending on the user's position in order to correct a user's actions or encourage them to take different actions. Depending on the application, the device can comprise a motion detector or a presence sensor, which triggers a corresponding reaction when the user encounters the device or moves away from its vicinity.

[0013] When referring to the spatial position of an object within the scope of this invention, this term refers to the orientation of the object relative to the surrounding space, particularly with respect to the horizontal and vertical planes. The horizontal is considered to be a horizontal line in the plane of an ideal horizon with the perpendicular direction as the normal vector. The vertical, on the other hand, corresponds to the perpendicular direction, i.e., it is the local direction of gravitational acceleration, which is perpendicular to the level surfaces of the Earth's gravitational field. The vertical and horizontal planes are orthogonal to each other.

[0014] In this sense, the spatial position of an object is essentially determined by its gradient and therefore concerns the angle between the base or longitudinal axis of the object and the local horizon. Furthermore, the spatial position also includes the orientation of the object relative to north, especially in the case of a moving object, and, in some cases, its altitude.

[0015] The device according to the invention is thus suitable for monitoring a combination of the position, orientation, and alignment of an object. In particular, the device according to the invention can provide information about changes in the inclination of the object. This change in inclination can be understood as both a change in angle relative to the vertical and a change in angle relative to the horizontal. The change in inclination is preferably understood as a deviation of the longitudinal axis of the device according to the invention from the vertical direction.

[0016] The subject matter of the invention is a device in the form of a flat component with at least one longitudinal axis, preferably a sticker that is as thin as possible, for monitoring the spatial position of an object, in particular a toilet lid or as a transport companion, comprising a power supply and an integrated circuit as well as a programmable acoustic module for reproducing at least one sound recording, and at least one control unit by means of which an activation and / or deactivation of the acoustic module can be effected, wherein the control unit comprises at least one sensor and / or at least one actuator which reacts to a change in inclination of the component with respect to the vertical or with respect to the horizontal, in particular the plumb direction, by triggering the playback of the at least one sound recording.

[0017] Accordingly, the device according to the invention, in particular the component, comprises a power supply and an integrated circuit, as well as a programmable acoustic module controlled by a control unit. Furthermore, the device according to the invention can comprise a time module, a presence detection element (motion detection), and / or a memory unit. Further, particularly electronic components, such as a visual display, can be added as desired.

[0018] The invention also relates to a device having a component with an adhesive layer, wherein the component can be attached to an object or cargo using the adhesive layer, and wherein an attempt to remove the device from the cargo or object triggers a sound recording and / or the control unit comprises a transmitting unit which transmits a signal to a receiver and / or the adhesive layer and optionally the component bursts and a marking, in particular a colored marking, is applied to the object or cargo.

[0019] A power supply is understood to be a component of the device according to the invention that supplies electrical energy (voltage source). The power source is preferably a battery, particularly preferably a metal-air battery. Examples of batteries are mentioned below, such as an alkaline manganese battery, zinc chloride battery, zinc-carbon battery, zinc-air battery, mercury oxide-zinc battery, silver oxide-zinc battery, nickel oxyhydroxide battery, lithium battery, lithium iron sulfide battery, or aluminum-air battery, in particular a button cell, an accumulator, or a solar cell.

[0020] The advantage of metal-air batteries is that they can be made very small due to their high energy density. Furthermore, metal-air batteries have a relatively horizontal discharge curve, meaning they discharge with a consistent voltage and have a high energy density (= high energy per unit volume).

[0021] The power supply is particularly preferably a primary battery, preferably a metal-air battery, in particular a zinc-air battery, a lithium-air battery, an iron-air battery, a lithium-air battery, a sodium-air battery, a silicon-air battery, a calcium-air battery, an aluminum-air battery, and / or a magnesium-air battery. Metal-air batteries are particularly preferred because they have a high energy density, can be manufactured from inexpensive raw materials, and / or can be designed very flat.

[0022] According to the invention, it may be preferred if the power supply is replaceable, in particular a replaceable lithium cell, to enable reuse of the device according to the invention. Alternatively, however, it may also be preferred if the device according to the invention is disposable, in particular not intended for multiple use, and therefore only comprises a permanently installed primary battery, preferably a metal-air battery.

[0023] The integrated circuit of the device according to the invention corresponds to an electronic circuit, preferably applied to a thin plate made of semiconductor material. It ensures the functionality of the device according to the invention.

[0024] For example, it enables the operation of the acoustic module, which is designed to emit an acoustic stimulus, i.e. tones, sounds, melodies and / or rhythms.

[0025] In particular, the acoustic module is designed to reproduce at least one sound recording, in particular at least two different sound recordings, depending on the spatial position of the object. In the context of the present invention, the term "sound recording" refers to the recording of sound, i.e., noises, tones, music, and / or speech, with audio recorders for later playback. Therefore, according to the invention, a speaking device encompasses the reproduction of both speech and noises, tones, and / or music.

[0026] For this reason, the acoustic module of the device according to the invention is preferably equipped with a programmable sound card and a loudspeaker. Furthermore, the acoustic module can have an on / off switch that allows manual activation / deactivation of the acoustic module.

[0027] Furthermore, the acoustic module can preferably be activated and / or deactivated by external mechanical or optical, in particular light-optical, stimuli as well as sound waves. For this purpose, the device, in particular the component, according to the invention comprises a control unit that can activate and / or deactivate the acoustic module. A control unit is understood to be an electronic component, preferably a microcontroller, which is provided for controlling the acoustic module, preferably for playing back the at least one sound recording and / or for activating / deactivating the acoustic module. The device according to the invention, in particular the component, can comprise one or more control units.

[0028] According to the invention, the control unit comprises a control element, in particular at least one sensor and / or at least one actuator, which reacts to a change in the inclination of the component relative to the vertical or relative to the horizontal by triggering the playback of the at least one sound recording. In the context of the present invention, the term "sensors" refers to technical elements that can detect certain physical or chemical properties qualitatively or quantitatively as a measured variable and convert them into a further processable electrical signal, while actuators are drive elements that convert an electrical signal into mechanical movements or changes in physical variables and can thus actively intervene in the control. Consequently, actuators represent the counterpart to sensors.

[0029] In this sense, the at least one sensor is designed to detect a change in the inclination of the component or object and convert it into an electrical signal, which is further processed within the control unit and ultimately leads to the playback of the at least one sound recording. The at least one actuator, on the other hand, is designed to directly initiate the playback of the at least one sound recording upon a change in the inclination of the component or object.

[0030] The at least one sensor and the at least one actuator can be present either alone or in combination. Thus, according to the invention, it may be preferred if the at least one sensor and the at least one actuator interact, in particular if the at least one sensor detects a change in inclination and transmits it to the electronic controller, which then instructs the at least one actuator to trigger the playback of the at least one sound recording.

[0031] According to the invention, it is preferred if the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator reacts to a change in inclination corresponding to an angle of greater than or equal to 1° to less than or equal to 180°, preferably corresponding to an angle of greater than or equal to 1° to less than or equal to 90°, by playing back the at least one sound recording. In particular, the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator reacts when the component or object changes a previously assumed spatial position by at least 1° relative to the vertical and relative to the horizontal, preferably relative to the plumb line.

[0032] For example, it can be provided that the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator reacts in particular to a change in inclination corresponding to an angle of 90°. Such a change in inclination occurs, for example, when a toilet lid is opened, where the component or object is initially in a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction and is then tilted by 90°. Alternatively, it can be provided that the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator reacts to even the slightest changes in inclination, in particular to a change in inclination corresponding to an angle of at least 1°, at least 0.1° or even at least 0.01°. This level of accuracy is advantageous, for example, when monitoring sensitive cargo, such as vaccines.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator therefore reacts to a change in inclination by triggering the playback of the at least one sound recording if the longitudinal axis of the component deviates from the vertical or from the horizontal, in particular from the plumb direction, by at least 1°, preferably at least 0.1°, particularly preferably at least 0.01°. Accordingly, the device must first be positioned in or on the object such that the longitudinal axis of the component coincides with the vertical or with the horizontal, in particular with the plumb direction. The relevant deviation of the longitudinal axis of the component from the vertical or from the horizontal, in particular from the plumb direction, can also be at least 5°, at least 10° or at least 20°.

[0034] Within the scope of the present invention, the change in inclination of the component relative to the vertical and horizontal can be detected using either a direct control element or an indirect control element. Direct control elements are understood to be sensors or actuators that are designed to directly detect the change in inclination itself, while indirect control elements derive this from the monitoring of other physical and / or chemical variables.

[0035] Preferred control elements include mechanical and / or electronic control elements. In particular, the at least one control element of the device according to the invention is selected from inductive control elements, capacitive control elements, piezoelectric control elements, optical control elements, acoustic control elements, and / or magnetic control elements. Thus, it may be preferred according to the invention if the at least one control element of the device according to the invention comprises at least one inclination sensor that establishes the precise reference to the plumb line direction. This can be accomplished, for example, by a mechanically or electromagnetically mounted pendulum body modeled on a plumb line, the position of which is measured electronically, inductively, capacitively, or optically.Likewise, a change in inclination can also be determined using liquids by measuring either the reflection or refraction of a light beam by the liquid level or the resistance or capacitance as a function of the position of the liquid.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present device, the at least one sensor is an inclinometer and / or the at least one actuator is an inclination switch, in particular a mercury inclination switch or a ball position switch. An inclinometer is a measuring instrument for measuring the inclination of an object, which is capable of electronically converting the degree of inclination of the object into a measured value, which can then be recorded and processed by the electronic circuit. This is preferably an electronic spirit level. An inclination switch, on the other hand, is an electrical switch that closes or opens an electrical circuit when a certain inclination is exceeded.Tilt switches preferred according to the invention comprise any control elements that are capable of mechanically or electronically opening or closing the circuit belonging to the acoustic module for reproducing the at least one sound recording when the inclination of the object changes.

[0037] In this sense, the tilt switch is preferably a mercury tilt switch. This is a partially mercury-filled, optionally bent, glass tube with two electrical contacts that are conductively connected by the mercury when tilted beyond a certain angle. More preferably, the tilt switch according to the invention is a mechanical ball switch, in which the circuit is opened or closed depending on the degree of tilt by means of an internal metal ball. Furthermore, the tilt switch can also be an electronic tilt switch, whose functionality is modeled on the properties of mechanical tilt switches. The respective switching state with respect to the circuit can be transmitted to the electronic circuit and processed accordingly.

[0038] In addition, the following sensors or actuators are conceivable as control elements of the control unit of the device according to the invention: At least one acceleration sensor with direction detection, which detects the direction of movement of the device according to the invention and supplies the direction of movement and end position to the electronic circuit, which processes the end position accordingly, with or without reference to the direction of movement. At least one light sensor, in particular at least one photocell, which detects the light incidence on the device according to the invention and supplies the state change from dark to light or from light to dark to the electronic circuit, which processes the end position of the device accordingly. At least one reed contact (magnetic contact), in which the circuit is opened or closed as soon as the device according to the invention approaches a magnet attached to the respective end point during erection or tilting. This analogously applies to any type of contact that closes mechanically or electronically via a tilting process, by means of which the tilt state can be detected and processed by the electronic circuit. At least one pressure switch, in particular a pressure switch led out of the device according to the invention, which is positioned at a suitable location in the area of the object to be monitored and is capable of converting pressure into an electrical impulse that can be detected and processed by the electronic circuit.at least one pneumatic microswitch, in particular a pneumatic microswitch located in the device according to the invention, which is pneumatically / mechanically actuated by pressure buildup in a small bellows extending from the device when the bellows is compressed, which the electronic circuit processes accordingly.

[0039] The control elements comprised by the device according to the invention, in particular sensors and / or actuators, can each be used individually or in combination.

[0040] As soon as the playback of the at least one sound recording has been triggered by means of the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator, this is preferably played as a continuous loop until the user in question has corrected the spatial position of the object in question. Furthermore, it can be preferred according to the invention if the control unit comprises a time module, in particular a capacitor, which interrupts the playback of the at least one sound recording after a predetermined time. For example, the playback of the at least one sound recording can be interrupted after one minute, two minutes, three minutes, four minutes or five minutes if the user in question ignores the instruction contained in the at least one sound recording and does not correct the spatial position.Alternatively, the playback of at least one sound recording can be interrupted by the on / off switch of the acoustic module and thus the manual activation / deactivation of the acoustic module.

[0041] According to the invention, the control unit of the present device comprises at least one element for presence detection, in particular a motion detector or a presence sensor, which activates and / or deactivates the acoustic module. In this way, the playback of the at least one sound recording can be controlled such that the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator reacts by triggering the playback of the at least one sound recording either only when a person is present or only when there is no presence in a predetermined area around the object, in particular within a movement radius of less than or equal to 1 m, preferably within a movement radius of greater than or equal to 0.3 m to less than or equal to 1.5 m, particularly preferably from greater than or equal to 0.5 m to less than or equal to 5 m.

[0042] Presence detection or motion detection of a person located within a specified area around the object can be carried out using conventional methods, in particular actively using electromagnetic waves such as high-frequency waves, microwaves, or radar waves, as well as ultrasound, or passively using the infrared radiation of the person in question and the surroundings. The presence detection element is preferably an infrared detector or a radar detector, particularly a direction-oriented one. A presence detection element based on ultrasonic detection and ultrasonic measurement is also possible.

[0043] According to the invention, the acoustic module can be activated and / or deactivated both when a person enters the specified area around the object and when they leave it. In particular, the at least one sound recording can be played back precisely when the person enters the specified area around the object, for example, to play a welcoming text. Conversely, the at least one sound recording can be played back precisely when the person leaves the specified area around the object and, in particular, when its spatial position needs to be corrected.

[0044] Accordingly, a control unit of the invention comprises

[0045] Devices include a motion detector or a presence detector. Both motion detectors and presence detectors are considered elements for presence detection or motion detection, respectively, with the difference that the presence detector reacts much more sensitively to the presence of a person in a given area around the object or to their movement than the motion detector.

[0046] Preferably, the presence detection element is therefore a. a motion detector which activates the acoustic module when there is presence and optionally deactivates the acoustic module when there is no presence of at least one person in a predetermined area around the object, and / or b. a presence detector which deactivates the acoustic module when there is presence and optionally activates the acoustic module when there is no presence of at least one person in a predetermined area around the object.

[0047] The presence detection element, in particular the motion detector, can also be used simultaneously as the at least one control element which reacts to a change in the inclination of the component relative to the vertical or relative to the horizontal by triggering the playback of the at least one sound recording.

[0048] The respective electronic components of the device according to the invention are preferably arranged together in or on the component. In particular, the respective electronic components of the device according to the invention represent a common component, in particular a single-part component. Alternatively, the respective electronic components of the device according to the invention can be arranged only partially in or on the component and partially present as an external unit, preferably spaced from the component. For example, it can be preferred according to the invention if the acoustic module, in particular a playback device of the acoustic module, is designed as an external unit, which can preferably be wirelessly connected to the control unit of the device according to the invention.Furthermore, parts of the respective electronic components of the device according to the invention, in particular the acoustic module, can belong to an external device, in particular a mobile phone, and can preferably be controlled and / or executed by means of a corresponding application.

[0049] The thickness of the component is determined by the electronic components it contains, with the rule being: the thinner the better. In this sense, it is preferred according to the invention for the component to have a height of greater than or equal to 0.1 mm to less than or equal to 20 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1 mm to less than or equal to 15 mm, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 5 mm to less than or equal to 10 mm. The component particularly preferably has a height of around 8 ± 0.5 mm. Alternatively, a height of around 3 ± 0.5 mm is preferred, especially if the component is manufactured using a 3D printer.

[0050] In this sense, a thin component, especially a (preferably) thin sticker, is understood to be a component with the aforementioned heights. The height of the component is preferably measured perpendicular to its base and describes the distance between the top and bottom of the component, in particular between its top and the object in question.

[0051] The component can be made of any material suitable for the intended use. This includes, in particular, a polymeric or metallic material, cardboard or paperboard, foil, wood, glass, and / or ceramic. In particular, the component is made of a rigid or flexible electrically insulating carrier material, including laminated paper, fiberglass mats impregnated with epoxy resin, Teflon, aluminum oxide, ceramic, and / or polyester foil. Furthermore, the component can be provided with an outer shell, which, depending on the intended use, should be waterproof, UV-resistant, and / or resistant to cleaning agents. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the device in the form of a component is completely enclosed by a shell having, at least in some regions, an air-permeable membrane. The air-permeable membrane allows the air supply for the at least one metal-air battery.According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the casing is designed to be moisture-proof and / or air-permeable, in particular, the casing is a moisture-proof and air-permeable membrane. Furthermore, it is preferred if the casing is made of a thermoplastic membrane. Such a membrane can be thermally welded during production or thermally shrunk onto the component. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the casing is a shrunk-on thermoplastic, moisture-proof and / or air-permeable membrane.

[0052] The component, in particular including the outer shell, preferably has a length of at most 50 cm and a width of at most 25 cm, preferably a size of greater than or equal to 1 cm x 0.5 cm to less than or equal to 30 cm x 15 cm, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 5 cm x 2.5 cm to less than or equal to 15 cm x 7.5 cm. In particular, the component can have any two-dimensional shape with regard to its upper side, preferably the shape of a polygon, such as a rectangle or triangle, or the shape of a circle. In this context, the longitudinal axis of the component is understood to be the axis that corresponds to the direction of its greatest extent. This can be, for example, one of the axes of symmetry of the rectangle, one of the angle bisectors of the triangle or the diameter of the circle.

[0053] The surface of the component, in particular the outer shell, can be flat or have any desired three-dimensional profile. Thus, according to the invention, it may be preferred if the surface of the component is provided with elevations and depressions, in particular raised. Preferably, the surface of the component can have a three-dimensional face shape, with the eyes optionally configured as LEDs. This includes, in particular, smileys, caricatures, and / or animal faces.

[0054] According to the invention, the component, in particular the device itself, is a sticker, preferably a thin sticker, which can be adhered to the surface of the object. In this sense, it can be advantageous according to the invention if the device or the component according to the invention has an adhesive layer, in particular a self-adhesive one, which can be applied over the entire surface or part of the surface. Preferred adhesive layers comprise at least one adhesive, in particular a chemically curing and / or physically setting adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Preferably, the at least one adhesive of the adhesive layer is a pressure-sensitive adhesive selected from acrylate, rubber, and / or silicone adhesives. This has the advantage that the adhesive layer has a more or less pronounced permanent tack at room temperature and can develop good adhesion to various surfaces under light pressure.Furthermore, the device can usually be removed without leaving any residue.

[0055] Furthermore, it may be preferred according to the invention if the component is provided with an arrow on its upper side, in particular on the side opposite the adhesive layer, which is intended to simplify the optimal positioning of the device on the object. The arrow can be arranged parallel to or on the longitudinal axis of the component and preferably points upwards, i.e., is positioned opposite to the vertical direction. This is advantageous in that, particularly when using the device according to the invention as a goods transport companion, a spatial position in which the object is upside down can be distinguished from the desired spatial position of the object.

[0056] A particularly preferred device according to the invention further comprises a memory unit provided for recording any change in inclination of the component relative to the vertical or relative to the horizontal, in particular relative to the plumb line. The memory unit is preferably designed to record any change in inclination corresponding to an undesired spatial position of the object to be monitored. According to the invention, a memory unit is understood to be an electronic component, in particular a semiconductor memory, such as a commercially available memory chip. The memory unit can either be removed or read via an interface, for example, to retrospectively monitor the entire transport path of the object.

[0057] Accordingly, it is further preferred according to the invention if the device, in particular the component, comprises a corresponding interface, in particular a USB or infrared interface. The interface can preferably exchange information in the form of physical or logical variables with an external device, such as an external computer, via analog or digital means. The information can also relate to the programming of the programmable acoustic module or contact with external sensors.

[0058] As a further electronic component, the device according to the invention can also comprise a visual display, which can visually support the playback of the at least one sound recording by the acoustic module. Such a visual display preferably comprises at least one LED ( light-emitting diode), in particular at least two differently coloured LEDs which indicate the respective state of the object in relation to its spatial position.

[0059] The present invention also relates to a method for monitoring the spatial position of an object, in particular a toilet lid or as a transport companion, in which I) a device according to the invention is integrated into the object or attached to its surface, and II) the spatial position of the object is monitored by means of the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator.

[0060] Thus, the device according to the invention in I) can be incorporated into the object, in particular permanently installed, or attached to its surface, in particular glued, welded, screwed, nailed, or mounted using magnets. Preferably, the device according to the invention is glued, in particular self-adhesively, to the surface of the object, in particular the underside of the toilet lid, in particular in the form of a sticker that is as thin as possible. It is particularly preferred if the longitudinal axis of the component is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis and / or the vertical axis, in particular on the longitudinal axis and / or the vertical axis, of the object.

[0061] Subsequently, the spatial position of the object in II) can be monitored by the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator reacting to a change in inclination of the object relative to the vertical or relative to the horizontal, in particular relative to the plumb line, by triggering the playback of the at least one sound recording. It can be advantageous according to the invention if the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator reacts by triggering the playback of the at least one sound recording either only when a person is present or only when there is no person present in a predetermined area around the object, in particular within a movement radius of less than or equal to 1 m.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, in II) i. the acoustic module is activated when at least one person enters a predetermined area around the object or the acoustic module is activated when at least one person leaves a predetermined area around the object, so that ii. the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator reacts to a change in inclination of the object relative to the vertical or relative to the horizontal by triggering the playback of at least one sound recording, and optionally iii. the playback of at least one sound recording is interrupted after a predetermined time.

[0063] This has the advantage that the playback of at least one sound recording, in particular the playback of at least two different sound recordings, could occur as a reaction to either the opening of a toilet lid or the failure to close or inadvertent closing of the toilet lid. In the first case, a freely programmable greeting text or an alert tone could be played when the toilet lid is opened after the device according to the invention has registered a person within the relevant movement radius around the toilet lid and has been activated. Likewise, another freely programmable text or tone could be played when the toilet lid is closed. The device according to the invention could then deactivate itself until the next time the toilet lid is opened.In the second case, however, a correspondingly recorded text or a signal tone could be played as an acoustic warning if the person has left the relevant movement radius around the toilet lid without closing the toilet lid. Alternatively, the acoustic warning could also be played if the person has left the relevant movement radius around the toilet lid and accidentally closed the toilet lid, as it should always remain open. The acoustic warning could then be repeated until the toilet lid is closed or opened again. In the event of complete ignorance, the device could go into sleep mode after a predefined time, in particular one set at the factory or by the user, and preferably signal the welcome text or warning tone when the person re-enters the relevant movement radius.

[0064] The activation of the acoustic module in II) i. can preferably also take place both when at least one person enters a predetermined area around the object and when at least one person leaves a predetermined area around the object. For this purpose, it can be advantageous according to the invention if the device comprises two different control units, each with at least one element for presence detection, in particular a first control unit comprising a motion detector and a second control unit comprising a presence sensor, and preferably the at least one sensor and / or at least one actuator reacts to a change in the inclination of the object relative to the vertical or relative to the horizontal by triggering the playback of at least two different sound recordings.In addition, a different sound recording can be played back for a change in inclination from horizontal to vertical than from vertical to horizontal.

[0065] A further subject matter of the present invention is a system comprising an object and a device according to the invention for monitoring the spatial position of the object, wherein the device is integrated into the object or fastened to its surface. Accordingly, the system according to the invention is preferably constructed from at least two components, namely any object, in particular a toilet lid or a transport item, and the device according to the invention. The device according to the invention can be built into the object, in particular permanently installed, or attached to its surface, in particular glued, welded, screwed, nailed or mounted by means of magnets. The device according to the invention is preferably glued, in particular self-adhesively glued, to the surface of the object.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the object is a toilet lid, wherein the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator reacts to an opening and / or closing of the toilet lid. Preferably, the device according to the invention is integrated into the toilet lid or fastened, in particular glued, to its underside in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the component is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toilet lid, in particular coincides with the longitudinal axis of the toilet lid. In this sense, it is advantageous according to the invention if the longitudinal axis of the component and / or of the toilet lid runs essentially parallel to the vertical direction when the toilet lid is open and essentially orthogonal to the vertical direction when the toilet lid is closed.

[0067] For other objects, however, the positioning of the device according to the invention depends on the respective intended purpose. For example, it may be preferred according to the invention if the device according to the invention is fastened to the upper side or to at least one, in particular vertical, side surface of the object. Accordingly, the longitudinal axis can run either orthogonally or parallel to the vertical direction. Preferably, the device according to the invention is integrated into the respective object or fastened, in particular glued, to one of its (vertical) side surfaces in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the component runs parallel to the vertical axis of the object and / or to the vertical direction. Particularly preferably, the device according to the invention is provided with an arrow arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the component, the tip of which points opposite to the vertical direction.In this way, even spatial positions of the object can be identified that deviate from the desired spatial position by exactly 180°, for example within a means of transport.

[0068] Thus, the object of the system according to the invention can alternatively also be a transport item, such as a parcel, package, box, barrel, sack, bag, canister, or container, in particular containing sensitive cargo, wherein the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator reacts to incorrect storage of the transport item. Thus, the device according to the invention can prevent the transport item from being stored incorrectly, in particular upright, by emitting a warning tone indicating incorrect storage. Furthermore, the incorrect storage could preferably be recorded along the entire transport route in order to provide evidence of any damage to the transporter.

[0069] The invention therefore also relates to the use of the device according to the invention as a transport companion, in particular for monitoring the spatial position of sensitive cargo, such as vaccines. Sensitive cargo is understood to mean, in particular, fragile transport goods and products.

[0070] The device according to the invention can be used as a transport companion for any goods where monitoring of the transport conditions, particularly with regard to their spatial position, orientation, and / or alignment, appears necessary. This includes both fragile goods, such as wine bottles or glass objects, and easily damaged goods, such as delicate wallpaper. Furthermore, the device according to the invention can also be used to protect the contents of an object, for example, to ensure the seamless maintenance of the required spatial position of a vaccine delivery.

[0071] Likewise, it may be preferred according to the invention if the device is used as a reminder aid, in particular for closing a toilet lid. The associated field of application can extend to the entire public hygiene sector, such as in particular communal toilets, visitor toilets, toilets in shopping centers, parking or rest areas, gas stations, offices, medical practices, schools, kindergartens, refugee shelters, or the like. Likewise, the use of the device according to the invention as a gadget used as a reminder aid to close the toilet lid in private areas is conceivable.

[0072] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the figures, without limiting the invention to these embodiments. They show: Fig. 1a,b,c: Embodiments of the device according to the invention 0 Fig. 2: different orientations of a device according to the invention 0in relation to the horizontal h and the vertical v Fig.3,a: a system 100 comprising a toilet seat 10a and a device according to the invention 0 Fig.4: a system 100 comprehensive package 10b and a device according to the invention 0 as transport escort

[0073] The Figures 1a, 1b and 1c each show a device according to the invention 0 in the form of a flat component with at least one longitudinal axis, comprising a power supply 1, an integrated circuit 2 and a programmable acoustic module 3 for playing back at least one sound recording and at least one control unit 4, which enables activation and / or deactivation of the acoustic module 3 To monitor the spatial position of an object, the control unit includes 4 at least one sensor 41and / or at least one actuator 42 which reacts to a change in inclination of the component relative to the vertical or relative to the horizontal by triggering the playback of at least one sound recording.

[0074] So the Figure 1a The embodiment shown is designed in the form of a rectangle, the longitudinal axis of which corresponds to the bisector of the shorter sides of the rectangle. The embodiment in Figure 1b On the other hand, it has the shape of an ellipse, in which the long axis coincides with its long axis. The control unit comprises 4 the device 0 also a time module 43, which stops the playback of at least one sound recording after a specified time, as well as an element for presence detection 44, which enables activation and / or deactivation of the acoustic module 3 causes. Figure 3crepresents an embodiment in the form of an arrow, the longitudinal axis of which corresponds to the axis of symmetry of the arrow, and which allows the optimal positioning of the device 0 on an object, for example by aligning it opposite to the vertical direction. The device 0 also includes a storage unit 5, which is intended to record any change in the inclination of the component relative to the vertical or horizontal.

[0075] Figure 2 shows a device according to the invention 0 that are in an object 10 integrated ( c) and d) ) or attached to its surface ( a) and b) ). In a) and c) is the longitudinal axis of the device 0 parallel to the horizontal h aligned and therefore has an angle α from 90° to the vertical vConversely, the longitudinal axis of the device 0 in b) parallel to the vertical v aligned and therefore points to the horizontal h an angle β of 90°. The object 10 and the longitudinal axis of the device 0 in d) is neither vertical v nor to the horizontal h parallel, but the angles complement each other α between the longitudinal axis of the device 0 and the vertical v and the angle β between the longitudinal axis of the device 0 and the horizontal h to 90°.

[0076] The Figures 3a and 3b show a system 100 comprising an object in the form of a toilet lid 10a and a device according to the invention attached to its underside 0 in the form of an arrow to monitor the position of the toilet lid 10a,wherein the at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator of the device 0 on opening and / or closing the toilet lid 10a Reacts.

[0077] In Figure 3a is the toilet lid 10a closed, so that the longitudinal axis of the device according to the invention 0 is aligned parallel to the horizontal, while the toilet lid 10a in Figure 3b opened and the longitudinal axis of the device 0 parallel to the vertical. When the toilet lid is opened, a freely programmable greeting text or an alert tone could be played after the device according to the invention 0 a person in a given area B around the toilet lid 10aregistered and activated. In addition, a recorded text or a signal tone could be played as an acoustic indication when the person leaves the specified area B around the toilet lid 10a left without closing the toilet lid. The acoustic signal could then be repeated until the toilet lid is closed.

[0078] Fig. 4 shows a system 100, in which a device according to the invention 0 in the form of an arrow as a transport companion on the side of a package 10b, in particular containing sensitive cargo. The at least one sensor and / or the at least one actuator of the device 0 due to incorrect storage of the package 10b react and indicate by means of a warning tone, especially if the arrow and thus the longitudinal axis of the device 0is no longer aligned opposite to the vertical direction. The incorrect storage could be recorded throughout the entire transport route to provide evidence of any damage to the carrier. Reference symbol:

[0079] 0 Device, preferably in the form of a flat component with at least one longitudinal axis (e.g. a rectangle, an ellipse, an arrow) 1 Power supply of the device 0 2 integrated circuit of the device 0 3 Acoustic module of the device 0 4 Control unit of the device 0 41 Control unit sensor 4 42 Actuator of the control unit 4 43 Time module of the control unit 4 44 Element for presence detection of the control unit 4, especially motion detectors or presence detectors 5Storage unit of the device 0 10 Object whose spatial position is to be determined, in particular toilet lid 10a or dangerous cargo (parcel) 10b 100 System comprising an object 10 and a device 0 B specified area around the object 10 h horizontal v vertical α Angle between the longitudinal axis of the device 0 and the vertical v β Angle between the longitudinal axis of the device 0 and the horizontal h

Claims

1. Device (0) in the form of a planar component with at least one longitudinal axis for monitoring the spatial position of an object (10), comprising a power supply (1) and an integrated circuit (2) as well as a programmable acoustic module (3) for reproducing at least one sound recording, and at least one control unit (4), by means of which activation and / or deactivation of the acoustic module (3) can be effected, wherein the control unit (4) comprises at least one sensor (41) and / or at least one actuator (42) which reacts to a change in inclination of the component with respect to the vertical (v) or with respect to the horizontal (h) by triggering the playback of the at least one sound recording, wherein the control unit (4) further comprises at least one element for presence detection (44) which effects activation and / or deactivation of the acoustic module, characterized, in that the the element for presence detection (44) a. is a motion detector which causes the acoustic module (3) to be activated when at least one person is present and deactivated when at least one person is absent in a predetermined area (B) around the object (10), or b. is a presence detector that deactivates the acoustic module (3) when someone is present and activates the acoustic module (3) when at least one person is not present in a predetermined area (B) around the object (10), the component is a sticker.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the component has an adhesive layer, wherein the component can be attached to an object or to cargo with the adhesive layer, and, - wherein an attempt to remove the device from the cargo or object triggers a sound recording and / or - the control unit comprises a transmitter unit which transmits a signal to a receiver and / or - the adhesive layer and optionally the component burst and a mark is applied to the object or the freight.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that power supply is by metal-air battery, in particular a zinc-air battery, lithium-air battery, iron-air battery, lithium-air battery, sodium-air battery, siliconair battery, calcium-air battery, aluminum-air battery and / or magnesium-air battery.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one sensor (41) is an inclinometer and / or the at least one actuator (42) is an inclination switch.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit (4) comprises a time module (43) which interrupts the playback of the at least one sound recording after a predetermined time.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the component has a height of greater than or equal to 0.1 mm to less than or equal to 20 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1 mm to less than or equal to 15 mm, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 5 mm to less than or equal to 10 mm.

7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a memory unit (5) which is provided for recording any change in inclination of the component with respect to the vertical (v) or with respect to the horizontal (h).

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for monitoring the spatial position of a toilet lid.

9. Device according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, onto the device a self-adhesiv layer is applied over part of the surface or over the entire surface, in particular the adhesive of the at least one adhesive layer is a pressure-sensitive adhesive selected from acrylate, rubber and / or silicone adhesives.

10. Process for monitoring the spatial position of an object (10), in which I) a device (0) according to one of claims 1 to 9 is glued to the surface of the object (10), and II) the spatial position of an object (10) is monitored by means of the at least one sensor (41) and / or the at least one actuator (42) and. wherein in II) i. the acoustic module (3) is activated when at least one person enters a predetermined area (B) around the object, or the acoustic module (3) is activated when at least one person leaves a predetermined area (B) around the object (0), and ii. the at least one sensor (41) and / or the at least one actuator (42) reacts to a change in inclination of the object (10) with respect to the vertical (v) or with respect to the horizontal (h) by triggering the reproduction of the at least one sound recording.

11. System (100) comprising an object (10) and a device (0) according to one of claims 1 to 9 for monitoring the spatial position of an object (10), characterized in that the device (0) is glued to the surface of the object (10).

12. System according to claim 12, characterized in that the object (10) is a toilet lid (10a) and the at least one sensor (41) and / or the at least one actuator (42) reacts to an opening and / or closing of the toilet lid (10a).

13. Use of the device (0) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 as a transportation companion, in particular for monitoring the spatial position of sensitive cargo (10b) or on a toilet lid (10a), wherein the at least one sensor (41) and / or the at least one actuator (42) reacts to an opening and / or closing of the toilet lid (10a).

14. Use according to claim 13, wherein the device in form of a sticker is attached to the surface of a toiled lid, in particular glued or mounted by means of a magnet to the underside of the toilet lid.