Parking monitoring

Abstract

Among other things, a method is disclosed, comprising: - determining the start of a parking process of the parking transport vehicle, - transmitting an activation signal to at least one other transport vehicle, wherein the activation signal is configured to activate at least one sensor of the other transport vehicle.

Description

Area

[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for monitoring a parking process, in particular a parking and / or exiting process, of a vehicle, in particular a transport vehicle, in particular a trailer. background

[0002] Transport vehicles are often equipped with the largest possible interior spaces, while parking areas for these vehicles are often quite small, for example, to achieve a high density of vehicles in a given area. For instance, transport vehicles are parked close together in a so-called trailer yard. Summary of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0003] It has been recognized that during a parking maneuver of a transport vehicle, collisions between the parking transport vehicle and its surroundings can occur from time to time, for example with neighboring (e.g. parked) transport vehicles, due in part to the often limited space available.

[0004] The invention relates, among other things, to providing a monitoring system for a transport vehicle during a parking process, in particular a parking or unparking process.

[0005] It was recognized that after an incident (e.g., a collision between a transport vehicle parking or unparking and its surroundings), it can be difficult to reconstruct what happened and what damage may have occurred. Furthermore, it was recognized that some areas where transport vehicles are parked lack the infrastructure necessary to monitor parking activities.

[0006] One object of the present invention is therefore to provide a monitoring system for the parking process of a transport vehicle, which enables at least partial tracking of possible incidents (e.g. collisions) and, for example, places as few requirements as possible on an infrastructure (e.g., permanently installed).

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed (e.g., carried out by a parking transport vehicle), the method comprising: Determining the start of a parking maneuver by the parking transport vehicle, transmitting an activation signal to at least one other transport vehicle, wherein the activation signal is configured to activate at least one sensor of the other transport vehicle.

[0008] The disclosed method is carried out, for example, by a device, such as a control unit for the transport vehicle, in particular a telematics unit for the transport vehicle.

[0009] Accordingly, the invention further discloses a device comprising means for carrying out the disclosed method. The disclosed device is, for example, the transport vehicle or a part thereof. When it is described below that a transport vehicle performs a step, it is thereby disclosed, among other things, that the device performs or controls the step.

[0010] The means may comprise hardware and / or software components. For example, the means may include at least one memory containing program instructions of a computer program (e.g., the computer program disclosed below) and at least one processor configured to execute program instructions from the at least one memory. Accordingly, a device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing program instructions shall also be understood as disclosed, wherein the at least one memory and the program instructions are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the device to execute the disclosed method. It is understood that the disclosed device may also include other means not listed.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the means may further comprise one or more communication interfaces (e.g., one or more wired and / or wireless communication interfaces) and / or one or more user interfaces (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor, a touchscreen, a speaker, a microphone, etc.). It is understood that the device according to the second aspect of the invention may also comprise other means not listed.

[0012] Furthermore, a computer program is disclosed, wherein the computer program comprises program instructions designed to cause a device (e.g., the device disclosed above) to execute the method when executed by at least one processor.

[0013] The disclosed computer program is, for example, contained and / or stored on a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is understood to mean, for example, a physical and / or tangible storage medium.

[0014] The disclosed method, the disclosed device and the disclosed computer program serve, for example, to monitor a parking process of a transport vehicle.

[0015] The following describes – partly by way of example – the properties of the disclosed method (hereinafter also referred to as "method"), the disclosed device (hereinafter also referred to as "device"), and the disclosed computer program (hereinafter also referred to as "computer program"). It is understood that the method, the device, and the computer program correspond to one another, so that the disclosure of a feature for one of these categories is to be understood as the disclosure of a corresponding feature for the other categories.

[0016] The term "transport vehicle" shall be understood to mean, in particular, (i) a commercial vehicle combination or (ii) a commercial vehicle trailer, especially a commercial vehicle trailer for a road vehicle such as a rigid drawbar trailer, an articulated drawbar trailer, or a semi-trailer. Such commercial vehicle trailers are intended, in particular, for the transport of goods, preferably general cargo, in public road traffic. For this purpose, commercial vehicle trailers have various types of commercial vehicle bodies, which serve to accommodate the goods to be transported in a cargo space. For example, box bodies with fixed side walls, a fixed front wall, a rear wall formed by hinged doors, and a fixed roof, which enclose the cargo space, are known.Since box bodies are enclosed, they are particularly suitable for transporting moisture-sensitive and / or temperature-sensitive goods, for example, for so-called dry transport and / or refrigerated transport. In addition to box bodies, there are also curtain-sided bodies, in which the side walls and roof are closed by at least one tarpaulin. The front wall of curtain-sided bodies is usually a solid wall, while the rear wall is typically formed by two swing doors to allow loading or unloading from the rear as needed. If a tarpaulin can be moved along the side wall, it is also called a curtain-sided body. Accordingly, the term "commercial vehicle body" should be understood to include, for example, a box body, a curtain-sided body, and / or a curtain-sided body.

[0017] The commercial vehicle trailer is, for example, designed to be coupled to a towing vehicle to form a commercial vehicle combination. For this purpose, the commercial vehicle trailer and the towing vehicle may each include, for example, corresponding coupling means designed to establish a connection (e.g., a mechanical connection and / or electrical connection and / or pneumatic connection) between the commercial vehicle trailer and the towing vehicle. For example, the corresponding connecting means include corresponding parts of a coupling system such as a fifth wheel coupling, a pin coupling, or a ball coupling. When the towing vehicle is connected to the commercial vehicle trailer (e.g., by the corresponding connecting means disclosed above), the respective towing vehicle and the respective commercial vehicle trailer form, for example, a commercial vehicle combination (e.g., a trailer).a truck and / or a semi-trailer truck), so that the respective towing vehicle pulls the respective commercial vehicle trailer.

[0018] The procedure includes determining the start of a parking operation by a parking transport vehicle, for example, the parking transport vehicle performing the procedure.

[0019] By determining the start of a parking maneuver, the method enables targeted monitoring of the parking process. In particular, monitoring activities, for example by the transport vehicle currently parking or by surrounding vehicles, do not need to extend into periods when no parking maneuver is yet in progress. This saves resources (e.g., computing power and / or storage capacity), such as those required for recording and analyzing sensor data.

[0020] The parking transport vehicle performing the procedure can thus determine its own parking position. This determination can be carried out essentially or completely independently, for example, without the need for other devices. Alternatively or additionally, the determination can be carried out at least partially with the help of another device separate from the parking transport vehicle. For example, the parking transport vehicle can be in communication with the other device (e.g., another transport vehicle and / or a stationary device, such as a management system for the area where the parking transport vehicle is parking), for example, via a wireless communication interface.

[0021] For example, parking can occur when the transport vehicle drives into a parking space (e.g., parks), approaches a parking space (e.g., even before it reaches the parking space) and / or approaches a loading ramp.

[0022] The method further comprises transmitting an activation signal to at least one other transport vehicle. The activation signal is specifically designed and / or configured to activate at least one sensor of the other transport vehicle. For example, activation of a sensor may mean that it and / or an associated device begins to record (e.g., save) sensor data.

[0023] The activation signal can be, for example, a broadcast signal. It can also be receiver-independent. This allows a single activation signal to be received by multiple transport vehicles and trigger an action, such as activating at least one sensor in each of them. Alternatively, the activation signal can be receiver-specific.

[0024] For example, the activation signal can be emitted in a directed manner, such as in a preferred direction, e.g., towards a preferred direction or plane (e.g., essentially parallel to the ground and / or perpendicular to the direction of gravity). Alternatively, the activation signal can be emitted in a non-directed manner, for example, in all directions with essentially the same intensity.

[0025] For example, the range of a transmission method for at least one activation signal can limit which other transport vehicles the activation signal is transmitted to. For instance, the transmission of the activation signal can be configured so that the signal has a maximum range (e.g., without interference, without obstacles, and / or under ideal transmission conditions), for example, a maximum of 1 m, 2 m, 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, or 50 m. The signal strength of the activation signal can also be set so that the maximum range is not exceeded. A limited range allows other transport vehicles positioned close to the parking vehicle to be addressed. These vehicles, for example, might be particularly well-suited to capture high-quality and / or highly relevant sensor images of the parking process.

[0026] By recording sensor data from the moment the sensor is activated, the parking process can be monitored using at least one sensor. Monitoring the parking process makes it possible to trace the sequence of events that led to an incident. An incident could be, for example, an accident, such as a collision between the parking vehicle and a neighboring vehicle and / or an element in the surroundings of the parking vehicle and / or the parking space itself.

[0027] It has been recognized that incidents, particularly undesirable ones such as accidents, can occur during parking maneuvers. While the consequences of these incidents (e.g., property damage) are often identifiable afterward, the causes and, for example, the individuals responsible, are often difficult to reconstruct, especially when such a retrospective investigation is based solely on the consequences of the incidents.

[0028] By combining the first (determining the start of the parking process) and second (transmitting the activation signal) features of the method according to the first exemplary aspect disclosed, it is thus possible to specifically enable monitoring of the potentially critical parking process by at least one activated sensor of another transport vehicle.

[0029] For example, the activated sensor may include a camera, a distance sensor, a proximity sensor, a vibration sensor, a microphone, an accelerometer and / or combinations thereof.

[0030] In exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, it is proposed that that at least one further transport vehicle comprises at least two transport vehicles and / or that at least one further transport vehicle is parked, in particular in another parking space, in particular where the further parking space is adjacent, in particular directly adjacent, to a parking space in which the parking transport vehicle is parked.

[0031] For example, this can include at least one additional transport vehicle, or at least two additional transport vehicles. For example, the activation signal can be transmitted to at least two, three, four, or more additional transport vehicles. An increased number of transport vehicles can increase the number of sensors that can monitor a parking process. Furthermore, sensor images can be captured from a particularly high diversity of sensors and / or from a greater diversity of sensor positions.

[0032] At least one of the other transport vehicles may be parked. A subset of the other transport vehicles may also be parked, and / or all of the other transport vehicles may be parked.

[0033] Each additional transport vehicle may, for example, be parked in a parking space, such as a parking space in an area where the parking transport vehicle is parking, particularly in a trailer yard.

[0034] For example, at least one of the transport vehicles may be parked in a neighboring parking space, for example in an immediately adjacent parking space.

[0035] In particular, other transport vehicles in a (e.g., directly adjacent) parking space can be well-suited for capturing sensor images of the parking process. These other transport vehicles can be located very close to the parking transport vehicle and / or have a similar spatial orientation and / or a similar vehicle type. Based on this, sensor images of particularly high quality can be obtained.

[0036] In exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, it is proposed that determining the start of the parking process is based at least partially on a speed of the parking transport vehicle, a direction of travel of the parking transport vehicle, a position of the parking transport vehicle, in particular based on at least one geofence, and / or a steering angle of the parking transport vehicle.

[0037] The start, continuation, or completion of a parking maneuver can be detected. Methods disclosed below for determining the start of a parking maneuver are hereby also used to determine its continuation (e.g., from the beginning and before the end) and its completion. Completion can be determined, for example, by ensuring that no further continuation occurs after a specific start (e.g., and / or continuation) of the parking maneuver.

[0038] The start of a parking maneuver can be based, for example, on the speed of the parking vehicle. For instance, a parking maneuver can begin when the speed falls below a certain threshold. This threshold could be, for example, (at most or at least) 10 km / h, 5 km / h, 2 km / h, 1 km / h, 0.5 km / h, 0.2 km / h, or 0.1 km / h. For example, to determine the start of a parking maneuver, it might be required that the speed remains below this threshold for at least a predefined period of time. This predefined period could be, for example, at least 1 s, 2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s, 1 minute, 2 minutes, or more. The end of the parking maneuver could be based, for example, on the speed dropping to virtually zero for a predefined period of time.

[0039] The start of a parking maneuver can also be determined based on the direction of travel of the parking vehicle. For example, it can be determined that the parking vehicle is reversing. The direction of travel can be derived from information from the engine control unit and / or the transmission of the vehicle and / or a towing vehicle. At least one sensor, such as an inertial sensor, a positioning sensor (e.g., based on a navigation satellite and timing system (GNSS) (e.g., NAVSTAR GPS, GLONASS, Galileo)), and / or combinations thereof, can also be used to determine the start of a parking maneuver. Alternatively, a different direction of travel of the vehicle, such as lateral travel, can be used to determine the start of a parking maneuver.during transport by a shunting vehicle.

[0040] The position of the parking transport vehicle, for example, detected by a positioning sensor as described above, can also be used to determine the start of a parking maneuver. For instance, it can be determined whether the vehicle's position lies within a typical parking area. This could include determining whether the position is within a geofence. A geofence could, for example, correspond to the area of ​​a parking space, a group of parking spaces, and / or a trailer yard. The parking maneuver could be terminated, for example, when the vehicle's position changes to virtually zero over time, such as after a predefined period.

[0041] For example, the steering angle of at least one steered axle of the transport vehicle and / or of the towing vehicle can be used to determine the start of a parking maneuver. For instance, a steering angle above a certain threshold can indicate parking. For example, a steering angle above a threshold of 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 60°, or 70° can indicate parking. Similarly, steering above a certain angle for a predefined period, such as at least 1 s, 2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s, 1 min, 2 min, or more, can indicate parking. The parking maneuver can be considered complete, for example, when the change in the steering angle essentially decreases to zero over time, for instance, for a predefined period.

[0042] In exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, it is proposed that determining the start of the parking process is based at least partially on receiving a wireless communication signal, in particular from one of at least one other transport vehicle, in particular wherein the communication signal includes a WLAN signal and / or a Bluetooth signal.

[0043] For example, determining the start of a parking maneuver can be based on the receipt of at least one wireless communication signal. Receiving such a signal might indicate that the parking vehicle has arrived in a relevant area (e.g., near a parking space).

[0044] The wireless communication signal can be emitted, for example, from an infrastructure, such as a (permanently installed) device in an area where the parking transport vehicle is parked, such as a trailer yard. Alternatively, the wireless communication signal can be emitted from a management and / or control system, for example, for transport vehicles, belonging to a trailer yard.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the wireless communication signal can also originate from at least one other transport vehicle. For example, the wireless communication signal can indicate the presence of the respective other transport vehicle and / or its readiness to receive an activation signal and / or signal the availability of at least one activatable sensor. At least one of the transport vehicles, or the other transport vehicles, can be configured to transmit wireless communication signals (e.g., such signals).

[0046] The wireless communication signal can be, for example, a signal from a local communication standard such as a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Bluetooth, or Zigbee. Specifically, a mobile communication standard such as 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G / 6G (see 3gpp.org) is not considered a local communication standard.

[0047] In exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, it is proposed that determining the start of the parking process is based at least partially on a sensor of the parking transport vehicle, in particular a camera, a proximity sensor and / or a distance sensor.

[0048] For example, the start of a parking process can be determined based on at least one sensor of the parking transport vehicle.

[0049] For example, the transport vehicle may have one or more sensors which provide, for example, comfort functions such as support during a parking process and / or safety functions such as monitoring the area around the transport vehicle during the driving process.

[0050] The sensor can, for example, include one or more cameras. For instance, one or more images from at least one or more cameras can be analyzed to determine information about the environment, such as road markings, objects like other transport vehicles, buildings, and / or plants. From this, a parking maneuver can be derived.

[0051] A sensor can, for example, include a distance sensor, which can be configured to measure one or more distances to objects such as other transport vehicles or other objects in the vicinity of the parking transport vehicle. If the distance falls below a predefined threshold, the start, continuation, or end of a parking maneuver can be inferred.

[0052] A proximity sensor can detect proximity and / or a change in proximity to another object.

[0053] Other sensor types (e.g., of the parking transport vehicle) such as an acceleration sensor, a vibration sensor, a brightness sensor, a microphone and / or combinations thereof can also be used to determine the start, continuation or end of a parking process.

[0054] A determination of when the parking process has ended can be based, for example, on the fact that the change in quantities recorded by a respective sensor essentially decreases to zero over time, for example for a predefined period of time.

[0055] In exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, it is proposed that the activation signal is a wireless communication signal, in particular a WLAN signal and / or a Bluetooth signal.

[0056] The activation signal can be, for example, a signal from a local communication standard, such as a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Bluetooth, or Zigbee signal. Specifically, a mobile communication standard such as 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G / 6G is not considered a local communication standard (see 3gpp.org).

[0057] In exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, it is proposed that the activation signal includes a sensor indication, wherein the sensor indication specifies a sensor type, the activation signal is specific for one of the at least one other transport vehicle, or the activation signal is non-specific, the activation signal includes a time interval indication, wherein the time interval indication specifies a time interval, in particular a time interval, within which the at least one sensor of the at least one other transport vehicle is to remain activated, and / or the activation signal includes a parking space indication, wherein the parking space indication specifies a parking space on which the parking transport vehicle parks.

[0058] The activation signal can, for example, include a sensor indication. The sensor indication can specify at least one sensor type. For instance, the sensor indication can specify a sensor type that the parking transport vehicle requires to monitor a parking maneuver. The sensor indication can also specify multiple sensor types, for example, in a hierarchy. The hierarchy can, for instance, indicate which of the at least one or more sensor types should be activated preferentially, and alternatively, specify at least one or more sensor types that should be activated if the preferred sensor type(s) are unavailable. The sensor indication can also specify at least one sensor type that the parking transport vehicle does not require.A sensor type can include, for example, a camera, a distance sensor, a proximity sensor, a vibration sensor, a microphone, an accelerometer and / or combinations thereof.

[0059] The activation signal can be directed, for example, to one of the vehicles, a subset of the vehicles, and / or to all other transport vehicles. For example, the activation signal can contain a receiver indication specifying one or more receivers.

[0060] For example, the activation signal could be a broadcast signal that does not have a specific receiver. For instance, the broadcast signal could be received (e.g., read) by all receivers within a sufficient spatial proximity for the broadcast signal's range.

[0061] The activation signal can, for example, include a time interval indication, which specifies a time period. This time interval can indicate how long a sensor should remain activated, for example, after receiving the activation signal. It can also specify a minimum and / or maximum time interval, which defines the minimum and / or maximum duration for which sensor data is recorded.

[0062] The activation signal can include a parking space indication. This indication can specify the parking space where the parking transport vehicle will park. For example, the parking transport vehicle may already know which parking space it will use. Transmitting a parking space indication can prevent the activation of sensors from other transport vehicles that are not near the parking space where the parking transport vehicle is parked and therefore cannot generate usable sensor readings. For example, another transport vehicle may know its own parking space and, based on this information, determine whether or not it can monitor a parking maneuver in the space where the parking transport vehicle is parking.

[0063] In exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises Transmitting a deactivation signal to at least one of the at least one further transport vehicle, wherein the deactivation signal is configured to deactivate at least one sensor of the further transport vehicle.

[0064] For example, the method may further include transmitting a deactivation signal to at least one of the transport vehicles and / or a subset of the transport vehicles and / or the at least one transport vehicle. For example, the deactivation signal may be configured such that it deactivates at least one sensor (e.g., one of the sensors or the sensors previously activated by means of an activation signal).

[0065] For example, a deactivation signal can be transmitted based on a determination that the parking process has ended.

[0066] The same optional features disclosed above with respect to the activation signal apply to the deactivation signal, for example, transmission as a broadcast signal and / or transmission via a local communication standard.

[0067] The deactivation signal ensures that no sensor data is recorded at times and / or for periods of time when parking has already been completed.

[0068] In exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises Received from at least one of the at least one further transport vehicle, from at least one recording from at least one activated sensor of the further transport vehicle.

[0069] By receiving at least one recording from at least one activated sensor, the parking transport vehicle can be enabled to track the parking process.

[0070] For example, at least one or more (e.g., respective) recordings from activated sensors can be received from at least two, three or four other transport vehicles.

[0071] In exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises Detecting a collision of the parking transport vehicle, in particular at least partially based on an activated sensor of the parking transport vehicle and / or at least a received recording of the activated sensor.

[0072] The process can, for example, include detecting a collision. A collision is, in particular, a collision of the parking transport vehicle with, for example, an object in the vicinity of the parking transport vehicle, such as a building and / or with at least one other transport vehicle.

[0073] A collision can be triggered, for example, by a sensor on the parking vehicle, such as a camera, distance sensor, proximity sensor, vibration sensor, microphone, accelerometer, and / or a combination thereof. For instance, a vibration can be detected by a vibration sensor, an accelerometer, or a camera, and / or the sound of a collision can be picked up by a microphone, and / or a distance below a predetermined threshold can be detected by a distance sensor and / or a proximity sensor.

[0074] A collision can also be determined based on the received recordings from the activated sensors. For example, the recording from sensors of a similar or identical type to that of the parking transport vehicle may be possible.

[0075] In exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises Transmitting a collision indication to at least one of the at least one other transport vehicle and / or receiving a collision indication from at least one of the at least one other transport vehicle.

[0076] Both the parking transport vehicle and at least one of the other transport vehicles can detect a collision.

[0077] For example, the parking transport vehicle can transmit a collision indication to at least one of the at least one other transport vehicle. For example, receiving a recording can be based, at least in part, on transmitting the collision indication. For example, a recording can be received (e.g., only) by another transport vehicle if a collision indication has been transmitted to that other transport vehicle.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, a collision indication can be received from at least one of the at least one other transport vehicle. For example, the other transport vehicle can detect a collision and inform the parking transport vehicle of the collision. The received collision indication can, for example, include a recording from at least one sensor of the other transport vehicle and / or be received together with it.

[0079] In exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, it is proposed that the procedure is controlled and / or monitored by a control device of the parking transport vehicle, in particular by a telematics unit.

[0080] In exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, it is proposed that the parking transport vehicle is one of the following transport vehicles: a commercial vehicle combination comprising a towing vehicle and a commercial vehicle trailer, a commercial vehicle trailer, in particular a semi-trailer.

[0081] According to another aspect, a computer program is disclosed comprising program instructions designed to cause, when executed by at least one processor of a device, the device to execute the method according to the first aspect.

[0082] According to a further aspect, a device is disclosed with means provided for carrying out the method according to the first aspect.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the device is a transport vehicle or part of the transport vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle combination comprising a towing vehicle and a commercial vehicle trailer, or a commercial vehicle trailer, in particular a semi-trailer.

[0084] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed (e.g., carried out by a parked transport vehicle), wherein the method comprises: Receiving an activation signal from a parking transport vehicle, activating, based on the received activation signal, at least one sensor of the parking transport vehicle.

[0085] Features which are disclosed in relation to the first aspect, in particular with regard to both the parking and / or the other transport vehicle, are also disclosed for the second aspect.

[0086] In exemplary embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises Receiving a deactivation signal from the parking transport vehicle, receiving a collision indication from the parking transport vehicle, transmitting at least one recording from the at least one activated sensor, in particular to the parking transport vehicle or to another device, and / or transmitting a collision indication, in particular to the parking transport vehicle and / or to another device, in particular based on the at least one activated sensor.

[0087] In exemplary embodiments of the second aspect, it is proposed that the procedure is controlled and / or monitored by a control device of the parking transport vehicle, in particular by a telematics unit.

[0088] In exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, it is proposed that the parking transport vehicle be one of the following transport vehicles: a commercial vehicle combination comprising a towing vehicle and a commercial vehicle trailer, a commercial vehicle trailer, in particular a semi-trailer.

[0089] According to another aspect, a computer program is disclosed comprising program instructions designed to cause, when executed by at least one processor of a device, the device to execute the method according to the second aspect.

[0090] According to a further aspect, a device is disclosed with means provided for carrying out the method according to the second aspect.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the device is a transport vehicle or part of the transport vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle combination comprising a towing vehicle and a commercial vehicle trailer, or a commercial vehicle trailer, in particular a semi-trailer. Detailed description of some exemplary embodiments

[0092] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a transport vehicle according to the invention; Fig. 3 schematic representations of an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention; and Fig. 5 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0093] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 1 according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention. It is assumed below that the device 1 is part of a transport vehicle in the form of a commercial vehicle trailer. For example, the device 1 can be a control unit and / or telematics unit of the commercial vehicle trailer.

[0094] The device 1 comprises a processor 100 and, connected to the processor 100, a first memory as program memory 101, a second memory as main memory 102 and a communication interface 103.

[0095] A processor is understood to mean, for example, a microprocessor (Central Processing Unit, CPU), a microcontrol unit, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a graphics processing unit (GPU). It is understood that the device 1 can also include multiple processors 100.

[0096] The processor 100 executes program instructions stored in the program memory 101 and stores, for example, intermediate results or similar information in the main memory 102.

[0097] Program memory 101 contains, for example, program instructions which, when the processor 100 executes the program instructions, cause the method according to the invention (e.g., a method according to the one described in Fig. 4 and / or Fig. 5 to execute and / or control at least part of the flowchart shown.

[0098] The program memory 101 also contains, for example, the operating system of the device 1, which is at least partially loaded into the main memory 102 and executed by the processor 100 when the device 1 is started. In particular, at least part of the kernel of the operating system is loaded into the main memory 102 and executed by the processor 100 when the device 1 is started.

[0099] An example of an operating system is a Windows, UNIX, Linux, Android, Apple iOS, and / or macOS operating system. The operating system, in particular, enables the use of device 1 for data processing. For example, it manages resources such as main memory and program memory, provides basic functions to other computer programs through programming interfaces, and controls the execution of computer programs.

[0100] Program memory is, for example, non-volatile memory such as flash memory, magnetic memory, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), and / or optical memory. Main memory is, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular random access memory (RAM) such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and / or magnetic RAM (MRAM).

[0101] The main memory 102 and the program memory 101 can also be configured as a single memory. Alternatively, the main memory 102 and / or the program memory 101 can each be comprised of multiple memory locations. Furthermore, the main memory 102 and / or the program memory 101 can also be part of the processor 100.

[0102] The processor 100 controls the communication interface 103, which is configured, for example, to exchange information with other components of the commercial vehicle trailer (e.g., to send and / or receive data). The communication interface 103 is configured, for example, as an Ethernet, CAN, K-line, LIN, or FlexRay interface. It is configured, for example, for wired communication with the optional user interface 104 and / or one or more sensors 105 of the commercial vehicle trailer via an Ethernet network or a CAN, K-line, LIN, or FlexRay bus system of the commercial vehicle trailer. For example, the device 1 can send information to and / or receive information from the user interface 104 and / or sensors 105 via the communication interface 103. Ethernet is specified, for example, in the IEEE 802.3 family of standards.CAN is specified in the standards of the ISO 11898 family, K-line is specified in the standards ISO 9141 and ISO 14230-1, LIN is specified in the standards of the ISO 17987 family and FlexRay in the standards of the ISO 17458 family.

[0103] In Fig. 1 The user interface 104 and the commercial vehicle sensors 105 are not shown as part of the device 1. However, it is understood that the user interface 104 and / or the commercial vehicle sensors 105 may also be wholly or partially part of the device 1, particularly if the device 1 is the commercial vehicle trailer and the user interface 104 and / or the commercial vehicle sensors 105 are part of the commercial vehicle trailer.

[0104] A user interface 104 is, for example, configured to capture information in the form of user input and / or to output information to a user. For example, the user interface 104 might be a keyboard, a screen, a touchscreen, a speaker, a horn, and / or a microphone. The user interface 104 might be, for example, part of the commercial vehicle trailer or a towing vehicle coupled to the commercial vehicle trailer.

[0105] Examples of commercial vehicle sensors 105 are a door opening sensor and / or a load weight sensor and / or a camera and / or a vibration sensor and / or a motion sensor and / or a position sensor and / or an acceleration sensor and / or a microphone and / or a distance sensor and / or a proximity sensor.

[0106] The commercial vehicle sensors 105 can be at least partially part of the commercial vehicle trailer and / or part of a towing vehicle coupled to the commercial vehicle trailer.

[0107] Furthermore, the device 1 has an optional wireless communication interface 106 controlled by the processor 100, through which information can be exchanged (e.g., sent and / or received) with a remote device via a wireless communication path. The wireless communication interface 106 is configured, for example, as a Bluetooth, WLAN, and / or cellular communication interface. The Bluetooth specifications are currently available on the internet at www.bluetooth.org. WLAN is standardized in the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, which are currently available on the internet at https: / / www.ieee.org. "Cellular communication" refers in particular to cellular communication systems such as 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G / 6G communication systems. The specifications for 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or 6G cellular communication systems are currently being developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and can be found on the internet at https: / / www.3gpp.org / can be accessed.

[0108] Components 100 to 103 and 106 of the device 1 are, for example, communicatively and / or operationally connected to each other via one or more bus systems (e.g. one or more serial and / or parallel bus connections).

[0109] It is understood that the device 1 may include additional components besides those shown.

[0110] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a commercial vehicle trailer 200 as part of a commercial vehicle combination with a towing vehicle according to the invention. The commercial vehicle trailer 200 is a semi-trailer. A device 1 is arranged in the semi-trailer 200.

[0111] In the following, it is assumed by way of example that this device 1 of the in Fig. 1 The device shown in 1 corresponds to this. Furthermore, in Fig. 2another device in the form of another transport vehicle 300 is shown.

[0112] The commercial vehicle trailer 200 can, for example, be the parking transport vehicle or the additional transport vehicle of the first aspect of the invention, or the transport vehicle of the second aspect of the invention. Likewise, the transport vehicle 300 can be the parking transport vehicle or the additional transport vehicle of the first aspect of the invention, or the transport vehicle of the second aspect of the invention.

[0113] The following describes an exemplary embodiment of the semi-trailer 200 based on: Fig. 2The semi-trailer 200 comprises a cargo space 201. The cargo space 201 of the semi-trailer 200 is bounded at the top by the cargo space roof 202 and at the bottom by the cargo space floor 203. Furthermore, the cargo space is bounded by the front wall 204 and the lockable rear opening 205, as well as side boundary surfaces not shown (e.g., side tarpaulins). The rear opening 205 is formed by a rear door (not shown), for example, a double-leaf door.

[0114] Furthermore, the semi-trailer 200 includes a user interface 104, which is in Fig. 2This is exemplified by a touch-sensitive screen. The user interface 104 is configured, for example, to capture information in the form of user input and send the captured information to the device 1 via connection 206 and / or to receive information from the device via connection 206 and output the received information to a user.

[0115] Connection 206, for example, is a wired communication connection of an Ethernet network or a CAN, K-line, LIN or Flexray bus system of the semi-trailer 200.

[0116] Furthermore, it can also be provided that the device 1 can receive wireless communication signals from or transmit them to a sending and / or receiving transport vehicle 300 via the wireless communication path 502. For example, activation signals, recordings, collision indications and / or combinations according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention can be transmitted and / or received thereby.

[0117] According to one example, the wireless communication path 502 (e.g.) includes only a wireless section of a local wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth or WLAN.

[0118] A communication path is considered wired if all sections of the communication path are wired; and a communication path is considered wireless if at least one section of the communication path is wireless. Accordingly, a wireless communication path may have at least one wireless section as well as one or more wired sections.

[0119] A wireless section of a communication path is defined as a section of the communication path where communication takes place in the form of wireless communication signals according to a wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth, WLAN, and / or cellular networks, with only the latter two being considered local wireless communication technologies. The Bluetooth specifications are currently available online at www.bluetooth.org. WLAN is standardized in the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, which are currently available online at https: / / www.ieee.org. Cellular networks are specifically defined as mobile communication systems such as 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G / 6G communication systems. The specifications for 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G cellular communication systems are currently being developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and can be found online at https: / / www.3gpp.org / .

[0120] A wired section of a communication path is defined as a section of the communication path where communication takes place in the form of wired communication signals according to a wired communication technology such as Ethernet. Ethernet is specified, for example, in the IEEE 802.3 family of standards.

[0121] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a parking transport vehicle 200 with a device 1, which is configured, for example, to carry out a method according to the first aspect of the invention. The parking transport vehicle 200, in particular the device 1, for example with a wireless communication device 106, sends out an activation signal 210.

[0122] Furthermore, in Fig. 2A first and a second transport vehicle 300a, 300b are shown, which are parked. The transport vehicles 300a, 300b can, for example, carry out a method according to the second aspect of the invention; for example, a device 301 can be configured to carry out the method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0123] The transport vehicles 300a, 300b can, for example, be adjacent, in particular directly adjacent, to the parking transport vehicle 200.

[0124] For example, transport vehicles 300a and 300b can receive the activation signal 210 from the parking transport vehicle 200.

[0125] For example, in response to receiving the activation signal 210, one of the transport vehicles 300a, 300b can activate at least one sensor 305a-d, 306a-b, 307a-b. For example, a sensor indication in the activation signal can request a specific sensor type from the transport vehicle 300a, 300b.

[0126] The transport vehicle 200 can, for example, include at least one or more sensors 305a-d, 306a-b, 307a-b as shown for the transport vehicle 300a.

[0127] The sensors 305a-d, 306a-b, 307a-b can, for example, include one or more cameras 305a-d. The cameras can have different detection ranges, e.g., facing different sides of the transport vehicle 300a. The sensors 305a-d, 306a-b, 307a-b can also include distance sensors 306a-b and / or proximity sensors 307a-b.

[0128] For example, sensors 305a-d, 306a-b, and 307a-b, which are suitable for detecting a parking maneuver of the transport vehicle, can be activated, either specifically or selectively. For example, a sensor 305a-d, 306a-b, or 307a-b can be suitable for monitoring a parking maneuver if it has a detection area that at least partially overlaps with a parking space into which the transport vehicle is parking.

[0129] The sensors of the other transport vehicles 300a, 300b may differ from each other.

[0130] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention, in particular of the first aspect of the invention. In the following, it is assumed by way of example that the method is carried out by the device 1, which is part of the Fig. 2 The depicted semi-trailer 200 is being executed.

[0131] In step M100, the start of a parking maneuver is determined. For example, a sensor 305a-d, 306a-b, or 307a-b is used for this purpose. Alternatively, the start of the parking maneuver can be determined, for example, by receiving a wireless communication signal, such as by the wireless communication device 106. The start of a parking maneuver can also be determined based on the vehicle's speed falling below a certain threshold and / or its reversing.

[0132] In step M102, an activation signal can be transmitted, in particular to another device, for example to another transport vehicle, for example the one in Fig. 2 and 3 The respective transport vehicles 300 and 300a shown. For example, the activation signal is transmitted via Bluetooth or WLAN, for example by means of the wireless communication interface 106 of the device 1.

[0133] Steps M100 and M102 can be found in the Fig. 4 The order shown or any other order (e.g., reversed) may be performed.

[0134] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention, in particular of the second aspect of the invention. In the following, it is assumed by way of example that the method is carried out by the device 301, which is part of the Fig. 3 The depicted transport vehicle 300 is being carried out.

[0135] In step M200, an activation signal is received. The activation signal can be received, for example, by a semi-trailer 200. For example, the activation signal is received via a wireless communication interface of the transport vehicle 300a, in particular the device 301. For example, the activation signal is received via Bluetooth or WLAN.

[0136] In step M202, at least one sensor of the transport vehicle 300, e.g. one of those in Fig. 3 The sensors shown (305a-d, 306a-b, 307a-b) are activated. The activation signal can be configured such that at least one or more sensors begin recording or storing sensor data.

[0137] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described in this specification are to be understood as disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular, the description of a feature included in an embodiment—unless explicitly stated otherwise—is not to be understood as meaning that the feature is indispensable or essential for the function of the embodiment. The sequence of steps described in the individual flowcharts in this specification is not mandatory; alternative sequences of steps are conceivable—unless otherwise stated. The steps can be implemented in various ways; for example, implementation in software (by program instructions), hardware, or a combination of both is conceivable.

[0138] Terms used in the claims, such as "comprise," "have," "include," "contain," and the like, do not exclude further elements or steps. The phrase "at least partially" covers both "partially" and "completely." The phrase "and / or" is to be understood as disclosing both the alternative and the combination; thus, "A and / or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)." A plurality of units, persons, or the like, in the context of this specification, means multiple units, persons, or the like. The use of the indefinite article does not preclude a plurality. A single component can perform the functions of several units or devices mentioned in the claims. Reference numerals specified in the claims are not to be considered as limitations on the means and steps employed.

Claims

1. Method performed by a parking transport vehicle (200), comprising: - determining the start of a parking maneuver by the parking transport vehicle (200), - transmitting an activation signal (210) to at least one other transport vehicle (300), wherein the activation signal is configured to activate at least one sensor (305a-d, 306a-b, 307a-b) of the other transport vehicle (300).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein - the at least one further transport vehicle (300) comprises at least two transport vehicles (300a, 300b) and / or - the at least one further transport vehicle (300) is parked, in particular in a further parking space, in particular wherein the further parking space is adjacent, in particular directly adjacent, to a parking space into which the parking transport vehicle (200) is parked.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein determining the start of the parking process is at least partially based on - a speed of the parking transport vehicle (200), - a direction of travel of the parking transport vehicle (200), - a position of the parking transport vehicle (200), in particular based on at least one geofence, and / or - a steering angle of the parking transport vehicle (200).

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein determining the start of the parking process is at least partially based on - receiving a wireless communication signal, in particular from one of the at least one further transport vehicle (300), in particular wherein the communication signal comprises a WLAN signal and / or a Bluetooth signal and / or - a sensor (305a-d, 306a-b, 307a-b) of the parking transport vehicle (200), in particular a camera, a proximity sensor and / or a distance sensor.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein - the activation signal (210) comprises a sensor indication, wherein the sensor indication specifies a sensor type, - the activation signal (210) is specific for one of the at least one further transport vehicles (300) or the activation signal (210) is non-specific, - the activation signal (210) comprises a time interval indication, wherein the time interval indication specifies a time interval, in particular a time interval, within which the at least one sensor (305a-d, 306a-b, 307a-b) of the at least one further transport vehicle (300) is to remain activated, and / or - the activation signal (210) comprises a parking space indication, wherein the parking space indication specifies a parking space onto which the parking transport vehicle (200) parks.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising - transmitting a deactivation signal to at least one of the at least one further transport vehicle (300), wherein the deactivation signal is configured to deactivate at least one sensor (305a-d, 306a-b, 307a-b) of the further transport vehicle (300).

7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising - receiving, from at least one of the at least one further transport vehicle (300), from at least one recording from at least one activated sensor (305a-d, 306a-b, 307a-b) of the further transport vehicle (300).

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising - detecting a collision of the parking transport vehicle (200), in particular at least partially based on a sensor of the parking transport vehicle (200) and / or at least a received recording.

9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: - transmitting a collision indication to at least one of the at least one further transport vehicle (300) and / or - receiving a collision indication from at least one of the at least one further transport vehicle (300).

10. Device comprising means provided for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the device is a transport vehicle (200) or a part of the transport vehicle (200), in particular a commercial vehicle combination comprising a towing vehicle and a commercial vehicle trailer, or a commercial vehicle trailer, in particular a semi-trailer.

12. Method, performed by a parked transport vehicle (300), comprising - receiving an activation signal (210) from a parked transport vehicle (200), - activating, based on the received activation signal (210), at least one sensor (305a-d, 306a-b, 307a-b) of the parked transport vehicle (300).

13. Method according to claim 12, further comprising: - receiving a deactivation signal from the parking transport vehicle (200), - receiving a collision indication from the parking transport vehicle (200), - transmitting at least one recording of the at least one activated sensor (305a-d, 306ab, 307a-b), in particular to the parking transport vehicle (200) or to another device, and / or - transmitting a collision indication, in particular to the parking transport vehicle (200) and / or to another device, in particular based on the at least one activated sensor (305a-d, 306a-b, 307a-b).

14. Device comprising means provided for carrying out the method according to one of claims 12 or 13.

15. Device according to claim 14, wherein the device is a transport vehicle (300) or a part of the transport vehicle (300), in particular a commercial vehicle combination comprising a towing vehicle and a commercial vehicle trailer, or a commercial vehicle trailer, in particular a semi-trailer.

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