Tachograph used for processing driving parameters collected from a vehicle, vehicle and corresponding processing method

Abstract

Tachograph for processing driving parameters collected from a vehicle, vehicle and corresponding processing method. This tachograph (10) is used for processing driving parameters collected from a vehicle (1). The tachograph includes an antenna input (10a) for connecting an external vehicle antenna (2), which, when connected, is designed to provide GNSS signals as the respective antenna signal (A) to the antenna input. The tachograph (10) also includes a processing unit (11) for evaluating the respective antenna signal (A) for receiving and processing the driving parameters collected by the tachograph. The tachograph (10) includes an antenna output (10b) for connecting an external vehicle receiver unit (3). The tachograph (10) includes a splitter circuit (12), which couples the antenna input (10a) and an antenna output (10b) for the transmission of the supplied antenna signal (A).Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Tachograph for processing collected driving parameters of a vehicle, corresponding vehicle and processing method

[0001] Tachograph for processing collected driving parameters of a vehicle, corresponding vehicle and processing method

[0002] The invention relates to a tachograph for processing driving parameters of a vehicle collected using this tachograph. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a corresponding tachograph. The invention also relates to a method for processing driving parameters collected from a vehicle using a tachograph.

[0003] Tachographs are electronic devices intended for installation in vehicles. In particular, the tachograph is used to record the activity of drivers and vehicles in commercial and / or passenger transport. This involves, for example, monitoring driving and rest times. The tachograph is also known as a tachograph or EC control device.

[0004] The tachograph collects driving parameters, for example, from associated vehicle systems, the driving parameters indicating or containing activity. The technical requirements for tachographs have increased in recent years due to legal requirements, for example EU directives. For example, the tachograph must validate the collected driving parameters, i.e. verify their correctness. The aim is to effectively prevent manipulation of the collected driving parameters.

[0005] For validation, the tachograph can be coupled to an antenna for receiving satellite signals. The satellite signals contain information, for example a position and / or time of the vehicle, with which the parameters collected by the vehicle systems for protection against manipulation can be compared. Preferably, the antenna is a GNSS antenna, with the aid of which GNSS signals can be received. GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System (geolocation and navigation by a satellite system). It is a system for determining position and for terrestrial and aerial navigation, by receiving signals from navigation satellites.Thus, GNSS is a generic term for the use of existing or future global satellite systems, for example GPS (Global Positioning System), GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) or Galileo or other known navigation systems.

[0006] The tachograph can operate with an internal antenna. Internal here means that the antenna is installed, for example, with the other elements or components of the tachograph in a common housing. The use of an internal GNSS antenna in combination with a tachograph is known from the state of the art.

[0007] For example, EP 3 370 087 A2 discloses an on-board unit for a motor vehicle comprising a GNSS antenna and a GNSS receiving device for determining the position of the motor vehicle. Thus, the receiving device can decide, depending on the availability, i.e. the signal quality factor of several received GNSS signals, which signal among the signals is to be used for determining the position.

[0008] Depending on the installation location of the tachograph in the vehicle, it may happen that the reception of the internal antenna is not sufficient for proper use. It is then possible to use an external antenna, for example a vehicle antenna. The external antenna can for this purpose also be used for use by other receiving devices, for example a vehicle navigation system.

[0009] When an external antenna for a tachograph and one or more other receiving devices in the vehicle is to be used, a so-called (antenna) splitter is used to split the antenna signal received by the antenna. The disadvantage of using a splitter is that the tachograph is no longer able to diagnose the antenna directly. That is, the tachograph cannot reliably detect whether the antenna is functioning properly or not, which may indicate manipulation. As a result, in conventional tachographs such as those installed in current vehicles, several antennas must be provided in the vehicle. Manufacturing costs therefore increase and sufficient installation space must be provided.

[0010] The invention aims to provide, at low cost and with reduced bulk, a tachograph in the vehicle for processing collected driving parameters.

[0011] This objective is achieved by the objects described herein. Advantageous embodiments and improvements of the invention are also disclosed by the description as well as by the figures.

[0012] The invention is based on the finding that it is possible to use only one antenna in the vehicle, which can directly diagnose the tachograph when the tachograph itself is equipped with a splitter function. Thus, the tachograph itself can ensure the distribution or division of the antenna signal provided by the antenna. By the fact that the antenna is connected directly or indirectly to the tachograph, the tachograph can reliably detect that the antenna is present and functional. This makes it possible, for example, to exclude actually a manipulation. Thanks to the dispatcher function in the tachograph, reliable antenna diagnosis can thus be carried out using the tachograph and driving parameters can be reliably processed or validated.

[0013] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a tachograph for processing collected driving parameters of a vehicle. Processing may in this case mean validation of the driving parameters. Alternatively or additionally, processing may mean exploitation or use of the driving parameters for other services in the vehicle or for the vehicle. For example, the driving parameters may be exploited for fleet management.

[0014] The tachograph comprises an antenna input for connecting an external vehicle antenna, which is designed, in the connected state, to provide GNSS signals as a respective antenna signal to the antenna input. In other words, the vehicle antenna, which is preferably designed as a GNSS antenna, can subject the antenna input to a respective antenna signal.

[0015] The tachograph further comprises a computing unit which is designed to receive the respective antenna signal and to evaluate the driving parameters collected by the tachograph. During the processing or evaluation, it is particularly a matter of controlling or monitoring the driving parameters, in order to prevent manipulation of the tachograph in particular when collecting the driving parameters and / or to detect antenna faults. In order for the computing unit to receive the antenna signal, the computing unit is coupled or connected to the antenna input.

[0016] Furthermore, the tachograph comprises at least one antenna output respectively for connecting an external vehicle receiving unit. In other words, the tachograph may comprise one or more antenna outputs. An external vehicle receiving unit may be connected to each of the antenna outputs. The vehicle receiving unit may for example be a GNSS receiver or a splitter for splitting antenna signals. For example, the vehicle receiving unit may be a GNSS receiver of a navigation device of the vehicle.

[0017] To implement the distributor function, the tachograph further comprises a distributor circuit. This couples or connects the antenna input and the at least one antenna output for transmitting, to the antenna input, the respectively supplied antenna signal. This is therefore an electronic circuit with the aid of which the antenna input can be connected on the one hand internally to the computing unit and on the other hand externally via the antenna output to the vehicle receiving unit connected thereto. With the aid of the distributor circuit, the antenna signal supplied or received at the antenna input can therefore be transmitted or routed on the one hand to the computing unit for processing and on the other hand to the antenna output for the external vehicle receiver unit. This allows the antenna signal from the vehicle antenna to be split into several channels in the tachograph. A splitter circuit can therefore be understood as a 2-way duplexer or, depending on the number of output connections, a multi-way duplexer for splitting the antenna signal.

[0018] The fact that the vehicle antenna is connected directly to the tachograph has the advantage that the tachograph can diagnose the vehicle antenna directly or itself. Furthermore, the tachograph can, by exploiting the distributor function which is provided by the distributor circuit, route or transmit the received antenna signal also to other receiving devices. Thus, only one antenna needs to be installed in the vehicle, which can be used by several terminals or receiving devices. Overall, manufacturing costs can be lowered and the space requirement can be reduced.

[0019] The tachograph is preferably a digital tachograph. The tachograph can be implemented as a tachograph with a connected recorder, which records driving parameters for the respective journey of the vehicle (journey recording function). The driving parameters can, for example, be a journey time, for example, driving and rest times, driving time interruptions, additional kilometers traveled, and driving speed. The collection of driving parameters using a tachograph is carried out according to known measuring principles. For example, the parameters of vehicle systems can be collected, which systems are respectively responsible for determining, measuring, or implementing the respective driving parameter. The vehicle systems can, for example, be a steering or braking system, a drive system, or a navigation system of the vehicle.

[0020] In this case, an antenna signal is in particular an electrical signal that an antenna produces upon reception of a satellite signal (electromagnetic wave) mentioned above. The antenna thus functions as a transducer for an electromagnetic wave. The antenna signal is preferably a high-frequency signal or a radio frequency signal (RF signal). This means that the antenna signal is present as an electrical alternating signal having a frequency in the radio wave range.

[0021] The respective satellite signal and thus also the antenna signal may contain or encode position information which enables a determination of the activity of the vehicle. The position information may for example be a satellite position and / or a time. From the position information, the computing unit can determine vehicle activity parameters according to known evaluation principles for satellite-assisted position determination. For example, the computing unit calculation may exploit or use triangulation and / or trilateration processes. The activity parameters contain, for example, the position of the vehicle at specific times, so that the vehicle's activity, for example, driving and rest times, can be determined from these.

[0022] For validation, the activity parameters can be compared with the driving parameters using the computing unit, in order to check the correctness or accuracy of the driving parameters (validation function). For example, it is checked whether the activity parameters indicate the same vehicle activity as that indicated by the driving parameters. If the vehicle activity information of the driving parameters correctly matches the vehicle activity information of the activity parameters, the driving parameters are validated and are therefore characterized as correct. On the other hand, if there is no match, the driving parameters are judged to be false. In other words, the driving parameters are considered false or falsified. This can occur, for example, when the driving parameters have been manipulated.

[0023] The antenna input and the antenna output can be regarded respectively as a connection or an interface for the connection or connection of the respective vehicle antenna or vehicle receiver unit. In this respect, the respective connection is suitable for or implemented for the transmission of antenna signals. This can, for example, be a coaxial connection.

[0024] A computing unit may be understood in particular to mean a data processing device which contains a processing switching circuit. The computing unit may thus in particular process data for the execution of computing operations. The computing unit may in particular comprise one or more computers, one or more microcontrollers and / or one or more integrated switching circuits, for example one or more application-specific integrated circuits, ASIC (in English: "application-specific integrated circuit"), one or more programmable gate arrays, FPGA, and / or one or more single-chip systems, SoC (in English: "System on a chip").The computing unit may also comprise one or more processors, for example one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs) and / or one or more signal processors, in particular one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). The computing unit may also comprise a physical or virtual set of computers or other of the units mentioned. The computing unit may consist, as a whole, of several elements such as a receiver, an evaluation circuit and security chips for example.

[0025] Preferably, the computing unit comprises one or more modules for different processing processes or processing functions. The respective module can be implemented as a hardware and / or software module. For example, the computing unit can comprise an evaluation module for collecting and processing the driving parameters. With the aid of the evaluation module, the trip recording function of the tachograph can be implemented. For collecting and processing the respective antenna signal, the computing unit can further comprise a GNSS receiving module. With the aid of the GNSS receiving module, the processing and in particular the validation function for validating the driving parameters can be implemented.

[0026] Embodiments are provided that provide additional advantages.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the distributor circuit comprises a diagnostic unit, which is implemented to provide an internal diagnostic signal to the antenna input, i.e. to apply it to the antenna input. The diagnostic unit is implemented, from a resulting input signal at the antenna input, which comprises the antenna signal and the diagnostic signal, to determine an antenna signal value which indicates an antenna condition of the vehicle antenna. In other words, the aforementioned diagnostic capability for the vehicle antenna is implemented using the diagnostic unit in the tachograph.

[0028] A diagnostic signal is understood to mean an electrical signal that uses a receiving device of an antenna to recognize or detect its status or condition. The antenna status indicates, for example, an availability of the antenna and / or an intensity of the antenna signal. The antenna status therefore includes information indicating whether the antenna is functioning correctly or whether the antenna is connected or not.

[0029] The diagnostic signal may, for example, be a DC electrical signal. For example, the diagnostic signal may be provided as a DC electrical voltage. When only the diagnostic unit applies the diagnostic signal to the antenna input, the input signal may be taken from the antenna input, the shape or parameters of which input signal depend on the antenna condition. In the case of a functional antenna, the diagnostic signal and the antenna signal are superimposed on the input signal, for example. The diagnostic unit may collect the input signal and determine the antenna signal value. As the antenna signal value, a current value or a change in the current value of the input signal may be measured, for example. The antenna signal value provides a parameter of the input signal, which may be used as a measure of the antenna condition.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the calculation unit is implemented to evaluate the antenna signal value in accordance with a predefined evaluation criterion for determining the antenna state. In other words, the verification of the correct operation of the antenna is carried out using the calculation unit. For the evaluation, the calculation unit can apply the evaluation criterion to the antenna signal value. The application of the evaluation criterion to the antenna signal value provides the antenna state.

[0031] In one embodiment, in this context, it is intended that the evaluation comprises checking whether the antenna signal value deviates from a predefined setpoint value range in accordance with the evaluation criterion, which range represents the antenna signal value when the vehicle antenna has a properly functional antenna condition.

[0032] This means that the evaluation criterion can implement an association rule by means of which the antenna signal value can be associated with an antenna state. In this case, according to the association rule, the target value range is indicated and the functional antenna state is associated with the target value range. A non-functional antenna state is associated with value ranges outside the target value range. Functional here means that the antenna is connected and the signal quality factor is present in sufficient or desired quality. Non-functional, on the other hand, means that the antenna is not connected or the signal quality factor is not present in sufficient or desired quality. The target value range and the quality of the signal quality factor can, for example, be determined by a manufacturer of the vehicle antenna or, for example, by tests or simulations.

[0033] If the vehicle antenna has the properly functional antenna state, the antenna signal value is within or within the setpoint value range. The antenna signal value does not deviate from the setpoint value range. If the vehicle antenna has the non-functional antenna state, the antenna signal value is outside the setpoint value range and exceeds or falls below it. The antenna signal value deviates from the setpoint value range.

[0034] The deviation from the setpoint range therefore only occurs when the antenna is non-functional or malfunctioning, i.e. is defective or, for example, is not connected. A defective antenna can, for example, be measured as an electrical short circuit, in which case the antenna signal value has an essentially infinite current value. If the antenna is not connected, an electrical open circuit can be measured, in which case the antenna signal value has an essentially infinitesimal current value.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the distributor circuit has a first decoupling unit which is implemented to filter the internal diagnostic signal from the input signal for processing the vehicle parameters using the computing unit. This therefore involves removing the diagnostic signal from the input signal, or blocking it, for further processing. This therefore only involves using the antenna signal, i.e. the useful part of the input signal, for evaluating the driving parameters using the computing unit. In this case, a decoupling unit can be understood to mean a filter circuit provided with an electronic filter. For example, the filter circuit can comprise one or more electrical capacitors.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the distributor circuit has a second decoupling unit which is designed to filter an external diagnostic signal which the vehicle receiving unit supplies to the at least one antenna output in the connected state for determining the antenna state of the vehicle antenna. This means that the vehicle receiving unit can also comprise an above-mentioned diagnostic unit.

[0037] The second decoupling unit can be implemented analogously to the first decoupling unit. This means that the second decoupling unit can block or remove the external diagnostic signal from the vehicle receiving unit when it is transmitted to the distributor circuit. Thus, the external diagnostic signal, via the distributor circuit in the tachograph, is not routed to the antenna input and the vehicle antenna.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the distributor circuit comprises an antenna simulation unit. The antenna simulation unit is, upon receipt of the external diagnostic signal that the vehicle receiving unit supplies to at least one antenna output in the connected state for determining the antenna state of the vehicle antenna, designed to impose the antenna state of the vehicle antenna on the vehicle receiving unit or to simulate it. The antenna simulation unit therefore makes it possible, during the diagnosis, to reproduce from the outside the function or properties of the vehicle antenna. As a result, the vehicle receiving unit can also carry out its diagnosis in the desired or required manner, in order to check the presence and the signal quality factor of the vehicle antenna.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the computing unit is, in this context, designed to couple the antenna simulation unit depending on the result of the evaluation of the antenna signal value to the at least one antenna output in order to predefine the correctly functional antenna state of the vehicle antenna. In other words, the computing unit can control the antenna simulation unit and in this case either separate it from the antenna output or connect it to it. It can thus be ensured that the tachograph, upon receipt of the external diagnostic signal, communicates or correctly transmits the actual or measured proper functioning of the vehicle antenna to the vehicle receiving unit. Preferably, the antenna simulation unit is only connected to the antenna output when the vehicle antenna has been recognized as functional. In contrast, the antenna simulation unit is preferably only separated from the antenna output when the vehicle antenna has been recognized as non-functional.

[0040] In order to enable separation and connection, the antenna simulation unit is preferably designed to be switchable. For this purpose, the antenna simulation unit can, for example, be connected to the output connection by means of a switching unit which can be controlled by the computing unit. By means of the control, the computing unit can switch the switching unit between at least two different switching states. In one switching state, the antenna simulation unit is connected (connected) to the output connection, while in another switching state it is disconnected (separated) from it.

[0041] In this case, the term switching unit may hereinafter be understood to mean in particular an electronic switch. The switching unit may for this purpose comprise, for example, one or more switching elements which may, for example, be designed as a semiconductor switch. A transistor such as a bipolar transistor or a field effect transistor, for example, in particular a MOSTEC (metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistor) or a thyristor or a relay, may be used as the semiconductor switch.

[0042] According to an alternative embodiment, the diagnostic unit is implemented to provide the antenna signal value to the antenna simulation unit. The antenna simulation unit is implemented to provide the vehicle receiving unit with the antenna signal value to predefine the antenna state.

[0043] This means that the control signal does not come from the computing unit, but the output signal (antenna signal value) is used by the diagnostic unit to operate the antenna simulation unit. The antenna simulation unit, in terms of behavior, therefore tunes to the output signal of the diagnostic unit and transmits the respective antenna state. Preferably, the antenna signal value is also supplied to the computing unit for evaluation.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the antenna simulation unit provides an electrical resistance. This means that the antenna simulation unit can act as an ohmic load for the antenna output in the connected state. Alternatively, the antenna simulation unit can for example be implemented as a current sink.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the distributor circuit comprises an amplification unit, which is designed to amplify the antenna signal supplied via the antenna input for supply to the at least one output connection or to the at least one antenna output. This ensures that the antenna signal for retransmission or transmission to the vehicle receiving unit has sufficient signal strength for further processing.

[0046] For this purpose, the amplification circuit may have at least one amplifier that is suitable or designed for amplifying antenna signals. An amplifier may be an electronic assembly that processes an incoming signal in such a way that the resulting output signal preferably has a different amplitude than that of the input signal. The amplification may be positive or negative, so that the signal amplitude or the signal level is in particular of increased amplitude after the amplification. Alternatively, an amplification factor of one may be set. The amplifier may, for example, have a circuit having one or more operational amplifiers.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the tachograph comprises an internal tachograph antenna, which is designed to provide the GNSS signals as a respective further antenna signal to the computing unit for processing the driving parameters collected by the tachograph. The tachograph further comprises a switching unit, which, in a first switching state, couples or connects the vehicle antenna to the computing unit via the antenna input. In a second switching state different from this, on the other hand, the switching unit couples or connects the tachograph antenna to the computing unit. The computing unit is then designed to switch the switching unit into the first or second switching state depending on a respective antenna state of the antenna signal and the further antenna signal.

[0048] This means that the computing unit can, using the diagnostic unit, determine the antenna state of the external vehicle antenna. Depending on this, the computing unit can control the switching unit for switching between the respective switching states. Therefore, depending on the signal quality factor or the availability of the antenna signal of the external vehicle antenna, either the internal antenna or the external antenna can be used for processing.

[0049] Internal means that the tachograph antenna is installed in a tachograph housing together with the other elements or components. This means that the tachograph antenna can, for example, be mounted or fixed on a printed circuit board shared with the computing unit.

[0050] The tachograph antenna can be implemented analogously to the vehicle antenna. Particularly preferably, the tachograph antenna is also connected or coupled to the antenna output in the coupled or connected state with the computing unit. The coupling can be implemented using the splitter circuit. Therefore, the further antenna signal collected or provided using the tachograph antenna can also be used in the manner described above for operation of the external vehicle receiving unit. In order to achieve the desired signal amplification for further processing in the vehicle receiving unit, the tachograph antenna may, for example, comprise an amplification unit as described above.

[0051] According to one aspect, the invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a tachograph as described above by way of example. Furthermore, the vehicle comprises an external vehicle antenna and an external vehicle receiving unit which are connected to the tachograph in the manner described above. External is understood here to mean that the vehicle antenna and the vehicle receiving unit are installed in the vehicle externally, i.e. outside the tachograph.

[0052] The vehicle is preferably produced in the form of a motor vehicle, in particular in the form of an automobile and / or a private car or a heavy goods vehicle or a passenger transport vehicle or in the form of a motorcycle.

[0053] According to one aspect, the invention also relates to a method for processing collected driving parameters of a vehicle using a tachograph. Here, GNSS signals are collected, as a respective antenna signal of a connected external vehicle antenna, at an antenna input of the tachograph. With the aid of a computing unit of the tachograph, the respective antenna signal is received and is evaluated for processing the driving parameters collected by the tachograph. With the aid of a distributor circuit of the tachograph, the antenna input is coupled to at least one antenna output of the tachograph respectively for the connection of an external vehicle receiving unit. With the aid of the distributor circuit, the respectively provided antenna signal is transmitted from the antenna input to the at least one antenna output.

[0054] The method is therefore a method of operating a tachograph, as described previously by way of example. The method can therefore be executed or implemented using the tachograph. The tachograph executes or implements the method.

[0055] For application cases or application situations which may arise during the method and which are not explicitly described here, it may be provided, depending on the method, that an error message is delivered and / or that a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0056] The invention also relates to improvements of the method according to the invention and of the vehicle according to the invention which have characteristics as already described in connection with the improvements of the tachograph according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding improvements of the tachograph according to the invention have not been described again here.

[0057] The invention also includes combinations of features of the described embodiments.

[0058] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below. The figures represent for this purpose:

[0059] [Fig.l] a schematic representation of a vehicle comprising a tachograph used for processing collected driving parameters of the vehicle and

[0060] [Fig.2] a schematic sequence diagram of a method of operation of a corresponding tachograph.

[0061] The embodiment explained below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment, the described components of the embodiment respectively represent individual features of the invention, which are to be considered independently of one another and which also perfect the invention independently of one another and are therefore also to be considered as a constituent element of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0062] In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference characters.

[0063] [Fig. 1] illustrates a vehicle 1 in schematic representation. The vehicle 1 is represented as a heavy goods vehicle by way of example. The vehicle 1 is equipped with a tachograph 10 which is also called a tachograph or EC control device. Preferably, it is an intelligent or digital tachograph. For example, the DTCO® product from the company VDO Fleet Services can be used.

[0064] With the aid of the tachograph 10, the use or activity of the vehicle 1 can be controlled or monitored in a known manner. For example, driving and rest times, interruptions in driving time, mileage, driving speed and / or, for example, the weight of the vehicle can be recorded or collected. A detection of working time and weight can therefore, for example, be used for the transport of products transported in the heavy goods vehicle. The tachograph 10 is, however, also suitable, for example, for position determination, for example in order to monitor the crossing of borders by the vehicle 1.

[0065] To monitor the activity, the tachograph 10 collects driving parameters of the vehicle. The tachograph 10 thus performs a trip recording function. The driving parameters can, in a known manner, be determined by systems of the vehicle 1 and supplied to the tachograph 10. The vehicle systems, which are not shown in [Fig.l], can for example be components of a drive train or a navigation device of the vehicle.

[0066] For specific functions or applications, for example position determination and / or processing of collected driving parameters for example for validation (validation function), the tachograph 10 uses an antenna. As an antenna, for example, a GNSS antenna is used for receiving satellite signals or GNSS signals.

[0067] The tachograph 10 can operate for this purpose with an internal or external antenna. Internal means that the antenna is introduced or inserted into a housing 19 of the tachograph 10. External means that the antenna is located outside the housing 19. It may happen that the reception of satellite signals using the internal antenna is too poor or impossible. It is therefore common to use both an internal and an external antenna with a tachograph 10.

[0068] The external antenna may for example be a vehicle antenna 2, as shown by way of example in [Fig. 1]. The vehicle antenna 2 is to be used in or on the vehicle 1 generally, not only for the tachograph 10, but also for other receiving devices. This includes, for example, a vehicle receiving unit 3 which is shown as a navigation device by way of example in the present exemplary embodiment.

[0069] In order to supply several receiving devices, it is necessary to divide or distribute the antenna signal A supplied by the vehicle antenna 2. For this purpose, a so-called splitter can be used. The splitter is used in this case as a duplexer with two or more channels. Since the tachograph 10 must be able to diagnose the vehicle antenna 2 directly, it is not possible to connect the external vehicle antenna 2 to the tachograph 10 in conjunction with an external splitter. This is because the tachograph 10 must be able to reliably diagnose the vehicle antenna 2. Only in this way can it be reliably recognized whether the driving parameters have been manipulated and therefore, for example, the driving and rest times have been incorrectly recorded or the vehicle antenna 2 has, for example, a malfunction.

[0070] The present tachograph 10 is therefore provided with an internal distributor circuit 12 which performs the distributor function for the distribution of antenna signals to one or more other terminals. The vehicle antenna 2 is thus connected directly or indirectly to the tachograph 10.

[0071] For this purpose, the tachograph 10 comprises an antenna input 10a for connecting the vehicle antenna 2. Furthermore, the tachograph 10 comprises at least one antenna output 10b to which another of the terminals is connected which are to be supplied with the antenna signal A of the vehicle antenna 2. In the present exemplary embodiment, the tachograph 10 is illustrated with exactly one antenna output 10b. The vehicle receiving unit 3 is connected to the antenna output 10b.

[0072] The antenna input 10a is connected to a computing unit 11 of the tachograph 10 by means of the distributor circuit 12. The computing unit 11 performs the function of processing the driving parameters collected by the tachograph 10 by means of the antenna signal A supplied by the vehicle antenna 2. In the present exemplary embodiment, the processing refers in particular to a validation of the driving parameters. However, further processing of the driving parameters can also be carried out in the computing unit 11. The computing unit is preferably an electronic data processing device. The computing unit 11 may, for example, comprise one or more microprocessors and / or one or more microcontrollers, with the aid of which corresponding processing steps can be carried out or implemented. The computing unit 11 may, for example, have several modules which can respectively carry out different processing processes or functions.One module may, for example, be an evaluation module for collecting and processing driving parameters. With the aid of the evaluation module, the trip recording function of the tachograph 10 can thus be implemented. Another module may, for example, be a GNSS receiving module, with the aid of which the respective antenna signal A can be collected and processed for validation of the driving parameters. The respective modules may, for example, be implemented as hardware and / or software modules.

[0073] The splitter circuit 12 is designed such that it additionally couples or connects the antenna input 10a and the antenna output 10b to each other for the transmission of the antenna signal A. As illustrated in [Fig.l], this connection is made by means of a series circuit consisting of a first decoupling unit 14a, an amplification unit 16 and a second decoupling unit 14b.

[0074] The decoupling units 14a, 14b serve in particular for filtering the signal, so that in particular only the antenna signal A, i.e. the desired useful signal, is available for use in the tachograph 10. Preferably, the decoupling units 14a, 14b are designed as an electronic filter which is designed to filter DC electrical signals. After filtering, only AC electrical signals, such as the antenna signal A, are therefore available. For this purpose, the decoupling units 14a, 14b may, for example, comprise one or more capacitors or capacitor systems. In the exemplary embodiment in [Fig. 1], the respective decoupling unit 14a, 14b is symbolically represented by way of example by an electrical capacitor.

[0075] The decoupling units 14a, 14b are connected to each other by means of an amplification unit 16. The amplification unit 16 may for example be an operational amplifier circuit, by means of which the antenna signal A supplied by means of the first decoupling unit 14a after filtering or the still available component of the antenna signal A is amplified to the desired extent. Thus, the filtered antenna signal A can, for example, be amplified to the signal level of the antenna signal A initially supplied to the antenna input 10a, in order to then supply it to the vehicle receiving unit 3 at the antenna output 10b. This can ensure that the vehicle receiving unit 3 receives a signal level of the antenna signal A which is sufficient to be able to use the antenna signal A itself for processing in the desired manner.

[0076] In this case, the tachograph 10 also comprises, by way of example, a diagnostic unit 13. In the exemplary embodiment according to [Fig. 1], the diagnostic unit 13 is connected between the antenna input 10a and the first decoupling unit 14a. With the aid of the diagnostic unit 13, an antenna condition of the vehicle antenna 2 is to be diagnosed or recognized. This therefore involves checking whether the vehicle antenna 2 is connected to the antenna input 10a (availability) and / or whether the vehicle antenna 2 is functioning correctly (proper operation). Proper operation is understood to mean, for example, a signal quality at which the vehicle antenna 2 provides an antenna signal A. The signal quality can, for example, be determined by a level of the antenna signal A or another signal parameter of the antenna signal A. The manner in which the antenna diagnosis can be used in practice is described in more detail below.

[0077] The distributor circuit 12 comprises, in the present exemplary embodiment, an optional antenna simulation unit 15. In [Fig.l], the antenna simulation unit 15 is connected between the antenna output 10b and the second decoupling unit 14b. With the aid of the antenna simulation unit 15, the vehicle receiving unit 3 can simulate or predefine the presence and / or correct functioning of the vehicle antenna 2. This is particularly advantageous if the vehicle receiving unit 3 also has a diagnostic unit analogous to the diagnostic unit 13, in order to check the antenna condition of the vehicle antenna 2. Since this diagnostic cannot be transmitted to the vehicle antenna 2 via the distributor circuit 12, the antenna function of the vehicle antenna 2 can be reproduced in the distributor circuit 12 with the aid of the simulation unit 15.

[0078] According to [Fig.l], the tachograph 10 finally further comprises an optional tachograph antenna 17 which is associated with the tachograph 10. The tachograph antenna 17 is an internal antenna, i.e. is arranged or installed inside the housing 19. With the aid of a switching unit 18 of the tachograph 10, it is now possible to switch between the vehicle antenna 2 or the tachograph antenna 17 for the operation of the tachograph 10. For this purpose, the switching unit 18 is designed, for example, as an electronic switch or of semiconductor switch and can be switched between at least two different switching states. In the first switching state, the vehicle antenna 2 is coupled to the computing unit 11 via the antenna input 10a. In the second switching state, the tachograph antenna 17 is coupled to the computing unit 11. The change or switching between the switching states can, for example, be implemented or carried out using the computing unit 11.

[0079] In the following, the function or use of the tachograph 10 in the vehicle 1 is now described by way of example using the embodiment example according to [Fig. 1]. Reference should also be made to [Fig. 2] for the description of the function. [Fig. 2] illustrates a schematic sequence diagram of an operating method of the tachograph 10.

[0080] During operation, the vehicle antenna 2 collects, for example, satellite signals from a desired GNSS system and converts them in a known manner from an electromagnetic signal into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is the antenna signal A, which is present in the form of an alternating electrical voltage. The antenna signal A is applied to the antenna input 10a. The tachograph 10 can collect or receive the antenna signal. This corresponds to step S1 in the process sequence diagram according to [Fig. 2].

[0081] In order to determine the antenna state of the vehicle antenna 2, the diagnostic unit 13 further applies an internal diagnostic signal DI to the antenna input 10a. The internal diagnostic signal DI is, for example, a direct current voltage. The antenna signal A and the diagnostic signal DI are superimposed at the antenna input 10a to form the input signal E. The diagnostic unit 13 can collect the input signal E and determine from it an antenna signal value W which comprises or indicates the antenna state of the vehicle antenna 2. For example, the diagnostic unit 13 measures a current of the input signal E for this purpose. The antenna signal value W can therefore be a current value. The diagnostic unit 13 can transmit the information encoded in the antenna signal value W to the computing unit 11 via the antenna state for further processing.

[0082] In addition to the diagnostic unit 13, the distributor circuit 12 can also take or collect the input signal E at the antenna input A. In the distributor circuit 12, the input signal E is transmitted to the first decoupling unit 14a. This filters the DC component of the input signal E. Thus, the diagnostic signal DI is removed from the input signal E, so that after the first decoupling unit 14a only the antenna signal A is still available as a useful signal. From there, the antenna signal A is transmitted on the one hand to the computing unit 11 and on the other hand to the amplification unit 16 via two different signal paths or lines. This signal path separation describes the splitter function of the splitter circuit 12.

[0083] In order for the computing unit 11 to receive the filtered antenna signal A, the switching unit 18 is in the first switching state. In the first switching state, the antenna input 10a is connected to the computing unit 11. The computing unit 11 receives the filtered antenna signal A and can further process it, for example to validate vehicle parameters. The reception and evaluation of the antenna signal A correspond to step S2 in the sequence diagram of the method according to [Fig. 2].

[0084] The processing comprises, for example, comparing activity parameters predefined by the antenna signal A, for example a current position of the vehicle and / or a time, with the driving parameters that the tachograph 10 has collected, for example, from the vehicle systems for driving monitoring. The evaluation is carried out according to known evaluation principles and is therefore not described in further detail here.

[0085] The second signal path of the antenna signal A after the first decoupling unit 14a passes as described above through the amplification unit 16 and the second decoupling unit 14b. Thus, the distributor circuit 12 transmits the antenna signal A from the input 10a to the output 10b. This corresponds to step S3 in the process sequence diagram according to [Fig.2].

[0086] Since the signal path has been split and the antenna signal A is thus weakened, the antenna signal A can again be amplified in the amplifier unit 16 to a higher level, for example the initial level or a similar level. The amplified antenna signal A is then supplied to the antenna output 10b via the decoupling unit 14b. With the aid of the second decoupling unit 14b, an external diagnostic signal D2 that the vehicle receiver unit 3 supplies to the tachograph 10 for diagnosing the antenna condition can then be filtered or clipped. This therefore involves filtering, within the distributor circuit 12, the external diagnostic signal D2, which can for its part be, for example, a direct current voltage. This prevents the vehicle receiving unit 3 from diagnosing the vehicle antenna 2 itself directly via the splitter circuit 12.

[0087] The distributor circuit 12 itself, on the other hand, provides the diagnosis. For this purpose, the distributor circuit 12 comprises the antenna simulation unit 15. When receiving the external diagnostic signal D2, the antenna simulation unit 15 of the vehicle receiving unit 13 can simulate or predefine the antenna state of the vehicle antenna 2. For this purpose, the simulation unit 15 comprises, for example, one or more electrical resistors which can be connected to the antenna output 10b of the vehicle antenna 2. When applying the diagnostic signal D2, a electric current flows through the resistor(s), the value of which current depends on the value of the resistance values. By varying the resistance values, the electrical resistance exhibited by the vehicle antenna 2 during proper operation can therefore be reproduced.

[0088] Preferably, the adjustment of the simulation unit 15 is carried out depending on the determined antenna state of the vehicle antenna 2. To determine the antenna state, the computing unit 11 can collect and evaluate the antenna signal value W. For example, the computing unit 11 can compare the antenna signal value W with a predefined setpoint value range for this purpose. The setpoint value range is a value range in which the antenna signal value W should lie when the vehicle antenna 2 is properly functional. The setpoint value range can, for example, be predefined by a manufacturer of the vehicle antenna or can be determined by testing or simulations.

[0089] If the comparison indicates that the antenna signal value W is within the setpoint value range, i.e. does not exceed or fall below it, then the vehicle antenna 2 has a functional antenna state. Then, the computing unit 11 can output or transmit a status signal S to the simulation unit 15. The status signal S comprises information relating to the antenna state and, for example, associated settings for the simulation unit 15, in order to simulate the associated antenna state. Upon receipt of the status signal S, the simulation unit 15 therefore sets, for example, the desired resistance value, in order to reproduce the correct operation of the vehicle antenna 2. For this purpose, the resistor(s) can, for example, be switched on or off using a suitable switching unit.

[0090] If it turns out, during the comparison, that the antenna signal value W exceeds or falls below the setpoint value range, this is an indication that the vehicle antenna 2 is not functioning correctly. The computing unit then classifies the vehicle antenna 2 as non-functional or not properly functioning. Then, the computing unit 11 can apply a corresponding status signal S to the simulation unit 15, by means of which the simulation unit 15 is switched off. Upon receipt of the diagnostic signal D2, the simulation unit 15 therefore acts as an open electrical circuit and the vehicle receiving unit 3 can diagnose the vehicle antenna as defective.

[0091] The result of the evaluation of the antenna signal value W can also be used to switch between the vehicle antenna 2 and the tachograph antenna 17. If it turns out, for example, during the evaluation of the antenna signal value W that the vehicle antenna 2 is non-functional, i.e., for example, that the signal quality factor or the signal quality does not correspond to the desired value, the computing unit 11 can control the switching unit 18 to switching into the second switching state. In the second switching state, the tachograph antenna 17 is coupled or connected to the computing unit 11, and the vehicle antenna 2 is no longer coupled or connected thereto. The satellite signals are therefore collected internally using the tachograph antenna 17 of the tachograph 10.

[0092] In embodiments other than the illustrated embodiments, it is possible to omit the tachograph antenna 17 in the tachograph 10. The tachograph then uses exclusively the external antenna (vehicle antenna 2) which is used for the desired antenna function.

[0093] Overall, the exemplary embodiments illustrate the use of a GNSS mini-distributor (distributor circuit 12) as an example in the DTCO® (tachograph 10). List of reference signs

[0094] 1 vehicle

[0095] 2 vehicle antenna

[0096] 3 vehicle reception unit

[0097] 10 tachograph

[0098] 10a antenna input

[0099] 10b antenna output

[0100] 11 computing unit

[0101] 12 distribution circuit

[0102] 13 diagnostic unit

[0103] 14a first decoupling unit

[0104] 14b second decoupling unit

[0105] 15 antenna simulation unit

[0106] 16 amplification unit

[0107] 17 tachograph antenna

[0108] 18 switching unit

[0109] 19 case

[0110] A antenna signal

[0111] DI internal diagnostic signal

[0112] D2 external diagnostic signal

[0113] E input signal

[0114] S status signal

[0115] IF first step

[0116] S2 second step

[0117] S3 third step

[0118] W antenna signal value

Claims

Claims

1. Tachograph (10) for processing collected driving parameters of a vehicle (1), comprising - an antenna input (10a) for connecting an external vehicle antenna (2), which is designed, in the connected state, to provide GNSS signals as a respective antenna signal (A) to the antenna input (10a), and - a computing unit (11) which is designed to evaluate the respective antenna signal (A) for receiving and for processing the driving parameters collected by the tachograph (10), characterized in that - the tachograph (10) comprises at least one antenna output (10b) respectively for connecting a respective external vehicle receiving unit (3), and - the tachograph (10) comprises a splitter circuit (12), which couples the antenna input (10a) and the at least one antenna output (10b) for signal transmission antenna (A) provided respectively.

2. Tachograph (10) according to claim 1, the distributor circuit (12) comprising a diagnostic unit (13), which is designed to provide an internal diagnostic signal (Dl) to the antenna input (10a), and the diagnostic unit (13) being designed, from an input signal (E) resulting at the antenna input (10a), which comprises the antenna signal (A) and the diagnostic signal (Dl), to determine an antenna signal value (W) which indicates an antenna condition of the vehicle antenna (2).

3. Tachograph (10) according to claim 2, the calculation unit (11) being designed to evaluate the antenna signal value (W) in accordance with a predefined evaluation criterion for determining the antenna condition.

4. Tachograph (10) according to claim 3, the evaluation comprising checking whether the antenna signal value (W) deviates from a predefined setpoint value range in accordance with the evaluation criterion, which range presents the antenna signal value (W) when the vehicle antenna (2) has a properly functional antenna condition.

5. Tachograph (10) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, the distributor circuit (12) having a first decoupling unit (14a) which is designed to filter the internal diagnostic signal (D1) from the input signal (E) for processing the vehicle parameters using the computing unit (11).

6. Tachograph (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the distributor circuit (12) having a second decoupling unit (14b) which is designed to filter an external diagnostic signal (D2) which the vehicle receiving unit (3) supplies to T at least one antenna output (10b) in the connected state for determining an antenna state of the vehicle antenna (2).

7. Tachograph (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the distributor circuit (12) having an antenna simulation unit (15) which, upon receipt of an external diagnostic signal (D2) which the vehicle receiving unit (3) provides to T at least one antenna output (10b) in the connected state for determining an antenna state of the vehicle antenna (2), is designed to impose an antenna state of the vehicle antenna (2) on the vehicle receiving unit (3).

8. Tachograph (10) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 6 and according to claim 7, the computing unit (11) being designed to couple the antenna simulation unit (15) depending on the result of the evaluation to T at least one antenna output (10b) to predefine the antenna state of the vehicle antenna (2).

9. Tachograph (10) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 6 and according to claim 7, the diagnostic unit (13) being designed to provide the antenna signal value (W) to the antenna simulation unit (15), and the antenna simulation unit (15) being designed to provide the vehicle receiving unit (3) with the antenna signal value (W) for predefining the antenna state of the vehicle antenna (2).

10. Tachograph (10) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, the antenna simulation unit (15) providing an electrical resistance.

11. Tachograph (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the distributor circuit (12) comprising an amplification unit (16), which is designed to amplify the antenna signal (A) provided by via the antenna input (10a) for supplying to the at least one antenna output (10b).

12. Tachograph (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the tachograph (10) comprising an internal tachograph antenna (17), which is designed to provide GNSS signals as a respective further antenna signal to the computing unit (11) for processing the driving parameters collected by the tachograph (10), and the tachograph (10) comprising a switching unit (18), which, in a first switching state, couples the vehicle antenna (2) to the computing unit (11) via the antenna input (10a) and, in a second switching state, couples the tachograph antenna (17) to the computing unit (11), and the computing unit (11) being designed to switch the switching unit (18) into the first or second switching state depending on a respective antenna state of the antenna signal (A) and the further signal antenna.

13. Vehicle (1) comprising a tachograph (10) according to one of the preceding claims and comprising an external vehicle antenna (2) and an external vehicle receiving unit (3) which are connected to the tachograph (10).

14. Method for processing driving parameters of a vehicle (1) which are collected with the aid of a tachograph (10), wherein GNSS signals as a respective antenna signal (A) of a connected external vehicle antenna (2) are collected at an antenna input (10a) of the tachograph (10), and, with the aid of a computing unit (11) of the tachograph (10), the respective antenna signal (A) is received and evaluated for processing the driving parameters collected by the tachograph (10), characterized in that, with the aid of a splitter circuit (12) of the tachograph (10), the antenna input (10a) is coupled to at least one antenna output (10b) of the tachograph (10) respectively for the connection of an external vehicle receiving unit (3) and, with the aid of the splitter circuit (12), the signal antenna (A) respectively provided is transmitted from the antenna input (10a) to the at least one antenna output (10b).

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