System and method for detecting lost items

Abstract

Identify a novel method and a novel system for detecting lost items transported by a vehicle. **Solution**: The present invention relates to a method and a system for detecting lost items transported by a vehicle, and to a method and a system for monitoring the loading state of the vehicle. In this method and system, the route along which the vehicle travels is divided into several sections (X, Y, Z) that are seamlessly connected at respective route transition points (A, B, C, D). At each route transition point (A, B, C, D), a control unit (SCX, SCY, SCZ) is activated. This control unit individually determines the vehicle weight (FGA, FGB) and the weight of the operating material consumed by the vehicle (GBS). A difference (GVL) is formed from the vehicle weight (FGA) at the previous route transition point (A, B, C, D), the vehicle weight (FGB) at the current route transition point (A, B, C, D), and the weight of the consumed operating material (GBS). If the difference (GVL) is greater than a predetermined threshold value (SW), a loss of cargo is recognized and the corresponding section (X, Y, Z) is identified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for detecting lost items according to the preamble of claim 1 and a system for detecting lost items according to the preamble of claim 9.

Background Art

[0002] The detection of lost cargo is an important issue, especially for highly automated vehicles. Since the size of lost objects is small, it is difficult for the vehicle's environmental sensor system (e.g., radar, camera, lidar, ultrasonic, etc.) to detect lost objects and distinguish them from surrounding objects.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a method for detecting the loss of cargo in a vehicle. The loss of cargo is determined by monitoring the loading state of the vehicle, and the validity of the lost cargo is checked by evaluating at least one sensor signal of at least one sensor that monitors the rear area of the vehicle. The loading state of the vehicle is monitored by evaluating the spring load state of the vehicle's suspension using at least one spring travel sensor, and the height position of the lost loaded cargo is considered during the validity check of the lost loaded cargo.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to identify a novel method and a novel system for detecting lost items transported by a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This object is solved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a system having the features of claim 9.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] In a method according to the invention for detecting lost items that are transported by a vehicle, the loading state of the vehicle is monitored, and the route on which the vehicle travels is divided into a plurality of sections that are seamlessly connected at each route transition point. At each route transition point, a control unit is activated to determine the vehicle weight and, separately, the weight of the operating material consumed by the vehicle. A difference is formed from the vehicle weight at the previous route transition point, the vehicle weight at the current route transition point, and the weight of the consumed operating material. If the difference is greater than a predetermined threshold value, a loss of cargo is recognized and the corresponding section is identified.

[0009] The solution according to the invention makes it possible to increase traffic safety by determining the lost load.

[0010] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] In all the figures, corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0013] The present invention relates to a system and a method for discovering articles that are transported by a vehicle and lost during travel.

[0014] According to the present invention, in order to determine the loss of even small articles, the traveled route is classified into several route sections that are seamlessly connected, and at each route transition point, the control unit is activated. This control unit starts measuring the weight of the vehicle and, separately from that, the weight of the driving material. Then, the detected weight data are subtracted from each other by a computer. After that, the subtraction results at consecutive transition points are compared with each other. If this difference exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the loss of the cargo is recognized and the corresponding section is identified.

[0015] In one embodiment, the classification into route sections is performed manually by the driver or the vehicle fleet manager (fleet manager).

[0016] In one embodiment, the classification into route sections is performed by a backend equipped with a corresponding logistics program, for example, by the cloud, or by a frontend, for example, by an on-board computer.

[0017] In one embodiment, the backend or the frontend communicates with the control unit to execute the weighing process.

[0018] In one embodiment, the classification into route sections is performed according to the terrain, the route, and / or the current traffic situation.

[0019] In one embodiment, the vehicle weight is measured at each external station.

[0020] In one embodiment, the determination of the vehicle weight is performed by dedicated vehicle measuring means (on-board).

[0021] In one embodiment, the results are sent to a higher control center.

[0022] In one embodiment, when the threshold value is exceeded, a warning is sent to the control center and / or the driver.

[0023] In one embodiment, the control center regulates the traffic in each identified route section and initiates measures to recover the goods.

[0024] In one embodiment, to regulate the traffic, the traffic lights in the route section are controlled and / or the vehicles passing through the route section are warned of the danger of the rolling goods.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a method for detecting lost items transported by a vehicle.

[0026] The road on which the vehicle travels is divided into sections X, Y, and Z. In the illustrated embodiment, three sections X, Y, and Z are shown. In other examples, any other number of sections X, Y, and Z may be provided. Each of the sections X, Y, and Z has a start and an end. In this example, the start of section X is route transition point A. The end of section X, that is, the start of section Y, is route transition point B. The end of section Y, that is, the start of section Z, is route transition point C. The end of section Z is route transition point D.

[0027] Control units SCX, SCY, and SCZ are provided in each of the sections X, Y, and Z, and an algorithm is executed in the control units. After the calculation result is determined, it is sent to the upper control center CC.

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an algorithm executed, for example, by the control unit SCX. When the vehicle passes through the route transition point A, in step S1, the vehicle weight FGA and / or the vehicle mass of the vehicle are determined at this route transition point A. This can be done by a weighing station, that is, offline, or by software for weight calculation, online within the vehicle (for example, as described at https: / / automobilkonstruktion.industrie.de / elektronik-software / software-loesung-von-fev-zur-gewichtsermittlung-bei-fahrzeugen / , accessed on September 25, 2020. This website is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application). After the vehicle travels on the road and passes through the route transition point B, in step S2, the vehicle weight FGB and / or the vehicle mass are newly determined by the control unit SCX. Further, in step S3, the vehicle determines the weight GBS and / or the mass of the operating materials (for example, fuel, wiper fluid, condensate) consumed in the section X from the route transition point A to the route transition point B. Then, in step S4, the lost cargo weight GVL is calculated by subtracting the two vehicle weights FGA, FGB or masses, and the weight GBS and / or the mass of the consumed operating materials.

[0029] GVL = FGA - FGB - GBS

[0030] In step S5, the control unit SCX checks whether this lost cargo weight GVL exceeds a certain threshold SW, for example, due to tolerances, and in this case, issues a warning to the control center CC. Thus, the control center CC has the option of blocking the road traffic in the section X by controlling the traffic signal (installed at the beginning of the section X) or directly warning the vehicle about its danger.

[0031] This method is similarly executed by the respectively assigned control units SCY, SCZ in other sections Y, Z.

Explanation of Symbols

[0032] Route transfer points A, B, C, D CC Control Center Vehicle weights FGA, FGB Weight of consumed operating material GBS Weight of lost items, difference GVL Control units SCX, SCY, SCZ SW Threshold value Steps S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 Intervals X, Y, Z

Claims

1. A method for being transported by a vehicle and detecting lost items, in a method in which the loading state of the vehicle is monitored, the route on which the vehicle travels is divided into several sections (X, Y, Z) that are seamlessly connected at respective route transition points (A, B, C, D), and at each respective route transition point (A, B, C, D), a control unit (SCX, SCY, SCZ) is activated, the control unit (SCX, SCY, SCZ) determines the vehicle weight (FGA, FGB), and separately, determines the weight (GBS) of the operating material consumed by the vehicle, and a difference (GVL) is formed from the vehicle weight (FGA) at the previous route transition point (A, B, C, D), the vehicle weight (FGB) at the current route transition point (A, B, C, D), and the weight (GBS) of the consumed operating material, and if the difference (GVL) is greater than a predetermined threshold value (SW), a loss of cargo is recognized and the corresponding section (X, Y, Z) is identified. A method characterized by this.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the classification into the sections (X, Y, Z) is performed manually by a driver or a vehicle fleet manager, or is performed by a backend having a logistics program, such as a cloud, or a frontend, such as an in-vehicle computer.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the backend or the frontend communicates with the control unit (SCX, SCY, SCZ) to determine the weight (FGA, FGB, GBS).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the classification into the sections (X, Y, Z) is performed according to the terrain, route, and / or current traffic situation.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the vehicle weights (FGA, FGB) are determined at respective external stations or by vehicle-specific measuring means.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the loss of the cargo and the corresponding section (X, Y, Z) are reported to a higher control center (CC) and / or the driver of the vehicle.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the control center (CC) regulates the traffic in the respective identified sections (X, Y, Z) and initiates measures for recovering the cargo.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, in order to regulate the traffic, the traffic lights in the section (X, Y, Z) are controlled and / or vehicles passing through the section (X, Y, Z) are warned about the danger of rolling goods.

9. A system for detecting lost items transported by a vehicle, the system comprising means for monitoring the loading state of the vehicle. The system is configured to divide the route on which the vehicle travels into several sections (X, Y, Z) that seamlessly connect at respective route transition points (A, B, C, D), or to take such a division into account, and respective control units (SCX, SCY, SCZ) are provided for each section (X, Y, Z), which are activated at respective route transition points (A, B, C, D) to determine the vehicle weight (FGA, FGB) and, separately, the weight (GBS) of the operating material consumed by the vehicle, and to form a difference (GVL) from the vehicle weight (FGA) at the previous route transition point (A, B, C, D), the vehicle weight (FGB) at the current route transition point (A, B, C, D), and the weight (GBS) of the consumed operating material, and if the difference (GVL) is greater than a predetermined threshold value (SW), to recognize a loss of goods and to identify the corresponding section (X, Y, Z).

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