WO2006018373A1 - System and method for monitoring spaces, particularly motor vehicle passenger compartments - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for monitoring, in particular, a passenger compartment (2) of a motor vehicle (1). To this end, the invention provides that in certain operating conditions of the motor vehicle (1), the continuity of a communications channel of a communications device (3) is monitored in such a manner that certain functions of the motor vehicle (1) are activated when the communications signal received by a corresponding receiver changes.

Description

description

System and method for monitoring rooms, in particular motor vehicle interiors

The present invention relates to a system and a ^method for monitoring rooms, in particular motor vehicle interior spaces, for example for theft prevention or for influencing the triggering behavior of an airbag as a function of seat occupancy.

Although applicable to any electromagnetic signals and any rooms, the present invention and the problem underlying it in terms of Funkksig ^¬ signals are explained in more detail in a passenger car.

In the prior art, some suggestions for an occupant recognition in a motor vehicle are described in more detail.

From the document DE 101 01 656 A1, a ^{device for} detecting the occupant in a vehicle is already known. Depending on a signal of the occupant classification, restraining means, such as airbags, are activated or the

Tripping behavior of an airbag depending on Sitzbele ^¬ tion influenced.

Another example of such a system and method is known from US Pat. No. 6,199,904 B1. Since ^¬ be at microwaves from a microwave transmitter on a reflective structure sent in a vehicle seat. The reflected microwaves are detected by a Mikrowellen¬ receiver. Since the intensity of the reflected microwaves depends on whether the microwave radiation through A person who occupies the seat, is weakened, can be concluded from the evaluation result on the seat occupancy.

In this approach according to the prior art, however, the fact has proven to be disadvantageous that the airbag control is not always based on reliable evaluations ^¬ sets. For example, it may be possible that a reflection takes place on other objects than on the reflection objects provided in the seat for this purpose. It would thus be pretended that the seat is not occupied, which could result in the airbag being blocked. This may be for the occupants of the vehicle le ^¬ bensgefährliche consequences.

Furthermore, it is disadvantageous in this system according to the prior art that a microwave transmitter and the reflecting structure must additionally be integrated in the motor vehicle. This is associated with an additional workload and thus with additional costs.

From the document WO 90/12379 a monitoring system for monitoring the windows of a motor vehicle interior is known. In such surveillance systems of loading pertinent sensor with mechanical touch on the monitored to über¬ disc is mounted so that the sensor Conclusions The Erschütte¬ benbruch occurring in ^¬ ticket in the respective disc or may sense vibrations.

In this approach according to the prior art, however, the fact has proven to be disadvantageous that a high cost for the integration of such a monitoring ^¬ system is necessary, which in turn is associated with an additional workload and additional manufacturing costs. Furthermore, ultrasound systems are known in which an ultrasound sensor evaluates the echo signals reflected by a person and calculates the presence or the distance of the occupant from the ultrasound sensor. Furthermore, in addition to ultrasonic sensors and radar sensors, capacitive sensors or the like for the detection of persons verwen¬ det.

These approaches have also been found to be disadvantageous in that such systems must be additionally integrated in the motor vehicle, which in addition to additional manufacturing and cost an ^{addi ¬} cher storage space for the installation of ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors or capacitive sensors is needed.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a system and a method by means of which the above disadvantages are eliminated and in particular in a simple and cost-effective manner monitoring a Rau ^¬ mes, in particular a motor vehicle interior, guaranteed ^¬ is.

According to the invention, this object is achieved on the device side by the system having the features of patent claim 1 and on the method side by the method having the features of patent claim 9.

The present invention is based the idea con- sists in the fact that len in the motor vehicle at least one Sen ^¬ signaling device for emitting electromagnetic Signa¬; at least one receiving device for receiving a signal receiving pattern generated by the emitted electromagnetic signals, wherein the at least one receiving device is provided by the at least one transmitting device is spaced such that the space between the at least one transmitting device and the at least one receiving device covers the space to be monitored in wesentli chen; a central control device connected to the at least one receiving device for evaluating the received signal reception pattern; and a radio ^¬ tion are unit is provided at least, which is for the case of Än ^¬ the continuity of the received signal receiving pattern tour through the central control device can be activated.

Thus, the advantage of the present invention over the approaches in the prior art is that such a system and a corresponding method can be accomplished with electromagnetic radiation emitted by components already integrated in the motor vehicle in the motor vehicle. This means that already existing in the power ^¬ vehicle electromagnetic Strahlaussendende components can be used as a transmitting device, so that an integration of additional components is eliminated. As a result, an additional work and additional manufacturing costs can be prevented.

Further, the present invention over the Ansät¬ zen according to the prior art has the advantage that a system and a method for monitoring the motor vehicle interior both for influencing the tripping of an airbag provided as a functional unit as well as for theft prevention is used simultaneously, so Because of this multifunctionality, the required space requirement as well as the production costs for a system with such functions are considerably reduced.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the vorlie¬ invention are the subject of the other dependent claims and the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

According to a preferred further development, the at least one transmission device as already exi ^¬ in the motor vehicle bull communication device, such as a Bluetooth means, wireless LAN data connection module to transmit telemetry information, Kommunikati¬ onsmodul for the remote control of certain components, hands-free system , Radio sensor for a transmission of Rei¬ fenelektronikdaten, radio, or the like ausge¬ forms. This will use already existing in the motor vehicle components, so that modes ^¬ fication of the motor vehicle for installing a transmission device not necessary. This reduces the locations of manufacture, cost and the gen for the system notwendi ^¬ space. Furthermore, multiple systems can be used together for increased plausibility.

According to another preferred embodiment, the

Receiving device designed as an additional receiver, which is preferably arranged in the rear of the motor vehicle ^¬ , for example, behind the rear seats or in the trunk. Since the transmitting device is generally arranged in the front region of the motor vehicle, the

Receiving device and the transmitting device spaced vonein other such that the vehicle interior is bridged by the system and thus monitored. For example, the receiving device can also be arranged in the trunk, preferably in combination motor vehicles, in order to also be able to detect a slump in the trunk area.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the signal reference pattern is formed at a given time, received continuous signal receiving pattern, where when the continuity of the signal reception pattern is influenced by external disturbing influences, the at least one motor vehicle-side functional unit is activated. Since ^¬ by, both the intrusion of a person in the motor vehicle and the seat occupancy of the are In ^¬ driver seat detected by a person, for example, as these actions affect the continuity of the signal reception pattern, or the signal reference pattern and thus the changed ^¬-made signal reception pattern of the Signal reference pattern deviates. In this case, for example, for detecting a deviation of the received signal reception pattern from the signal reference pattern, the amplitudes and / or the phases of a plurality of electromagnetic signals can be evaluated by the central control unit. The signals can be mono- or multi-frequency or be formed in a continuous frequency range or with discrete frequency values.

Preferably, the functional unit as a retaining means, for example as an airbag module for the passenger seat, out ^¬ forms. The central control unit detects a passenger seat occupancy due to a deviation of the signal reception pattern from the signal reference pattern, so that the triggering behavior of the airbag assigned to the passenger is correspondingly controlled. This can prevent that in Case le ^¬ a motor vehicle accident and the passenger airbag from ^¬ is achieved, although a seat occupancy of the passenger seat is not given. Thus, the present system prevents unnecessary deployment of the passenger airbag, and thus expensive replacement of the gas cartridge.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the functional unit is designed as an alarm system for an indication of a theft attempt. Due to the intrusion of a person into the vehicle interior, a change takes place. tion of the continuity of the received signal pattern, which is detected by the central control unit. Of these, the central control unit can activate a corresponding warning output or the like.

The system is advantageously coupled to the central locking system of the motor vehicle, so that the system Depending ^¬ ness of the access state of the motor vehicle is activated or may be deactivated. Particularly, in a Verrie- the motor vehicle can be activated rules, the system for detecting a thief ^¬ steel test, which is now received Sig ^¬ ie nalempfangsmuster be used as a signal reference pattern. Alternatively, the system can also be activated in the event of unlocking in order to detect the seat occupancy of the passenger seat.

The invention is explained below with reference to the rule in the figures of the drawing indicated schemati ^¬ exemplary embodiments. From the figures show:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a erfindungsge ^¬ MAESSEN system according to a preferred Ausführungs¬ example of the present invention from a top view; and

Figure 2 is a side view of a system according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In the figures of the drawing, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals, unless otherwise stated.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic plan view and Figure 2 is a schematic side view of an inventive Systems for monitoring the interior of a 2 Kraftfahrzeu ^¬ ges 1 a preferred embodiment of the invention according ^¬ ahead. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the system has, for example, a plurality of communication devices, one of which is illustrated by way of example and provided with the reference numeral 3. The Kommunikati ^¬ onseinrichtung 3 serves as a transmitting means 3 for emitting a plurality of electromagnetic signals, in the Fi¬ gures 1 and 2 are purely exemplary individual beam paths 4 are shown. 5 and 6

The communication device 3 is preferably designed as a communication system which generally already exists in the motor vehicle 1. In this case, for example, a conventional system for vehicle communication, for a remote control, for a transmission of telemetry information, as a Bluetooth device, as a wireless LAN data connection, as a handsfree device, as Rundfunksig¬ nale transmitting device, as a radio sensor device for transmitting Ü Tire electronics data, or the like ausge¬ be formed. The primary advantage is that signals, preferably radio signals, are used by a component already present in the motor vehicle 1, so that additional integration of a transmitting device is no longer necessary.

The communication device 3 is data-connected via a data connection 7, for example a CAN bus, to a central control device 8, as can be seen in FIG.

The system further comprises at least one receiver 9, which is positioned behind the rear seats 11 of the motor vehicle 1, for example. As shown in Figure 1, the receiver 9, for example, in the trunk 12th be arranged to detect, for example, a burglary in the trunk area of the motor vehicle 1 also. The receiver 9 is preferably such positio ned ^¬ that the passenger interior of the communication by the transmitted electromagnetic signals nikationseinrichtung 3 4 on their way to the receiver 9 through completely or is monitored. However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that a receiver integrated in the communication device 3 can also be used as the receiver since the electromagnetic signals 4 are reflected at objects within the motor vehicle 1 and reflected in the direction of the communication device 3. However, it is more advantageous for the safety and reliability of the system to install the receiver 9 of the communication device 3 so spaced apart in the motor vehicle 1 that the interior 2 of the motor vehicle 1 is bridged by the emitted electromagnetic signals 4, 5, 6 , as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and already explained above.

The receiver 9 is also bond via a suitable movement of such data ^¬ 7, for example also be a CAN bus, connected to the central control unit 8 for evaluation of the received signals. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the front passenger airbag 13 and a warning device 14 are connected to the central control unit 8 in such a way that activation of the front passenger airbag is released when a seat occupancy of the passenger seat is detected and, in the event of detection a burglary attempt, for example, a loud beep is activated.

As illustrated in Figure 2, sends the communication device 3 ^¬ preferably a plurality of in-phase electro-magnetic signals ^¬ 4, 5, 6 made. These electromagnetic signals 4, 5, 6 are from the receiver 9 after possible Reflection of the signals to components of the interior 2, such as the motor vehicle ceiling receive. The received electromagnetic signals 4, 5, 6 form at a certain interior state of the motor vehicle, for example a person-free state, or at a certain point in time a specific signal reception pattern. Die¬ ser time provides, for example, the locking time ^¬ punk is. Any amendment to this signal reception pattern to a change in the propagation topology of the electromagnetic see signals 4, 5, due 6 and therefore is a detection of, for example, intrusion or a seat occupancy, such as the front passenger seat. In this case, depending on the desired complexity of the system and according to the required accuracy and resolution of only single-frequency signals or vielfrequente Sig nal ^¬ either used. For example, the individual signals may have discrete frequencies in a predetermined frequency range of, for example, 10 to 100 mHz.

For example, either only the amplitudes of the electromagnetic signals 4, 5, 6 by the central STEU ^¬ ergerät be evaluated 8, or it may alternatively so¬ probably the amplitude and the phase of the individual signals 4, 5, 6 of the received signal pattern to be evaluated. Of course, only an evaluation of the phase is conceivable. To these requirements and embodiments of the system, the receivers are preferably 9 to such ^¬ fit that simple diode receiver for example be used at a single analysis on the amplitudes, whereas when an additional evaluation find using the phase or frequency variable signals corresponding consuming ausge¬ staltete receiver ,

Preferably, a continuous evaluation of the radio channel or a continuous channel measurement is carried out. appropriate, also in dependence on the frequency of the single ^¬ NEN signals 4, 5, can be carried out. 6

Advantageously, the central locking 15 of the motor vehicle 1 is likewise connected to the central control unit 8, so that, for example, the system is activated during a locking operation of the motor vehicle 1. In this case, the signal reception pattern which is continuous at the time of locking applies as the reference pattern, each change in this signal reference pattern being attributable to a change in the propagation topology of the electromagnetic signals 4, 5, 6, i. For example, in unwanted Eindringver¬ search in the motor vehicle. 1

Alternatively, when the central locking device 15 of the motor vehicle 1 is unlocked, the reception reference pattern can also be used to detect a seat occupancy of the passenger seat by changing the signal reference pattern. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that under given circumstances the system can be used multifunctionally for both of the aforementioned or for similar applications.

With the present system also Einbruchver- may further search through the window panes of the motor vehicle advantage detek- because ^¬ be generated vibrations in metallized discs by the blows on the window ticket likewise if a change of the signal reference pattern effect or because the striking hand or the tool directly on the disc, the radio channel in the vehicle interior also influential influence, so that the central control unit 8 can also trigger a warning signal via the warning device 14.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is hereby incorporated by reference. not restricted, but in many ways modifi ^¬ zierbar.

Although the present invention was initially explained in the foregoing for the interior monitoring of a motor vehicle. It turns out, however, that it is also applicable to other arrangements falling within the abovementioned preamble. For example, the invention is also suitable for monitoring the interior of other vehicles, eg also for lorries, but in principle also for monitoring buildings in which, for example, the base station of a cordless telephone or the network access point emits electromagnetic signals, wherein the Basissta ^¬ tion or the network access point itself or a remote additional receiver monitors the continuity of Kommuni¬ cation channel. Large-capacity are also round ^¬ radio signals or cellular signals reversible reference signals to ^¬.

The present system can be modified in any way with regard to the evaluated frequency range and with regard to the spatial arrangements of the transmitting device and the receiving devices. Accordingly chef serves ^¬ tig, the invention may be used, especially because it is not limited to the applications of specific frequencies or specific energy levels.

Claims

claims 1. System for monitoring a room, in particular an interior (2) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising: at least one provided in the motor vehicle (1) ^¬ transmission means (3) for emitting electromagnetic Signa¬ len (4, 5, 6); at least one in the motor vehicle (1) provided Receiving device (9) for receiving a signal received by the ausge¬ sent electromagnetic signals (4, 5, 6) signal receiving pattern, wherein the at least one receiving ^¬ device (9) of the at least one transmitting device (3) is spaced such that the gap between the at least one transmitting device (3) and the at least one receiving device (9) substantially covers the space to be monitored; a central control device (8) connected to the at least one receiving device (9) for evaluating the received signal reception pattern; and with at least one motor vehicle side functional unit (13, 14), which in the event of a change in the continuity of the received signal reception pattern by the central control ^¬ device (8) can be activated. 2. System according to claim 1, dadu r ch ge characterizing zei Chne t, that the at least one transmitting device (3) as a trend in the motor vehicle (1) existing Kommunikationsein ^¬ (3), for example, as a Bluetooth means, wireless LAN data connection , Module for the transmission of telemetry information, communication module for the remote serving specific components, handsfree, Funk¬ sensor for a transmission of tire electronics data, Rund¬ funkgerät, or the like is formed. 3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving device (9) is designed as an additional receiver, which in the rear region of the motor vehicle (1), for example behind the rear seats or in the trunk, is arranged. 4. che system according to at least one of the preceding Ansprü¬, dadu r ch ge characterizing zei Chne t that the signal reference pattern than a given Zeit¬ point received continuous signal reception pattern from ^¬ is formed, wherein at an influence on the continuity of the signal receiving pattern by external disturbances the at least one motor vehicle-side functional unit (13, 14) can be activated. 5. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for detecting a deviation of the received signal reception pattern from the signal reference pattern, the amplitudes and / or the phases of mono- or multi-frequency electromagnetic signals through the central Control unit (8) are evaluable. 6. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that is the at least one functional unit (13) as Rückhal ^¬ temittel, such as a passenger air bag (13), out ^¬. 7. System according to at least one of the preceding Ansprü¬ che, dadu r ch ge characterizing zei Chne t that (14) is det trained for an indication of attempted theft at least one function unit (14) position as Alarman ^¬. 8. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system with the central locking system (15) of the motor vehicle (1) for activating or deactivating the system as a function of the access state of Kraftfahr ^¬ tool (1) can be coupled. 9. A method for monitoring a room, in particular ei ^¬ nes interior (2) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising the following method steps: Emitting electromagnetic signals (4, 5, 6) by means of at least one transmission device (3) provided in the motor vehicle (1); Receiving a by the transmitted electromagnetic signals (4, 5, 6) generated signal reception pattern by means of at least one provided in the motor vehicle (1) receiving means (9) which is spaced from the at least one transmitting device (3) such that the interim ^¬ c region between the at least one transmitting device (3) and the at least one receiving device (9) essentially covering the monitoring room; Evaluating the received signal pattern by means of reception min ^¬ least a part connected to the at least one receiving device (9) the central control unit (8); and Activation of at least one motor vehicle-side Funktions¬ unit (13, 14) by means of the central control unit (8) in the event of a change in the continuity of the received Sig nalempfangsmusters. 10. The method of claim 9, since you rchgekennzeichnet that the signal reference pattern as at a particular time point received signal a reference pattern is formed, where ^¬ at at influencing the continuity of the signal ^¬ receiving pattern due to external interference, the at least one motor vehicle-side functional unit (13, 14 ) acti ^¬ is fourth. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, since it is possible to detect a deviation of the received signal reception pattern from the signal reference pattern, the amplitudes and / or the phases of mono- or multi-frequency electromagnetic signals by the central control unit (8). 12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the system is connected to the central locking system of the motor vehicle for activating or deactivating the system as a function of the access state of the vehicle Kraftfahr ^¬ tool (1) is coupled.