DE102006012336A1 - Touch detecting device for vehicle, comprises paint with integrated piezo-electric function - Google Patents

Abstract

The vehicle is fully or partly covered with a piezo-electric paint, serving as a touch sensor (1). When the parked vehicle is touched by a person a signal from the sensor area (1) is transmitted to an evaluation device (2) in order to decide if the doors shall be opened. If the person is not identified as the owner, the information is transferred to a camera (3) or to a telephone (4), telling the owner that his/her car has been touched by an unauthorized person or hit by a vehicle. The device (1,2) can also be used as a keyless opening unit.

Description

The The invention relates to touch detection devices and methods for a Motor vehicle.

From the DE 299 02 607 U1 is a device arrangement for the detection of traffic offenders known, the damage caused by so-called parking bumpers or damage caused by intrusions on the vehicle. In this case, a vibration sensor triggers a camera, which is arranged in the rear parcel shelf of the vehicle and is intended to capture the vibration generator pictorially.

From the EP 0 962 359 A2 a recording apparatus is known for a state immediately after an accident and for people breaking into the vehicle. This condition is documented after detection of a shock with an optical recording and recording device. The same applies to the detection of people breaking into the vehicle.

In the publication "The paint is the solution "from the magazine Electromechanics, April 2002, pages 72 to 75 is a piezoelectric Lack described for generating a voltage pulse in a Switch is arranged under a keyboard. The piezoelectric Paint is prepared such that piezoelectric crystals in the paint are introduced to obtain a printable material mixture. To make the switch tracks are used to connect the Switch printed on insulating films and the piezoelectric paint is then selectively applied to the conductor positions. The piezoelectric Material is then still to be polarized by applying a voltage the ladder is put on after the switch has been assembled. Such switches are capable of membrane-like, galvanic switching Switching elements with a contact stroke and capacitive switching elements to replace.

To avoid cable lines and associated coupling elements between a movable handle and the associated vehicle is in the DE 103 09 148 A1 proposed to integrate in the handle at least one transmitting unit and in the vehicle, the associated receiving unit, wherein the transmitting unit, the transmission energy from a piezoelectric element, for example, a mounted in the handle piezoelectric paint relates. A piezoelectric paint is also part of the seat occupancy sensor according to the DE 103 33 986 A1 ,

A method for monitoring an object parked outdoors, such as aircraft or motor vehicle, is the subject of DE 33 15 831 A1 , The method is based on a capacitive touch detection circuit for detecting a change in frequency when the object is touched. The assistance device in a vehicle for setting various vehicle components according to the user profile of the respective driver detects the specific characteristics of a person sitting on the associated driver's seat via a camera and / or via a speech processor.

From the DE 102 57 125 A1 is a safety device for the protection of pedestrians and cyclists on impact with a front hood of a passenger car to take as known, in which the actuators are controlled to adjust the front cover via a signal of a piezoelectric film sensor.

DE 35 42 697 A1 describes a recording device for a collision with a camera, which is activated by an accelerometer when exceeding a predetermined acceleration value. In the traffic accident documentation system according to the DE 299 18 812 U1 the activation takes place by a shock sensor. The detection device according to the DE 102 23 123 A1 includes at least one sensor for detecting collision with a vehicle and a camera device for optically detecting the subject vehicle. In contrast, this is from the DE 197 02 363 A1 known camera system due to vehicle condition automatically or manually activated.

Also the DE 101 11 421 A1 relates to a vehicle monitoring system comprising an image pickup device for generating image information corresponding to at least a region of an environment of the vehicle, a sensor device for generating sensor information characterizing the state and / or the environment of the vehicle, and a control device which, based on the sensor information, at least holding with image information related data on a storage medium for subsequent evaluation.

The object of the invention is to provide a device and method for touch detection for a motor vehicle in order to provide an improved monitoring and / or recording of the cause of a contact of a motor vehicle. A further object of the invention is to provide an improved touch-detection device for a keyless entry system keyless entry system is out of the EP 1 120 518 A1 known.

The The object is achieved by the features of the independent apparatus and method claims 1, 16, 19 and 25 to 27 solved. Advantageous embodiments are mentioned in the subclaims.

A the proposed solutions, after which the touch sensor as an applied on a motor vehicle part and with the evaluation electrically contacted piezoelectric paint is formed and the evaluation device in contact with the piezoelectric Lacks with an object generates at least one output signal, makes it possible the complete paint surface of the vehicle as a sensor surface train. It is of course also possible, only Parts of the vehicle as a sensor surface train. These signals of these partial sensor areas run in the evaluation device together and lead to an output signal, which due to the location of the touch a Action is triggered, for example, the triggering a camera recording in the direction of the location of the touch. In the output signal can also be the location information (same place of the contact or touch area on the vehicle) for further processing for other ECUs are available. In an existing painting process, the piezoelectric paint becomes while applied to the production of the motor vehicle. To contact later Piezoelectric coating areas are used in the further coating steps released or are arranged in areas where no further normal paint is applied. It is also conceivable that the electrical contact via at least one electrical insulating layer on a vehicle part attached and then the piezoelectric paint is applied, so that the electrical connection contacts with the piezoelectric Paint to be sprayed over and thereby each an electrical contact is made. advantage the proposed touch detection device is that this type of sensor does not use a quiescent current to. to be kept in readiness for operation. Thus, the proposed Touch detection device optimal for a Motor vehicle usable, which is one in a vehicle battery contains limited energy reserve.

Around can evaluate a voltage pulse of the piezoelectric touch sensor a downstream evaluation device, for example, from a Be woken up in stand-by mode with low energy consumption, to carry out the further evaluation. Thus, with the least Energy needs a monitoring of the vehicle become.

To Completion of the vehicle is the piezoelectric paint at contact or upon application of a force due to the piezoelectric Characteristics of at least one electrical impulse connected to a Evaluation device forwarded and analyzed there. The Evaluation device then generates at least depending on the type of touch an output signal which is of an amplitude and / or a location and / or is dependent on a time profile of the touch of the vehicle. As in particular sheet metal parts on vehicles when exposed to yielding resiliently to a force also becomes at least one voltage pulse generated, provided a touch outside takes place of the piezoelectric paint, but also to a Applying force to the piezoelectric paint leads. Consequently does not have the entire vehicle exterior with a piezoelectric paint Be provided for touch of the vehicle. For example, wind and rain personnel exercise on vehicle parts, can these in the evaluation device by their characteristic features be hidden or filtered.

Especially in a parked vehicle where there are no occupants, can be often after a parking bump do not determine who or what a damaging contact caused the vehicle. Under Parkrempler is in this application a slight damage a vehicle understood by a parking, another vehicle. With the proposal according to the invention can also touches of the motor vehicle are detected, which, for example, by parking bumps with very low driving speed without significant shocks occur. These parking bumps lead especially for flat sheet metal parts (e.g., side doors) often to dents. The presence of a vibration sensor is not required. Also by vandalism on the vehicle caused damage are detectable by the voltages generated in the piezoelectric lacquer. These include, for example, paint scratches, caused by sharp Items. Also the parking of objects on a hood, such as from shopping cartons detectable with the proposed device. Cartons can through metallic clips, sand particles, etc. when settling or dislocating scratch damage on the paint cause. Also a touch with a shopping cart, a bike or scooter leaning on of persons or objects to the vehicle or jumping animals onto the vehicle (e.g., cats on hoods) are with the inventive device detectable.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the output signal is generated as a function of the driving situation by the detection device. Thus, the force detection can be disabled while driving, for example, while standing or when parking the vehicle, the detection is reactivated. After stopping the vehicle, the detection can be activated, for example, only after a defined waiting time to hide touches of the vehicle occupants at or shortly after getting out of the vehicle.

Thereby, in that at least one image capture device arranged on and / or in the vehicle is due to the output signal records at least one image, can be Easily understand who or what has caused a touch. The touch and if necessary damage is detected and stored with an image recording device. The Image recording device can be continuous or defined intervals after contact document the process. It may be useful to have a current one Time, e.g. a received radio time with date and / or location from a navigation system with store (possibly in tamper-proof Type) in order to have comprehensive documentation data. If several Cameras are mounted on or in the vehicle (e.g., rear-view camera, front-view camera, side-view camera, Inmate detection camera, etc.), the camera draws at least priority a picture that best describes the location or area of contact with the vehicle can record, this is called In other words, that the camera primarily records an image, at the place of touch or causing the touch best visible in the picture. This place or a touch area can be determined by the evaluation by, for example electrically distinguishable piezolackzonen are present, whose electrical signals can be detected individually by the evaluation device. It is also possible to use a camera that is capable of a 360 ° recording so that the entire vehicle environment can be detected. there can the camera also produce a composable panoramic image, which overlapping or recording adjacent images of the environment, or It can also be a video movie recording generated within a short time Time (to capture the origin or cause of the touch as quickly as possible) a 360 ° recording generated.

If additionally Audio signals via at least one. Acoustic recording device, for example a microphone can be recorded for more information Process, tracking and identification of persons or motor vehicles or in general to the plausibility check for Available. For example, an already existing in the vehicle for a speakerphone Microphone can be used.

Provided the evaluation device a touch detects, in an advantageous embodiment, a signal transmission device emit a signal from the motor vehicle due to the output signal. If, for example, a parking bump detected, so the signal transmission device for example about make an existing telephone system make a phone call, one SMS text message (Short Message Service) or email. Under a signal transmission device is understood in this context as a light source on the vehicle, which, for example, turned on due to the output signal becomes. The signal transmission device can additionally also the recorded image and / or sound and / or location data e.g. over a Radio or telephone connection, transmit. It is also possible that strength a touch with transfer becomes.

Of the Piezoelectric paint can not only be on, between or under at least a further paint layer of the vehicle are arranged or integrated, It is also conceivable that a piezoelectric lacquer layer on the opposite Side of the vehicle's outer skin is arranged. As a result, the paint layer is optimally protected, does not bother the visual appearance of the vehicle and can be simple Way to be electrically contacted without the electrical connections are visible. The occurring during deformation of a sheet metal part personnel can also on the inside of the vehicle, so from the vehicle outside facing away from the sheet side, are measured.

Thereby, that the evaluation device due to a detected touch of the piezoelectric paints produces an output signal with which at least a preconditioning of at least one vehicle safety system feasible is and / or performed can be, in a sooner Collision phase with an object optimal vehicle occupant protection be set. This also applies in the case of a pedestrian for a pedestrian protection measure, provided this from the place of touch makes sense. The employment of a hood for reduction of accident consequences in the collision of a moving vehicle with a pedestrian only sense if there is a chance to reduce the consequences of an accident. This is from the place of touch by the pedestrian dependent. There the touch can be detected directly on contact, the piezoelectric Paint much earlier as other collision sensors, for example acceleration sensors speak to. The time advantage can thus provide or trigger another precautions be used.

Since the location of the touch is known, depending on the location of the touch and the driving situation, optimal preconditioning or triggering can take place. If, for example, a lateral contact is detected while driving, the Side airbag systems preconditioned or - if necessary - triggered. The touch signal can also be used to improve the validity of Precrashsystemen. If a precrash system classifies a collision as likely, however, a triggering of a non-reversible protection system can not take place before the collision for safety reasons, this protection system can trigger immediately if, for example, a contact in the area of the predicted collision and possibly also in the predicted time window he follows. The detection of the contact by the piezoelectric paint is then evaluated as confirmation of the predicted collision, so that then a triggering can take place immediately. For the purposes of this application, any collision of the vehicle with an object (accident) can first be detected as touching the piezoelectric paint.

Currently There are quite a few keyless Vehicle access systems on the market. The driver owns while still holding a key, However, this is available for example in electronic form and may be wireless and contactless, e.g. via a radio connection, queried and possibly replaced. This query is not done constantly, but only if detected on the vehicle side a desire of the driver will open the vehicle. These are, for example, switches or inductive or capacitive Proximity sensors present in the area of the vehicle handle. Once the driver the door handle actuated, the radio query is started and if the existing electronic key for opening the Vehicle entitled, that is, if the further requirements for keyless access of the motor vehicle are fulfilled, the vehicle is unlocked completely or only the respective vehicle opening. It is conceivable that the vehicle opening only unlocked when the driver in the area of the door handle touched the piezoelectric paint. But it is also conceivable that the driver of the piezoelectric paint can touch at any point of the vehicle for unlocking.

A another possibility for detecting a touch of a vehicle through an object provides a touch detection device according to the invention with at least one structure-borne sound sensor. With the at least one structure-borne sound sensor may be a vibration on at least one component of the vehicle, For example, on a part of the vehicle body or on a Trim, to be captured. In this case, structure-borne sound sensors have advantages a high sensitivity, a high resistance to damage due to moisture and good heat resistance. Thus, a pressure, a contact point and / or a time course of the contact the at least one structure-borne sound sensor be detectable.

For example can depend on the sensor signal can be activated an alarm device. By Activating the alarm device can be thieves or vandal-eaters be deterred. Also for Early crash sensors can Acoustic emission sensors be used. additionally may be a signal transmission device so to the structure-borne sound sensors be coupled, that they immediately upon detection of a shock to the vehicle SMS to the phone or a warning message to the ID transmitter.

The The above object is also achieved by a vehicle environment detection system for a vehicle for acquiring image, sound and / or radio information comprising a detection device for detecting a located in a vicinity of the vehicle Object and to provide a corresponding sensor signal, a detection device for detecting the image, sound and / or Radio information and a control device for controlling the detection device dependent on the sensor signal of the touch detection device, wherein the detection means as touch detection means with a trained as a piezo film and / or as a structure-borne sound sensor Touch sensor and / or is designed as a capacitive object detection device.

Vehicle environment detection system for a Vehicle for acquiring image, sound and / or radio information comprising a touch detection device for detecting an object located in a vicinity of the vehicle and for providing a corresponding sensor signal, a Detection device for capturing the image, sound and / or radio information and a control device for controlling the detection device in dependence the sensor signal of the touch detection device, wherein the touch detection device one as a piezo film or as a structure-borne sound sensor trained touch sensor and / or has a capacitive object detection device. This guaranteed a high sensitivity in the detection of the object and thus an advantageous control the detection device.

If the touch detection device has a piezo film as a touch sensor, the piezo film can be arranged on the vehicle such that a force can be transmitted to the piezo film when the vehicle is in contact with the object and a corresponding sensor signal can be provided by the touch detection device. A touch detection device with a piezo film ge ensures the already mentioned advantages of a touch detection device with at least one piezoelectric paint area. In addition, piezo films have the advantage that they can be attached easily and quickly to a vehicle component. The shape of a piezo foil can be adapted to the corresponding component. The piezo foils can be arranged nationwide on a vehicle interior facing side of a body part. However, only one long, narrow strip of a piezo film can be used for detection per body part. A piezo foil strip can also be protected by a decorative strip of weather.

at many commercially available Piezo films are those for detecting a voltage signal of the piezo film required Electrodes already attached. This can be a cost-reducing Simplification in the manufacture and installation of a vehicle environment detection system be used.

Of Further, a vehicle environment detection system may also be capacitive Object detection device for detecting the object in a surrounding area of the vehicle and to provide a corresponding sensor signal. Guaranteed a capacitive object detection device to the owner of a vehicle the possibility, that the vehicle surroundings detection system already before a touch of the Vehicle by a person or an object on a theft attempt or an attempted vehicle damage responds.

Especially can be a size, one Position, a movement history and / or an object type of the object be detected by the capacitive object detection device. The information determined therefrom may be from the vehicle surroundings detection system be used. For example, a capacitive object detection device between an adult, a child, an animal, not one conductive object and / or a metallic object in the Differentiate the surrounding area of the vehicle. This information can for one corresponding reaction of the vehicle environment detection system used become. For example, a vehicle alarm may be in a first Warning level activated by the vehicle environment detection system As soon as a person comes up with a larger metallic object approaching the vehicle.

A Detection device may comprise an image recording device, wherein an angular orientation, an image width and / or an image sharpness of Image recording device by a control device in dependence the sensor signal is controllable. In this way, the quality of the images, which over an inventive vehicle environment detection system be improved.

As well For example, the detection device may include a sound recording device having an angular orientation and / or a gain the sound recording device by the control device in dependence the sensor signal is controllable. So are the sound recordings of a vehicle environment detection system can be improved.

at a vehicle with a keyless entry "system can the detection device comprises an antenna device for detection have an ID transmitter. The provided by the detection device Radio information is, for example, the detection of an ID transmitter or a lack of an ID transmitter in a person approaching the vehicle. An inventive vehicle environment detection system let yourself thus also to improve the touch detection in a "keyless use entry system.

advantageously, For example, a vehicle environment detection system may also include an information delivery device for transmission at least part of the captured image, sound and / or radio information to a mobile phone and / or an ID transmitter. For example, the recorded with an image recording device of the vehicle Pictures the owner of the vehicle on his mobile or a display transmitted by its ID transmitter become. Thus, even an absent driver has the opportunity in response to a theft attempt or vandalism on his Vehicle. For example, the driver in a corresponding Situation over his cell phone inform the police.

The The above object is also solved by a method for Detecting touches a vehicle by means of a touch detection device by detecting a vibration on at least one component of the Vehicle by means of a structure-borne sound sensor and providing a corresponding sensor signal. It offers this method the advantages of the touch detection device already described with a structure-borne sound sensor.

Further advantages are provided by a method for acquiring image, sound and / or radio information about an object located in a vicinity of a vehicle with a detection device by detecting a contact of the vehicle by the object by means of a structure-borne sound sensor or a piezo film or detecting the Object in egg nem surrounding area of the vehicle by means of a capacitive object detection device, providing a corresponding sensor signal and controlling the detection device in response to the sensor signal.

Especially may occur when the object is detected in a first position of the object Environment area pre-activated the detection device and at a Capture the object in a second position of the environment the detection device are activated. For example the detection device already set at an approach of an object, that they fall below the minimum distance between the Object and the vehicle is activated immediately. This ensures a faster response to a theft attempt or damage to the Vehicle.

The Vehicle environment detection systems described in this application additionally a reduced quiescent current consumption. A reduction of the energy requirement in the parked state of the vehicle can be achieved when the Detecting device only upon detection of a touch of the Vehicle through an object or upon detection of an object within an environment of the vehicle is pre-activated or activated becomes.

The Sensor devices described in this application for detection a touch of a Vehicle through an object or to capture an object in one Surrounding area of the vehicle can also be combined with each other. For example, a vehicle on its body both piezoelectric paint areas as well as piezo films exhibit. Likewise, a vehicle can both with a structure-borne sound sensor as well as equipped with a capacitive object detection sensor be.

embodiments are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below:

1 : Top view of a motor vehicle with piezoelectric paint areas;

2 : Side view of a motor vehicle with piezoelectric paint areas;

3 : Block diagram of the touch detection device;

4 : Top view of a motor vehicle with piezo film strip;

5 : Front side view of the motor vehicle with piezo film strip;

6 : Rear side view of motor vehicle with piezo film strip;

7 : Top view of a motor vehicle with structure-borne sound sensors;

8th and 9 : Top view of a motor vehicle with capacitive object detection sensors; and

10 : Block diagram of a multilevel vehicle monitoring with capacitive object detection sensors.

In 1 is a plan view of a motor vehicle with piezoelectric paint areas B shown. These include sections of motor vehicle exterior parts, namely subregions of the front and rear bumpers, sections of the doors and fenders. When the force is applied to the piezoelectric lacquer areas, at least one voltage pulse is generated which corresponds to a voltage pulse 3 shown evaluation 2 is supplied. In this case, a contact outside the piezoelectric paint areas can be detected, if this contact leads to a force application of the piezoelectric paint area.

In the motor vehicle, an image recording device K1, for example a CCD camera, is arranged which carries out at least one image recording after touch detection. An image, a sequence of images with defined time intervals between the images or a video film can be created. In addition, via a sound recording device 4 For example, a microphone M a arranged in the vehicle telephone handsfree, an audio signal are recorded. In this case, the sound recording device 4 be arranged outside the vehicle cab. The purpose of sound recording is to determine more precisely the cause or the cause of the contact by providing further data, which can be used, for example, for a plausibility check. So that the records can be assigned to exact times and locations, the location data of the navigation system (location of the vehicle), the date and time, which originate, for example, from the reception data of an in-vehicle radio clock, are also recorded.

If further image recording devices 3 are present on the vehicle, also record these pictures. For example, the data of a front-view camera K4 or K2, the data of a rear-view camera K3 and also Si de-view cameras K5, K6 can be used for recording. The image recording device K1 is designed in the embodiment as a 360 ° rotatable camera and takes in a horizontal rotation images on.

2 represents the side view of a motor vehicle with piezoelectric paint areas B, which are shown in dashed lines. It can be seen in this exemplary embodiment that the piezoelectric paint areas B are subareas of the doors, the fenders and the bumpers. It is not necessary that these paint areas are arranged on the outside of the vehicle or the vehicle outer skin. An arrangement on the side facing away from the vehicle exterior side for signal detection is possible.

3 shows a block diagram of the touch detection device, which cooperates with other vehicle control devices. An evaluation device 2 become electrical signals from touch sensors 1 supplied, which are designed as piezoelectric paint areas B on motor vehicle parts. If a person touches the vehicle, it is first checked whether the vehicle should be unlocked. For this purpose, for example, an electronic vehicle key is queried, which carries the touching with him. If this key is recognized as an on-vehicle key, ie as a key with which an opening of the vehicle may be performed, the vehicle is controlled by the vehicle control unit 6 unlocked.

If the vehicle key is not detected, at least one image recording device is present on or in the vehicle 3 and at least one sound recording device 4 Signals on and transmits this optionally to a signal transmission device 5 , The signal transmission device 5 For example, informs the vehicle owner about an automatic telephone call about the process, eg a parking bump and transmits the recorded data. It is possible that the evaluation 2 Depending on the type of touch and possibly also depending on the location performs different actions. If only a slight touch is detected, which usually leads to no damage, only an in-vehicle recording is initiated. For stronger touches a first call is made, which informs, for example, a service center and / or the vehicle owner. In the case of stronger touches, which led to greater damage, it is also possible, for example, to automatically inform a service or security company or a police station. The individual information levels are defined by threshold values and / or signal characteristics in the evaluation device.

In 3 is still a signal connection to a motor vehicle security system 7 shown. If a contact with an object is detected, a preconditioning or triggering of a wide variety of safety systems (reversible, irreversible) can be carried out by the vehicle safety system depending on the driving situation. These may be, for example, airbags, belt tensioners; Pedestrian protection measures (eg employment of the hood) etc. act. A preconditioning in the sense of this application is for example from the DE 103 25 163 A1 known.

In the 4 to 6 is another vehicle with a touch detection device according to the invention in plan view, front side view and rear side view shown. As contact sensors, the vehicle has piezo film strips C on. All relevant components of the vehicle body, such as the doors, the side panels, the bumper, the hoods, the roof and the exterior mirrors, are glued on their sides facing the vehicle interior with these piezo film strips C. Alternatively, the piezo film strips C can also be arranged on the outside behind the decorative or protective strips.

The Arrangement of the piezo film strip C to the associated body parts is chosen so that preferably every touch the vehicle body by an object or a person at least triggers a signal to a piezo foil tire. This at least one Signal is then through an evaluation device detectable. The threshold of a Piezo film strip C, i. the relationship between the pressure of a contact and for that provided by the piezo film strip C signal can, with respect to depending on the place of attachment set differently from the expected effects become.

Upon contact of a body part with an object, the evaluation device can recognize on which body part the contact has taken place. Likewise, the evaluation device in the example of 4 to 6 assign a damage level to every touch contact. A distinction is made here between a weather-related touch, such as raindrops falling on the roof, a non-hazardous touch of the body part by a vehicle accidentally grazing the person and a touch that leads to high probability of damage to the vehicle. The vehicle damaging touches can be subdivided into further damage levels. For example, the evaluation device detects a scratching of a pointed object on the vehicle paint. Distinctions are also made between touches causing slight deformation of a body part For example, in a door strike a vehicle parked next to the vehicle or in a crash with a shopping cart, and those in which the vehicle is severely damaged. The reaction of the evaluation device to a detected contact corresponds to the damage level measured in the process. The already in 3 presented possibilities for responding to a detected contact on a vehicle are also possible in a vehicle with piezo film strips C as touch sensors.

For example, the evaluation device can be an image recording device 3 and / or a sound recording device 4 activate. The image-recording device 3 like in the 1 to 3 already described a 360 ° pivotable camera K1 in the exterior or interior, which pivots immediately after their activation by the evaluation to the location of the touch contact and receives this. Likewise, the image recording device 3 a plurality of cameras K1 to K6 at different positions of the vehicle, for example on the exterior mirrors include. The cameras K1 to K6 of the image recording apparatus 3 can also be used for other functions, such as rear view cameras. In addition, the evaluation device can be a signal transmission device 5 activate, so that the driver of the vehicle SMS or image is sent to his cell phone or his identifiable as a smart-key ID transmitter.

In a vehicle with a keyless entry system, after detecting a touch on a vehicle door or door handle, the keyless entry procedure is started. For this purpose, it is first checked whether the vehicle is still closed. If this is true, an electronic vehicle key, often referred to as an ID transmitter, is interrogated. If the ID transmitter is detected in a partial environment of a vehicle door, then the relevant vehicle door can be opened by the vehicle control unit 6 be unlocked.

This in 7 The vehicle shown in plan view has a touch detection device, in which structure-borne sound sensors D1 and D2 are used as touch sensors. A structure-borne sound sensor D1 or D2 can be embodied, for example, as a contact microphone or as a structure-borne sound microphone. The structure-borne sound sensor D1 or D2 accordingly receives no room sound, but a body vibration that propagates within at least one vehicle body part, on.

there can the individual structure-borne sound sensors D1 as a satellite at selected Body parts, such as the doors, the fenders and / or the bumper cross members arranged be. The arrangement of the individual structure-borne sound sensors D1 is preferably chosen so that one touch of an object on a part of the entire vehicle body at least one of the individual structure-borne sound sensors D1 is detectable. As a supplement or as an alternative to this is also a central structure-borne sound sensor D2 possible. The attachment position of the central structure-borne sound sensor D2 is preferably chosen so that a transfer of the structure-borne noise is possible by a body part to the central structure-borne sound sensor D2.

to Evaluation of their signals are the individual structure-borne sound sensors D1 and the central structure-borne sound sensor D2 connected to an evaluation device. The evaluation device can also be integrated into the central sound sensor D2.

On This way can be a touch the bodywork by a person or object over the thereby triggered structure-borne sound from the structure-borne sound sensors D1 and D2 are detected. The sensitivity of the structure-borne sound sensors D1 and D2 is preferably chosen that between a weather-related touch, as on the vehicle roof falling raindrops, a random contact by an accidental streaking of the body and a bump against the vehicle body can be distinguished. In addition, can the evaluation via the signals from the structure-borne sound sensors D1 and D2 detect the extent to which a collision against the vehicle body parts are damaged by this.

In the 7 drawn detection device 8th represents a camera as a possibility for responding to a detected touch. As an alternative or in addition to a pivotable camera are as a detection device 8th also the image recording devices already described in the present invention 3 and / or sound recording devices 4 applicable. Likewise, in the case of a detected contact with a corresponding contact strength, the signal transmission device already described in terms of its function 5 to be activated.

With the structure-borne sound sensors D1 and D2 can also be detected pulling on a door handle. at a vehicle with a keyless entry "system can subsequently the "keyless entry "method to be started.

Another way to activate an image recording device 3 , a sound recording device 4 , a signal transmission device 5 , a motor vehicle safety system 7 or a vehicle control device 6 for a "keyless entry" system is in the 8th to 10 shown. In the A and C pillars of the vehicle 8th antennas are installed as capacitive object detection devices E. These capacitive object detection devices E serve to detect an object within the antenna fields F. The antenna fields F generated by the capacitive object detection devices E are therefore often referred to as capacitive fields. Of course, another installation location can be chosen in addition to or as an alternative to the attachment of the capacitive object detection devices E according to the vehicle geometry.

As in the example out 8th If the antenna fields F of the capacitive object detection devices E overlap, the evaluation device can use triangulation to determine the exact position P1 or P2 of a person or of a conductive object from the signals of the capacitive object detection devices E. This offers the possibility of an image recording device 3 and / or a sound recording device 4 , as already presented in this application, to focus on the exact position P1 or P2 of an object approaching the vehicle.

The 9 and 10 introduce a multi-stage security concept for monitoring a vehicle, which can be realized by attaching capacitive object detection devices E to a vehicle. At the vehicle off 9 For example, the capacitive object detection devices E, not shown, have been arranged such that a surrounding area G is defined as a "protection corridor." Within this surrounding area G, an object, for example a person or a conductive object, can be detected by the capacitive object detection devices E. The evaluation device For evaluating the signals of the individual capacitive object detection devices E is programmed so that it determines the exact position P1 or P2 of the object when detecting an object within the surrounding area G. In this way, for example, a position P1 can be determined, in which the object in the as a "protective corridor" defined surrounding area G penetrates. Likewise, a position P2 can be determined, in which a contact of the object with the vehicle takes place.

The Multi-level safety concept is started by the driver after parking the vehicle engine stops. By switching off the Motors are the capacitive object detection devices E and the evaluation automatically activated. For monitoring However, the vehicle is initially only the capacitive object detection devices E and the evaluation enabled. All other components the protection system of the vehicle, such as an interior monitor, Cameras K1 to K6, microphones M or a keyless entry system for recording an ID transmitter, are deactivated for the time being. This ensures that that often too as quiescent current designated energy demand of the vehicle in this Phase is very low. A discharge of the vehicle battery must therefore even while a longer one Parking time not feared become.

In one process step 11 of the block diagram of 10 an object, for example a person or a conductive object, penetrates into the surrounding area G defined as a "protective corridor." The evaluation device immediately detects the exact position P1 or P2 of the object via the signals of the capacitive object detection devices E and starts in the method step 12 with a pre-activation of the protection system of the vehicle, for example via a signal to the CAN vehicle bus (Controller Area Network). The protection system can be an image recording device 3 , a sound recording device 4 , a signal transmission device 5 , a vehicle control unit 6 , a motor vehicle safety system 7 and / or include an alarm device. When the individual components of the protection system are "woken up", these are put into operational readiness, but not yet fully activated.The components of the protection system are switched in such a way that they can immediately perform their functions upon a signal The camera K1 can already be set so that the object which has penetrated into the surrounding area G is within its detection range, and the alarm system can be switched to a first stage, for example, in this first stage the flashers of the vehicle are activated To indicate to a person approaching the vehicle that the vehicle has a protection system.

In a vehicle with a "keyless entry" system, a pre-activation of the protection systems may be activated by a detection device for detecting an ID transmitter, in order to determine whether a person approaching the vehicle is carrying an ID transmitter. If this is the case, it may indicate activation of the image recording device 3 , the sound recording device 4 , the signal transmission device 5 and / or the alarm device are dispensed with. Instead, the vehicle control unit 6 switched so that it unlocks the vehicle door, which approaches the person with the ID transmitter.

In the process step 13 of the 10 the evaluation determines that the object touches the vehicle, although no ID transmitter was determined within the surrounding area G. This immediately solves the subsequent process steps 14 . 15 and 16 out. In the process step 14 the already pre-activated location-independent protection systems, such as the alarm device triggered.

At the same time, in the process step 15 determines the exact position P2 of the object. Subsequently, in a further process step 16 the particular position P2 is forwarded to the location-resolved protection systems and the location-resolved protection systems are activated. For example, in this way, the setting of a camera or a microphone M with respect to the position P2 can be optimized. The data recorded by the camera K1 to K6 or a microphone M are immediately stored on a data storage unit. At the same time, the preactivated signal transmission device 5 be activated to send a message to the vehicle owner. In this case, data that is just taken with the camera K1 to K6, immediately be forwarded to the vehicle owner.

Leave that Object, however, again the surrounding area G, without any contact with the Vehicle has taken place, then all pre-activated protection systems deactivated again. In this way the power consumption of the Protection systems of the vehicle kept as low as necessary.

1

touch sensor

2

evaluation

3

Image recording apparatus

4

Sound recording device

5

Signaling device

6

Vehicle control unit

7

Motor vehicle safety system

8th

detection device

11 to 16

steps

B

piezoelectric coatings sector

C

Piezo foil strips

D1, D2

Acoustic emission sensors

e

capacitive Object detection devices

F

Antenna fields

G

surrounding area

K1, K2, K3,

K4, K5, K6

camera

M

microphone

P1, P2

positions

Claims (28)

Touch detection device for motor vehicles with a touch sensor ( 1 ) and an on-board evaluation device ( 2 ), characterized in that the touch sensor ( 1 ) as an applied on a motor vehicle part and electrically with the evaluation device ( 2 ) contacted piezoelectric paint is formed and the evaluation device ( 2 ) generates at least one output signal when the piezoelectric paint is in contact with an object. Touch detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the output signal depends on the amplitude and / or a location of the touch on the motor vehicle from the evaluation device ( 2 ) is producible. Touch detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output signal depends on a time profile of the contact of the motor vehicle from the evaluation device ( 2 ) is producible. Contact detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized the output signal can be generated depending on the driving situation. Contact detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one image capturing device (K1, K1) arranged on and / or in the vehicle K2, K3, K4, K5, K6) due to the output signal at least one Picture records. Contact detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one image capture device (K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6) an image in the direction of the touch location or area records. Touch detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one arranged on and / or in the vehicle sound recording device ( 4 ) records at least one audio signal due to the output signal. Touch detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one signal transmission device ( 5 ) emits a signal from the motor vehicle due to the output signal. Contact detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that the piezoelectric paint on, between or under at least a further lacquer layer is arranged or integrated in this. Contact detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that the piezoelectric paint on one of the vehicle's outer skin opposite side is appropriate. Contact detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that due to the output signal the location and / or the temporal Course of the touch can be determined and / or stored. Contact detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that the electrical contacting of the piezoelectric paint outside of the outer field of vision of the motor vehicle is made. Touch detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation device ( 2 ) generates an output signal with which at least one preconditioning of at least one vehicle safety system ( 7 ) is feasible and / or carried out. Touch detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation device ( 2 ) generates an output signal with which at least one vehicle safety system ( 7 ) is triggered and / or triggered alone or together with other vehicle sensor signals. Touch detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one opening of the motor vehicle is unlocked keylessly due to the output signal as soon as a contact of the piezoelectric paint is detected and an authorization for keyless access of the motor vehicle by a vehicle control unit ( 6 ). Contact detection device with at least one touch sensor for detecting a touch of a vehicle by an object, characterized in that the at least one touch sensor designed as to be arranged on the vehicle structure-borne sound sensor (D1, D2) is with which a vibration on at least one component of Detect vehicle and generate a corresponding sensor signal is. Contact detection device according to claim 16, wherein a pressure, a contact point and / or a time course of the touch through the at least one structure-borne sound sensor (D1, D2) is detectable. Contact detection device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein in dependence of the sensor signal an alarm device can be activated. Vehicle environment detection system for a vehicle for acquiring image, sound and / or radio information, comprising - a detection device for detecting an object located in a vicinity of the vehicle and for providing a corresponding sensor signal, - a detection device ( 8th ) for capturing the image, sound and / or radio information and - a control device for controlling the detection device ( 8th ) as a function of the sensor signal of the touch detection device, characterized in that - the detection device is designed as a touch detection device with a piezoelectric film (C) and / or as a structure-borne sound sensor (D1, D2) formed touch sensor and / or as a capacitive object detection device (E). Vehicle environment detection system according to claim 19, one size, one Position, a movement history and / or an object type of the object by the capacitive object detection device (E) can be detected. Vehicle environment detection system according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the detection device ( 8th ) an image recording device ( 3 ), and wherein an angular orientation, an image width and / or an image sharpness of the image recording device ( 3 ) is controllable by the control device in dependence of the sensor signal. Vehicle environment detection system according to one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the detection device ( 8th ) a sound recording device ( 4 ) and wherein an angular orientation and / or a gain of the sound recording device ( 4 ) is controllable by the control device in dependence of the sensor signal. Vehicle surroundings detection system according to one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the detection device ( 8th ) has an antenna device for detecting an ID transmitter. Vehicle environment detection system according to one of Claims 19 to 23, having an information transmission device ( 5 ) for transmitting at least a part of the captured image, sound and / or radio information to a mobile phone and / or an ID transmitter. Method for detecting contact of a motor vehicle, characterized in that the motor vehicle at least one with an evaluation device ( 2 ) electrically contacted paint area on a motor vehicle part having piezoelectric properties (B), wherein upon contact of the motor vehicle part or the piezoelectric paint area (B), an electrical signal through the piezo electric paint area (B) is generated, which an evaluation device ( 2 ) and wherein with the evaluation device ( 2 ) is generated depending on the type of contact, an electrical output signal. Method for detecting touches of a Vehicle by means of a touch detection device marked through the following steps: - To capture a vibration on at least one component of the vehicle by means of a structure-borne sound sensor (D1, D2) and - Provide a corresponding sensor signal. Method for acquiring image, sound and / or radio information about an object located in a vicinity of a vehicle with a detection device ( 8th ) characterized by the following steps: detecting a contact of the vehicle by the object by means of a structure-borne sound sensor (D1, D2) or a piezo film (C) or detecting the object in a surrounding area (G) of the vehicle by means of a capacitive object detection device (E), Providing a corresponding sensor signal and - controlling the detection device ( 8th ) in dependence of the sensor signal. A method according to claim 27, wherein upon detection of the object in a first position (P1) of the surrounding area (G), the detection device ( 8th ) and upon detection of the object in a second position (P2) of the surrounding area (G) the detection device ( 8th ) is activated.