DE102021112613A1 - Distance determination system, contact monitoring system, contact tracing system and method for distance determination and/or contact tracing - Google Patents

Abstract

A distance determination system (38a-b), in particular a distance monitoring system, preferably a unidirectional distance monitoring system, with at least one first monitoring unit (10a-b) and with at least one second monitoring unit (12a-b), wherein at least the first monitoring unit (10a-b ) has a transmitter unit (14a-b), which is intended to emit a sound signal (16a-b), in particular an ultrasonic signal, and an electromagnetic signal (18a-b), in particular an electromagnetic high-frequency signal, wherein at least the second monitoring unit ( 12a-b) has a receiver unit (20a-b), which is intended to receive the sound signal (16a-b) and the electromagnetic signal (18a-b), so that based on the transit time difference between the signal transmitted by the receiver unit (20a-b) b) the received sound signal (16a-b) and the sound signal (16a-b) received by the receiver unit (20a-b) and associated with the received sound signal electromagnetic signal (18a-b), a distance (22a-b) between the first monitoring unit (10a-b) and the second monitoring unit (12a-b) can be determined.

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a distance determination system according to claim 1, a monitoring unit according to claim 13, a contact monitoring system according to claim 14, a contact tracking system according to claim 21 and a method according to claim 27.

In connection with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, various systems for distance monitoring, such as the Corona-Warn-App from the German Robert Koch Institute, have been developed. However, this system is based on the use of an active Bluetooth connection, which on the one hand has a comparatively high energy consumption and which in many cases only allows an imprecise and/or unreliable determination of the distance. In addition, the devices required for this (smartphones) are comparatively expensive.

The object of the invention consists in particular in providing a generic device with advantageous properties with regard to determining a distance, preferably in combination with the lowest possible costs and/or in combination with the lowest possible energy consumption. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claims 1, 13, 14, 21 and 27, while advantageous configurations and developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

Advantages of the Invention

A distance determination system, in particular a distance monitoring system, preferably a unidirectional distance monitoring system, with at least one first monitoring unit and with at least one second monitoring unit, wherein at least the first monitoring unit, preferably each monitoring unit of the distance determination system, has a transmitter unit which is intended to transmit a sound signal, in particular an ultrasonic signal, and an electromagnetic signal, in particular an electromagnetic high-frequency signal, wherein at least the second monitoring unit, preferably each monitoring unit of the distance determination system, has a receiver unit which is intended to receive the sound signal and the electromagnetic signal, so that on the basis of the Transit time difference between the sound signal received by the receiver unit and the received by the receiver unit and to the received Sc hall signal associated electromagnetic signal, a distance between the first monitoring unit and the second monitoring unit can be determined proposed. This can advantageously enable a particularly reliable and/or precise distance determination, in particular between two monitoring units of the distance monitoring system. The use of signals with significantly different signal velocities (sound signal: speed of sound in air, ie about 343 m/s; electromagnetic signal: speed of light, ie about 3*10 ⁸ m/s almost instantaneously) also makes it particularly easy to measure the transit time difference . As a result, the measurement of the transit time difference can be implemented particularly easily, in particular electronically, in particular in comparison to a measurement of a transit time difference between two signals propagating at the speed of light or reflected signals traveling at the speed of light. As a result, production costs and thus individual device costs can advantageously be kept low.

Advantageously, no handshaking between individual devices, i.e. between the monitoring units, is required in the proposed distance determination system. The distance determination is advantageously unidirectional. Advantageously, particularly when using ultrasonic signals whose range is limited to a few meters, the distance determination is limited to sources that are arranged in a close range of a few meters to one another due to the system. As a result, sources of error, sources of interference or the like can advantageously be at least essentially ruled out or at least significantly reduced. In addition, a maximum number of recorded sources can be reduced as a result, as a result of which the data processing effort and/or the memory space requirements of the individual devices or an external evaluation system can advantageously be reduced.

In particular, a “unidirectional distance monitoring system” should be understood to mean a distance monitoring system which is based on exclusively unidirectional communication, ie in particular free of a return channel, between individual devices of the distance monitoring system, in particular between the monitoring units. In particular, each monitoring unit forms an individual device of the distance determination system, which preferably functions completely independently and in particular does not use the resources of a host device, such as a smartphone or the like, or the resources of a central control device, such as a hub or the like . The monitoring units are preferably designed differently from a smartphone. Alternatively, however, is also think bar that the monitoring units are integrated into a correspondingly modified smartphone. Each monitoring unit preferably comprises at least one (integrated) transmitter unit and at least one (integrated) receiver unit. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that at least one monitoring unit of the distance determination system has only one receiver unit and no transmitter unit or only one transmitter unit and no receiver unit. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for a monitoring unit to be formed from two separate individual devices, with a first individual device having the transmitter unit, for example, and a second individual device which can be combined with the first individual device or is in a communication connection with the first individual device having the receiver unit. The distance determination system preferably comprises more than two monitoring units. In particular, it is conceivable that the monitoring units are designed at least essentially identical to one another.

In particular, the transmitter unit comprises at least one sound transmitter module, preferably an ultrasonic transmitter module, which is intended to generate and emit the sound signal, in particular the ultrasonic signal. In particular, the sound signal is in the form of an ultrasonic signal. In particular, the ultrasound signal has one or more sound frequencies outside, preferably above, preferably just above (near ultrasound) the human auditory surface. The ultrasonic signal preferably has one or more sound frequencies of more than 15 kHz. The ultrasonic signal preferably has one or more sound frequencies below 1 GHz. The sound signal particularly preferably has sound frequencies in the range of approximately 40 kHz. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that, in particular for certain applications, the sound signal has one or more sound frequencies outside the ultrasonic range, for example one or more sound frequencies within the human auditory surface, one or more sound frequencies in the infrasonic range or one or more sound frequencies in the hypersonic range. With regard to further information on the acoustic terms used, reference is made to the standard DIN 1320:1997-06 (“Acoustics - Terms”). In particular, the receiver unit comprises at least one sound receiver module, preferably an ultrasound receiver module, which is provided for receiving and characterizing/analyzing the sound signal, in particular the ultrasound signal. The sound receiver module is preferably provided to determine a precise reception time at which the sound signal is received.

In particular, the transmitter unit comprises at least one EM (electromagnetic wave) transmitter module, preferably an HF (high frequency) transmitter module, which is intended to generate and emit the electromagnetic signal, in particular the electromagnetic high-frequency signal. In particular, the electromagnetic signal is in the form of an electromagnetic high-frequency signal. In particular, the electromagnetic high-frequency signal has one or more frequencies within the frequency band denoted by the term “high frequency”. For example, the radio frequency signal may have one or more frequencies within the shortwave, ultrahighwave, decimetre-wave, centimeter-wave, and/or millimeter-wave ranges. The electromagnetic high-frequency signal preferably has one or more frequencies higher than 9 kHz. The electromagnetic high-frequency signal preferably has one or more frequencies below 0.3 THz. Preferably, the radio frequency electromagnetic signal has one or more frequencies in ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) bands with general allocation. In this case, the approval effort is advantageously low. In this case, the usual frequency ranges from the ISM bands are in particular 434 MHz, 869 MHz and 2.4 GHz. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that, especially for certain applications, the electromagnetic signal has one or more frequencies outside the frequency band designated by the term "high frequency", for example one or more frequencies in the long wave or medium wave range, one or more frequencies in the infrared light range or one or more frequencies in the range of visible light or beyond. In particular, the receiver unit comprises at least one EM receiver module, preferably an HF receiver module, which is intended to receive and characterize/analyze the electromagnetic signal, in particular the electromagnetic high-frequency signal. The EM receiver module is preferably provided to determine a precise reception time at which the electromagnetic signal is received. In particular, the receiver unit is only intended to receive and/or analyze signals from other monitoring units. In particular, the receiver unit is not intended to receive and/or analyze a reflected signal by the transmitter unit of the same monitoring unit.

In particular, a sound signal or a bundle (packet) of ultrasonic signals together with an electromagnetic signal or a bundle (packet) of electromagnetic signals form a pair of signals that belong together. Preferably, the runtime difference between determined from the signals or signal bundles (signal packets) of the associated signal pairs. In particular, to determine the distance between the monitoring units, the transit time difference is multiplied by the signal speed of the sound signal. If necessary, a temporal relationship between the electromagnetic signal and the sound signal within a signal pair must be taken into account when calculating the transit time difference. The sound signal and the electromagnetic signal of a signal pair are preferably transmitted at least essentially at the same time by the respective transmitter unit. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for a time offset with a fixed time relationship or with a variable time relationship between the transmission times of the electromagnetic signal and the sound signal to exist or be predetermined. In this case, the time offset must be used to determine the distance, ie it must be known. In particular, it is conceivable that the information about the time offset is contained in the electromagnetic signal or in the ultrasonic signal or is transmitted with the electromagnetic signal or in the ultrasonic signal. In this case, the electromagnetic signal of a signal pair is preferably transmitted before the sound signal of the signal pair. As a result, an absolute time difference between the reception of the electromagnetic signal and the sound signal can advantageously be further increased, so that particularly simple electronics, in particular a particularly simple clock, are advantageously sufficient for the receiver module. For example, the transmitter unit transmits a pair of signals at regular and/or irregular intervals (e.g. every second or every ten seconds).

“Provided” should be understood to mean, in particular, specially programmed, specially designed and/or specially equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function is to be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and/or executes this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the sound signal emitted by the transmitter unit and the electromagnetic signal emitted by the transmitter unit each include an identifier that can be clearly assigned to the respective transmitter unit, in particular a common identifier. As a result, a particularly reliable distance determination can advantageously be made possible. This can advantageously ensure that the received signals come from the same source. Incorrect determinations can advantageously be prevented by mixing signals from different sources. In addition, a downstream analysis of determined distances can advantageously be made possible. The identifier is preferably integrated into the sound signal also used to determine the distance and/or into the electromagnetic signal also used to determine the distance (for example by frequency, phase, pulse and/or amplitude modulation). Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the identifier to be appended to the sound signal and/or the electromagnetic signal in a separate signal. In particular, each identifier is assigned uniquely to a specific monitoring unit, in particular to a specific transmitter unit.

In particular, it is conceivable that the identifier is read out and/or the identifier is assigned to a monitoring unit already on the monitoring unit that receives the signals with the identifier, or that the identifier is read out and/or the identifier is assigned in a downstream (external ) Analysis of the data received by the monitoring unit in a period of time takes place. In particular, the sound signal and the electromagnetic signal of a signal pair each have the same identifier or different identifiers that are clearly related to one another (known to the monitoring unit or recognizable by the monitoring unit). In particular, signals originating from different monitoring units always have different identifiers.

In addition, it is proposed that at least the second monitoring unit, preferably each monitoring unit of the distance determination system, comprises a data processing unit which is at least provided for determining the distance between the first To determine monitoring unit and the second monitoring unit. As a result, a timely determination of the distance, preferably an (almost) real-time determination of the distance, can advantageously be made possible, as a result of which an immediate distance warning can be output, for example. As a result, advantageous infection protection properties can be achieved, particularly when used in connection with combating an epidemic, a pandemic or the like. A "data processing unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit with a processor unit, preferably a processor and with a memory unit, preferably a memory module (ROM, RAM and/or a non-volatile memory module), and with an operating program stored in the memory unit.

If the determinable distance, preferably the determined distance, between the first monitoring unit and the second monitoring unit has an accuracy of at least 5 cm, preferably at least 2.5 cm, a particularly useful and/or precise distance determination can advantageously be carried out, in particular between two monitoring units of the distance monitoring system. As a result, in particular when used in connection with combating an epidemic, a pandemic or the like. advantageous anti-infection properties can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the receiver unit comprises the sound receiver module, in particular the ultrasonic receiver module, for receiving the sound signals, in particular the ultrasonic signals, preferably from a further monitoring unit, which is intended to at least roughly determine the direction of the received signals. As a result, a particularly precise and/or particularly useful, at least roughly direction-resolved, distance determination can advantageously be made possible. As a result, in particular when used in connection with combating an epidemic, a pandemic or the like. advantageously an infection risk can be assessed more precisely through a determined contact, especially since direct "face-to-face" contacts in airborne disease transmission paths involve a particularly high risk of infection. A "rough determination of direction" should in particular be an allocation of a source direction in one of two non-overlapping 180° partial areas lying in one plane, in one of three non-overlapping 120° partial areas lying in one plane, in two of four in one coplanar and non-overlapping 90° sections, in three out of six coplanar and non-overlapping 60° sections and/or in four out of eight coplanar and non-overlapping 45° sections. The rough direction determination is preferably at least able to recognize whether a signal comes directly from the front or from a right or left side in the viewing direction of a wearer of the monitoring unit. In particular, the rough direction determination is at least able to assign the source direction to one of three, preferably one of four, advantageously one of five, preferably one of six and particularly preferably one of eight or more non-overlapping sub-areas Make overall field of view of the receiver unit. The rough direction determination preferably has a direction recognition accuracy within the field of view of the monitoring unit of at least 60°, preferably at least 45°, advantageously at least 30°, preferably at least 20° and particularly preferably at least 10°.

In this context, it is also proposed that the sound receiver module, in particular the ultrasound receiver module, has two or more sound receiver elements, in particular ultrasound receiver elements, at least for carrying out the at least rough direction determination. As a result, a particularly precise and/or particularly useful, at least roughly direction-resolved, distance determination can advantageously be made possible. In particular, the two or more sound receiver elements are provided to detect the same sound signal from a further monitoring unit. A source direction of the received signal can preferably be determined from a transit time difference, from an amplitude difference and/or from a phase difference of the signal received one after the other by the two or more sound receiver elements. The sound receiver module preferably has at least three sound receiver elements, in particular ultrasonic receiver elements, which are in particular linearly independent of one another. As a result, in addition to determining the direction, a trilateration of a signal source, in particular at least an at least essentially rough trilateration of a signal source, can advantageously be made possible. In particular, the possibility of determining the direction and/or trilateration is independent of whether the sound receiver elements are listening in different main beam directions or in main beam directions that are aligned differently from one another. In particular, the sound transmitter module has exactly one sound transmitter element. Alternatively, however, more than one sound transmitter element per sound transmitter module are also conceivable. In addition, the use of a plurality of sound receiver elements, in particular aligned in different directions, advantageously allows an enlargement of an entire reception area.

If, in addition, the sound receiver elements are arranged in the monitoring unit in such a way that they listen in different directions relative to one another, preferably in different geometric main beam directions, an even more precise direction determination can advantageously be made possible. In addition, a field of view of the sound receiver module can advantageously be enlarged. In particular, the sound receiver unit has a field of view of at least 90°, preferably at least 120°, advantageously at least 140°, preferably at least 160° and particularly preferably at least 180°. In particular, the field of view is less than 360°, preferably less than 270°, preferably less than 210° and particularly preferably at most 180°. In this way, infection risk contact monitoring in particular can be improved, especially since direct “face-to-face” contacts in airborne disease transmission pathways involve a particularly high risk of infection. Alternatively, however, fields of view of 360° or almost 360° are also conceivable. In this way, in particular, advantageous space monitoring can be made possible. In particular, fields of view of individual sound receiver elements can overlap. In particular, if a plurality of sound transmitter elements are present, the sound transmitter elements can emit in main beam directions that are at least essentially parallel to one another or in main beam directions that differ from one another.

In addition, it is proposed that the receiver unit has the sound receiver module for receiving the sound signals and an EM receiver module, in particular designed separately from the sound receiver module, for receiving the electromagnetic signals, with the receiver unit having one or more listening operating states and at least one measuring operating state that is different from the listening operating states has, wherein in the listening operating states only the sound receiver module or only the EM receiver module is active, and wherein in the measuring operating state the sound receiver module and the EM receiver module are active or the currently inactive receiver module is at least temporarily switched to the respective already active receiver module or the respective receiver module that is active in the listening mode is deactivated and the receiver module that is inactive in the respective listening mode is activated. As a result, a particularly reliable and/or precise determination of the distance can advantageously be achieved with at the same time the lowest possible energy consumption and/or the most efficient possible use of available energy. In particular, the receiver unit consumes significantly less energy in the listening mode than in the measuring mode. In this case, the respective other receiver module is in particular in a standby mode. For example, if an electromagnetic signal is detected during one of the listening operating states in which only the EM receiver module is active, the system immediately switches to the measuring operating state, which activates the sound receiver module immediately in order to detect the sound signal of a matching signal pair that follows the electromagnetic signal enable. It is also conceivable that in this case the EM receiver module is deactivated at least temporarily (e.g. for a predetermined time interval and/or until the associated sound signal has been detected) when switching from the listening mode to the measuring mode. As a result, an additional energy saving can advantageously be achieved.

If, in addition, in a first listening operating state of the sound receiver module and the EM receiver module, only the receiver module of the two receiver modules of the receiver unit is active, the energy consumption of which is lower, energy consumption of the monitoring units can advantageously be reduced even further, or the battery life of batteries in the monitoring units can still be reduced be further increased. In addition, it is conceivable that if a receiver module of the receiver unit has a plurality of receiver elements, only some of the receiver elements are active in the listening mode. All other receiver elements are then in a standby mode. In particular, in the present case the energy consumption of the EM receiver module is lower than the energy consumption of the sound receiver module, which is why the sound receiver module is switched to the standby mode in the listening operating state. However, a reverse procedure is also conceivable, depending on the detectors used.

If, in addition, only the receiver module of the receiver modules of the receiver unit is active in a second listening mode, the reception range of which is lower, particularly efficient energy consumption can be achieved, particularly in situations in which many monitoring units are operated simultaneously in a small space. In particular, in this case the measuring operating state is only activated when a source is in the reception range of the receiver unit with the lower reception range, ie in most cases in the reception range of the sound receiver unit. This can advantageously prevent the measurement operating state from being activated, which increases energy consumption, when a source is still so far away from the receiver unit that the sound signal required for distance measurement cannot yet be detected at all. Switching between the first eavesdropping operating state and the second eavesdropping operating state preferably takes place dynamically, depending on the given situation, in particular by a control and/or regulating unit of the monitoring unit. For example, the second eavesdropping mode is activated when a specific frequency of detection of electromagnetic signals is exceeded. For example, the first eavesdropping mode is activated when the frequency of detection of electromagnetic signals falls below a certain level. A “control and/or regulation unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit with at least one electronic control system. under one “Control electronics” is to be understood in particular as a unit with a processor unit, preferably a processor and with a memory unit, preferably a memory module, and with an operating program stored in the memory unit. In particular, the data processing unit and the open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit can be formed at least partially in one piece with one another or even as a common computing system. The fact that two units are designed “partially in one piece” is to be understood in particular to mean that the units have at least one, in particular at least two, advantageously at least three common elements that are a component, in particular a functionally important component, of both units. In particular, it is conceivable that only the first eavesdropping operating state or only the second eavesdropping operating state is implemented in a monitoring unit.

Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that in a third listening mode only the EM receiver module of the receiver unit is active and the EM receiver module is used to roughly determine the presence of another monitoring unit in a reception range of the EM receiver module. In particular, in this case the measuring mode is only activated if the electromagnetic signal received by the EM receiver module, in particular a signal strength of the received electromagnetic signal, indicates that the further monitoring unit is in a close range of the monitoring unit and thus within the reception range of the sound receiver module receiver unit is located. As a result, energy consumption can advantageously be optimized. In addition, a different accuracy of the distance measurement can advantageously be obtained in different distance ranges. In particular, a rough determination of the distance in a far area of the monitoring unit is carried out purely on the basis of the electromagnetic signal, while a precise determination of the distance in a close range of the monitoring unit is carried out using the combination of electromagnetic signal and sound signal. In this case, the far range includes in particular a range of all points within a reception range of the EM reception module which are at least several meters, preferably at least 5 m, preferably at least 10 m and particularly preferably 20 m away from the monitoring unit. In this case, the close range includes in particular a range of all points within the reception range of the EM reception module which are at most a few meters, preferably at most 3 m, preferably at most 2 m and particularly preferably at most 1 m away from the monitoring unit. For example, the third eavesdropping mode can also be used to set up a vehicle convoy of vehicles that are equipped with the monitoring units. A convoy is built up with the electromagnetic signal over larger distances (outside the range of the sound signal, especially in the long range) with a rough accuracy in the (distance) measurement and in a second step, especially when the vehicles come close enough, i.e. in particular within the range of the sound signals (close range), enabling the column participants to be precisely guided by switching on the sound signal.

It is also proposed that at least the second monitoring unit, preferably each monitoring unit of the distance determination system, has a control and/or regulating unit, which is provided for the purpose of switching the receiver unit from the listening operating state when a signal is detected by the receiver module that is active in the currently set listening operating state to switch to the measuring mode. As a result, an automated energy-saving function can advantageously be obtained. A particularly high energy efficiency can advantageously be achieved. A reverse switching back from the measuring operating state to one of the listening operating states preferably takes place when no more signal is detected for a specified or specifiable time or when the detected signals, in particular the signal strengths of the detected signals, fall below a specified or specifiable threshold value.

If, in addition, the control and/or regulation unit is provided for this purpose, in a listening mode in which only the EM receiver module is active, depending on a limit signal strength of the received electromagnetic signal, in particular when a predetermined or specifiable limit signal strength of the received electromagnetic signal is exceeded To switch the receiver unit from the listening mode to the measuring mode, the automated energy saving function can advantageously be further improved. In particular, this procedure corresponds to a rough initial distance determination by the electromagnetic signal. If, on the other hand, the sound receiver module is active in the listening mode, for example, a switch is made to the measuring mode each time a sound signal is detected.

If, alternatively or additionally, the transmitter unit is provided for the purpose, together with the electromagnetic signal, at least one additional piece of information that is different from an identifier To also send out information via the associated monitoring unit and/or via an external unit to which the respective monitoring unit is assigned, a large number of additional interaction options between monitoring units can advantageously be made possible. For example, the external unit (eg a vehicle) to which the receiving monitoring unit is assigned can use the additional information, for example to control the external unit or to interact between the two external units communicating via the monitoring unit. The external unit could, for example, be a vehicle such as a truck, an agricultural vehicle or an emergency vehicle (police, fire brigade, military, etc.). In particular, it is conceivable that more than one piece of additional information is also transmitted by the respective monitoring unit. The additional information can, for example, be contained/coded in the electromagnetic signals sent out by the monitoring units to determine the distance, or can be transmitted via a separate further electromagnetic signal.

If the additional information also includes at least one movement parameter of the associated monitoring unit and/or the external unit to which the respective monitoring unit is assigned, a coordination of movements of neighboring external units communicating by means of the monitoring units can advantageously be achieved. For example, a journey of several vehicles in a closed convoy (driving in convoy/mobile march) can be advantageously controlled in this way. In particular, this allows the distances between the vehicles within the closed convoy to be kept low, so that energy savings and/or an increase in efficiency can be achieved by reducing the overall air resistance of the individual vehicles in the convoy. For example, it is conceivable that trucks equipped with the monitoring units can form groups on freeways or the like and drive one behind the other at a short distance (autonomously controlled). In particular, the movement parameter is a speed, e.g. a driven speed of the external system to which the monitoring unit is assigned, as an acceleration, e.g. initiated braking or speed increase of the external system to which the monitoring unit is assigned, as a change in direction, e.g. an initiated steering movement of the external system to which the monitoring unit is assigned, or the like. For example, a monitoring unit is mounted on the front and on the rear of a truck, with the respective front monitoring unit actively recognizing another truck driving in front, in particular the further monitoring unit mounted on the rear of the truck driving in front, and via the data transmitted by the further monitoring unit Signals the distance and the movement parameters of the truck driving in front receives, so that based on the received data, the truck can be advantageously controlled. As a result, convoy journeys with distances between individual vehicles in the convoy of a few meters, preferably less than one meter and preferably less than half a meter, can be reliably implemented. In particular, it is conceivable that the distance determination system, in connection with the control of journeys by vehicles in a closed formation, forms a primary system that controls convoy travel or a secondary system that complementarily supports another primary system that is based on a different technology and controls convoy travel. If the distance determination system is used as a secondary system, a second technological path, which is based on a technology different from the primary system (e.g. a directly coupled radio contact between two vehicles), can advantageously be created, which advantageously reduces the probability of failure or a malfunction of the overall system monitoring convoy travel can be reduced.

Furthermore, the monitoring unit for the distance determination system, having the transmitter unit and the receiver unit, is proposed. As a result, a reliable and precise distance determination can advantageously be made possible.

In addition, a contact monitoring system is used at least to monitor compliance with specified distances, preferably minimum distances, for example to avoid infections and/or to avoid contact with dangerous goods, e.g. with a radiation source, etc. and/or to avoid contact with a machine. eg with a handling robot/industrial robot, etc., and/or maximum distances, for example to maintain an optimal convoy distance in road traffic and/or to monitor children, objects, etc., with the distance determination system. Advantageously, particularly when using ultrasound signals, the contact monitoring system only detects contacts in the case of direct or almost direct line of sight (the ultrasound signals do not penetrate the body and are therefore only emitted in the direction of vision), which advantageously concentrates contact monitoring on contacts with a particularly high risk can be. Advantageous In this way, particularly targeted and effective contact monitoring can be achieved, which can in particular sort out contacts with a lower risk (this is not possible with the Bluetooth monitoring of the Corona-Warn-App, for example). Advantageously, especially when using ultrasonic signals, the contact monitoring system does not incorrectly detect contacts where the persons opposite or the dangerous goods are separated by a wall or pane (e.g. a Plexiglas wall, etc.), especially since the ultrasonic signals cannot penetrate the wall or pane. In particular, however, a "protected" contact can still be registered, for example in the exemplary case with the Plexiglas wall, by detecting the almost unattenuated electromagnetic signal in the absence of a sound signal. In particular, possible areas of application of the contact monitoring system include at least the following target groups: a) visitors, employees and/or residents of old people's homes and/or nursing homes, where infections can have the greatest impact; b) customers and/or staff in supermarkets and/or shops; c) children and/or teachers/educators in schools and/or kindergartens; d) visitors and/or participants in cultural and/or sporting events; e) production workers; f) Employees and/or visitors in public facilities and/or authorities g) Workers in hazardous areas. When driving in a convoy, each vehicle advantageously knows the identities, the distances and/or the movement parameters of the first additional vehicle driving directly in front of the vehicle and/or the second additional vehicle driving directly behind the vehicle.

In addition, it is proposed that at least the second monitoring unit, preferably each monitoring unit of the distance determination system, has an alarm device or is connected to an external alarm device for data transmission, with the alarm device being provided for the purpose of alerting when the distance to the first monitoring unit falls below a specifiable minimum and/or when a Exceeding a predetermined maximum distance to the first monitoring unit to issue an alarm signal. As a result, effective, simple and/or immediate contact monitoring can advantageously be made possible. Advantageously, this allows a contact to be recognized and resolved immediately. Advantageously, real-time contact monitoring can be made possible, which can significantly reduce the number of risky contacts. In particular, the alarm device is integrated into the monitoring unit or at least connected to the monitoring unit in terms of data transmission. For example, it is conceivable to output the alarm signal to a mobile phone or smartphone, which then takes over the alarm by means of a warning tone, a vibration, a light signal or a notification. For example, based on the alert, a vehicle can initiate an automated control measure in order to return to a predetermined distance range between the minimum distance and the maximum distance. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the alarm device is provided to output an alarm signal when a predefinable minimum distance from the first monitoring unit is exceeded and/or when a predefinable maximum distance from the first monitoring unit is undershot.

If the alarm device comprises an optical signal generator (e.g. an LED), an acoustic signal generator (e.g. a loudspeaker, a buzzer or a siren) and/or a mechanical signal generator, such as a vibration signal generator, a particularly effective and/or particularly perceptible alarms are made possible. In particular, it is conceivable that a signal strength output by the alarm device, for example a luminosity, a volume and/or a vibration strength, becomes stronger or weaker depending on the distance determined by the contact monitoring system.

Furthermore, it is proposed that at least the second monitoring unit has a control and/or regulating unit, which is provided for this purpose, based on the measured minimum distance, based on the measured maximum distance and/or based on a received together with the electromagnetic signal and from a Identifier various other information about the first monitoring unit and / or via an external unit, which is assigned to the first monitoring unit to output a control signal to a second monitoring unit associated with further external unit. As a result, an at least partially automated, preferably fully automated, coordination of movements of adjacent external units communicating by means of the monitoring units can advantageously be achieved. For example, a journey of several vehicles in a closed convoy can be advantageously controlled in this way. In particular, the monitoring unit is connected to a control unit of the further external unit in terms of data transmission technology, for example for the transmission of the control signal. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the control unit of the additional external unit carries out at least part of the data evaluation itself, ie for example receiving raw data from the monitoring unit. In particular, when it is detected that the minimum distance to the external unit (the vehicle driving in front) is carried out by the further external unit (the vehicle driving behind) at least temporarily. In particular, when it is detected that the maximum distance from the external unit (the vehicle driving in front) has been exceeded, the further external unit (the vehicle driving behind) carries out an at least temporary increase in speed. In particular, when a change in a movement parameter of the external unit (the vehicle driving in front) is detected, a corresponding control of the further external unit (the vehicle driving behind) is initiated, which maintains the minimum distance and the maximum distance. For example, an identical change in the movement parameter of the further external unit is generated/initiated for this purpose.

In addition, it is proposed that the contact monitoring system has a grouping function, which is intended to make activation of the alarm device dependent on a received identifier, which is contained in a signal pair comprising a sound signal and an electromagnetic signal and which is unique to a further monitoring unit, which is classified with the second monitoring unit in a common group. As a result, a warning behavior and/or contact monitoring limited to different groups of people or the like can advantageously be fine-tuned. In particular, when using the grouping function, the alarm device is only activated if contact with a source is detected which has an identifier that is unknown to the respective monitoring unit or has an identifier that is not assigned to the common group in the monitoring unit. In particular, the alarm device is not activated when the grouping function is used if contact with a source is detected which has an identifier that is known to the respective monitoring unit or has an identifier that is assigned to the common group in the monitoring unit. In particular, the grouping information for executing the grouping function can be stored on the memory module of the data processing unit or the open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit or on a separate memory module. In particular, the data processing unit or the control and/or regulation unit is provided for carrying out and/or executing the grouping function. In addition, it is conceivable that even the implementation of the distance determination is made dependent on the grouping. Received signals with known identifiers are completely ignored.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the monitoring units each have a fastening device for fastening the monitoring unit to an external unit, for example to a body part or on the outside of a piece of clothing or on the outside of a vehicle. As a result, a simple use of the contact monitoring system for contact monitoring of people can advantageously be made possible. In particular, the fastening device comprises eyelets for fastening a carrying strap, a neck strap or a carrying harness. In particular, the monitoring unit is intended to be attached to an outside of a body and/or clothing. In particular, the monitoring unit is attached to a person in such a way that at least the sound transmitter unit and the sound receiver unit remain uncovered by clothing or body parts. Alternatively, attachment devices (needles, etc.), Velcro connection devices, adhesive devices or the like are also conceivable. Preferably, the monitoring unit is attached in a chest area, in a crotch area, in an abdominal area or in a head area (e.g. on a helmet/cap) of a person. If the monitoring unit is arranged on the outside of a vehicle, the monitoring unit can also be integrated in a part, in particular an outer paneling part, of the vehicle, for example in a bumper.

In addition, it is proposed that the monitoring units each additionally have an ultra-broadband localization device, in particular for an omnidirectional determination of distance and direction to other monitoring units. Mutual localization of monitoring units can advantageously be significantly more precise as a result. In particular, a localization can advantageously be expanded beyond the detection of direct face-to-face contacts. Advantageously, protected face-to-face contacts, in which, for example, a plexiglass pane or similar is arranged between the respective persons (cf. supermarket) can also be reliably recognized and classified. An “ultra-wideband localization device” is to be understood in particular as a device emitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves, in particular wave packets, with the emitted and/or received electromagnetic waves, in particular the emitted and/or received wave packets, having a particularly large bandwidth, preferably a bandwidth of more than 500 MHz. In particular, include the wave packets emitted and/or received by the ultra-wideband localization device include a multiplicity of electromagnetic waves of different frequencies, which preferably have a fixed phase relationship to one another. In particular, the ultra-wideband localization device is intended to use a "two-way ranging (TWR)" localization method, a "time-difference of arrival (TDoA)" localization method, an "angle-of-arrival (AOA)" localization method, a "received signal strength (RSS)" localization method, a "phase-difference-of-arrival (PDoA)" localization method or a combination of at least two of the aforementioned localization methods.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the contact monitoring system has at least two mobile monitoring units, for example each assigned to persons, each having the transmitter unit and the receiver unit. In particular, it is conceivable that at least some of the monitoring units of the contact monitoring system are assigned to mobile “units” other than people, i.e. robots, vehicles or animals, for example.

In addition, it is proposed that the first monitoring unit of the two mobile monitoring units be arranged on a front side of a first vehicle belonging to a column/a closed vehicle formation and that the second monitoring unit of the two mobile monitoring units be arranged on a rear side of a vehicle also belonging to the column/the closed vehicle formation. Association associated and arranged directly in front of the first vehicle in the column / the closed vehicle association lined up second vehicle. As a result, an at least partially automated, preferably fully automated, coordination of movements of adjacent external units communicating by means of the monitoring units can advantageously be achieved. For example, a journey of several vehicles in the closed convoy can be advantageously controlled in this way. In particular, the procession/the closed convoy has a plurality of other vehicles in addition to the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

Furthermore, a contact tracing system is proposed, at least for tracing back contacts, in particular chains of infection and/or convoy journeys, with the distance determination system or with the contact monitoring system. As a result, an effective and precise subsequent tracing of contacts can advantageously be made possible if necessary, for example after subsequent confirmation of an infection or contamination of a person in a group of people. As an alternative or in addition, a journey of several vehicles in the closed convoy/convoy can be advantageously controlled in this way.

In addition, it is proposed that at least the second monitoring unit, preferably each monitoring unit of the distance determination system, includes a memory module which is intended to record received signals for later analysis. As a result, an effective and precise subsequent tracing of contacts can advantageously be made possible if necessary. In particular, the memory module can be designed as the memory module of the data processing unit or as the memory module of the open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit or as a separate memory module of the monitoring unit.

If at least the second monitoring unit, preferably each monitoring unit of the distance determination system, is provided at least for the purpose of determining a time when a signal was received, a signal strength of a signal received, a distance from a further monitoring unit determined from received signals, a duration of exceeding/falling below a minimum distance or a maximum distance , a number of exceeding/falling below the minimum distance or the maximum distance and/or an identifier associated with a further monitoring unit transmitting the received signal in the memory module can advantageously enable effective and precise subsequent tracing of contacts if necessary.

In addition, it is proposed that at least the second monitoring unit, preferably each monitoring unit, has a wireless or wired readout interface for reading out the data stored in the memory module. As a result, an effective and precise subsequent tracing of contacts, which can in particular be carried out externally and/or checked externally, can advantageously be made possible if necessary. The wireless readout interface can be designed, for example, as an NFC interface, as a Bluetooth interface or as a WLAN interface. Alternatively or additionally, the readout interface can be designed as an inductive data interface, which is intended in particular to transmit data via an inductive energy transmission signal, for example by modulating the energy transmission signal emitted by a charging station or by modulating a load or the like picked up by the monitoring unit. This can advantageously be a cost-effective, simple and space-saving data transmission can be made possible. The wired interface can be in the form of a USB interface, a serial interface, a memory card interface, etc., for example.

Furthermore, a contact tracing system comprising at least one mobile monitoring unit, for example assigned to a person, with the transmitter unit and the receiver unit and comprising at least one stationary further monitoring unit, in particular permanently installed in an area accessible to people, for example a room in a building, is also included the transmitter unit and with the receiver unit. Alternatively, of course, the contact tracing system could only have mobile monitoring units. In addition, of course, the contact monitoring system could also have a memory unit. In the case of stationary monitoring units in particular, it may be sufficient for the sake of simplicity to only read out the mobile monitoring units or to store the data only on the mobile monitoring units. For example, at the beginning of an event or a visit to a venue (e.g. trade fair, concert hall, cinema, restaurant, sports facility, etc.), the surveillance units are issued to participants and collected again after the end of the event or when leaving the venue. In this example, after or during the return, the memory modules of the monitoring units are read out, so that the contacts, in particular the risk contacts, of the participating persons with other participating persons can be determined afterwards (externally) if necessary. A stationary monitoring unit can preferably be added to the contact tracing system in order to (additionally) carry out an evaluation of the people who were in a room/at a location in a specific period of time. In particular, adding a stationary monitoring unit to the contact tracking system can be used to evaluate a movement profile of a person at a location (i.e., for example, tracking which rooms the person has been in and for how long, or tracking which sources of danger within an area the person got close, when and for how long, etc.).

If the contact tracing system has a plurality of stationary monitoring units assigned to a common space, the monitoring units being arranged in the common space in such a way that each point of the common space is always within range of the transmitter units of at least two, preferably at least three, stationary monitoring units, so that a bilateration of a position of the at least one mobile monitoring unit moving in the room is made possible (with three stationary monitoring units, a trilateration of the position of the at least one mobile monitoring unit moving in the room is then made possible), advantageously an additional position determination and/or an additional Movement profile recording of the mobile surveillance unit are made possible. To enable position determination by means of bilateration, the stationary monitoring units are arranged in the monitored room/area in such a way that at least one of the two circle intersections is always outside of the room/area to be monitored for at least the majority of all possible distance circles of the bilateration. In particular, in order to carry out the bilatation, it is necessary for the mobile monitoring units to be arranged at approximately the same height as the stationary monitoring units (e.g. at chest height).

Furthermore, a method for distance determination, in particular for distance monitoring, preferably for unilateral distance monitoring, using the distance determination system, for contact monitoring using the contact monitoring system and/or for contact tracing using the contact tracing system is proposed. In this way, particularly advantageous properties can be achieved with regard to the accuracy of a distance determination, with regard to system costs and/or with regard to system energy consumption.

If, in at least one method step of the method for determining the distance, the travel time difference between the sound signal, in particular the ultrasonic signal, and the electromagnetic signal, in particular electromagnetic high-frequency signal, which is preferably emitted from almost the same place as the sound signal, is determined, and if subsequently in a further method step of the method for determining the distance, a distance value between a transmission point of the two signals and a receiving point of the two signals is determined on the basis of the determined difference in transit times, a particularly reliable and/or precise determination of the distance, in particular between two monitoring units of the distance monitoring system, can advantageously be made possible.

In addition, it is proposed that distance values and/or contact durations determined by means of the distance determination system, preferably by means of the contact tracking system, relative to at least one further monitoring unit, in particular the duration of exceeding or falling below the minimum distance or the maximum distance, preferably convoy travel times, preferably depending on the area of application of the distance determination system, in particular the contact tracking system, are used to calculate a resulting risk of infection or to calculate a resulting (economic) slipstream advantage. As a result, a particularly advantageous application of the recorded data can be achieved. On the one hand, reliable protection against infection can advantageously be achieved, and on the other hand, a high degree of economic efficiency of convoy journeys can advantageously be achieved. In particular, the contact tracing system is intended to store data on a position of vehicles within a platoon and/or data on the identities of platoon participants. In particular, the identifiers of all platoon members are transmitted to at least one leading vehicle of the platoon, preferably to all platoon members, preferably by the monitoring units using the electromagnetic signal or using another signal independent of the distance determination. In particular, the economic slipstream advantage arises for all vehicles driving behind a leading vehicle in the convoy at suitable distances, for example due to reduced energy costs, such as fuel costs, or due to reduced vehicle wear.

Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one vehicle driving in a convoy, in particular the foremost vehicle in the convoy, sends a message based on the calculation of the (economic) slipstream advantage which has arisen from at least one other vehicle in the convoy driving behind the vehicle, in particular a request for payment, is created and this is preferably transmitted to the at least one other vehicle in the column. Since the proposed method makes it known exactly who was in the convoy when, for how long and at what distance relative to other participants, the economic advantage/economic disadvantage of individual participation in the network traffic can be calculated exactly and subsequently ( e.g. economically through payments) are fairly compensated. This can advantageously generate a particularly high level of willingness to participate and/or to lead convoys. The proposed method makes it possible and also economically attractive for convoys to form independently if appropriately equipped vehicles are available. A particularly fair distribution of loads within a column can thereby be advantageously achieved. For example, the driver of the leading vehicle bears a particularly high level of responsibility and thus experiences a greater workload than the drivers of the following vehicles. With the proposed method, the driver of the lead vehicle can advantageously be rewarded for this additional effort by the unburdened drivers of the other vehicles in the column. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the convoy data to be transmitted to a central accounting office or to be read out by a central accounting office afterwards. In addition, it is conceivable that convoy participants who do not pay at the end will be rejected the next time they try to join a convoy (e.g. because no more cooperative signals are transmitted).

The distance determination system according to the invention, the monitoring unit according to the invention, the contact monitoring system according to the invention, the contact tracing system according to the invention and the method according to the invention should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the distance determination system according to the invention, the monitoring unit according to the invention, the contact monitoring system according to the invention, the contact tracing system according to the invention and the method according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components, method steps and units that differs from a number specified here in order to fulfill a functionality described herein.

character list

Further advantages result from the following description of the drawing. Two exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Kontaktüberwachungssystems und eines Kontaktnachverfolgungssystems, jeweils mit einem Abstandserm ittlungssystem,
• 2 eine schematische Vorderansicht einer Überwachungseinheit des Abstandserm ittlungssystems,
• 3 eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Überwachungseinheit,
• 4 eine schematische Explosionsdarstellung der Überwachungseinheit,
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung einer beispielhaften Ausgestaltung des Kontaktnachverfolgungssystems,
• 6 ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zu einer Abstandsermittlung mittels des Abstandsermittlungssystems,
• 7a-c einen schematischen beispielhaften Ablauf eines Alarmierungsvorgangs durch das Kontaktüberwachungssystem
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung eines alternativen Kontaktüberwachungssystems und eines alternativen Kontaktnachverfolgungssystems, jeweils mit einem alternativen Abstandsermittlungssystem und
• 9 ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zu einer Kontaktnachverfolgung mittels des Kontaktnachverfolgungssystems innerhalb von Fahrzeugkolonnen.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a contact monitoring system and a contact tracking system, each with a distance determination system,
• 2 a schematic front view of a monitoring unit of the distance determination system,
• 3 a schematic plan view of the monitoring unit,
• 4 a schematic exploded view of the monitoring unit,
• 5 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the contact tracing system,
• 6 a schematic flowchart of a method for determining a distance using the distance determination system,
• 7a-c a schematic exemplary sequence of an alarm process by the contact monitoring system
• 8th a schematic representation of an alternative contact monitoring system and an alternative contact tracing system, each with an alternative distance determination system and
• 9 a schematic flowchart of a method for contact tracing using the contact tracing system within vehicle columns.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

the 1 shows a schematic representation of a contact monitoring system 40a. The contact monitoring system 40a is provided for monitoring compliance with specified minimum distances 46a (eg 1.5 m or 2 m). In the case shown as an example, the contact monitoring system 40a is provided to prevent infections. Alternatively, however, the contact monitoring system 40a could also be provided for other tasks, eg to avoid contact with dangerous goods or to avoid contact with dangerous devices/machines. That in the 1 The contact monitoring system 40a shown also forms a contact tracking system 56a at the same time. The contact tracing system 56a is provided for tracing back contacts, for example chains of infection. Alternatively, however, the contact tracing system 56a can also be provided for tracing back contacts with sources of danger, for example sources of radioactive radiation.

The contact monitoring system 40a and the contact tracking system 56a have a distance determination system 38a. The distance determination system 38a forms a unidirectional distance monitoring system. The distance determination system 38a includes a first monitoring unit 10a. The first monitoring unit 10a is in the example 1 assigned to a first person. The distance determination system 38a includes a second monitoring unit 12a. The second monitoring unit 12a is in the example 1 assigned to a first person. The persons carry the monitoring units 10a, 12a uncovered in front of their chests. The monitoring units 10a, 12a each have a transmitter unit 14a (cf. 2 ) on. The transmitter unit 14a is provided for emitting a sound signal 16a. The sound signal 16a is in the form of an ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic signal has a maximum range 70a. The maximum range 70a is less than 10 m. The transmitter unit 14a is provided for emitting an electromagnetic signal 18a. The electromagnetic signal 18a is in the form of an electromagnetic high-frequency signal. A maximum range of the electromagnetic high-frequency signal is far above 10 m. The transmitter unit 14a is provided to emit an associated signal pair 68a consisting of the emitted sound signal 16a and the emitted electromagnetic signal 18a. The sound signal 16a emitted by the transmitter unit 14a and the electromagnetic signal 18a emitted by the transmitter unit 14a, which together form the associated signal pair 68a, each comprise one of the respective transmitter unit 14a emitting the signal pair 68a and/or the respective monitoring unit 10a emitting the signal pair 68a, 12a clearly assignable common identifier.

The monitoring units 10a, 12a each have a receiver unit 20a (cf. 2 ) on. The receiver unit 20a is provided for receiving the sound signal 16a. The receiver unit 20a is provided for receiving the electromagnetic signal 18a. The receiver unit 20a is intended to identify a pair of signals 68a that belong together and consist of the received sound signal 16a and the received electromagnetic signal 18a. A distance 22a between the first monitoring unit 10a and the second monitoring unit 12a (ie between the first person and the second person) can be determined on the basis of a propagation time difference between the signals 16a, 18a forming the identified signal pair 68a. The distance 22a between the first monitoring unit 10a and the second monitoring unit 12a that can be determined by the distance determination system 38a has an accuracy of at least 5 cm.

That in the 1 The contact monitoring system 40a shown by way of example comprises two mobile monitoring units 10a, 12a, each associated with persons and each having a transmitter unit 14a and a receiver unit 20a. The contact monitoring system 40a can have any number of additional monitoring units 10a, 12a. Essentially, the monitoring units 10a, 12a of the contact monitoring system 40a, apart from one in each case only one of the monitoring units 10a, 12a uniquely assigned identifier, identical to each other.

the 2 shows a schematic front view of one of the monitoring units 10a, 12a. The monitoring unit 10a, 12a includes a data processing unit 24a. The monitoring unit 10a, 12a includes a control and/or regulating unit 36a. In the example shown in the figures, the data processing unit 24a also forms the open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit 36a. The data processing unit 24a includes electronics and/or an operating program which is intended to determine the transit time difference between the signals 16a, 18a associated with a signal pair 68a from the signals 16a, 18a received by the receiver unit 20a. The data processing unit 24a is provided to determine the distance 22a between the transmitting monitoring unit 10a, 12a and the receiving monitoring unit 10a, 12a from the transit time difference between the sound signals 16a and electromagnetic signals 18a received by the receiver unit 20a and emitted by another monitoring unit 10a, 12a .

The monitoring unit 10a, 12a has a memory module 58a. The storage module 58a is intended to store and/or record the received signals 16a, 18a for later analysis, for example for a subsequent determination of distances 22a. The monitoring unit 10a, 12a is provided to store a time of signal reception in the memory module 58a. The monitoring unit 10a, 12a is intended to store a signal strength of a signal reception in the memory module 58a. The monitoring unit 10a, 12a is provided to store an uncovered distance 22a from received signals 16a, 18a determined by the data processing unit 24a from a further monitoring unit 10a, 12a in the memory module 58a. The monitoring unit 10a, 12a is provided to store the duration of exceeding/falling below the minimum distance 46a in the memory module 58a. The monitoring unit 10a, 12a is intended to store a number of times the minimum distance 46a has been exceeded/exceeded in the memory module 58a. The monitoring unit 10a, 12a is provided to store an identifier associated with a further monitoring unit 10a, 12a emitting the received signal 16a, 18a in the memory module 58a. The monitoring unit 10a, 12a has a readout interface 60a for reading out the data stored in the memory module 58a. The readout interface 60a is designed as a wired interface. The readout interface 60a is in the form of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring unit 10a, 12a can have a wireless readout interface.

The monitoring unit 10a, 12a has a housing unit 74a. The monitoring unit 10a, 12a has the transmitter unit 14a. The transmitter unit 14a includes a sound transmitter module 72a. The sound transmitter module 72a is arranged at least for the most part within the housing unit 74a. The sound transmitter module 72a is intended to emit the sound signal 16a. The sound transmitter module 72a comprises at least one sound transmitter element 80a, which is intended to generate and emit the sound signal 16a. A main beam direction 92a (cf. 3 ) of the sound transmitter module 72a is oriented perpendicularly away from the front face 76a of the housing unit 74a. The transmitter unit 14a includes an EM transmitter module 78a. The EM transmitter module 78a is arranged at least for the most part within the housing unit 74a. The EM transmitter module 78a is intended to emit the electromagnetic signal 18a. The EM transmitter module 78a comprises at least one EM transmitter element 82a which is intended to generate and emit the electromagnetic signal 18a. A main beam direction 94a (cf. 3 ) of the EM transmitter module 78a is oriented perpendicularly away from the front face 76a of the housing unit 74a.

The monitoring unit 10a, 12a has the receiver unit 20a. The receiver unit 20a has a sound receiver module 26a. The sound receiver module 26a is provided for receiving a sound signal 16a, in particular a sound signal 16a emitted by a further monitoring unit 10a, 12a. The sound receiver module 26a is arranged at least for the most part within the housing unit 74a. The sound receiver module 26a has in the 2 illustrated example three sound receiver elements 28a, 30a, 32a. The sound receiver elements 28a, 30a, 32a are arranged at least for the most part within the housing unit 74a. The sound receiver elements 28a, 30a, 32a are designed as sound sensors, in particular ultrasonic sensors, which are independent of one another, in particular linearly independent.

The sound receiver module 26a is provided for at least a rough determination of the direction of the received sound signals 16a. The sound receiver elements 28a, 30a, 32a are provided for carrying out the at least rough direction determination. The sound receiver elements 28a, 30a, 32a are arranged in the monitoring unit 10a, 12a, in particular within the housing unit 74a, in such a way that they listen to each other in different directions. A first sound receiver element 28a is arranged on the front side 76a of the monitoring unit 10a, 12a. A main reception direction 96a (cf. 3 ) of the first sound receiving element 28a is aligned perpendicularly pointing away from a front side 76a of the housing unit 74a. A second sound receiver element 30a is arranged on a right-hand side 84a (seen in plan view of the front side 76a) of the monitoring unit 10a, 12a. The right side 84a of the monitoring unit 10a, 12a is at an angle 88a (cf. 3 ) to the front 76a of the monitoring unit 10a, 12a. The angle 88a is less than 90°. The angle 88a is more than 25°. The angle 88a is approximately 60°. A main receiving direction 98a (cf. 3 ) of the second sound receiving element 30a is oriented perpendicularly away from the right side 84a of the housing unit 74a. The main reception direction 98a of the second sound receiver element 30a is angled at the angle 88a to the main reception direction 96a of the first sound receiver element 28a. A third sound receiver element 32a is arranged on a left-hand side 86a (seen in plan view of the front side 76a) of the monitoring unit 10a, 12a. The left side 86a of the monitoring unit 10a, 12a is at an angle 90a (cf. 3 ) to the front 76a of the monitoring unit 10a, 12a. The angles 88a, 90a of the right side 84a and the left side 86a are of the same size, but have a different sense of rotation. A main reception direction 100a (cf. 3 ) of the third sound receiving element 32a is oriented perpendicularly away from the left side 86a of the housing unit 74a. The main reception direction 100a of the third sound receiver element 32a is angled at the angle 90a to the main reception direction 96a of the first sound receiver element 28a.

Other configurations, arrangements and/or orientations of the receiver unit 20a and/or the transmitter unit 14a that deviate from the arrangements shown in the figures are conceivable. By using at least three sound receiver elements 28a, 30a, 32a, a trilateration of a position of the emitting monitoring unit 10a, 12a is made possible. For this purpose, however, the sound receiver elements 28a, 30a, 32a can in principle also be arranged differently, in particular even in a common plane but at a distance from one another.

Receiver unit 20a includes an EM receiver module 34a. The EM receiver module 34a is provided for receiving an electromagnetic signal 18a, in particular an electromagnetic signal 18a emitted by a further monitoring unit 10a, 12a. The EM receiver module 34a is located at least in large part within the housing unit 74a. The EM receiver module 34a has in the 2 example shown has an EM receiver element 102a. The EM receiver element 102a is arranged at least for the most part within the housing unit 74a.

The receiver unit 20a has a first listening mode. In the first listening mode, only the receiver module 26a, 34a of the receiver modules 26a, 34a of the receiver unit 20a is active, the energy consumption of which is lower. In the first listening mode, the EM receiver module 34a is active (provided its power consumption is less than that of the sound receiver module 26a). In the first listening mode, the sound receiver module 26a is inactive and is preferably in a standby mode. The receiver unit 20a has a second listening mode. In the second listening mode, only the receiver module 26a, 34a of the receiver modules 26a, 34a of the receiver unit 20a is active, the reception range of which is lower. In the second listening mode, the sound receiver module 26a is active (provided that its reception range is less than that of the EM receiver module 34a). In the second listening mode, the EM receiver module 34a is inactive and is preferably in a standby mode. Other eavesdropping operating states are conceivable.

The receiver unit 20a is in a measurement mode. The measurement mode is different from the listening mode. In the measurement mode, the sound receiver module 26a and the EM receiver module 34a are active. The control and/or regulating unit 36a of the monitoring unit 10a, 12a is provided to switch the receiver unit 20a from the respective listening operating state to the measuring operating state when a signal 16a, 18a is detected by the receiver module 26a, 34a that is active in the currently set listening operating state . Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that control and/or regulation unit 36a is provided to, in a listening mode in which only EM receiver module 34a is active, for example in the first listening mode, depending on a limit signal strength determined during the first Listening mode received electromagnetic signals 18a, the receiver unit 20a switch from the listening mode to the measuring mode. As long as the field strengths of the electromagnetic signals 18a received during the first listening mode are below the limit field strength, there is no switching from the listening mode to the Measuring operating state by the control and / or regulation unit 36a. However, as soon as the field strength of at least one electromagnetic signal 18a received during the first listening mode is above the limit field strength, the control and/or regulating unit 36a switches from the listening mode to the measuring mode.

The monitoring unit 10a, 12a has a fastening device 54a. The fastening device 54a is provided for fastening the monitoring unit 10a, 12a to a part of the body or to the outside of a piece of clothing. In the case shown as an example, the fastening device 54a is provided as an eyelet for receiving a strap, for example a collar.

The monitoring unit 10a, 12a has an ultra-wideband localization device 156a. The ultra wideband locator 156a includes an ultra wideband transmitter and an ultra wideband receiver. The ultra-wideband localization device 156a operates in a frequency range between 100 MHz and 6 GHz with a bandwidth of at least 500 MHz, preferably at least 1 GHz, preferably at least 2 GHz, more preferably at least 4 GHz and particularly preferably at least 5.5 GHz, and/ or in a frequency range between 6 GHz and 8.5 GHz with a bandwidth of at least 500 MHz, preferably at least 1 GHz, preferably at least 1.5 GHz, more preferably at least 2 GHz and particularly preferably at least 2.5 GHz. As a result, interference, in particular mutual interference, from other radio sources, such as LoRa, 5G or WLAN (in particular 802.11 p), can advantageously be avoided. A particularly high spatial resolution can advantageously be achieved, in particular due to the high bandwidth of the frequency range between 6 GHz and 8.5 GHz. In addition, no radio licenses are advantageously required for these frequency ranges, particularly if a transmission power is in a range of -41.3 dbm/MHz. The transmission power of the ultra wideband sensor is preferably -41.3 dbm/MHz or below. In particular, the frequency band between 100 MHz and 6 GHz and/or the frequency band between 6 GHz and 8.5 GHz is provided at least for a distance measurement and/or at least for a direction measurement. The ultra-wideband localization device 156a is intended in particular to monitor contact/distance to other monitoring units 10a, 12a which are outside of fields of view 104a, 106a, 108a and/or outside of ranges of the sound receiver elements 28a, 30a, 32a and/or which have moved away from the fields of view 104a, 106a, 108a and/or from the ranges of the sound receiver elements 28a, 30a, 32a after contact has been detected by means of the sound signals 16a and/or which are in a closer vicinity, but not yet from the sound receiver elements 28a, 30a, 32a were seen directly. In this way, in addition to the direct ("face-to-face") contacts, information about lower-risk contacts, i.e. for example less close contacts or less direct ones (e.g. to people who were only standing behind another person) can advantageously be obtained. For example, the ultra-wideband localization device 156a can be used to obtain precise position information of the further monitoring unit 12a, i.e. a precise position determination in relation to a person to whom the further monitoring unit 12a is assigned, while using the transit time difference between the sound signal 16a and the electromagnetic Signal 18a-based distance determination method is determined whether and / or how long a visual contact or a face-to-face contact with the person who is assigned to the further monitoring unit 12a existed. For example, the ultra-wideband locator 156a alone is unable to determine whether a boundary, such as a Plexiglas pane (in a supermarket or the like), is placed between two people who are face-to-face. To determine this information and in particular to precisely determine a risk of infection caused by face-to-face contact, a combination of the distance determination method using the ultrasonic signal 16a (the ultrasonic signal 16a is completely shielded by the Plexiglas pane) with the ultra-wideband signal (a UWB -signal is not shielded by the Plexiglas pane) using localization method particularly advantageous.

the 3 shows a schematic plan view of one of the monitoring units 10a, 12a. In the 3 the main beam directions 92a, 94a of the transmitter elements 80a, 82a, the main reception directions 96a, 98a, 100a of the receiver elements 28a, 30a, 32a, 102a and exemplary fields of view 104a, 106a, 108a of the sound receiver elements 28a, 30a, 32a are shown schematically.

the 4 shows a schematic exploded view of one of the monitoring units 10a, 12a. The exemplary in the 4 The monitoring unit 10a, 12a shown is intended for use in the contact monitoring system 40a and for use in the contact tracking system 56a. The monitoring unit 10a, 12a has an alarm device 42a. Alternatively or additionally, the Monitoring unit 10a, 12a with an external alarm device 44a, such as a smartphone or a pager, etc., be connected. The alarm device 42a, 44a is provided to output an alarm signal when the (predeterminable or predetermined) minimum distance 46a from another monitoring unit 10a is not reached. The alarm device 42a of the monitoring unit 10a, 12a has an optical signal generator 48a. The optical signal generator 48a is in the form of a light-emitting diode. The alarm device 42a of the monitoring unit 10a, 12a has an acoustic signal generator 50a. The acoustic signal generator 50a is designed as a sound converter that emits frequencies that can be heard by humans. The alarm device 42a of the monitoring unit 10a, 12a has a mechanical signal generator 52a. The mechanical signal generator 52a is designed as a vibration signal generator.

The contact monitoring system 40a has a grouping function. The grouping function is intended to make activation of the alarm device 42a, 44a dependent on a received identifier, which is contained in the signal pair 68a comprising the sound signal 16a and the electromagnetic signal 18a and which is unique to a further monitoring unit 10a, 12a, the is assigned to a common group with the second monitoring unit 12a. The monitoring unit 10a, 12a has a battery 128a. The battery 128a can be designed as an accumulator. The battery 128a is provided to supply the monitoring unit 10a, 12a with electrical energy. The battery 128a is provided to supply the receiver unit 20a, the transmitter unit 14a, the data processing unit 24a, the memory module 58a and/or the alarm device 42a with electrical energy.

the 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the contact tracking system 56a, which comprises a mobile monitoring unit 12a assigned to a person and a plurality of stationary additional monitoring units 10'a, 10"a permanently installed in a room 62a accessible to the person. The mobile monitoring unit 12a registers and saves every contact with each permanently installed monitoring unit 10'a. As a result, entry into room 62a by the person with mobile monitoring unit 12a can be recorded. Stationary monitoring units 10'a, 10"a are arranged in room 62a in such a way that each point in space 62a is always within range of transmitter units 14a, in particular sound transmitter modules 72a, and/or receiver units 20a, in particular sound receiver modules 26a, of at least two of stationary monitoring units 10'a, 10"a. As a result, bilateration is one Position of the mob moved in the space 62a Ilen monitoring unit 12a allows. As a result, a movement profile of the person can be recorded with the mobile monitoring unit 12a in the room 62a. It is conceivable that the stationary monitoring units 10'a, 10"a have a simpler design than the mobile monitoring units 12a, for example no receiver unit 20a and/or no memory module 58a, since the distance determination on the mobile side has priority in this case. However Of course, the mobile monitoring unit 12a and the stationary monitoring units 10'a, 10"a can also have at least substantially identical functionalities.

the 6 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for a (unilateral) distance determination using the distance determination system 38a. In at least one method step 110a, the monitoring units 10a, 12a are activated (for example, in the case of an issue to visitors of an event location). After activation, the monitoring units 10a, 12a emit signal pairs 68a. When they are sent, the signal pairs 68a are provided with the identifier of the respective monitoring unit 10a, 12a. After activation, the monitoring units 10a, 12a can be in the first listening mode. After activation, at least the receiver module 26a, 34a that is more economical in terms of energy listens for corresponding signals 16a, 18a. Of course, the listening mode can also be dispensed with, so that both receiver modules 26a, 34a are always listening for signals 16a, 18a. In at least one further method step 112a, a signal 16a, 18a emitted by a further monitoring unit 10a, 12a is detected by the receiver module 26a, 34a that is more economical in terms of energy. In at least one further method step 114a, the listening mode is deactivated and the measuring mode is activated, so that both receiver modules 26a, 34a are now listening for the signals 16a, 18a. In at least one further method step 116a, signals 16a, 18a forming signal pairs 68a, which are emitted from the same location, in particular from the further monitoring unit 10a, 12a, are detected. In at least one further method step 64a, a transit time difference between the signal of the signal pair 68a representing a sound signal 16a and the signal of the signal pair 68a representing an electromagnetic signal 18a is determined. In at least one further method step 66a, a distance value between a transmission location of the two signals 16a, 18a and a receiving location of the two signals 16a, 18a. In at least one further method step 118a, the received signals 16a, 18a and/or the evaluated data are stored in the memory module 58a. In at least one further method step 120a, the alarm device 42a, 44a is activated as a function of the determined distance value. The alarm device 42a, 44a is then activated in method step 120a if the determined distance value is less than the minimum distance 46a. If at a point in time signal pairs 68a can no longer be reliably determined, in at least one further method step 126a the measuring operating state is deactivated and the first listening operating state or the second listening operating state is activated. A selection between the first eavesdropping operating state and the second eavesdropping operating state is made here based on the frequency and/or number of electromagnetic signals 18a which are detected at the current time without the respectively associated sound signal 16a. In at least one further method step 122a, the memory module 58a is read out (for example after the monitoring units 10a, 12a have been collected by the visitors when they leave the event location). In at least one further method step 124a, contact tracking is carried out using the data read out from the monitoring units 10a, 12a.

the 7a until 7c show an example of an alarm process of the contact monitoring system 40a using the distance determination system 38a. In the 7a the two monitoring units 10a, 12a represented by circles are at a distance 22a from one another, which is greater than the minimum distance 46a. In this case there is no alarm. In the 7b the second monitoring unit 12a has approached the first monitoring unit 10a to such an extent that the minimum distance 46a is not reached. The first monitoring unit 10a continuously emits sound signals 16a and electromagnetic signals 18a. The electromagnetic signal 18a propagates much faster than the sound signal 16a (in the 7a until 7 c shown only schematically). In the 7b the electromagnetic signal 18a has already passed the second monitoring unit 12a and was detected by the receiver unit 20a of the second monitoring unit 12a. If necessary, the reception of the electromagnetic signal 18a led to a switching of the second monitoring unit 12a from the listening mode to the measuring mode. The time at which the electromagnetic signal 18a was received is recorded internally in the second monitoring unit 12a. If the receiver unit 20a subsequently also receives the sound signal 16a, the time of receipt is recorded again and after confirmation that the two signals 16a, 18a originate from the first monitoring unit 10a, the distance value is determined. In the 7c both signals 16a, 18a have passed the second monitoring unit 12a and have been registered by its receiver unit 20a. After the distance value has been determined, the second monitoring unit 12a registers that the determined distance value is less than the minimum distance 46a and triggers an alarm for the second monitoring unit 12a. Conversely, the first monitoring unit 10a also registers the same situation based on the signals 16a, 18a (not shown) emitted by the second monitoring unit 12a and also triggers an alarm. A carrier of the second monitoring unit 12a or also a carrier of the first monitoring unit 10a perceives the alarm and can take countermeasures, ie increase the distance 22a again. The wearers of the monitoring units 10a, 12a can use the silence of the alarm signal to determine when the respectively required minimum distance 46a has been maintained again.

In the 8th another embodiment of the invention is shown. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, with regard to components having the same designation, in particular with regard to components having the same reference symbols, also to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular the 1 until 7c , can be referenced. To distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is the reference number of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS 1 until 7c adjusted. In the embodiment of 8th the letter a is replaced by the letter b.

the 8th shows a schematic representation of an alternative contact monitoring system 40b. The alternative contact monitoring system 40b is intended for use in road traffic 136b. The alternative contact monitoring system 40b is provided for monitoring convoy journeys, for example in road traffic 136b. The alternative contact monitoring system 40b is designed as a column distance monitoring system. The alternative contact monitoring system 40b is provided for monitoring compliance with specified minimum distances 46b and/or specified maximum distances 132b. The alternative contact monitoring system 40b is provided for monitoring compliance with an optimal column spacing in road traffic 136b.

The alternative contact monitoring system 40b has an alternative distance determination system 38b. The alternative distance determination system 38b is provided for determining and/or monitoring distances 22b from vehicles 138b, 146b in a column 140b. The alternative distance determination system 38b is designed as a column distance determination system. The alternative distance determination system 38b has monitoring units 10b, 10'b, 12b, 12'b. The monitoring units 10b, 10'b, 12b, 12'b are designed as mobile monitoring units 10b, 10'b, 12b, 12'b. The monitoring units 10b, 10'b, 12b, 12'b are each assigned to an external unit 130b, 134b. The monitoring units 10b, 10'b, 12b, 12'b are each attached to the external unit 130b, 134b. The external units 130b, 134b are in the 8th illustrated case as vehicles 138b, 146b, in particular as trucks. A first monitoring unit 10b of the mobile monitoring units 10b, 10'b, 12b, 12'b is arranged on a front side 142b of a first vehicle 138b belonging to the column 140b. A second monitoring unit 12b of the mobile monitoring units 10b, 10'b, 12b, 12'b is arranged on a rear side 144b of a second vehicle 146b which also belongs to the column 140b and is queued up directly in front of the first vehicle 138b in the column 140b.

The monitoring units 10b, 12b each have a transmitter unit 14b (in 8th not shown in detail). The transmitter unit 14b is provided for emitting a sound signal 16b and an electromagnetic signal 18b (in 8th each not explicitly shown). The transmitter unit 14b is provided for the purpose, at least together with the electromagnetic signal 18b, of at least one piece of additional information, different from an identifier, about the associated monitoring unit 10b, 10'b, 12b, 12'b and/or about the external unit 130b, 134b, to which the respective monitoring unit 10b, 10'b, 12b, 12'b is assigned. The additional information includes at least one movement parameter of the emitting monitoring unit 10b, 10'b, 12b, 12'b and/or the external unit 130b, 134b, to which the respective emitting monitoring unit 10b, 10'b, 12b, 12'b is assigned. The monitoring units 10b, 12b each have a receiver unit 20b (in 8th not shown in detail). The receiver units 20b are intended to receive the sound signal 16b, the electromagnetic signal 18b and the additional information. The first monitoring unit 10b, which is arranged on the front side 142b of the first vehicle 138b belonging to the column 140b, emits a sound signal 16b and an electromagnetic signal 18b forward (in the direction of the second vehicle 146b). The first monitoring unit 10b, which is arranged on the front side 142b of the first vehicle 138b belonging to the column 140b, transmits additional information about the first vehicle 138b, in particular about the state of movement of the first vehicle 138b, at least forward (at least in the direction of the second vehicle 146b) off. The second monitoring unit 12b, which is arranged on the rear 144b of the second vehicle 146b belonging to the column 140b, emits a sound signal 16b and an electromagnetic signal 18b to the rear (in the direction of the first vehicle 138b). The second monitoring unit 12b, which is arranged on the rear 144b of the second vehicle 146b belonging to the column 140b, sends additional information about the second vehicle 146b, in particular about the movement status of the second vehicle 146b, at least to the rear (at least in the direction of the first vehicle 138b) off.

The second monitoring unit 12b, which is arranged on the rear 144b of the second vehicle 146b belonging to the column 140b, receives the signals 16b, 18b and information (movement parameters) transmitted by the first monitoring unit 10b. The first monitoring unit 10b, which is arranged on the front side 142b of the first vehicle 138b belonging to the column 140b, receives the signals 16b, 18b and information (movement parameters) transmitted by the second monitoring unit 12b. Based on the received signals 16b, 18b, the respective monitoring unit 10b, 12b determines the distance 22b between the vehicles 138b, 146b. Based on the information received (movement parameters), the respective monitoring unit 10b, 12b determines changes in driving operating states of the respective other vehicles 138b, 146b. Based on the ascertained distance 22b, compliance with the optimal convoy distance in road traffic 136b is monitored. Based on the ascertained distance 22b and the ascertained driving operating states, the vehicles 138b, 146b are controlled in such a way that the optimum convoy distance in road traffic 136b is achieved and/or maintained. The optimal column spacing includes a range between the minimum spacing 46b and the maximum spacing 132b. The distance range covered by the optimal column distance is selected in such a way that it is large enough for the vehicle 138b driving behind to be able to react quickly enough to changes in the driving operating state of the vehicle 146b driving in front (e.g. abrupt braking) and at the same time a total air resistance of the two vehicles 138b, 146b can be reduced as much as possible. If the maximum distance 132b is exceeded between the vehicles 138b, 146b a (in the 8th not shown in detail) alarm device 42b, which is assigned, for example, to one or both vehicles 138b, 146b, output an alarm signal. If the minimum distance 46b between the vehicles 138b, 146b is not reached, the alarm device 42b can output an alarm signal.

The monitoring units 10b, 12b each have a (in the 8th not shown in detail) control and / or regulating unit 36b, which is provided based on the measured minimum distance 46b, based on the measured maximum distance 132b and / or based on received together with the electromagnetic signal 18b and different from an identifier further information (movement parameters) of the respective other monitoring unit 10b, 12b to output a control signal to the receiving monitoring unit 10b, 12b assigned vehicle 138b, 146b. The vehicles 138b, 146b with the monitoring units 10b, 10'b, 12b, 12'b are designed as at least partially autonomous vehicles 138b, 146b, preferably as fully autonomous vehicles 138b, 146b. Vehicles 138b, 146b, which are at least partially autonomous, preferably fully autonomous, are set up to transmit the control signals generated based on the measurement results of monitoring units 10b, 10'b, 12b, 12'b to (partially autonomous or fully autonomous) controllers of vehicles 138b, 146b , for example in steering movements or speed and/or acceleration adjustments. At the same time, the contact monitoring system 40b forms an alternative contact tracking system 56b for tracking convoy journeys. The alternative contact tracing system 56b is configured as a convoy ride tracing system. It is conceivable that the monitoring units 10b, 12b used in road traffic 136b have automatic or remote-controlled cleaning devices (not shown), which are provided at least to remove dirt (e.g. dust, water or ice) so that advantageously a reliable transmission/reception of the sound signals 16b in particular can be guaranteed.

the 9 shows a schematic flow chart of a method for contact tracing by means of the contact tracing system 56b within vehicle platoons 140b, in which an economic compensation is made between individual vehicles 138b, 146b of the platoon 140b. In at least one method step 148b, distances 22b between vehicles 138b, 146b of column 140b are determined by monitoring units 10b, 12b arranged on vehicles 138b, 146b. The distances 22b are stored on the memory modules 58b of the monitoring units 10b, 12b together with the periods in which a respective vehicle 138b, 146b was part of the column 140b (convoy travel times) and with the respective positions of the vehicles 138b, 146b within the column 140b . In at least one further method step 150b, the determined and stored distance values and/or contact durations, in particular the durations of exceeding/falling below a minimum distance 46b or a maximum distance 132b, preferably the durations of driving in convoys, are used to calculate an economic slipstream advantage/economic slipstream disadvantage resulting from this for each vehicle 138b , 146b used. Among other things, the positions of the respective vehicles 138b, 146b, the distances 46b of the respective vehicles 138b, 146b to other vehicles 138b, 146b of the convoy 140b, the convoy driving times of the respective vehicles 138b, 146b and/or the speeds of the respective vehicles 138b, 146b considered. The calculation can take place online while the column 140b is in existence or afterwards when at least one of the monitoring units 10b, 12b is read out. In at least one further method step 152b, at least one vehicle 138b, 146b traveling in a column 140b, in particular the foremost vehicle 146b in column 140b, or an external (readout) system generates a signal based on the calculation of the (economic) slipstream advantage, which at least another vehicle 138b of the platoon 140b driving behind the vehicle 146b, in particular a message based on all vehicles 146b, 138b driving behind a lead vehicle (not shown) of the platoon (140b). The message can include an invoice, a payment request, or the like. In at least one further method step 154b, the message is transmitted to the respective further vehicle 138b of the column 140b. Alternatively, the message can also be transmitted to a location associated with vehicle 138b, for example an associated freight forwarder.

Reference List

10

First surveillance unit

12

Second surveillance unit

14

transmitter unit

16

sound signal

18

Electromagnetic signal

20

receiver unit

22

Distance

24

data processing unit

26

sound receiver module

28

sound receiving element

30

sound receiving element

32

sound receiving element

34

EM receiver module

36

control and/or regulation unit

38

distance determination system

40

contact monitoring system

42

alarm device

44

External alarm device

46

minimum distance

48

Optical signal transmitter

50

Acoustic signal generator

52

Mechanical signal transmitter

54

fastening device

56

contact tracing system

58

memory module

60

readout interface

62

Space

64

process step

66

process step

68

signal pair

70

Maximum range

72

sound transmitter module

74

housing unit

76

front

78

EM transmitter module

80

sound transmitter element

82

EM transmitter element

84

right side

86

Left side

88

angle

90

angle

92

main beam direction

94

main beam direction

96

main direction of reception

98

main direction of reception

100

main direction of reception

102

EM receiver element

104

field of view

106

field of view

108

field of view

110

process step

112

process step

114

process step

116

process step

118

process step

120

process step

122

process step

124

process step

126

process step

128

battery

130

external unit

132

maximum distance

134

external unit

136

road traffic

138

vehicle

140

column

142

front

144

back

146

second vehicle

148

process step

150

process step

152

process step

154

process step

156

Ultra Wideband Locator

Claims (29)

Distance determination system (38a-b), in particular distance monitoring system, preferably unidirectional distance monitoring system, with at least one first monitoring unit (10a-b) and with at least one second monitoring unit (12a-b), wherein at least the first monitoring unit (10a-b) has a transmitter unit (14a -b), which is intended to emit a sound signal (16a-b), in particular an ultrasonic signal, and an electromagnetic signal (18a-b), in particular an electromagnetic high-frequency signal, wherein at least the second monitoring unit (12a-b) has a Receiver unit (20a-b), which is provided to the sound signal (16a-b) and to receive the electromagnetic signal (18a-b), so that on the basis of the transit time difference between the sound signal (16a-b) received by the receiver unit (20a-b) and the sound signal (16a-b) received by the receiver unit (20a-b) and related to the received sound signal ( 16a-b) associated electromagnetic signal (18a-b) a distance (22a-b) between the first monitoring unit (10a-b) and the second monitoring unit (12ab) can be determined. distance determination system (38a-b). claim 1 , characterized in that the sound signal (16a-b) emitted by the transmitter unit (14a-b) and the electromagnetic signal (18a-b) emitted by the transmitter unit (14a-b) each clear one of the respective transmitter unit (14a-b). assignable, in particular common identifier include. distance determination system (38a-b). claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that at least the second monitoring unit (12ab) comprises a data processing unit (24a-b) which is provided at least for the purpose of calculating the difference in transit times between the signals received by the receiver unit (20a-b) and those received by the first monitoring unit (10a-b) emitted sound and electromagnetic signals (16a-b, 18a-b) to determine the distance (22a-b) between the first monitoring unit (10a-b) and the second monitoring unit (12a-b). distance determination system (38a-b). claim 3 , characterized in that the determinable distance (22a-b) between the first monitoring unit (1 0a-b) and the second monitoring unit (12a-b) has an accuracy of at least 5 cm. Distance determination system (38a-b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiver unit (20ab) comprises a sound receiver module (26a-b) for receiving the sound signals (16a-b), which is intended to at least roughly determine the direction of the received to carry out signals (16a-b, 18a-b). distance determination system (38a-b). claim 5 , characterized in that the sound receiver module (26a-b) has two or more sound receiver elements (28a-b, 30a-b, 32a-b) at least for carrying out the at least rough direction determination. distance determination system (38a-b). claim 6 , characterized in that the sound receiver elements (28a-b, 30a-b, 32ab) are arranged in the monitoring unit (10a-b, 10'ab, 12a-b, 12'ab) such that they listen in different directions relative to one another . Distance determination system (38a-b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiver unit (20ab) has a sound receiver module (26a-b) for receiving the sound signals (16a-b) and an EM receiver module (34a-b) for one Reception of the electromagnetic signals (18a-b), wherein the receiver unit (20a-b) has one or more eavesdropping operating states and at least one of the eavesdropping operating states different measuring operating state, wherein in the eavesdropping operating states only the sound receiver module (26a-b) or only the EM receiver module (34a-b) is active, and in the measuring operating state the sound receiver module (26a-b) and the EM receiver module (34a-b) are active or the currently inactive receiver module (26a-b, 34a-b) at least is temporarily connected to the respective already active receiver module (26a-b, 34a-b) or the respective receiver module (26a-b, 34a-b) active in the listening mode is deactivated and the receiver module (26a-b, 34a-b) that is inactive in the respective listening mode is activated. distance determination system (38a-b). claim 8 , characterized in that in a (first) listening mode only the receiver module (26a-b, 34a-b) of the receiver unit (20a-b) is active, the energy consumption of which is lower. distance determination system (38a-b). claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that in a (second) listening mode only the receiver module (26a-b, 34a-b) of the receiver unit (20ab) is active, the reception range of which is lower. Distance determination system (38a-b) according to one of Claims 8 until 10 , characterized in that at least the second monitoring unit (12a-b) has a control and/or regulating unit (36a-b), which is provided for detecting a signal (16a-b, 18a-b) by the respective in the currently set listening mode active receiver module (26a-b, 34a-b) to switch the receiver unit (20a-b) from the listening mode to the measuring mode. distance determination system (38a-b). claim 11 , characterized in that the control and / or regulation unit (36a-b) is provided for a listening mode in which only the EM receiver module (34a-b) is active, depending on a limit signal strength of the received electromagnetic signal (18a-b) to switch the receiver unit (20a-b) from the listening mode to the measuring mode. Monitoring unit (10a-b, 10'ab, 12a-b, 12'ab) for a distance determination system (38a-b) according to one of Claims 1 until 12 , comprising the transmitter unit (14a-b) and the receiver unit (20a-b). Contact monitoring system (40a-b) at least for monitoring compliance with specified distances (22a-b), preferably minimum distances (46a-b) and/or maximum distances (132b), with the distance determination system (38a-b) according to one of Claims 1 until 12 . Contact monitoring system (40a-b) according to Claim 14 , characterized in that at least the second monitoring unit (12ab) has an alarm device (42a-b) or is connected to an external alarm device (44a-b) for data transmission purposes, the alarm device (42a-b, 44a-b) being provided for this purpose, to output an alarm signal when the distance (46a-b) to the first monitoring unit (10a-b) falls below a specifiable minimum distance and/or when the distance (132b) to the first monitoring unit (10b) exceeds a specifiable maximum. Contact monitoring system (40a-b) according to claim 15 , characterized in that the alarm device (42a-b, 44a-b) an optical signal generator (48a-b), an acoustic signal generator (50a-b) and / or a mechanical signal generator (52a-b), such as a vibration signaller, includes. Contact monitoring system (40) after claim 15 or 16 , characterized by a grouping function which is intended to make activation of the alarm device (42a, 44a) dependent on a received identifier which is contained in a signal pair (68a) comprising a sound signal (16a) and an electromagnetic signal (18a) is included and which is uniquely assigned to a further monitoring unit which is grouped with the second monitoring unit (12a) in a common group. Contact monitoring system (40a-b) according to one of Claims 14 until 17 , characterized in that the monitoring units (10a-b, 10'ab, 12a-b, 12'ab) each have a fastening device (54a-b) for fastening the monitoring unit (10a-b, 10'ab, 12a-b, 12'ab) on an external unit (130a-b). Contact monitoring system (40a-b) according to one of Claims 14 until 17 , characterized in that the monitoring units (10a-b, 10'ab, 12a-b, 12'ab) each additionally have an ultra-wideband localization device (156a-b). Contact monitoring system (40a-b) according to one of Claims 14 until 19 , comprising at least two mobile monitoring units (10a-b, 10'ab, 12a-b, 12'ab), for example each assigned to persons, each having the transmitter unit (14a-b) and the receiver unit (20a-b). Contact tracing system (56a-b) at least for tracing contacts, in particular chains of infection, with the distance determination system (38a-b) according to one of Claims 1 until 12 or with a contact monitoring system (40a-b) according to one of Claims 14 until 20 . contact tracing system (56a-b). Claim 21 , characterized in that at least the second monitoring unit (12ab) comprises a memory module (58a-b) which is intended to record received signals (16a-b, 18a-b) for later analysis. contact tracing system (56a-b). Claim 22 , characterized in that at least the second monitoring unit (12ab) is provided at least for the purpose of determining a time of signal reception, a signal strength of signal reception, a distance (22a-b) determined from received signals (16a-b, 18a-b) to another monitoring unit (10a-b), a duration of exceeding/falling below a minimum distance (46a-b) or a maximum distance (132b), a number of exceeding/falling below the minimum distance (46a-b) or the maximum distance (132b) and/or one to store in the memory module (58a-b) an identifier associated with a further monitoring unit (10ab) transmitting the received signal (16a-b, 18a-b). Contact tracing system (56a-b) according to any of Claims 22 or 23 , characterized in that at least the second monitoring unit (12a-b) has a wireless or wired readout interface (60a-b) for reading out the data stored in the memory module (58a-b). Contact tracing system (56a) according to one of Claims 21 until 24 , comprising at least one mobile monitoring unit (12a), assigned for example to a person, with the transmitter unit (14a) and with the receiver unit (20a) and comprising at least one further monitoring unit (10'a) with a transmitter unit (14a) and with a receiver unit (20a) that is stationary, in particular permanently installed in an area accessible to people, for example a room (62a) of a building. contact tracing system (56a). Claim 25 characterized by a plurality of stationary monitoring units (10'a, 10"a) assigned to a common space (62a), the stationary monitoring units (10'a, 10"a) being arranged in the common space (62a) in such a way that that each point of the common space (62a) is always within the ranges of the transmitter units (14a) of at least two stationary monitoring units (10'a, 10"a), so that a bilatation of a position of the at least one moving in the space (62a). mobile monitoring unit (12a) is enabled. Method for distance determination, in particular for distance monitoring, preferably for unilateral distance monitoring, using a distance determination system (38a-b) according to one of Claims 1 until 12 , For contact monitoring by means of a contact monitoring system (40a-b) according to one of Claims 14 until 20 and/or for contact tracing by means of a contact tracing system (56a-b) according to one of Claims 21 until 26 . procedure after Claim 27 , characterized in that in at least one method step (64a-b) a transit time difference between a sound signal (16a-b), in particular an ultrasonic signal, and an electromagnetic signal (18a-b), in particular electromagnetic high-frequency signal, is determined, and that subsequently in a further method step (66a-b), a distance value between a transmission location of the two signals (16a-b, 18a-b) and a reception location of the two signals (16a-b, 18a-b) is determined on the basis of the determined transit time difference. procedure after Claim 27 or 28 , characterized in that by means of the distance determination system (38a-b), preferably by means of the contact tracking system (56a-b), relative to at least one further monitoring unit (10a-b, 12a-b), distance values and/or contact durations, in particular durations of exceeding / Falling below the minimum distance (46a-b) or the maximum distance (132b) can be used to calculate a resulting risk of infection.

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