DE102010029481A1 - Method for transmitting data i.e. tire pressure information, from vehicle to petrol or diesel gas station, involves transmitting additional vehicle-relevant data from vehicle to infrastructure unit by additional communication connection - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves developing a communication connection between a vehicle and an infrastructure unit e.g. gas station. Data is transferred to the infrastructure unit by modules of an air pressure monitoring system of the vehicle and are brought into the infrastructure unit for display. Identification is sent back to the vehicle so that the vehicle is made to recognize around which kind of infrastructure unit acts. Additional vehicle-relevant data are transmitted from the vehicle to the infrastructure unit by an additional communication connection after recognition. An independent claim is also included for a system for transmission of data from a vehicle to an infrastructure unit, comprising tire pressure monitoring system modules.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for transmitting data from vehicles to infrastructure units according to the generic term of claim 1 and a system according to the preamble of claim 8.

State of the art

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are state of the art. typically, These systems use a frequency of 434 MHz or 868 MHz for transmission the information from the tire to the vehicle. Also known Vehicle-to-X communication. The frequently used WLAN variant IEEE 802.11p uses 5.9 GHz as the carrier frequency.

The DE 10237699 discloses a method and apparatus for electronic tire pressure control, comprising a wheel electronics, by means of which the actual pressure and actual temperature in a vehicle tire can be determined, a central control unit, a display unit for displaying the standardized to a reference temperature actual pressures with predetermined desired pressures and a Befüllanzeige for displaying information for filling a vehicle tire as a function of the detected actual pressures, wherein the set desired pressures at the reference temperature to target pressures at the current actual temperature of the vehicle tires are convertible by the control unit and displayed on a Befüllanzeige ,

The DE 19522486 discloses a method for operating a device for monitoring and wirelessly signaling a pressure change in pneumatic tires on vehicles, which is arranged in the valve of the pneumatic tire and a power source, a pressure sensor, an analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the pressure signal obtained from the pressure sensor, a memory for Storing the pressure signal, a transmitter, a comparator, in particular in assembly with a microprocessor, which compares the pressure signal with a previously stored comparison pressure signal, generates a signal when the deviation of the pressure signal from the comparison pressure signal exceeds a threshold, and activates the transmitter, which then a Information about the detected deviation transmitted to a vehicle disposed in the receiving device, and includes a timer, which activates the device at intervals for a measurement and comparison process and otherwise for the purpose of power saving a keeps switched. The comparison stores the pressure signal and forms with this pressure signal a new comparison pressure signal which replaces the previous comparison pressure signal.

The DE 102006043505 Applicant discloses a tire module for detecting wheel and / or tire condition sizes, which includes at least one acceleration switch that determines a wheel and / or tire condition quantity, and methods for detecting wheel and / or tire condition values, wherein a parameter indicative of a measure for the tire contact patch length or latency run time is determined by an acceleration switch.

Out many reasons such. B. driving safety is the tire pressure in motor vehicles an important size and should frequently checked and - if necessary - adapted become.

In As a rule, the tire air pressure is checked at petrol stations. Here are provided devices available.

In Practice shows, however, that the tire air pressure in the rule much less controlled than would be necessary. Lots Drivers shy away from the time, do not know how the measurement works or How high is the target pressure or do you simply want your hands? do not mess.

Out For this reason, an automatic display of the tire air pressure useful at petrol stations.

Ideally The tire air pressure is tire-individually directly during refueling displayed in a suitable display. The driver then has the opportunity the displayed pressure directly with the manufacturer's information, as Imprint often found in the fuel cap is to compare. differs the pressure actually measured depends on the manufacturer's instructions, the driver should adjust the air pressure.

in principle is the consideration of the invention sending modules - similar TPMS modules that are used in their transmission behavior to the Be adapted to circumstances. According to the invention, "normal" TPMS modules, that just modified while driving in the way modified that these as gas station modules in the stationary state of the vehicle to send at the gas station.

Known It is the driver at petrol stations automatically tire pressure of his vehicle. This is the signal of the tire pressure modules from a system at the gas station outside the vehicle recorded and displayed. Since there is already a communication is realized between the vehicle and the gas station is going on proposed according to this invention or additional additional radio connection interesting vehicle data from the vehicle to an infrastructure unit.

task In the invention, it is easier communication between an infrastructure unit such as z. B. to allow one of the gas station and the or the vehicles.

The The object is solved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are based on the dependent Specify claims.

In In a first embodiment, the method is characterized for the transmission of data from vehicles to infrastructure units, characterized in that, at least one communication link between the vehicle and an infrastructure unit is constructed here Data using the modules of an air pressure monitoring system (TPMS) of the stationary vehicle transferred to the infrastructure unit and displayed in the infrastructure unit and the infrastructure unit returns an identifier to the vehicle, so that the vehicle recognizes what kind of infrasture unit it is is and after detection further vehicle-related data by means of a further Kommunikationsver connection from the vehicle to be transferred to the infrastructure unit. (is the return channel to Vehicle necessary here? For a normal TPMS, the transmission is unidirectional.)

requirement for the transmission of tire air pressures when the vehicle is stationary, the tire modules send out signals. Today's tire modules incorporate sensors that recognize that a vehicle wheel turns. These are preferably Cyclically polled acceleration sensors or vibration switches.

Becomes In the module registers a tire movement, the modules switch from "sleep mode" in a "driving mode". In the driving module are in regular distances data transfer. Usually there is also a "lag mode" (lag mode) in which the modules expire when the vehicle stops (z. B. traffic light stop). The modules are then still for a certain Time active before falling asleep

For At service stations usable modules is suggested that the modules a driving mode and an extended tracking mode, preferably have increased transmission rate. The wake-up mode should be long enough to complete a refueling process. If the modules are to send signals only in stand-by mode, the sending of Telegrams in drive mode - or the drive mode itself - are eliminated.

A another embodiment of the invention Method is characterized in that, the further communication connection means WLAN and / or ZigBee and / or, Bluetooth and / or NFC and / or RKE and / or GSM and / or GPRS and / or UMTS and / or LTE and / or WiMax he follows.

According to one another embodiment is by means of modules (IDs) of the air pressure monitoring system (TPMS) of the stationary vehicle a clear assignment is made at the infrastructure unit, in which case an average of the transmission field strengths of different Receiver or antenna sites of the infrastructure unit can be used as a basis.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the Infrastructure unit the functionality of a roadside Unit up.

A further advantageous embodiment of the method is characterized in that the infrastructure unit has the functionality a gas station with dispensers (1, 2, 3), wherein the gas pump the functionality of transmitters and Receivers has to communication links via WLAN and / or ZigBee and / or, Bluetooth and / or NEC and / or RKE and / or GSM and / or GPRS and / or UMTS and / or LTE and / or WiMax build.

A further particularly advantageous embodiment of the method is characterized characterized by the fact that the modules of the air pressure monitoring system (TPMS), at least one electronic component, such as a sensor, in particular a pressure sensor, an evaluation, a transmitting and / or Receiving device, a memory, an energy converter, which an acceleration change or deformation for recovery used electrical energy, or a battery, which includes by means of the transmitting and receiving unit at standstill of the vehicle Communication connection is established.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention Method sends the infrastructure unit over 434 MHz and / or 868 MHz and / or 5.9 GHz permanent identifiers to build up Communication links to vehicles off.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention for the transmission of data from vehicles to infrastructure units is characterized in that the infrastructure unit has transmitters and receivers to communicate connections by means of WLAN and / or ZigBee and / or, Bluetooth and / or NEC and / or RKE and / or GSM and / or GPRS and / or UMTS and / or LTE and / or WiMax,
and the infrastructure unit comprises display means for displaying a visualization of the data transmitted via the communication link, and the vehicles have transmitters and receivers to generate a corresponding communication link with the infrastructure unit.

A advantageous embodiment of the system is characterized in that the transmitters, receivers and the display means of the infrastructure unit modular designed as a retrofit solution.

When Particularly advantageous embodiment of the system is the communication link from Vehicle to the infrastructure unit via modules of the air pressure monitoring system (TPMS) of the vehicle.

Around enabling further communication is unity At the gas station constructed so that communication terminals can be retrofitted or already existing Communication terminals flexible via software to new transmission protocols can be adjusted. So it is possible with little effort to allow additional communication.

A especially good opportunity for further communication typically provide for RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) frequencies used are 434 MHz and 868 MHz. RKE systems are but still unidirectional today, above all in cheap vehicles. That means only from the key can be sent to the vehicle.

In order to is actually currently no communication from the vehicle to the gas station possible, but can be handle according to the invention by either the key to embassies for the gas station is extended, which then can be sent either by pressing a button on the key or their transmission via low-frequency interface (typically 125 kHz) is triggered from the vehicle.

A Another possibility are RFID tags in z. B. fuel cards or as retrofit solution and additional Communication units in the vehicle as retrofit solutions. These can then also be additional functions trigger. An advantage of the fuel card solution is the customer loyalty to the gas station, because additional functionalities can be represented at other gas stations under Then not work. The retrofit solutions are especially interesting for fleet vehicles, in addition from C2X known functions such as remote diagnostics also represents it become.

about the dargstellte extension of the gas station system with an IEEE 802.11p enabled communication terminal can additionally all RSU (Road Side Unit) based C2X use cases are presented.

acts the gas station as a "normal" data source for z. As Internet access or downloads, so it is to pay for these services via the fuel bill handle. For this purpose, data is only exchanged, if at the same time petrol is fueled at the corresponding petrol pump. A Assignment between vehicle and gas station is then via an identifier that is the same on all communication channels have to be. This can then z. B. a location of the vehicle over a communication channel (eg via TPMS) and the release of the data channel via another communication channel then takes place only for the vehicle with the associated ID. Ideally, this identifier is still cryptographically secured.

3. Technical advantages of invention

By the use of additional communication terminals can with relatively little extra effort or additional costs of communication needs of drivers or vehicles be covered.

The invention is based on the 1 to 3 explained in more detail

A Difficulty is the module positions and the vehicle assigned. The driver should and must have the associated pressures or the information of his vehicle get displayed and not falsely that of another vehicle.

In In other words, the gist of the invention is the assignment of the vehicles to the individual locations in this example a field strength matrix and then building a communication link for a data comparison and / or further communication connections to embarrass the information needs of the driver or the vehicle enough.

The Assignment of the modules to the tire positions is over one sent from the module to the vehicle ECU or gas station ID to be ensured.

For this serve z. For example, the last 2 or other bits of the ID for assignment the wheel positions:

For example:

• 00 → is assigned to FR
• 01 → is assigned FL
• 10 → is assigned to HR
• 11 → is assigned to HL

The rest ID (or part of the remaining ID) is thereby the vehicle assigned. So it is clear which modules are mounted on a vehicle are and in which way the wheel positions are assigned.

According to the invention it was thought that there would also be one or more "universal IDs ". Defective modules in the vehicle can then be exchange with modules of a Universal ID. The wheel position can also here by z. B. the last two bits are determined.

A Another way to assign the modules is z. For example a suitable ECU in the vehicle transmits the module configuration to the counterpart. Usually the module positions are known to the vehicle (own-wheel recognition, Autolocation).

sAlternativ or in addition, those known from TPMS can also be used Autolocation approaches are used, such as Legs Right-left recognition of the modules.

Under the requirement that the modules (IDs) are assigned to a vehicle can now be the mean of the transmission field strengths measured from different receiver or antenna locations. From this it is then determined where the vehicle is. The vehicle can So for example at a gas station of a gas pump be assigned. This can be the driver directly directly tire pressure are displayed.

Around this assignment of vehicles via signal field strengths to support, for. For example, monitoring the IDs, so starting and stopping vehicles can be detected and the Measurement be made plausible.

In Compound hereby, can in the dispensers suitable Sensors are integrated, which recognize a vehicle in front of it can (for example by ultrasound). If four "new" IDs are detected at the same time, the vehicle can be easily assigned.

Alternatively / additive can also the signal "tank trunk pulled" used become. If a pump has been paid, you can these IDs are deleted from the display after a certain amount of time become.

In 1 the petrol pump of a gas station is shown. Further, the flow of messages from the 1 taking the course of communication between a vehicle and an infrastructure unit.

In 2 Each dispenser has a receiver integrated at the same time.

The four transmitting modules of the left vehicle are from receiver 1 as well as receiver 2 and possibly even receiver 3 decrypted. From the four module field strengths An average field strength is calculated for the vehicles can be assigned. As a result, both module tolerances (transmission field strength) So also tolerances in the RF path between transmitter and receiver (eg reflections, wheel / valve position)

In 2 is shown how the individual transmission field strengths are received at the pump 1.

In 3 is shown how the individual transmission field strengths of the vehicles 1 and 2 are received summarized at the pump 1 and 2.

By The networking of the receiver can be such a Set up receive matrix, which is a perfect position assignment the vehicles allowed.

This Method can be used with any two to many receivers carry out.

is in a vehicle z. B. a transmission module failed, works this procedure nevertheless, by continuing to moderate the field strength the modules of a vehicle is considered.

alternative The modules can also be connected via RFID or LF via a Gatereader or any other suitable reader selected become.

Around Further optimizing the system will TPMS data from the vehicle to the remote station (for example gas station). So it would be z. B. possible not only the current Tire pressure, but z. B. also display the target pressures.

alternative also transmission modules can be used, in addition to the ACTUAL print also transfers the DESIRED print. Or this information will be stored centrally in a module (pressure transmitter module or separate module) and transfer. The storage can be preconfigured or done individually.

It The invention is contemplated that centrally the IDs of the transmission modules, the target pressures, for example. About be assigned to a central computer. This assignment could at the petrol station or via the Internet.

Furthermore, the pressures of the IDs will be centrally stored and monitored. Due to the temperature, the tire internal pressures vary according to the tire temperature. In the first nutrition are the Reifentem temperatures are comparable for all tires. The four pressures in a refueling process are compared with the pressures during the next refueling process. In this case, due to the temperature, an "offset" of all pressures will be displayed. The driver will be informed separately if z. B. a pressure shows a significant change. It can then be examined exactly whether a gradual pressure loss z. B. is present by a foreign body in the tire.

at common tire modules are always pressure and temperature measured and transmitted. Is z. B. no temperature information available, the location of the gas station can be taken into account (eg only accessible via motorway) and in conjunction with Congestion information is taken into account. He will thus also considers the driving history.

alternative are also read out data from the vehicle such. B. Speed or loading information.

The Tire pressures are displayed alternatively or on the Cash slip printed. So will the driver Change in pressure clear and comprehensible.

The System of transmission of tire pressures is used just as an example. If one abstracts this system, then one falls the restriction on the tire pressure as well as the restriction on the location of the gas station.

According to the invention it was considered that a transfer of data from or towards the vehicle can be done from a variety of infrastructure.

One Another example is the data transmission vehicle individual be in a drive-in cinema, at a registration office, at car rental companies or in the workshop.

in this connection any data can be transmitted such. B. the tire pressure, tire or vehicle data, congestion info or Shopping wishes (McDrive).

The Assignment of vehicles works independently whether only one transmission unit is installed in the vehicle or several, as previously described as an example of the TPMS, usually four transmission units aufweißt.

In In another embodiment, a vehicle drives to the Gas station. There, his TPMS are read in and at the gas station brought to display. In addition, the gas station sends over 434 MHz and / or 868 MHz and / or 5.9 GHz and / or an identifier from that the vehicle knows that it is now at a gas station stands. If the vehicle receives this ID and stands, then indicates to the driver if wiping water, oil or further during an inspection to be checked Operating materials must be refilled or how the current water level or oil level is. On The same way you can get more services from the vehicle be required. In an extension this idea offers the gas station in addition, that the vehicle the gas station attendant or a other service employees of the gas station can call (possibly through the driver is triggered), if a service such as water refill necessary is.

In A further advantageous embodiment drives a vehicle also to the gas station. There his TPMS are read in and displayed at the gas station. Additionally sends the gas station over 434 MHz and / or 868 MHz and / or 5.9 GHz and / or ... an identifier that the vehicle knows that it is now at a gas station. Now the vehicle sends over 434 MHz and / or 868 MHz and / or 5.9 GHz and / or ... back, which type of gasoline it may fill up, so z. B. "I may only Refuel with diesel ". Then the pump locks on the vehicle stands, all types of gasoline for the vehicle, which are not allowed for this. additionally The gas station can then still the price of the selected type of gasoline transferred to the vehicle. Instead of communicating via the vehicle can also have an RFID tag inserted in the fuel card, which also contains this information. The gas station reads out this RFID tag and thus has the necessary Information is available.

In In another embodiment, the vehicle drives to the car wash. There, his TPMS are read and displayed at the car wash brought. In addition, the car wash sends over 434 MHz and / or 868 MHz and / or 5.9 GHz and / or ... an identifier from that the vehicle knows that it is now at a car wash stands. The vehicle then checks to see if all the windows have been checked are closed and if available, the sunroof or convertible concealed closed is. If this is not the case, either the Driver a warning and / or automatically the windows or the sunroof or top is closed. In addition, can this information will still be sent to the car wash. These then only allows the entrance or then starts the washing program, when all windows, etc. are closed.

In another embodiment, a vehicle drives to the gas station. There, his TPMS are read and displayed at the gas station. The refueling process is usually carried out (or as shown in Example 2) and reaches a certain amount of money corresponding to a certain amount of "bonus points". Then the gas station offers over the radio interface (434 MHz and / or 868 MHz and / or 5.9 GHz and / or Bluetooth or ...) certain things in return for these bonus points, such. For example, refer to songs or updates for digital maps or other electronic content.

• – Internetzugang, für z. B. Email
• – Kartenupdates für digitale Karten
• – Musik- bzw. Mediadownloads
• – Parkplatzinformationen
• – Location Based Services, wie Hotelinformationen

If the petrol station functions as RSU, then additional broadband (or slow) communication links (WLAN, ZigBee, Bluetooth, NFC, ..., but also RKE, GSM / GPRS / UMTS / LTE / WiMax / ...) can also be used Services are provided. These services can either be done for free or for a small fee. Possibilities are:

• - Internet access, for z. Email
• - Map updates for digital maps
• - Music or media downloads
• - Parking information
• - Location based services, such as hotel information

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 10237699 [0003]
• - DE 19522486 [0004]
• - DE 102006043505 [0005]

Claims (10)

Method for transmitting data from vehicles to infrastructure units, characterized in that, at least one communication connection between the vehicle and an infrastructure unit is established, in this case data is transmitted to the infrastructure unit by means of the modules (IDs) of an air pressure monitoring system (TPMS) of the vehicle and in the infrastructure unit be displayed and the infrastructure unit returns an identifier to the vehicle, so that the vehicle recognizes what type of Infrastureinheit is it and after detection further vehicle-related data is transmitted by another communication link from the vehicle to the infrastructure unit. Method according to claim 1, characterized that, the further communication connection by means of WLAN and / or ZigBee and / or, Bluetooth and / or NFC and / or RKE and / or GSM and / or GPRS and / or UMTS and / or LTE and / or WiMax. Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that by means of the modules (IDs) of the Air pressure monitoring system (TPMS) of the stationary vehicle at the infrastructure unit a clear assignment performed takes place, in which case an average of the transmission field strengths from different receiver or antenna locations Infrastructure unit are determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that, the infrastructure unit is the functionality a roadside unit. Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that, the infrastructure unit is the functionality a gas station with dispensers (1, 2, 3) has, the petrol pump being the functionality of transmitters and receivers to communication links via WLAN and / or ZigBee and / or, Bluetooth and / or NFC and / or RKE and / or GSM and / or GPRS and / or UMTS and / or LTE and / or Build WiMax. Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that, the modules of the air pressure monitoring system (TPMS), at least one electronic component, such as a sensor, in particular a pressure sensor, an evaluation electronics, a transmission and / or receiving device, a memory, an energy converter, which is an acceleration change or deformation used for the production of electrical energy, or a battery, comprising, wherein by means of the transmitting and receiving unit at standstill of the vehicle communication link is established. Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that, the infrastructure unit over 434 MHz and / or 868 MHz and / or 5.9 GHz permanently identifiers for Establishment of communication links to vehicles sends. System for transmitting data from vehicles to infrastructure units, characterized that the Infrastructure unit has transmitters and receivers to Communication links via WLAN and / or ZigBee and / or, Bluetooth and / or NEC and / or RKE and / or GSM and / or GPRS and / or UMTS and / or LTE and / or WiMax, and the infrastructure unit Display means for visualizing the data transmitted by the communication link represent data and the vehicles transmitter and receiver have a corresponding communication link with the Generate infrastructure unit. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the transmitters, receivers and the display means of the infrastructure unit modular designed as a retrofit solution. System according to claim 8 or 9, characterized that the communication link from the vehicle to the infrastructure unit via Modules of the air pressure monitoring system (TPMS) of the vehicle he follows.