DE102013224439A1 - Method for transferring a vehicle or device to a reduced-performance or function-reduced state, and device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A method is presented for transferring a vehicle or device to a reduced or reduced performance state. In this case, information about the vehicle or device or information about the operation of the vehicle or device are automatically assembled before the transfer of the vehicle in the power or function-reduced state.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to vehicles or devices that are to be transferred to a safe or low-performance or function-reduced state. It can e.g. for rental vehicles or rental equipment at the end of a rental period are used advantageously.

State of the art

In the collection and return of rental vehicles (cars, trucks, trucks) or rental machines or equipment (excavators, generator, forklift) are the important data (eg odometer reading or operating hours, fuel or battery level, date / time of return, condition of the rented object) are usually treated on paper. When returning outside the opening hours of the rental company, a form is usually filled out by the tenant and this is thrown together with the key in the mailbox of the landlord. In the OHW area (OHW = Off Highway) often the rental vehicles or equipment after use by the tenant of foreign companies are transported back to the landlord.

The DE 10 2006 036 059 A1 describes a method in which vehicle data is stored on a storage element and can be transferred from it to a local computer, eg a rental company, if the local computer is authorized for this purpose.

Here too, however, various uncertainties can persist in the event of a return of the vehicle or device outside the opening hours of the rental company or without the landlord's presence. It is often unclear, for example, whether damage to the vehicle or equipment occurred prior to delivery or between delivery and inspection of the vehicle (e.g., in the parking lot where it was parked).

In addition, it is often debatable whether the vehicle or device has been used illegally by a third party since being parked, Fuel or battery charge has been taken. The reading of the fuel level in vehicles is usually done by reading the fuel gauge on the instrument cluster. This reading is not very accurate. In most cases, the fuel gauge moves only after 50 or even 100 km for a car. The renter is therefore never sure that the vehicle is really full at the beginning of the rental period. The rental company is never sure if the vehicle has been returned fully refueled. Some customers will not refuel the vehicle if the refueling needle has not noticeably moved down.

The rental company also has few options to know if the vehicle has been used according to contractual agreements or has been adequately used, provided that no obvious damage occurs. It is desirable to eliminate the above uncertainties and to improve logging during the pickup and return of a rental vehicle or rental machine.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention is based on a method for transferring a vehicle or device into a reduced-performance or function-reduced state and a device for this purpose according to the independent claims.

In this case, a vehicle or a device is transferred to a reduced performance or function. Such a secured state may e.g. for a rental vehicle or equipment at the conclusion of the tenancy by the tenant to be exculpated for later damage or impairment of the vehicle or device can. The transfer to such a state may also be required by the landlord for a delivery without his presence. In particular, a state in which the vehicle or device can no longer be used, or only used to a very limited extent, without any further steps by a person entitled to do so can be considered a reduced-performance or function-reduced state. It can e.g. a temporary deactivation of the vehicle or device, which can only be canceled by a reactivation (for example via a special key or secret code).

As a performance or reduced function state of a vehicle or device is also the temporary deactivation of one or more control devices of the vehicle or device, e.g. a motor control, in question. The power or function reduced state may e.g. Also by reducing the power of a drive of the vehicle or device or by a beyond the normal locking of the vehicle or device beyond locking the vehicle or device.

Before the overpass is performed in the reduced performance or function state, information about the vehicle or device or alternatively or additionally information about the previous operation of the vehicle or device are automatically compiled during the process. The composition is preferably triggered by the start of the process for transfer to the power or function-reduced state.

The compiled information is advantageously automatically stored, the storage should be such that it is as secure as possible against manipulation and listening to the stored information. The landlord of the vehicle or device, e.g. as soon as he receives or inspects the vehicle or device, or at least if there are disputed points between him and the renter. The linkage to the safe state and the secure storage of the compiled information ensures that the information reliably reflects the state of the vehicle or device at the time of return by the renter.

Preferably, the compiled information is sent automatically, in particular to a receiver outside the vehicle or device. Together with the assembled information in this embodiment preferably a time information about the time of shipment, a location information about the location of the vehicle or device at the time of shipment or both such time and such location information sent. In this way it can be tracked later, when and where the transfer to the safe state or the previous compilation and transmission of the vehicle or device information is done.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the transfer of the vehicle or device in the power or function-reduced state is released only after the dispatch of the compiled information. That is to say, the vehicle or device can only be transferred to the secured or function-reduced or reduced-power state if a compilation and dispatch of the vehicle or device information has previously taken place (for example, within a predetermined maximum time interval). This may be done, for example, by verifying the transmission that has taken place by receiving an acknowledgment of receipt from a transceiver in order to release the transfer of the vehicle or device to the reduced-performance or function-reduced state.

Thus, e.g. Landlords and tenants of a vehicle or device to determine the condition of the leased property at the end of the rental period when transferred to the secure state. Later worsening of the rental property can no longer be charged to the tenant and the landlord knows for sure that this another damage must be determined.

It may be advantageous to provide optional and mandatory data among the information to be compiled. In this case, the transfer of the vehicle or device in the power or function-reduced state should depend only on the presence or sending the mandatory or mandatory information required. For this purpose, in particular, the sending of the compiled information can take place only when the compiled information includes predetermined, mandatory information. Alternatively, a required acknowledgment of receipt by the recipient can only be made when this mandatory information has been received. If a release for transfer to the secured state can not take place due to a lack of mandatory information, a corresponding notification can be issued to the operator of the vehicle or device. The compiled information can include information about a state of the vehicle or device, in particular a mileage, operating hours, error entries in control units, a tank or battery level. Information about a previous operation of the vehicle or device, in particular a speed, a power, positions, a consumption may be required or at least possible. In the specific case, the information may also contain media files, in particular image files.

The compiled information is either entered manually by the operator of the vehicle or device before the automatic compilation or automatically determined by the device or vehicle prior to assembly.

In particular, the described methods are carried out by a computer program which performs all the steps of one of the methods when executed by a computing unit which is part of or communicates with the vehicle or device.

In order to carry out the described methods, a device can be used with means to automatically compile information about a vehicle or device or information about the operation of the vehicle or device before the transfer of the vehicle into the reduced or reduced-efficiency state, and with means, to cause a transfer of the vehicle or device in a performance or reduced function state.

This may be, on the one hand, a mobile device that is set up to communicate with the vehicle or device, in particular via a diagnostic interface of the vehicle or device. Alternatively, such a device is integrated in the vehicle or the device.

Such a device has for better operability input means, in particular a keyboard, as well as output means, in particular a screen. If image files belong to the compiled or compiled information, then the device may have a camera through which the corresponding recordings can take place.

For sending the compiled information and possibly also for receiving information, the device preferably has wireless communication means, which in particular enable an Internet connection.

drawings

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and to exemplary embodiments. It shows

1 2 schematically shows an exemplary sequence of a method for transferring a vehicle or device into a reduced-performance or function-reduced state;

2 schematically an exemplary device with which a vehicle or device can be converted into a reduced power or function reduced state.

Description of the embodiments

1 schematically shows the flow of an exemplary method for transferring a vehicle or device in a secured or function or reduced power state. This will be done in a first step 1 determined that the vehicle or device is to be transferred to such a state. This can be done, for example, by a request from an operator or by a received message (eg by a trust center or an Internet-based fleet or key management system).

In a further step 2 a compilation of predetermined information about the vehicle or device and, where appropriate, its operation is started. This compilation takes place automatically by a device provided for this purpose or is controlled by a computer program.

In the next step 3 It will be determined if all the necessary or compulsory information is available and put together. If this is not the case, the procedure is one step 10 completed. Otherwise, the procedure in step 4 continued.

step 4 corresponds to sending the compiled information. The success of step 4 will be in step 5 checked. For this purpose, either a confirmed successful sending or, in addition, an acknowledgment of receipt from the opposite party can be used as a sufficient criterion for a successful transmission. If the sending is unsuccessful, will step in 5 checks whether a further dispatch should take place. This can be controlled, for example, by the number of failed attempts or the elapsed time. If necessary, over step 11 branches back and tries to resend. Otherwise, the process ends in step 12 ,

Upon successful delivery of the compiled information will be in step 6 granted the release for the transfer of the vehicle or device in the function or reduced power state. This transfer then takes place in step 7 ,

When a rental vehicle or equipment is picked up by a third party or when returned by the renter, the data of the vehicle shall be electronically compiled, stored and logged in order to generate a clear status for tenants and lessors. Among vehicles here u.a. Trucks, commercial vehicles, cars, ships, airplanes and off-highway vehicles, among the devices (or here used synonymous: machines) include u.a. non-mobile excavators and other construction site and work equipment as well as generators and similar devices.

Thus, the vehicle (device) is then no longer moved (used), after the vehicle (device) has been returned and the return log has been created, the vehicle should be automatically brought to a safe or function or power reduced state. For example, the engine or drive control is disabled for another application until the landlord releases the vehicle or device again. Alternatively, a minimum power limit may be applied to another application until the landlord releases the vehicle. Also, a power reduction can be provided with a time limit before the total lock-up.

The invention is intended to allow electronically secure collection of Mietfahrzeug- or Mietmaschinedaten to prevent or clarify any disputes by the documentation. It can be created electronically the pick-up and return log, which was previously paper-based and often did not take into account relevant data.

Predetermined data relevant to a rental vehicle or machine may be logged, aggregated, stored, and shipped. The condition of the rental property is marked after the compilation or dispatch of the data by reduced performance or function or complete blockage.

The method may, in a first variant, be carried out by a computer program that is executed on mobile terminals (for example smartphone, tablet and notebook) ("app"). Running the app here may be e.g. only be released if a corresponding release is received from a central entity (trust center, etc.) on the Internet.

In another variant, a special device for carrying out the method is provided. This can for example be connected to an OBD, service or CAN interface of the vehicle or device via cable connections or via radio. Preferably, an interface is used, via which a customer test device or diagnostic test device can be connected in a workshop with the vehicle or device.

2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device for transferring a vehicle or device in a power or reduced function state. In this case, the device 20 an input unit 22 and an output unit 23 on. This can be a keyboard and a screen, alternatively input and output can also be integrated in a device, eg a touch-sensitive screen. The device 20 also has a camera 24 and a wireless interface 25 , Via a wired interface 21 can the device 20 preferably be connected directly to the vehicle or device. The power supply of the device may be via a battery supply, a connected charger or via the interface 21 to the vehicle or device.

In a further variant, the device is integrated in the vehicle or device and can be operated via its own user interface or an existing control interface in the vehicle or device. For example, In a vehicle, a body computer integrated therein can be used for this purpose.

With one of the described methods or devices, the input state can be logged when a device or vehicle is picked up by a third party, and the return state can be logged when the device is returned. The input or return protocol can then be sent directly by the electronic device, e.g. by radio, internet, telephone etc. to the rental company and optionally also to the tenant.

The device allows the customer to create the log (or to automatically compile corresponding information) that is sent electronically to the rental company and, if necessary, to him. From this moment on it should be ensured that the vehicle or device is no longer or at least no longer fully usable, especially in the case of a return outside the opening hours of the rental station. For example, For example, the engine control of a vehicle may be locked to prevent further use of the vehicle.

About the return protocol or the information summarized therein, the rental company can, for example. Check whether the customer has filled up completely before the return or whether the tank level is the same as in the pickup and if everything else with the vehicle is in order. Thus, the customer is sure that everything that can happen after the return is not assigned to him. An electronic protocol, with which the data is collected directly from the vehicle or device and compiled electronically, thus obviates ambiguities and problems such as Error in the written transmission of the mileage to the usual paper protocol.

The type and number of data to be assembled may be e.g. be selected by the rental company. Some data may be optional, the compilation and possibly sending other data may be mandatory.

For example, data or information could be compiled: tenant's data (name, address, telephone number ...), data of the landlord, data of the vehicle or device (registration number, serial number, chassis number, make and type of vehicle, mileage; Operating hours, time and date, location, eg via GPS, error entries, eg from an OBD system, documentation, whether the vehicle was operational or not, eg power limitation by an exhaust-gas-related error, documentation of possible damage or changes to the vehicle, eg from OBD system can be detected, such as particulate filter removal detection for diesel vehicles).

Optionally, the composition of media files can be supported. A photo function allows the documentation of visible defects on the vehicle or device.

Also during operation of the vehicle or device before parking and before the transfer to the safe state detected information can be collected, for example on power, speed, engine speed, gearshift, clutch, brake, gas. This could identify responsibilities for damages due to non-contractual use. This can also be supported by compiling location information collected during operation (especially for vehicles). For example, it can be ascertained via logged lanes whether a vehicle has been moved in unauthorized locations, an unauthorized off-road use has been carried out for a car that is not an off-road vehicle, unauthorized use on a test track or racetrack, use in countries took place that are not covered by the lease or require additional insurance, etc.

In addition to the current tank or battery level, its course can also be included in the compiled information.

The customer data can be obtained by manual entry for new customers or by automatic access to a database of already registered customers. The data of the landlord may e.g. be stored permanently or also be retrieved from a database.

The data for identifying the vehicle or device may be present in the vehicle or device, for example, or may be retrievable from a database. Time and date information can be determined by the device itself or its access to a reliable time source. Image files can be created by a photo function of the device itself or imported into it.

Further information about the vehicle or device may preferably be detected by a connection of the device to a vehicle interface (or by the device itself, if integrated into the vehicle or device). Thus, e.g. the mileage of the instrument cluster is read out electronically, the number of operating hours, performance data and error entries are read out by control units. Location information for the vehicle can be determined via a GPS system. A tank or battery level of a vehicle or device may be obtained from ECUs. The current fuel level of a vehicle can also be read out electronically by the instrument cluster, preferably the voltage is read out directly by a tank level sensor.

If information about the operation or the route of the device or vehicle is to be compiled, they must be logged in advance via a corresponding recorder. The recorder may be integrated into the vehicle or device or may be external, depending on the type and amount of data to be recorded. The recorder may also have the function of normalizing the various signals for the particular device used. Depending on the vehicle or device and the control devices used therein, data for identical parameters are often named differently. The recorder may also be programmable to support a variety of vehicles and devices.

The compiled information may also include information from a request to a central trust center or to a key or fleet management system on the Internet. In a particular embodiment, the methods described can be started by a command from the trust center or the management system if the latter determines that the vehicle or device should be parked at the end of the rental period or if it has already been shut down, resp with a key return.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102006036059 A1 [0003]

Claims (20)

Method for transferring a vehicle or device to a reduced or reduced-performance state, characterized in that information about the vehicle or device or information about the operation of the vehicle or device are automatically assembled before the transfer of the vehicle in the power or function-reduced state. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the compiled information is stored automatically secured. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compiled information is sent automatically. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that together with the compiled information, a time information about the time of shipment, a location information about the location of the vehicle or device or both such time and such location information are sent. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the transfer of the vehicle or device in the power or function reduced state is released only after the dispatch of the compiled information. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the release of the transfer of the vehicle or device in the power or reduced-function state, the consignment has to be verified by received an acknowledgment of a transceiver.  Method according to one of claims 5 or 6, that the release takes place only when the compiled information comprises predetermined, essential information. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power or function-reduced state of a temporary deactivation of one or more control devices of the vehicle or device, in particular a motor control comprises. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reduced-performance or reduced-function state comprises a reduction of the power of a drive of the vehicle or device or a beyond the normal locking of the vehicle or device beyond locking the vehicle or device. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compiled information media files, in particular image files. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compiled information includes information about a state of the vehicle or device, in particular a mileage, operating hours, error entries in control units, a tank or battery level. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compiled information includes information about a previous operation of the vehicle or device, in particular a speed, a power, positions, consumption. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compiled information from an operator of the vehicle or device manually entered data or automatically detected data.  Computer program which is set up to carry out all steps of a method according to one of the preceding claims.  Device with means to automatically gather information about a vehicle or device or information about the operation of the vehicle or device prior to the transfer of the vehicle to the reduced or reduced-power state, and means, a transfer of the vehicle or device in a performance or to cause a function-reduced state. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that it is a mobile device which is adapted to communicate with the vehicle or device, in particular via a diagnostic interface of the vehicle or device. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the device is integrated in the vehicle or the device. Device according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the device comprises input means, in particular a keyboard, and output means, in particular a screen. Device according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the device comprises a camera. Device according to one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the device comprises wireless communication means, in particular for communication on the Internet.

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