DE102020213398B3 - Method and device for transmitting data about goods located in a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

In the method according to the invention for transmitting data about goods located in a vehicle, a message relating to at least one dangerous good located in the vehicle is generated (10). Input to enable delivery of the message is captured (11). After the activation of the transmission, the generated message is continuously sent (12) at least during the transport of the dangerous goods with a transmission unit of the vehicle, until an input for deactivating the transmission of the message is recorded (13).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for transmitting data about goods located in a vehicle, which can be used in particular for transport vehicles loaded with dangerous goods. The present invention further relates to a corresponding device.

A vehicle used to transport goods usually carries shipping documents that list all the goods transported. In particular, dangerous goods must be identified, as they pose a risk to people or the environment if they are handled improperly, accidentally opened or in the event of an accident. Dangerous goods are understood to be substances and objects which, due to their nature, their properties or their condition, can pose a risk in connection with transport and which are classified as dangerous goods on the basis of legal regulations. Some examples of such dangerous goods are highly flammable, toxic, infectious, radioactive, caustic, water and environmentally hazardous substances, explosives, ammunition or fireworks.

Dangerous goods are to be marked according to the Dangerous Goods Ordinance for Roads (GGVS) by so-called warning signs, dangerous goods signs or dangerous goods stickers on the transport vehicle. Thus, warning signs with standardized dimensions are arranged on the front and rear of the vehicle, possibly supplemented by further warning signs on the side. In this case, the warning signs have an inscription, in particular numerical codes, for identifying the dangerous goods. In addition, the driver must carry certain transport documents such as accident leaflets that provide various information, such as information on the type of dangerous goods or which first aid measures are to be taken in the event of accidents involving dangerous goods.

Checking the freight documents is complex and time-consuming. Since transport routes are often optimized for the maximum use of driving and break times, even short delays can result in major postponements, which can lead to late delivery and the associated payment of high contractual penalties for the carrier.

Lengthy controls with a long service life can therefore generate considerable costs for both the inspectors and the freight forwarders.

The conventional labeling of dangerous goods by warning signs also has disadvantages. As a rule, the numerical code cannot be interpreted by laypeople in this way. The warning sign can also be dirty or mechanically stressed and, in the event of an accident, deformed and thus unrecognizable.

A vehicle that, in addition to the warning signs described, has a device for identifying dangerous goods transported with the vehicle DE 10 2015 015 373 A1 describe. The device includes a dangerous goods data memory that can be programmed in relation to the transported dangerous goods and a radio unit. The dangerous goods data memory is read out in the event of an accident of the vehicle so that rescue personnel can be informed about the dangerous goods being transported. For this purpose, the content of the safety belt data memory is sent to a control center by means of the radio unit and can then be received by a receiving unit of a rescue vehicle via the control center. However, the information can also be received directly from the radio unit of the vehicle involved in an accident. Further information, for example a clear name of the respective dangerous goods, their degree of danger, possible dangers and sensible countermeasures to avoid or reduce these dangers can also be called up here.

An emergency call transmission device for a vehicle, which automatically sends an emergency message via a wireless communication network when a vehicle is involved in an accident, is also disclosed in US Pat GB 2 397 930A disclosed. Here, a message with the geographic position of the vehicle is transmitted to emergency services. In addition, vehicles in the vicinity of the emergency equipped with a similar device receive this message via a beacon radio signal. The message may also contain a description of dangerous goods carried by the vehicle or, if the vehicle is an emergency vehicle, a description of the type of emergency vehicle.

Also describes the DE 10 2014 104 574 A1 a method for carrying out a special transport on a public road, it being checked whether a vehicle used for the special transport is designed in accordance with predetermined restrictions or is operated in accordance with the predetermined restrictions when carrying out the special transport. In this case, warning information about the special transport can be transmitted via a wireless traffic communication system to vehicles in the vicinity of the special transport vehicle. The warning information can be issued in these vehicles so that the drivers of these vehicles are made to comply keep the distance to the special transport vehicle.

the DE 10 2018 129 914 A1 discloses a system for monitoring cargo as it is transported on a vehicle. For this purpose, the cargo in the vehicle is provided with a transmission device which sends a message identifying the cargo cyclically or on request. This message is received with a receiving device in the vehicle and transferred to a telematics device, which wirelessly transmits at least part of the message to an external recipient.

the U.S. 2008/0281960 A1 relates to a traffic monitoring system in which computer terminals each mounted in a vehicle register with a server at the start of a journey and then repeatedly send position data to the server. A statistical analysis of the transmitted data takes place, with the result of the analysis being able to be presented to an operator and the locations of rescue vehicles or dangerous goods vehicles being able to be displayed.

Further prior art is in the DE 10 2018 121 500 A1 , the DE 199 45 052 A1 , the DE 10 2016 014 818 A1 and the EP 1 665 172 B1 described.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved method for transmitting data about goods located in a vehicle and a corresponding device.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and by a device according to claim 9. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

In the method according to the invention for transmitting data about goods located in a vehicle, a message relating to at least one dangerous good located in the vehicle is generated. Input to enable delivery of the message is captured. After the activation of the transmission, the generated message is sent continuously, at least during the transport of the dangerous goods, with a transmission unit of the vehicle, until an input to deactivate the transmission of the message is recorded.

It is intended to define read authorization for the message so that only users with read authorization have access to the data.

This ensures that a warning or information about hazardous goods in the vehicle is available to other road users at any time between the start and end of the journey, and the warning function of visible warning signs on the vehicle is supported by a message that is continuously transmitted while the hazardous goods are being transported . Based on this, these road users can adjust their driving style in relation to the transport vehicle after receiving the message in order to avoid critical traffic situations and accidents. In contrast to warning signs, which cannot be seen in unfavorable visibility conditions such as fog or if they are covered by other vehicles, a warning of dangerous goods is possible at any time, regardless of the current visibility conditions. Likewise, by transmitting the message, a warning can also be given about the dangerous goods if the warning sign is dirty or if the warning sign is unrecognizable as a result of an accident.

In addition, it can be ensured in this way that only users with read authorization, such as official vehicles, computers or mobile end devices of employees of responsible state authorities, have access to the data while other users, such as private individuals in vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle, are denied access will. In this case, the message can preferably include dangerous goods data relating to the dangerous goods located in the vehicle.

This enables, for example, state control authorities such as the police or customs to receive or read out detailed information about the dangerous goods while driving. Likewise, data on the dangerous goods can be made available to people arriving at the scene of an accident before they leave their own vehicle, which is important, for example, in the case of dangerous goods with toxic vapors or gases to reduce the risk to these people.

It can also be an advantage if the message also contains accident notices, rescue cards, general shipping documents and/or cargo/parts lists.

In an accident situation, for example, this makes it possible to ensure data access to other information that is important for the rescue services if documents carried in paper form cannot be found or accessed.

The message is advantageously generated and stored when the vehicle is loaded and sent after activation of the transmission.

This ensures that the message is generated appropriately for the dangerous goods currently loaded and is available immediately when the vehicle starts driving and can be sent.

According to one embodiment of the invention, for reading a message with limited read authorization, an access key can advantageously be sent via a backend system to recipients who have read authorization for this message.

The use of an access key received from a backend system enables the data to be particularly secured, since the access key can be renewed immediately if necessary, or it can only be transmitted from the outset for one-time use and then become invalid.

If the vehicle has a sensor system for detecting whether the vehicle has been involved in an accident, free access to the dangerous goods data stored in the vehicle can be provided in a particularly advantageous manner if an accident is detected.

This can make life much easier for rescue workers, as it ensures that information important for the rescue intervention is available even if access would otherwise be restricted.

Furthermore, an information display is advantageously provided in the vehicle, which displays the activated data transmission to the driver.

This allows the driver of the vehicle to be sure that the dangerous goods message is actually activated when dangerous goods are being transported.

Finally, an input to activate a transmission of the message can advantageously be requested when it is detected that a cargo compartment of the vehicle is being opened and closed.

This further increases safety when transporting dangerous goods and is particularly advantageous for freight trucks, which are usually on the road with sealed freight compartments and driver cards.

• - eine zentrale Steuereinheit, die eine Nachricht bezogen auf mindestens einem in dem Fahrzeug befindlichen Gefahrgut generiert, wobei vorgesehen ist, für die Nachricht eine Leseberechtigung zu definieren, sodass nur Nutzer mit einer Leseberechtigung Zugriff zu den Daten erhalten;
• - eine Eingabeeinheit zur Erfassung einer Nutzereingabe zur Aktivierung und Deaktivierung einer Übermittlung der Nachricht;
• - eine Sendeeinheit, welche die generierte Nachricht nach der Aktivierung der Übermittlung zumindest während des Transport des Gefahrguts dauerhaft versendet, bis eine Eingabe zur Deaktivierung der Übermittlung der Nachricht erfasst wird.

Accordingly, a device according to the invention for the transmission of data about goods located in a vehicle comprises

• - A central control unit, which generates a message based on at least one dangerous goods located in the vehicle, it being provided to define a read authorization for the message, so that only users with read authorization have access to the data;
• - an input unit for detecting a user input for activating and deactivating a transmission of the message;
• - A transmission unit, which permanently sends the generated message after the activation of the transmission, at least during the transport of the dangerous goods, until an input for deactivating the transmission of the message is detected.

• 1 zeigt ein Ablaufdiagramm eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens; und
• 2 zeigt schematisch ein Blockschaltbild einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung.

The method according to the invention or the device according to the invention is preferably used in a vehicle. Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and claims in conjunction with the figures.

• 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention; and
• 2 shows schematically a block diagram of a device according to the invention.

For a better understanding of the principles of the present invention, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that the features described can also be combined or modified without departing from the protective scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

1 shows schematically the basic steps for the method according to the invention for the transmission of data about goods located in a vehicle. The method is described below using the example of road transport of dangerous goods with a commercial or transport vehicle, but can also be used in other areas of goods transport, such as the transport of dangerous goods by rail with railways, or in the area of shipping or aviation .

The method can be started in particular by the driver of the vehicle when he loads the vehicle with the dangerous goods or starts the journey to transport the dangerous goods after the loading process is complete. However, this can also be started and carried out, for example, by a dispatcher who is responsible for coordinating the transport.

In method step 10, a digital message is then related to at least one in dangerous goods in the vehicle. In this case, this message can only contain the warning in general form that the vehicle is loaded with dangerous goods. However, instead of just transmitting the warning of hazardous substances in general, other information can also be included in the message. In particular, hazardous goods data can also be included that indicate which hazardous substances are loaded in the vehicle. Further information about the dangerous goods, such as easy flammability, can also be transmitted. Furthermore, it can be provided that the message also provides the valid accident notices, rescue cards, general shipping documents and/or cargo or parts lists in digital form. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the message includes vehicle-related data such as the license plate number, the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the current position of the vehicle.

In this case, the message can be individually generated and stored for the respective trip by the driver before the start of the trip, for example when loading the vehicle. However, this can also be generated by a dispatcher or another responsible person, for example using fleet/freight management software, and then transmitted to the vehicle.

Furthermore, a catalog of several or all available messages can already be kept in a suitable database or the message, and possibly also the accompanying documents required for the dangerous goods transport, can be generated based on the data of such a dangerous goods database. For example, an accident leaflet tailored to the transported goods can be made available in digital form. Various accident leaflets can also be linked to the selection of the hazardous substance and then automatically assigned.

If the message is generated by a device integrated in the vehicle, the database can be located on a data memory in the vehicle. In order to ensure that the messages and, if necessary, other documents are always generated up-to-date, provision can be made for the dangerous goods data and leaflets to be updated online. For this purpose, a connection with a backend system, which as a central server in the so-called cloud always has the latest data, can be established via a mobile data connection. This update can, for example, take place at regular intervals. However, each time the vehicle is started, a query can also be made as to whether a newer version of the relevant data is available in the database of the backend system. Furthermore, the backend system can initiate an update by transmitting new data using a push notification as soon as such more up-to-date data is available there.

In method step 11, an input for activating transmission of the message is then recorded. In this case, the input can be made in particular by means of a graphical user interface on which operating elements for activating, and later also deactivating, the transmission are displayed. It can then be operated using assigned manual operating elements or, in the case of a touch screen, by simply tapping on the operating element displayed. Likewise, the transmission can also be activated by voice input. It is also possible to provide a separate manual control element for this, independently of a graphical user interface.
Provision can also be made here for the system to force the activation of the transmission of the message or the setting of the dangerous goods warning before the journey. For example, every time it is detected that the cargo hold of a commercial or transport vehicle is being opened and closed, an input by the driver, dispatcher or another person responsible for the transport can be requested. For this purpose, one or more door sensors can be attached to the cargo compartment doors of a truck, for example, which detect the opening or closing of a cargo compartment door and output the current door status. The forced entry can then include, in particular, information about which hazardous substances are being transported or an active confirmation that no hazardous goods are on board. If this does not happen, either the start of the journey is prevented, for example by activating an immobilizer, information is stored on the electronic driver card, or the status "unclassified freight" is reported externally by a digital message or another signal, e.g. a lamp.

After the activation of the transmission, the message generated is then sent in method step 12 with a transmission unit of the vehicle. Various radio transmission methods can be used for this purpose. In this way, the transmission can take place in particular by means of mobile communications and is then not restricted to the immediate vicinity of the loaded vehicle. However, transmission can also take place using other standardized transmission methods such as WLAN or Bluetooth. The data exchange can take place as Car2x communication, in which the loaded vehicle communicates with the environment ("x"), but in particular as Car2Car communication with vehicles in the vicinity of the transport vehicle.

For example, warnings about the transport of dangerous goods can then be issued to occupants in the vehicles in the vicinity of the transport vehicle. For example, a corresponding warning symbol can be displayed on a display of such a surrounding vehicle, or a corresponding warning can be output acoustically by means of a voice output. In particular, more detailed information can also be output in plain text instead of outputting a numeric code, which as a rule cannot be interpreted by laypersons. For example, instead of the hazard number X382, a warning “Flammable substance. Attention, it must not come into contact with water!” are shown on a display or spoken out. As another example, instead of a UN number 1203, the warning “Gasoline. Attention, flammable gases! No open fire!' It is also possible to forward the received message in a surrounding vehicle to an assistance system, which automatically evaluates the message and, if necessary, influences the driving function of the surrounding vehicle. For example, in the case of an autonomously driving vehicle, the distance to the dangerous goods transport can be increased or it can be ensured that a certain minimum distance is not fallen below, or in the event of an accident involving the dangerous goods transporter, a different route can be selected in order to avoid it over a wide area.

The message transmission then occurs continuously during the transport of the dangerous goods until an input is received to deactivate the transmission of the message. For this purpose, in a method step 13 it is checked whether the user has made an entry to deactivate the transmission. As long as this is not the case, the method is continued in method step 12 and the dangerous goods message continues to be sent. This can be done, for example, at regular intervals or whenever there is at least one other vehicle in the vicinity of the transport vehicle. If the check in method step 13 then shows that an input to deactivate the transmission of the message has been recorded, for example after the charge has been unloaded, no further dangerous goods messages are sent and the method ends.

The message can be generated here, as well as the activation and deactivation of the transmission, in particular by a device integrated in the vehicle. However, it is also possible to generate the message and, if necessary, also to activate and deactivate it using a mobile device belonging to the driver or external to the vehicle, and then wirelessly transmit the generated message or information about the activation or deactivation to the vehicle. In any case, however, the message is transmitted to other vehicles in the vicinity of the transport vehicle by a transmission unit of the transport vehicle.

Provision can also be made for special read authorizations to be defined for all or even just individual messages. In this way, it can be ensured that only users with read authorization, such as official vehicles, computers or mobile devices of employees of responsible state authorities, have access to the data, while other users, such as private individuals in vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle, are denied access. Various authentication mechanisms can be used to grant read permission. A suitable access key can be stored permanently or received via a backend system. The access key can then be used to access detailed information about the load. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a device 20 according to the invention. The device has a central control unit 21 which generates or selects the respective message and activates or deactivates the transmission of the message depending on a user input. For this purpose, the central control unit 21 is connected to further components.

The central control unit 21 is connected to an input unit 22, by means of which the user inputs for activating and deactivating a transmission of the message can be recorded. The input unit 22 is connected to an output unit 23 with which the user inputs can be checked. This can in particular be a display unit, for example a display arranged in the dashboard, a center console or else in the area of the loading space of the transport vehicle, which can also be designed as a touch screen. However, the output unit can also include a voice output.

Furthermore, the central control unit 21 is connected to a storage unit 24 in which the database described above is kept. The required data can then be queried from the storage unit 24 by the central control unit in order to generate the dangerous goods message.

Furthermore, the central control unit 21 is connected to a vehicle diagnostic unit 25 . The vehicle diagnostic unit 25 evaluates, for example, sensor signals in the vehicle in order to provide a corresponding information in the event of an accident involving the transport vehicle output relevant information to the central control unit. If, for example, the airbags of the vehicle are triggered, corresponding signals are received by the airbag sensors and the diagnostic unit then assumes that the vehicle has been involved in an accident. It can also be recorded, for example, if an eCall function in the vehicle was triggered automatically or else manually using an SOS emergency call button provided for this purpose in the vehicle. Furthermore, sensor signals from door sensors can also be evaluated by the vehicle diagnostic unit in order to initiate the above-described forced activation of the transmission of the message or the setting of the dangerous goods warning, depending on the current door status.

Furthermore, the central control unit 21 is connected to a transmission unit 26, which enables wireless communication with the outside world of the vehicle. In this case, the transmission unit 26 enables data transmission with at least one or also a plurality of different radio transmission methods. In particular, the transmission can take place in accordance with a mobile radio standard such as LTE or 5G. Instead or in addition, however, components for transmission in accordance with other transmission methods such as WLAN or Bluetooth can also be present. The above-described communication with other communication participants 27 such as, in particular, other vehicles in the vicinity, or also the logistics administration or mobile terminals of the occupants in the vehicles in the vicinity takes place via the transmission unit. Data can also be exchanged with a backend server 28 via the transmission unit, for example in order to update dangerous goods data and leaflets online. Likewise, communication can also take place between the backend server 28 and the other communication participants 27, for example in order to transmit an access key for reading authorization.

The device according to the invention can in particular be integrated in a vehicle and in this case is preferably installed in a crash-proof manner, so that it remains intact even in the event of serious accidents and can continue to send the dangerous goods messages. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the device is additionally provided with a backup power supply in order to continue to ensure transmission of the dangerous goods messages even in the event of power failures caused by an accident or faults in the on-board electrical system.

However, the device according to the invention can also be fastened to the outer skin of the vehicle or integrated into transport containers such as containers.

Reference List

10

First step in the process of generating a dangerous goods message

11

second method step for detecting an activation of the message transmission by the user

12

Third procedural step for sending the dangerous goods message

13

Fourth method step for detecting a deactivation of the message transmission by the user

20

device according to the invention

21

Central control unit

22

input unit

23

output unit

24

storage unit

25

vehicle diagnostic unit

26

transmitter unit

27

communication participant

28

backend server

Claims (10)

Method for the transmission of data on goods located in a vehicle, in which - a message related to at least one dangerous goods located in the vehicle is generated (10); - an input to activate a transmission of the message is detected (11); - the message generated after the activation of the transmission is sent (12) continuously at least during the transport of the dangerous goods with a transmitting unit (26) of the vehicle until an input for deactivating the transmission of the message is detected (13); and - It is intended to define read authorization for the message, so that only users with read authorization have access to the data. procedure after claim 1 , wherein the message includes dangerous goods data related to the dangerous goods located in the vehicle. procedure after claim 1 or 2 , whereby the message also contains accident notices, rescue cards, general shipping documents and/or cargo/parts lists. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the message is generated and stored when loading the vehicle and will be sent after activation of the transmission. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, for reading a message with restricted read authorization, an access key is sent via a backend system to recipients who have read authorization for this message. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the vehicle has a sensor system (25) for detecting whether the vehicle is involved in an accident and, if an accident is detected, free access to the dangerous goods data stored in the vehicle is provided. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an output unit (23) is provided in the vehicle, which displays the activated data transmission to the driver. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an input for activating a transmission of the message is required if it is detected that a cargo hold of the vehicle is opened and closed. Device for transmitting data about goods located in a vehicle - A central control unit (21), which generates a message related to at least one dangerous goods in the vehicle, it being provided for the message to be defined as read authorization, so that only users with read authorization are given access to the data; - An input unit (22) for detecting a user input for activating and deactivating a transmission of the message; - a transmission unit (26) which continuously sends the generated message after activation of the transmission at least during the transport of the dangerous goods until an input for deactivating the transmission of the message is detected. Vehicle that is set up, a method according to one of Claims 1 until 8th perform or a device according to claim 9 having.

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