DE202022001375U1 - Device for detecting a vehicle paint repair - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for detecting a vehicle paint repair,
having a deflectometry unit (1) and an evaluation unit (7),
wherein the deflectometry unit (1) has an illumination unit (11), an image recording unit (12) and a detection area (13) which detects at least sections of a paint layer interface (4) between a base coat (5) and a top coat (6) of a vehicle surface, and wherein the deflectometry unit (1) is designed to detect surface angles of the paint layer interface (4) at object points and to provide the detected surface angles as object point data,
and wherein the evaluation unit (7) is connected to the deflectometry unit (1) and is designed to generate a paint layer interface topography using the object point data and to output the paint layer interface topography as a topography recording.

Description

The invention relates to a device for detecting a vehicle paint repair.

Paint repairs indicate repaired paint damage and are often an indication of hidden, more extensive repairs. Both aspects are relevant for evaluating a vehicle condition. There is therefore an urgent need to detect paint repairs reliably and with little effort. On the other hand, there is the problem that paint repairs can often not be determined through a simple visual inspection or can only be determined with remaining uncertainty.

The prior art describes various devices and methods for detecting vehicle paint damage and vehicle paint repairs.

On the one hand, tactile methods are known. The tactile method is based in particular on measuring the paint thickness. Different paint thicknesses on different surface sections indicate a paint repair.

A frequently used method is based on magnetic inductive measuring. The distance of a probe placed on the paint layer to the iron-containing sheet is measured using electromagnetic radiation via the field strength. The measured value determined is converted into a distance.

Microwave radiation can also be used. To find paint layer defects, a test head that emits and receives microwaves is moved touching or at a short distance above the surface of the vehicle surface to be tested. This can be done manually, mechanized or automatically.

A major disadvantage of these methods is the selective measurement at selected locations. As a result, paint repairs are often overlooked, especially if they only cover smaller sections. What is particularly important here is the experience of the operator. The disadvantage is therefore that it is a rather subjective procedure. Furthermore, with all tactile methods according to the prior art, it is disadvantageous that the measuring device has to be brought directly to the vehicle.

Optical methods are also known. Out of DE 10 2020 005 611 A1 a solution is known for carrying out a spectral analysis of a light reflected from the surface of a vehicle, the surface being targeted according to this solution with light of different wavelengths including the infrared and ultraviolet range and different light intensities. This is a technically very demanding solution.

The object of the invention is to provide a reliable, easily automated and easy-to-operate device for detecting a vehicle paint repair, which enables an objective, non-destructive and large-scale examination of a vehicle paint surface.

The task is achieved in relation to the device by the features listed in claim 1. Preferred further developments result from the subclaims.

The device according to the invention is based in particular on the following.

Vehicle paintwork usually has two layers of paint, a lower layer as a base coat and an upper layer as a top coat. Each of the two layers of paint is characterized by specific properties.

The basecoat is in particular light-scattering, selectively light-absorbing and therefore color-providing and can also have effect particles such as metallic paints.

The top coat, on the other hand, is transparent, preferably color-neutral and as smooth as possible on its surface.

There is a paint layer interface between the base coat and the top coat.

It was found that this has a mountainous contour, hereinafter referred to as paint layer interface topography, which is determined by the surface of the base coat. Furthermore, it was found for the solution according to the invention that the specific shape of the mountainous contour, hereinafter also referred to as waviness, arises when the base coat is applied and during its drying process and is determined by multiple contour-determining factors. These contour-determining factors are, in particular, the material composition, the viscosity, the solvent content, the application technology (for example the droplet size composition when spraying) and the drying conditions. The totality of the factors determines a paint layer interface topography that has a high degree of distinctiveness.

The device according to the invention for detecting a vehicle paint repair has a deflectometry unit and an evaluation unit.

The deflectometry unit, also referred to as a deflectometer, has an illumination unit and an image recording unit and has a detection area which detects at least sections of the paint surface of the vehicle to be examined with its paint layer interface. As a deflectometry unit in the sense of the present invention, all structural and physical design variants of deflectometry devices are to be understood, without being restricted to the design variant explained in more detail here.

The lighting unit represents a light source that can preferably provide defined lighting conditions. The lighting device preferably illuminates the area to be examined evenly and over a large area.

One or more high-resolution cameras are used as the image recording unit.

Due to the wavy paint layer interface, the light rays from the lighting unit are reflected at different angles based on the object point. The reflection, which appears diffuse overall, is due to the different surface angles at different object points on the paint layer interface - due to the waviness. There is a specular reflection at each specific object point. The deflectometry unit is designed on the basis of the specular reflection to detect the surface angles of the paint layer interface at the object points and thus provides the detected surface angles as object point data.

The evaluation unit is connected to the deflectometry unit. This is designed to generate a lacquer layer interface topography using the object point data. The evaluation unit is preferably a computer or another processor-based electronic circuit.

For this purpose, the object point data, which represent the different surface angles, are processed into a topography image that reproduces the paint layer interface topography. The topography image therefore shows an evaluable profile image of the paint layer interface. This can be further analyzed by the evaluation unit.

Further analysis may relate in particular to topographic features such as height differences between elevations and depressions, number of elevations or depressions per unit area or typical shapes of elevations or depressions.

The device according to the invention for detecting a vehicle paint repair has the following advantages in particular.

A non-destructive and non-contact device is provided that can document, analyze, differentiate and archive a painted surface. This advantageously creates a tamper-proof basis for detecting paint repairs.

The paint layer interface topography, i.e. the specific shape of the paint layer interface, is unique for each individual paint job. For example, it differs greatly from an original paint job that was applied by machine to a repair paint job that was subsequently applied manually. This applies even if both the original paint and the refinish were applied using a spray process, because it is practically impossible to reproduce all of the contour-determining factors in a refinish.

Furthermore, with the device according to the invention, it is also advantageously possible, for example, to detect original painted replacement parts, such as a fender, unless it is the same painting batch.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the device for detecting a vehicle paint repair has an optical detection unit of a different design instead of a deflectometry unit. All of the above description content also applies to the device according to this further aspect of the invention, subject to the following special features.

The optical detection unit can be, for example, a time of flight (TOF) camera which is designed to record the spatial coordinate data of object points on the paint layer interface based on the transit time. In addition to the surface coordinate data (x, y) of an object point, the spatial coordinate data also records its depth data (z). According to this aspect, the object point data is therefore available as spatial coordinate data (x, y, z). The optical detection unit is not limited to a TOF camera, but rather detects all types of detection units that are suitable for detecting the spatial coordinate data of object points on the paint layer interface. This can also be done indirectly, for example by detecting the thickness of the top coat over an object point, since there is regularly a substantially smooth top coat paint surface.

According to this aspect of the invention, the evaluation unit is designed to generate the topography image as an evaluable profile image of the paint layer interface based on the spatial coordinate data (x, y, z) of the detected object points.

In an advantageous development, the device for detecting a vehicle paint repair is characterized in that the evaluation unit has an evaluation module.

The evaluation module is designed to evaluate the topography image according to topography features and to output these as topography feature data. Topography features are all features that are suitable for identifying and categorizing the topography of the paint layer interface. Topographic features can in particular be the number of elevations or depressions per unit area, height differences between elevations and depressions or shapes of elevations or depressions and other features. Preferably, multi-dimensional feature spaces can be formed and feature values can be extracted from the features and combined in a feature value tuple.

For this purpose, for example, the fractal dimensions of the topography of the paint layer interface are analyzed using a Fourier transformation. This also makes it possible to draw conclusions about the production of the paint layer. With the help of artificial intelligence evaluation algorithms based on neural networks, the topography images can be analyzed automatically. This enables fast and unattended analysis with automated reporting. This means that many vehicles can be examined cost-effectively in quick succession.

In a further development based on this, the device for detecting a vehicle paint repair is characterized in that the evaluation unit has a comparison module.

Furthermore, the comparison module is designed to compare the topography feature data of the topography image with further topography feature data of another topography image and to output a comparison result as a match or difference.

Preferably, feature value tuples of a topography image of a first vehicle paint surface area can be compared with the feature value tuple of a topography image of another vehicle paint surface area. Preferably, a large number of vehicle paint surface areas are compared. The level of agreement and differences found determines the degree of likelihood that a vehicle paint repair is present or not.

Preferably, tuple spaces can be formed for the feature value tuples depending on the degree of development of the features. To the extent that feature value tuples from different vehicle paint surface areas can be assigned to the same tuple space, it can be assumed that there is no repair. However, if feature value tuples from different vehicle paint surface areas cannot be assigned to the same tuple space, a paint repair is likely. These vehicle surface areas are then automatically output by the evaluation unit.

Furthermore, according to a further development, it is possible to define the tuple spaces gradually, so that a space core and one or more space shells can be defined. The space core and space shells are hereinafter referred to as the space sections. Depending on which room section a feature tuple can be assigned to, there is a lower or higher probability of a paint repair. This result can then be output gradually, so that a targeted follow-up inspection of the relevant vehicle surface areas can be carried out if necessary.

This allows vehicles to be automatically checked for damage that has been repaired. This can also be used by car sharing providers, for example, to organize a quick and automated take-back of vehicles and to detect illegal accident repairs.

Furthermore, the advantages of the device according to the invention are described below based on its intended use.

• Erfassen von Oberflächenwinkeln einer Lackschichtengrenzfläche zwischen einem Basislack und einem Decklack einer Fahrzeugoberfläche an Objektpunkten und Bereitstellen der erfassten Oberflächenwinkel als Objektpunktdaten mittels der Deflektometrieeinheit,
• Übertragen der Objektpunktdaten an die Auswertungseinheit,
• Erzeugen einer Lackschichtengrenzflächentopografie mittels der Objektpunktdaten und zur Ausgabe der Lackschichtengrenzflächentopografie als eine Topografieaufnahme mittels der Auswertungseinheit.

The application can be carried out in particular as follows:

• Detecting surface angles of a paint layer interface between a basecoat and a topcoat of a vehicle surface at object points and providing the detected surface angles as object point data using the deflectometry unit,
• Transferring the object point data to the evaluation unit,
• Generating a paint layer interface topography using the object point data and outputting the paint layer interface topography as a topography recording using the evaluation unit.

In the first step, the surface angles of the paint layer interface are recorded. Due to the mountainous contour, different surface angles exist at different object points. The reason for this is that an image of the mountainous contour can be created from the different surface angles. The surface angles detected by the deflectometry unit are recorded as object point data.

In the second step, the object point data is transferred to the evaluation unit.

In the third step, the processing of the object point data is carried out by the evaluation unit, with a paint layer interface topography being generated from the object point data and this being output as a topography recording. This means that the paint layer interface topography is available in a digital form that can be stored and further processed.

A possible further development of the application shows additional advantages as follows.

Detecting spatial coordinate data of a paint layer interface between a base coat and a top coat of a vehicle surface at object points and providing the captured spatial coordinate data as object point data by means of the optical detection unit, and further through the second and third steps as already described above.

The application is carried out according to this aspect of the invention with an optical detection unit which is designed to capture spatial coordinate data, such as a TOF camera.

According to this application variant, not surface angles, but spatial coordinate data (x, y, z) of object points on the paint layer interface are recorded and provided as object point data.

The object point data is subsequently transferred to the evaluation unit in the second step and the paint layer interface topography is then generated by the evaluation unit in the third step.

In another advantageous variant, the device can be used in such a way that a fourth step is additionally carried out after the third step.

Evaluating the topography image according to topography features and outputting it as topography feature data using the evaluation module of the evaluation unit.

According to this application of the device, the topography recording is further evaluated. For this purpose, the evaluation unit has an evaluation module. The evaluation module extracts features of the paint layer interface topography from the topography image and outputs these as topography feature data. Preferably the topography feature data is feature value tuples.

In addition, a further fifth step can advantageously be carried out in the application.

Comparing the topography feature data of the topography image with further topography feature data of another topography image and outputting a comparison result as a match or difference.

After this further development, the topographic feature data from at least two topography images of different vehicle paint areas are compared. From the degree of agreement between feature values or from the degree of deviation from feature values, a probability can be derived as to whether a vehicle paint repair has occurred or not. Advantageously, the degree of agreement can be output gradually. Using adjustable threshold values, a vehicle paint surface area can then be designated as not repaired, as requiring closer inspection, or as repaired.

• 1 schematische Darstellung der Vorrichtung zur Detektion einer Fahrzeuglackreparatur

näher erläutert.The invention is illustrated as an exemplary embodiment using

• 1 Schematic representation of the device for detecting a vehicle paint repair

explained in more detail.

The 1 shows the schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the device for detecting a vehicle paint repair.

The deflectomery unit 1 is positioned over the detection section 3 of the lacquer layer. On the one hand, the paint layer has the base paint layer 5, which is applied to the vehicle panel. Depending on the application method their surface with a pronounced relief. The top coat 6 is then applied to the base coat layer 5. A paint layer interface 4 is created between the two paint layers 5, 6. The paint layer interface 4 has the relief of the base paint layer. When painting manually, a different relief of the paint layer interface 4 is created than when painting by machine, which is largely determined by the manual guidance of the paint gun, the solvents used and the setting of the size distribution of the spray particles.

The deflectometry unit 1 is positioned above the detection section 3. This has the lighting unit 11, which, as a light source, emits the light onto the detection area 13 at a certain angle. A large proportion of the light rays transmit through the transparent top coat 6 and strike the paint layer interface 4. Here they are reflected, with the direction of the reflection being determined by the surface angle of the relief at the respective point where the light beam hits.

The reflected light rays are captured by the image capture unit 12 as object point data. The captured reflected light rays as a whole create an image pattern from which the surface angles at the object points hit by the light rays can be determined.

The object point data for the detection area 13 are transferred to the evaluation unit 7, combined into a topography recording and further processed electronically there. In the present exemplary embodiment, the evaluation unit also has an evaluation module 71, which recognizes features of the paint layer interface topography from the topography recording, evaluates the recognized features as feature values according to their expression and combines the feature values into feature tuples. Subsequently, the comparison module 72 carries out a comparison of feature tuples from images of different vehicle paint surface areas. If the deviation of the feature values exceeds a presettable range, the vehicle paint surface area in question is identified as likely to be repaired.

Reference symbols used

1

Deflectometry unit

11

Lighting unit

12

Image capture unit

13

Detection area

4

Paint layer interface

5

Base coat

6

Top coat

7

Evaluation unit

71

Assessment module

72

Comparison module

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was 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 102020005611 A1 [0008]

Claims (4)

Device for detecting a vehicle paint repair, having a deflectometry unit (1) and an evaluation unit (7), wherein the deflectometry unit (1) has an illumination unit (11), an image recording unit (12) and a detection area (13) which detects at least sections of a paint layer interface (4) between a base coat (5) and a top coat (6) of a vehicle surface, and wherein the deflectometry unit (1) is designed to detect surface angles of the paint layer interface (4) at object points and to provide the detected surface angles as object point data, and wherein the evaluation unit (7) is connected to the deflectometry unit (1) and is designed to generate a paint layer interface topography using the object point data and to output the paint layer interface topography as a topography recording. Device for detecting a vehicle paint repair, having an optical detection unit and the evaluation unit (7), wherein the optical detection unit has the detection area (13), which at least partially detects the paint layer interface (4) between the base coat (5) and the top coat (6) of the vehicle surface, and wherein the optical detection unit is used to detect spatial coordinate data of the paint layer interface (4). object points and is designed to provide the recorded spatial coordinate data as object point data, wherein the evaluation unit (7) is connected to the optical evaluation unit and is designed to generate a paint layer interface topography using the object point data and to output the paint layer interface topography as a topography recording. Device for detecting a vehicle paint repair according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the evaluation unit (7) has an evaluation module (71), the evaluation module (71) is designed to evaluate the topography image according to topography features and to output these as topography feature data. Device for detecting a vehicle paint repair Claim 3 , characterized in that the evaluation unit (7) has a comparison module (72) and that the comparison module (72) is designed to compare the topography feature data of the topography recording with further topography feature data of a further topography recording and to output a comparison result as a match or difference.

Images