WO2020104135A1

WO2020104135A1 - Smart frame for a vehicle number plate, method for manufacturing a smart frame, method for operating a smart frame and use of a smart frame in a vehicle of a vehicle hire system

Info

Publication number: WO2020104135A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/078913
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Lob-Gottschaldt; Stefan Engelberts; Maik BOLLER; Jens SÖRENSEN; Bernd Pfundstein
Original assignee: Erich Utsch Ag
Priority date: 2018-11-22
Filing date: 2019-10-23
Publication date: 2020-05-28
Also published as: DE202018107158U1; DE102018129481A1

Abstract

A smart frame which is intended for a number plate of a motor vehicle and is composed of a carrier plate (1) and a frame body (2) which surrounds the carrier plate, wherein the smart frame is configured to be attached to the vehicle and to secure a number plate in a positionally fixed fashion, and wherein the frame body is configured to surround the number plate (3) at its edge regions, comprising at least the following functional units: a display unit (4) which is arranged on the frame body and is configured to display display information visually; a unit (5) for determining the position of the motor vehicle; a communication unit (7) which is configured to transmit data to an external data network (8) and to receive data via the data network; a control and computing unit (14); and an energy supply unit (26) which is configured to supply the further functional units with energy.

Description

Smartframe for a vehicle registration number, method for producing a smartframe, method for operating a smartframe, and use of a smartframe in a vehicle of a vehicle rental system

The present invention relates to a smart frame for a vehicle license plate of a motor vehicle, which is composed of a carrier plate and a frame body surrounding the carrier plate, the smart frame being designed to be fastened on the vehicle side and to hold a license plate positionally, and the frame body for this purpose is set up to surround the identification plate at its edge regions, comprising at least the following functional units: a display unit arranged on the frame body and configured to optically display display information; a unit for determining the position of the motor vehicle; a communication unit which is set up to transmit data to an external data network and to receive data via the data network; a control and computing unit; and an energy supply unit which is set up to supply the further functional units with energy. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a smart frame, and a method for operating a smart frame in a vehicle, which is associated with a vehicle fleet of a vehicle rental system. Ultimately, the invention relates to the use of a smart frame in a motor vehicle associated with a vehicle fleet of a vehicle rental system.

In the context of the present description of the invention and in the context of the patent claims, the term “smart frame” is to be understood as a license plate holder for a vehicle license plate of a motor vehicle. The license plate holder referred to as “smart frame” in the context of the present invention is composed - as mentioned at the beginning - of a carrier plate and a frame body surrounding the carrier plate, thus initially focuses on components known from the prior art and often referred to as “license plate holders”. The term “smart” concretizes that, in the sense of the present invention, additional (compared to a standard license plate holder) mainly electronic) components are integrated in the license plate holder. It should be expressly emphasized at this point that the expression "Smartframe" in the sense of the previous lying invention is not just a license plate holder associated frame body to be understood, but rather the structural unit composed of frame body and carrier plate.

It is known from the general prior art to equip motor vehicles - in particular automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, buses and agricultural vehicles - with license plate holders. Likewise, trailers or trailers connected to a towing vehicle can also be equipped with license plate holders. These are intended to ensure the attachment of vehicle registration plates as prescribed by law in the simplest possible way. For this purpose, license plate holders are generally mounted on the outside of the vehicle chassis or the vehicle body, in particular in the front or rear area of the motor vehicle.

This avoids the complex mounting of a license plate or a license plate on the vehicle itself. Rather, the circuit board can be attached to the license plate holder in a relatively simple manner (ie not directly on the vehicle). As already indicated above, license plate holders are typically composed of a rectangular carrier plate with a frame body running around the edge. The essential function of the standard license plate holders known per se is to attach a license plate (for example a license plate) to a vehicle or to arrange it in a fixed position. License plate holders are often provided with inscriptions, for example advertising texts, in the area of the frame body.

Furthermore, it is known to equip license plate holders with functional units in order to ensure a functionality of the license plate holder that goes beyond the aforementioned functions. From DE 20 2008 012 714 Ul it is known, for example, a license plate holder with a receiving unit for signals for location determination, a receiving antenna, a signal evaluation unit, a storage unit, a battery unit, a telemetry unit (using GSM, UMTS, WLAN or Bluetooth) Technology) and a sensor unit for recording mechanical or physical measurement variables such as temperature, acceleration, light, speed and vibrations. As can be seen from the disclosure content there, the components on or within the license plate holder (this is generally referred to as support frame in DE 20 2008 012 714 U l). Although the license plate holder shown in the aforementioned German utility model is by no means to be denied its suitability for multifunctional or networked usability, it may seem disadvantageous that true to the figurative representations according to FIG. 1, an arrangement of the (electronic) functional units in the area of the central carrier plate is sought becomes . With such (also partial) arrangement, however, it cannot be ruled out that the components arranged in this way are exposed to dirt and moisture. Furthermore, the construction described in DE 20 2008 012 714 U l does not allow any externally visible representation of information about a possible status of the vehicle.

However, the display of information about a vehicle status can be relevant in particular for vehicles that are assigned to an operator of a vehicle rental or a car sharing provider. Vehicle rentals or car sharing systems can be based on the fact that a vehicle fleet made up of a large number of individual vehicles is networked with an operator's or provider's data center via an external cable-free data network.

Modules for position detection, for example GPS modules, can be provided on the vehicles. The position of the vehicles is transferred to the operator. Furthermore, display units are generally provided on the vehicles, which are able to display information about the status of the vehicle to a potential customer in the vicinity of the vehicle, for example whether the respective vehicle is available or not. On the operator side, the availability of a vehicle can be determined on the basis of the position data transmitted by the respective vehicle and / or further characteristic data (for example the tank status) and further data available on the operator side (this can be, for example, usage or reservation requests from other customers).

If the vehicle is available, this can be displayed to the customer via a display unit provided on the vehicle and the customer can - for example via a mobile terminal - make a booking request for a place the right vehicle. It is also known that a customer checks the availability of the vehicles belonging to the vehicle rental or car sharing provider via an application program (app) installed on a mobile terminal.

WO 2016/201355 A1 refers in particular to a computer-controlled client module which is provided in the area of a license plate holder. The client module has a processor unit, a GPS unit, a power supply unit and a unit for closing and opening the vehicle. It is also described that a rental request is received from a customer via a server provided outside the vehicle. The server and a database assigned to the server determine whether the selected vehicle is available. This determination is communicated to the customer, who can then make a booking. Furthermore, a security code can be transmitted to the customer, by means of which he can unlock access to the vehicle. Although it is possible for a customer in the car-sharing system described in WO 2016/201355 A1 to book a motor vehicle via an end device, it appears disadvantageous that the user does not see any information on the vehicle status, for example an availability status, in the license plate area will. In particular for customers who pass a vehicle in a car-sharing fleet or are in the vicinity of it, it may seem advantageous if they would receive quick information about an availability status of the vehicle without using a mobile terminal, for example in the form of a Optical status display visible from the outside. Such a device is part of the system from WO 2016/201355 A1. Furthermore, it also appears disadvantageous for the client module arranged on the license plate holder that at least some of the components can be exposed to dirt or moisture.

The present invention is accordingly based on the object of providing a license plate holder (“smart frame”) which ensures improved protection of (primarily electronic) functional components provided in the smart frame from external influences such as dirt, moisture and mechanical loads, and an externally visible optical component Display information allowed. Furthermore, the invention has for its object to provide a method for manufac turing and a method for operating a smartframe that meets the stated advantages.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to enable the use of a smart frame with the advantages mentioned in a motor vehicle assigned to a vehicle fleet of a vehicle rental system.

To solve this problem, a smartframe having the features of claim 1, a method for producing a smartframe having the features of claim 40, a method designed according to the features of claim 52 for operating a smartframe in a vehicle which is a vehicle fleet Vehicle rental system is assigned and the use of a smart frame in a vehicle fleet of a vehicle rental system assigned motor vehicle true to the features of claim 53 proposed.

The invention initially relates to a smart frame for a vehicle license plate of a motor vehicle, which is composed of a carrier plate and a frame body surrounding the carrier plate, the smart frame being designed to be fastened on the vehicle side and to hold a license plate positionally, and the frame body for this purpose is set up to surround the license plate at its edge regions, comprising at least the following functional units: a display unit arranged on the frame body, which is set up to optically display display information, for example information on a vehicle status; a unit for determining the position of the motor vehicle; a communication unit which is designed to transmit data to an external data network and to receive data via the data network; a control and computing unit; and an energy supply unit, which is set up to supply the further functional units with energy.

A decisive advantage of the smart frame according to the invention results from the arrangement of the display unit on the frame body. The display unit is arranged such that on a disc belonging to the display unit play display information can be displayed externally (ie in the form of a visual display). The display information can then be visually perceived by an external observer directly on the vehicle.

As already mentioned in the introduction, the Smartframe is suitable for vehicles that are part of a car sharing system or a vehicle rental system. However, it should be emphasized that the smartframe according to the invention is not restricted to such use. It can also be used for any other purpose. However, when using the smartframe in vehicles of a car-sharing system or a vehicle rental system, it can be useful for information about an availability status of the vehicle to be optically displayed via the display unit of the smartframe, for example in the sense of a display such as “available”, “rented "or" reserved ". In this case, a potential customer or prospective tenant is able to read information, for example on the availability status, directly from the smartframe on the vehicle or the display unit associated with the smartframe (without the need for this information via a mobile Retrieve end device from the car sharing provider).

The display unit can be detachably connected to the frame body by suitable fastening means. Alternatively, the display unit can be integrated directly and integrally into the material of the frame body. By way of example, the display unit can be encapsulated by the plastic material of the frame body. An arrangement of the display unit is advantageous in which it closes outwards with the surface of the frame body, that is, it does not protrude beyond the surface of the frame body in the direction toward the outside of the vehicle. A further advantage can result from the fact that the electronic components assigned to the display unit are arranged within the frame body, thereby preventing damage from external weather conditions such as moisture, wind or dirt. Such an arrangement can also protect the components from external loads and shocks. In addition, a seal arranged between the display unit and the frame body can be provided in the area of the display unit, as a result of which a possible entry of dirt and moisture is further reduced. A planar arrangement of the display unit on the surface of the frame body is also conceivable, for example by means of an adhesive connection or an attachment by means of clamping or screwing means. A releasable attachment of the display unit to the frame body can be advantageous, since this enables simple replacement of the display unit in the event of damage. The display unit can be provided, for example, in that area of the frame body in which an advertising label is provided in the case of classic license plate holders.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, all func ons units can be arranged on the frame body. At this point, an arrangement “on” the frame body means in particular an arrangement in which the functional units are arranged within the frame body, that is to say they are integrated into the frame body. For this purpose, the frame body can have construction spaces or cavities specially designed for arranging the functional units Integration of the functional units can also be ensured by the components being materially surrounded by the material of the frame body, for example an arrangement is conceivable in which the functional units are integrated directly into the frame body or the smartframe during the injection molding process. An anord tion of all functional units on the frame body or within the frame body is advantageous, since a comprehensive protection of the functional units from external influences such as moisture and dirt is guaranteed.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the energy supply unit can be arranged on the carrier plate, while the further functional units are arranged on the frame body. Frequently, energy supply units require a larger installation space in comparison to other electronic components; accordingly, the arrangement of the energy supply unit, which can comprise, for example, an energy store in the form of a battery, on the carrier plate can be advantageous in relation to the available space conditions in a license plate holder. When the energy supply unit is arranged on the carrier plate, this is preferably of flat design. It should be noted that the energy supply unit is also protected against moisture when it is arranged on the carrier plate, namely on the one hand by a license plate which is attached to the license plate holder in the assembled state and the carrier plate itself. Provision can also be made to integrate the energy supply unit directly into the material of the carrier plate. Furthermore, it can be advantageous to protect the energy supply unit from moisture and dirt with an additional housing or casing.

Depending on the structural conditions of the license plate holder, i.e. depending on its size (this may vary in different countries due to different regulations for the license plate size), it may be advantageous in the context of the invention that the power supply unit and at least one other of the functional units the carrier plate are arranged. As a result, the space requirements are taken into account if there is not enough space in the frame body to arrange all of the functional units. Accordingly, several of the functional units can be arranged on the carrier plate. At this point it should also be emphasized that the arrangement of the functional units is not necessarily a superficial arrangement, i.e. must be a fastening on the upper surface of the carrier plate, as it were, the functional units can be arranged within the carrier plate, that is, at least partially surrounded by the solid material of the carrier plate.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the energy supply unit can be set up to supply the further functional units with energy continuously, periodically or as required. The timing of the energy supply can depend on the operating mode of the smart frame or the type of use of the vehicle. Again, the focus is on the use of a smart frame in vehicles that are assigned to a car sharing provider. In the unused state, that is to say in the non-rented state of a vehicle, it may be advantageous not to supply the functional units permanently with energy, but rather to carry out only a periodic energy supply, for example in the sense of awakening from a “sleep” mode in a specific time interval this time interval can be coupled with a regular forwarding of data to an external point via an external data network, for example a data center or a server of a car sharing provider Vehicle, for example in the rented state, the functional units of the smartframe are also continuously lent to supply with energy, for example, to allow continuous position determination via the position determination unit and to transmit the determined data via the communication unit to an external location. It may also be advantageous to disconnect some functional units from the energy supply when the smartframe is idle disconnect. For example, only the communication unit can be continuously supplied with energy, which enables a demand-dependent energy supply in such a way that when a “wake-up” signal or a data request is received from an external location, a supply of energy to the further functional units is activated. By periodic energy supply is meant that the energy supply is switched on automatically after a defined time interval, for example every two hours.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the position determination unit can be operated on the basis of the GPS system, the Galileo system, the Glonass system or the Beidou system. For this purpose, the unit for determining the position is matched to the respective requirements of the system used. The position data of the smartframe and consequently of the motor vehicle determined with the position determination unit can be passed on to the control and computing unit. The data can be processed in the control and computing unit. The raw data or processed data can be transmitted to an external location via the communication unit. There, the data can be subjected to further evaluation or processing.

It can also be advantageous within the scope of the invention that the control and computing unit is set up to control the energy supply and the operation of the functional units. The control and computing unit can be set up to control the energy supply to the functional units in terms of time or depending on the required functional units. Communication between the functional units can also be controlled via the control and computing unit. In particular, it can be advantageous if the control and computing unit is set up to forward the display information to the display unit. If the display information is, for example, an availability status in relation to renting a vehicle belonging to a car-sharing provider or vehicle rental stuff, an availability status can be transmitted from a data center or server on the provider side via a data network in the direction of the communication unit of the smartframe. This availability status is forwarded to the control and computing unit and ultimately passed on by the control and computing unit as display information to the display unit.

In the context of the invention it can also be advantageous that the carrier plate and the frame body are a one-piece component. For example, production as a one-piece injection-molded component comes into question. Such components can usually be manufactured quickly and relatively inexpensively. However, it can also be provided that the carrier plate and the frame body are separate components which can be connected to one another. In this case, the carrier plate and the frame body are manufactured separately, for example by injection molding. Connection means can be provided on the components, by virtue of which the construction parts can be connected to one another. Basically, all conventional types of connection come into consideration, be it for example an adhesive connection, a clamp connection, a screw connection or a component connection based on an interference fit.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the smart frame, fastening means can be provided on the carrier plate and / or the frame body, which are designed to hold the license plate. This avoids having to arrange the license plate (whose arrangement on the vehicle is required by law) directly on the vehicle chassis or the vehicle body. Rather, the license plate can be easily attached directly to the smart frame itself. The fastening means can be designed in such a way that a simple but secure fastening of the license plate is made possible.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the smart frame according to the invention, fastening means can be provided on the carrier plate and / or the frame body, which are set up to fasten the smart frame to the motor vehicle. The fastening means must ensure a stable fastening of the smart frame to the motor vehicle. A further advantageous embodiment of the smart frame is that the energy supply unit comprises an energy store, for example a rechargeable battery. In principle, all current energy stores are suitable which meet the requirements for arrangement in a smart frame used in motor vehicles. The energy storage devices must in particular be resistant to vibrations occurring during the journey. Nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium-ion batteries, for example, can be suitable as energy stores. The energy store can be arranged in such a way that it is easy to replace the energy store, for example in the event of complete discharge, damage or for reasons of age.

As with the energy supply unit, it can also be provided in relation to the energy store that it is arranged on the carrier plate. In this case, it is particularly advantageous that the energy storage device is as flat as possible. The energy store can be integrated into the carrier plate in such a way that it is surrounded by the solid material of the carrier plate and is therefore protected against external influences such as moisture or dirt. The energy store can also be arranged on the surface of the carrier plate. Then it is advantageous if the energy store is hermetically protected from moisture and dirt in a separate housing or in a casing.

According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the energy supply unit additionally has a charging module connected to the energy storage device, by virtue of which the energy storage device can be charged. The charging module can be arranged on the frame body, preferably integrated into it. Alternatively, the charging module can be arranged on the carrier plate. An integration into the solid material of the carrier plate or an arrangement on the surface of the carrier plate can be considered. It is advantageous that the energy store can be inductively charged via the charging module and an external charger interacting with the charging module. An inductive charging option represents a particularly simple charging option. With reference to a possible use of a smart frame in a vehicle of a car-sharing provider or an operator of a vehicle rental company, provision can be made for the energy storage of the smart frame at predefined charging locations, for example certain parking spaces or a home station of the Vehicles to charge. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the charging module has an interface which is set up to charge the energy store in a wired manner. Such charging can also take place in certain parking lots or at a home station, provided that the Smartframe is used in a vehicle that is used in a car-sharing system or vehicle rental.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, a solar cell connected to the energy store can be provided in addition to the energy store, wherein the energy store can be charged by the energy provided by the solar cell. Charging via a solar cell leads to energy optimization of the smart frame. Depending on the weather conditions, the natural energy of the sun's rays can be used to charge the energy storage.

It should be emphasized at this point that the smartframe according to the invention can be operated independently of an energy supply or battery provided on a motor vehicle (self-sufficient). A connection to the vehicle electrical system or the vehicle electronics is not absolutely necessary. However, without restricting the smartframe to this, a configuration is also conceivable in which the smartframe has connections which allow a connection to the vehicle electrical system. The smartframe can also optionally be set up to exchange data with modules of the motor vehicle via a wireless signal connection. In this context, data can include, for example, position data, operating data or data transmitted to the smartframe from an external location. At the same time, data from the motor vehicle can be transmitted to the smartframe, for example operating data such as the fill level of the tank (or in the case of electric vehicles, the fill level of the battery or the range of the vehicle).

Due to the fact that the smart frame according to the invention can be used independently of the vehicle electrical system, there are many advantages. The Smartframe is not restricted to use with a specific vehicle type or a certain vehicle size, but can be used with a wide range of vehicles (different sizes and types). For example, the Smartframe can be installed on both motor vehicles and vehicle trailers. For vehicle manufacturers, the self-sufficient operating possibility of the Smartframes are advantageous because they do not have to provide any additional contact means for a possible connection to the vehicle electrical system for the smartframe. The Smartframe can be used universally and flexibly. For example, the Smartframe can also be used on vehicles that were initially equipped with a standard license plate holder. A changeover or exchange is possible without any problems.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the display unit can comprise a single display module or a plurality of display modules arranged in a row, the display module (s) being an LCD display, an e-paper display or an LED display. The specific design of the display unit depends in particular on the specific structural conditions and the dimensioning of the smartframe. A letter, number and / or character string can advantageously be optically displayed with the display unit. When selecting the display module or modules, it must be taken into account that there is sufficient contrast between the letters, numbers or characters displayed and their background. In particular, it is advantageous that the information displayed can be clearly recognized even in poor light and visibility conditions, for example in the dark. The displayed digits, letters and / or characters can relate to status information of the vehicle.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the display unit can be arranged angled with respect to an outer surface of the carrier plate or the frame body. With such an angled arrangement, the display unit can be illuminated by a lighting unit provided on the smartframe or the motor vehicle. This ensures that the optical information reproduced by the display unit can be easily recognized even in difficult visibility conditions, for example at night.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the position determination unit of the vehicle can be determined. This means that the position determination unit can retrieve geospatial information and compare it with a specific position. It can also be provided that a determined position indication can be forwarded to the external data network via the control and computing unit and the communication unit. Furthermore, it can be provided that the unit for determining the position is directed to forward the position data in a specific data format via the control and computing unit and the communication unit to an external location, the position being determined at the external location, for example using a data center or an external server.

According to the invention it can further be provided that the position of the motor vehicle can be determined continuously, periodically or on request by means of the position determination unit. For example, position data can be queried from an external point in a certain time interval, for example in a cycle of 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours or the like. The query can be coupled to the control of the energy supply and adapted to it. This ensures further energy optimization of the smartframe.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the communication unit can include a GSM or LTE module, a SIM chip and an antenna. However, the selection of the communication unit is not based on a GSM or LTE standard. In the course of the rapidly advancing development in the field of mobile communication, any more powerful standard can be realized in such a module or the communication unit. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the SIM chip can be soldered onto a circuit board and the antenna can be formed directly on the circuit board. Training on a printed circuit board enables easy connection to other electrical components of the smartframe.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control and computing unit can have interfaces via which it is connected to the further functional units. Furthermore, the control and computing unit can have a central data processing module, a module for energy control, a module for display control, and a module for controlling the switching on and off process. Overall, the control and computing unit thus provides a processor unit which can be arranged on a circuit board or a common circuit board. According to a further advantageous embodiment, an infrared unit can be provided as a further functional unit connected to the control and computing unit in terms of signal technology, the infrared unit being set up to exchange data with an external infrared reader. System updates or further data queries and data transmissions can be carried out via such an infrared unit. Furthermore, the infrared unit can have a parking space, in particular a parking space defined as a home location (this is particularly useful when using the smartframe in a vehicle that is associated with a car sharing system or vehicle rental). In this case, a "coming home" status can be determined via the infrared unit of the smartframe and an external infrared reader, whereby the power supply and / or the functional units are activated and / or an automated data transmission between the smartframe and an external server (this is preferably coupled to the infrared reader) are performed.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one security feature can be provided on the smartframe. Several security features of the same or different types can also be arranged on the smart frame. Security features make it difficult to copy or reproduce the items mentioned and can be suitable for identifying and / or authenticating the smartframe or the motor vehicle. Optical or haptic security features can be, for example, QR codes, watermarks, embossed structures, surface contours, holograms or color samples, which can be formed or arranged directly on the smartframe. Also known are security elements made of photonic or luminescent materials, the luminescent properties of which depend on the viewing angle or the irradiation situation. Security elements can also be designed as a grid, the grid having different grid widths, point sizes or point spacings. In addition, halftone dots can have different halftone dot shapes. Grain grids or dot grids can be used which realize round, elliptical, rectangular or polygonal dots in the form of contours, patterns, logos, bar codes, data matrix codes, QR codes, graphic codes, text, letters or numbers. Line grids with variable line thickness, with sine lines or guilloches and all combinations of the above shapes can also be used. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the smartframe can have a read-out unit which is set up to contactlessly read data from a data carrier arranged on the license plate, for example an RFID chip or a legend. For example, a data carrier arranged on the license plate can contain information that allows the license plate to be assigned to a vehicle owner.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the smartframe to have an RFID tag, for example a passive RFID tag. Such could be used to activate the control and computing unit and / or further functional units after its activation. To activate the RFID tag, electromagnetic waves can be emitted in the direction of the RFID tag by a suitable transmitter. However, it is also conceivable to use an active RFID tag or another transponder instead of a passive RFID tag. A corresponding transmitter device interacting with the RFID tag could be stationary when using the smartframe in a motor vehicle that is used in a vehicle rental system or car sharing system in the area of certain parking spaces, hometowns or base stations. When the vehicle is parked, the stationary transmitter and the (passive) RFID tag can interact, which activates further functional units of the smartframe. For this purpose, the RFID tag is technically coupled to at least one further functional unit, for example the computing and control unit.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, a sensor can be arranged on the smartframe, which is set up to detect the assembly or disassembly of the license plate on the smartframe and / or the assembly or disassembly of the smartframe on the motor vehicle. This makes it possible to record a successful assembly or disassembly and to transmit it to an external location. When used in vehicles of a vehicle rental or car sharing system, the operator or provider can be informed, for example, of the successful replacement of the smart frame after maintenance, repair or a component change. In particular, it may be of interest to an operator or provider to receive a message about the functional usability of the smart frame after it has been installed. With the aforementioned sensor, it is also possible to detect an unwanted removal of the smartframe from a motor vehicle, for example in the event of theft. Professional tools are often used for theft, which is why a proper (and desired) dismantling cannot be distinguished from an unwanted dismantling. With an appropriate sensor, however, the dismantling can be recorded at least in terms of time. In this case, the smartframe can wirelessly send dismantling information in the direction of an external point, for example to a server or data center of the operator or provider of a vehicle rental system or car sharing system. There it can be determined whether the disassembly was permitted or not. It is also advantageous that the unit provided in the smart frame for determining the position in the event of theft can be used to locate and locate the smart frame.

Likewise, it can be determined via the sensor that a license plate has been mounted or removed on the smartframe. A change of the license plate is usually carried out when buying or selling a motor vehicle and the associated commissioning by the new vehicle owner. License plates can also be changed on the vehicles with car sharing systems or vehicle rental systems. In this case, a successful assembly or disassembly of such a license plate can be transmitted to an operator or provider via the functional units of the smartframe. The addressed sensor is preferably a capacitive sensor. This can, for example, be designed in the manner of a capacitive distance sensor or a proximity sensor.

It can also be advantageous that a recognition unit is provided on the smartframe, which is set up to recognize a violent removal of the smart frame from a motor vehicle. A violent removal means in particular a jerky removal of the smartframe. In the context of this configuration, it can be particularly advantageous if the detection unit comprises an acceleration sensor. Such an acceleration sensor can be used to determine whether the smartframe is going out is suddenly removed from an assembled position, i.e. from a rest position, and is accelerated in the process.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the smart frame can be set up to receive and process encrypted data. Furthermore, the smartframe can be set up to encrypt and send out data. Especially with wireless data transmission via a data network and server, there is a risk that the data will be accessed by unauthorized third parties. Then encrypted data transmission is a suitable option to avoid unwanted data access by third parties. All encryption technologies known from the field of information technology and communication technology can be used. There is no restriction to a specific method for data encryption.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a loudspeaker unit and / or a microphone unit can be arranged on the smartframe. The loudspeaker unit and / or microphone unit can comprise a single loudspeaker or a single microphone. At the same time, however, several loudspeakers or several microphones can also be arranged on the smartframe. Information or acoustic signals can be passed on via the loudspeaker or loudspeakers, for example it can be a vehicle status or a warning signal. Acoustic signals, tones and commands can be recorded via the microphone or microphones and passed on for evaluation or processing. For example, such a microphone can be used to record an acoustic demand from a customer regarding the vehicle status.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for producing a smart frame for a vehicle license plate of a motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 39, with at least the following steps:

Providing a smart frame composed of a carrier plate and a frame body;

- Arranging at least the following functional units on the smartframe: a power supply unit, a display unit, a unit for position determination, a communication onseinheit, a control and computing unit, wherein at least the display unit is arranged on the frame body;

Providing signal connection means between the functional units;

Providing electrical connection means between the energy supply unit and the further functional units.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, all functional units can be arranged on the frame body. According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the energy supply unit can be arranged on the carrier plate and the further function units can be arranged on the frame body. Alternatively, the energy supply unit and at least one further of the functional units can be arranged on the carrier plate. For the advantages associated with the above-mentioned configurations, reference is made to the advantages of the smart frame already explained in the context of the advantageous configurations.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the carrier plate and the frame body can be separate plastic components which are manufactured by means of an injection molding process. In this case, the carrier plate and the frame body can be connected to one another via connecting means, for example clamping or screwing means.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the carrier plate and the frame body can be produced in one piece by means of an injection molding process.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method on which the invention is based, it can be provided that the functional units are arranged on the smartframe by means of the injection molding method. The functional units can be technically and electrically connected to one another before they are arranged on the smartframe signal. The functional units can then be positioned in a prefabricated semifinished product and encapsulated by a further plastic compound. The functional units can also be originally positioned in a mold of an injection molding machine and casting compound, in particular a plastic compound are encapsulated. The same applies to the other components or components mentioned in the description of advantageous refinements of the smart frame. This applies in particular to the at least one security feature, the readout unit, the RFID tag, the sensor, the recognition unit, the loudspeaker unit and the microphone unit.

As an alternative to the method, it can be provided that the functional units are arranged on the smartframe after the injection molding. In particular, it can be provided in this case that, during injection molding, construction spaces and / or fastening means are formed in the carrier plate and / or the frame body, which are designed to accommodate and / or fasten the functional units. Following the injection molding of the construction spaces and / or the fastening means, the functional units can be arranged and fastened in the construction spaces. This can be done semi-automatically or fully automatically, for example with the help of a robot purity. The same applies to the other components or components mentioned in the description of advantageous refinements of the smart frame. This applies in particular to the at least one security feature, the readout unit, the RFID tag, the sensor, the recognition unit, the loudspeaker unit and the microphone unit.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, fastening means tel can be provided on the carrier plate and / or the frame body, which are set up to fasten a license plate.

Fastening means can also be provided on the carrier plate and / or the frame body, which are set up to fasten the smart frame on the vehicle side.

It should be expressly mentioned that the method for producing a smart frame is based on a smart frame that can be designed in accordance with the features contained in claims 1 to 39. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to use features of the packet directed at the smartframe. claims 1 to 39 also to be included in the independent process claim.

The invention also relates to the use of a smartframe designed according to one of claims 1 to 39 in a motor vehicle assigned to a vehicle fleet of a vehicle rental system, the smartframe being fastened on the vehicle side and composed of a carrier plate and a frame body surrounding the carrier plate, and wherein via a on the frame body of the smartframe display unit related to vehicle rental status information, in particular a reservation or availability status, can be displayed. At this point, a vehicle rental system can mean a car-sharing system or another vehicle rental.

With such a use, the smartframe represents a type of computer-controlled client similar to the representations in WO 2016/201355 A1. As mentioned several times, the smart frame has various function modules, for example an energy supply unit, a unit for determining the position of the motor vehicle, one Communication unit, a control and computing unit and optionally a charging unit and an infrared unit. According to the invention, further functional modules not mentioned here can also be provided in the smart frame, for example a unit for closing and opening the vehicle. The latter unit can be coupled to the door locking system of the vehicle.

The rental process of a vehicle which is associated with a vehicle rental system, for example a car sharing system and is provided with a smartframe, is described below by way of example and not limitation.

A customer of the vehicle rental system or prospective tenant can send a rental request or status request for a specific vehicle to the operator of the vehicle rental system via a data network. This is mainly done via a customer's mobile device on which a corresponding app can be installed. After receiving the request on a server or data center of the operator, the operator can send a data request or status request in the direction of the smart frame. The request is about the communication unit of the smart frame is received and processed by the control and arithmetic unit, corresponding data on the position of the vehicle (this can be determined using a unit for determining the position) or other required information is then obtained from the corresponding functional units of the smart frame by means of the control and arithmetic unit requested and sent back to the operator's server or the data center via the communication unit and an external data network. There, if necessary taking into account further data (these can be stored in a corresponding database), it can be determined whether the selected vehicle is available or not. This determination is communicated to the customer, who can then make a booking. It is further provided according to the invention that such an availability status is determined even without a specific customer request and is displayed on the display unit of the smart frame. For this purpose, predefined time intervals can be specified, at which an availability status is determined by the interaction of the smartframe and an operator server. Such a status can also be automatically passed on and displayed by the operator to the smartframe after the end of the rental.

It should be expressly mentioned that the use of a smart frame in a motor vehicle assigned to a vehicle fleet of a vehicle rental system is based on that smart frame, which can be designed in accordance with the features contained in claims 1 to 28. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to include features of the patent claims 1 to 28 directed to the smartframe in the independent use claim.

In the case of the use of a smart frame explained above, a smart frame is operated in a motor vehicle assigned to a vehicle fleet of a vehicle rental system. In such an operation, different operating processes take place in the functional units of the smart frame or in the (external) components interacting with the smart frame, some of which are also carried out in parallel.

Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a method for operating a smart frame designed according to one of claims 1 to 39 Vehicle which is assigned to a vehicle fleet of a vehicle rental system, the smartframe being fastened on the vehicle side and composed of a carrier plate and a frame body surrounding the carrier plate, comprising the following continuous, periodic or, if required, operating processes:

Determining or querying status information, in particular a reservation or availability status of the vehicle, and displaying the status information via the display unit arranged on the frame body;

Acquisition of position data and transmission of the data to an external server.

On the part of the smart frame, status information, in particular a reservation or availability status of the vehicle, can be queried by an operator of the vehicle rental system via the control and computing unit and the communication unit. For this purpose, a suitable query routine can be provided on the control and arithmetic unit, which controls the time of the query process. The status information, for example the availability status (reference is made to this example of status information without restricting the status information to this), can be determined on an external server from data provided by the operator and from position data transmitted to the server by the smartframe. If the availability status is to be continuously updated or ascertained, a continuous position detection of the vehicle is required. The unit for position detection provided on the smartframe, together with the control and computing unit connected to it, must continuously transmit the detected position data to an external server via the communication unit. As mentioned, the availability status can be determined there and is sent back to the smartframe for visual display in the display unit. In particular with a continuous display of the availability status, a reciprocal (and sometimes parallel) data exchange between smartframe and external server is necessary. Conversely, the availability status can also be determined directly in the control and computing unit of the smart frame. However, data can also be exchanged between the smartframe and the external server in this embodiment variant. Provision can also be made for a position determination to be suspended in a non-rented state of the vehicle. In this case, the system has the position of the vehicle on the basis of position data transmitted when the last rent was terminated. As an alternative, the availability status can also be updated in predetermined time periods. The same applies accordingly to the acquisition and transmission of the position data to the external server. Provision can also be made for the availability status to be determined only when a customer requests it, be it from an external server or the control and computing unit of the smartframe. After determining the availability status, this can be optically displayed on the display unit of the smart frame.

Furthermore, according to the method, it can be provided that the smartframe makes a request for available updates via the communication unit or infrared unit after the vehicle rental has ended or after the vehicle has been parked. Provision can also be made for the charging status of the energy store associated with the energy supply unit to be checked as standard after the end of the vehicle rental or after the vehicle has been parked. If the charging status is below a predetermined level, automatic charging can be induced if a charging device is provided in the given parking space, for example an inductive charger which is able to interact with each charging module belonging to the smartframe.

Other operations that take place in the smartframe can relate to the release of a door locking system of the vehicle at the start of the rental and authentication of the customer or the locking of the doors at the end of the rental.

Further advantageous refinements result from the subclaims which refer back to the respective independent claims, and from the exemplary embodiments described below. The exemplary embodiments are not restrictive, but rather are to be understood as exemplary embodiment variants. The applicant reserves the right to make one or more of the features disclosed in the exemplary embodiments the subject of patent claims or to include such features in the existing claims. increase. The exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to figures.

Show it

Figure 1 is a highly schematic, perspective view of a ago

conventional license plate holder including license plate and;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the functional units associated with the smartframe.

A conventional license plate holder for a license plate is shown in FIG. The license plate holder is composed of a centrally arranged support plate 1 and a frame body 2 surrounding the support plate 1 like a frame. The license plate holder is usually attached to a motor vehicle, particularly in the front and rear area of the motor vehicle. Trailers and trailers can also be provided with a license plate holder for license plate boards. A license plate, for example in the manner of a license plate, can be arranged on the license plate holder. In most countries, attaching such a license plate 3 or a license plate is a legal requirement in order to operate a motorized road vehicle. The license plate 3 can (as shown) carry an inscription that allows the vehicle to be assigned to a vehicle holder. For this purpose, suitable fastening means can be provided on the license plate holder, but the specific embodiment is not the subject of this invention. The carrier plate 1 and the frame body 2 can be designed as a one-piece or one-piece component. In particular, production using the injection molding process is possible if the license plate holder is to be made of plastic. However, a two-part, i.e. Separate training of the license plate holder possible. The carrier plate 1 and the frame body 2 can then be manufactured separately, for example by injection molding. The two components are then connected to one another using suitable connecting means.

The license plate holder shown in FIG. 1 generally corresponds to the structure of the license plate holder, which is referred to here as a smart frame. ters. In addition to the components shown in FIG. 1, the smart frame also has additional functional units that can be arranged on the carrier plate 1 or the frame body 2. An arrangement “on” the carrier plate 1 or “on” the frame body 2 can also mean, inter alia, an arrangement within the carrier plate 1 or within the frame body 2. The carrier plate 1 or the frame body 2 can be formed in such a way that installation spaces for arranging the functional units are already provided during their manufacture. At the same time, the functional units can be integrated directly into the smartframe during production.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the functional units associated with the smartframe. Also shown are the signaling connection means between the individual units, that is to say the connecting lines. Furthermore, the electrical lines or circuits of the smart frame are also illustrated. The interaction of the smartframe or its associated components with external units is also shown in FIG.

The display unit 4 shown in the block diagram is arranged on the frame body 2, namely in such a way that the display information reproduced by means of the display unit 4 is visible from the outside. The display unit 4 is connected via a driver 29 likewise provided in the smart frame to a module 17 provided in a control and arithmetic unit 14 for display control. As shown, the driver 29 can be assigned to a specific number of characters, for example eight characters, shown on the display unit 4. The display unit 4 can be designed in the manner of a segment display or in the manner of a dot matrix display.

The other functional units can be arranged on the frame body 2 or on the carrier plate 1 or integrated therein. For preferred arrangement possibilities of the functional units, reference is made to the preceding description.

The smartframe also has a unit 5 for determining the position of the motor vehicle, for example a GPS unit. An antenna 6 is preferably integrated in the unit 5 for determining the position. The smartframe also has a communication unit 7. This can, for example, be set up to send data wirelessly in the direction of an external data network 8 via the GSM or LTE standard. The communication unit 7 can be assigned a SIM chip 12 and an antenna 13. The transmission of the data in the direction of the data network 8 takes place via the antenna 13 associated with the communication unit 7. Likewise, the communication unit 7 can receive data sent via the data network 8 from the communication unit 7 or the antenna 13. The data sent via the data network 8 can be received by a terminal 9 of a customer and by an operator 10 and a server 11 (this can also be assigned to an operator 10). Likewise, data can be sent by a customer, operator 10 or starting from server 11 via data network 8 in the direction of communication unit 7 of the smart frame.

Another functional unit of the smart frame is a control and arithmetic unit 14, which has a central data processing module 15, a module 16 for energy control, a module 17 for display control and a module 18 for control of the switching on and off process. Furthermore, the control and computing unit 14 can have further interfaces 20, 21, 22 and a voltage converter 19.

As shown, the control and computing unit 14 is connected to the communication unit 7 via the interface 20 in terms of signal technology. Via the interface 21, the control and computing unit 14 is connected to the unit 5 for position determination by signaling, while such a signal connection between the control and computing unit 14 and an optional infrared frame 23 and the interface 22 is provided. The infrared unit 23 is configured to contactlessly exchange data with an external infrared reader 24. The data exchange between infrared unit 23 and infrared reader 24 can take place in particular in the context of regular system updates or during maintenance of the smart frame. The infrared reader 24 can be connected to a service computing unit 25 which carries out the update or maintenance. When using the smart frame in a vehicle of a vehicle rental system or car sharing system, provision can be made for a wake-up pulse to be generated in the smart frame via the infrared unit 23, in particular when the infrared unit 23 is in use Parking the vehicle in a home station of the vehicle rental system or car sharing system with an infrared reader 24 provided there connects. The wake-up pulse can put the smartframe in a position to receive and transmit data (for example an update), or it can be charged using energy technology.

When using the smartframe on a vehicle which is part of a car-sharing system or a vehicle rental system, provision can be made for stationary readers 24 to be arranged in defined parking spaces or parking spaces or at a home station. When the vehicle is parked at the locations mentioned, these automatically come into contact with the infrared unit 23 or establish a data connection.

Another functional unit of the smartframe is an energy supply unit 26, which can comprise an energy store, not shown, for example a battery or a rechargeable battery. The energy supply unit 26 can be electrically connected to a charging module 27 which can also be arranged in the smartframe. The energy storage device can be charged via the charging module 27 and an external charger 28 interacting inductively with the charging module 27. In addition, a solar cell can be arranged on the smartframe, which can also serve to charge the energy store. It is also conceivable to obtain energy directly from the solar cell. The solar cell can be part of the energy supply unit 26 or the charging module 27. The solar cell can also be arranged separately and electrically connected to the energy supply unit 26 and / or the charging unit. As FIG. 2 also shows, the energy supply unit 26 is connected to the functional units via suitable electrical connecting means, that is to say electrical lines, in particular to the control and computing unit 14, the communication unit 7 and the unit 5 for position determination.

The smartframe (optional) can also include a passive RFID tag 30. Such a device could be used to activate the control and computing unit 14 and / or further functional units after its activation. To activate the RFID tag 30, a suitable transmitter 31 can emit electromagnetic waves in the direction of the RFID tag 30. However, it is also conceivable to use an active RFID tag or another trans ponder instead of a passive RFID tag 30.

The functioning of the smartframe is explained below using an example for use in vehicles of a vehicle rental system. At this point, a vehicle rental system means either a car sharing system or another vehicle rental system. In the following, the explanation is exemplary and not limited to a car sharing system. Such a car sharing system is characterized by a vehicle fleet consisting of a large number of vehicles. The system is maintained by an operator 10 and is often operated and run via an application software (app). The vehicles are distributed in a limited business area and can be rented by a customer or registered user via an application software. The customer can park and operate a vehicle at various parking spaces in the business area or at specified "home" stations.

A customer or registered user of the car sharing system can use a data network 8 to submit a rental or status request for a specific vehicle to the operator 10 of the car sharing system. This is primarily done via a customer's mobile device 9 on which a corresponding app is installed.

After receiving the request from the operator 10 or a server 11 of the operator 10, the latter can send a data or status request in the direction of the motor vehicle intended for rent or the smart frame arranged thereon. The request is received via the communication unit 7 or an antenna 13 of the smart frame.

The request data are then processed by the control and computing unit 14. Data on the position of the vehicle (these can be determined using the unit 5 for determining the position) or other required information is then queried by the control and computing unit 14 from the corresponding functional units of the smartframe and via the communication unit 7 in the direction of the operator's server 11 sent back. There, if necessary taking into account further data (these can be stored in a corresponding database), it can be determined whether the selected vehicle is available or not. This determination is communicated to the customer, who can then make a booking or reservation via the application software.

Such an availability status can also be determined without a specific customer request and can be continuously displayed on the display unit 4 of the smart frame. Predefined time intervals can be specified for the query, at which an availability status is determined by the interaction of the smart frames and an operator-side server 11. Such a status can also be automatically passed on and displayed by the operator to the smartframe after the end of the rental.

Reference symbol list

1 carrier plate

2 frame bodies

3 license plate

4 display unit

5 unit for position determination

6 antenna

7 communication unit

8 External data network

9 terminal

10 operators

11 servers

12 SIM chip

13 antenna

14 control and computing unit

15 data processing module

16 Module for energy control

17 Display control module

18 Module for controlling the switching on and off

19 voltage transformers

20 interface

21 interface

22 interface

23 infrared unit

24 infrared reader

25 service computing unit

26 power supply unit

27 charging module

28 charger

29 drivers

30 RFID tag

31 transmitting device

Claims

1. Smartframe for a vehicle license plate of a motor vehicle, which is composed of a carrier plate (1) and a frame body (2) surrounding the carrier plate (1), the smartframe being designed to be fastened on the vehicle side and a license plate (3) in a fixed position hold, and wherein the frame body (2) is set up to surround the license plate (3) at its edge regions, in order to summarize at least the following functional units:

- A display unit (4) arranged on the frame body (2), which is set up to optically display display information, for example information about a vehicle status;

- A unit (5) for determining the position of the motor vehicle;

- A communication unit (7) which is set up to transmit data to an external data network (8) and to receive data via the data network (8);

- A control and computing unit (14);

- And an energy supply unit (26) which is set up to supply the further functional units with energy.

2. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that all functional units are arranged on the frame body (2).

3. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy supply unit (26) is arranged on the carrier plate (1) and the further functional units are arranged on the frame body (2).

4. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy supply unit (26) and at least one further of the functional units are arranged on the carrier plate (1).

5. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy supply unit (26) is set up to supply the further functional units with energy continuously, periodically or as required.

6. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that the unit (5) for position determination based on the GPS system, the Galileo system, the Glonass system or the Beidou system can be operated.

7. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that the control and computing unit (14) is set up to control the energy supply and the operation of the functional units.

8. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that the control and computing unit (14) is set up to forward the display information to the display unit (4).

9. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier plate (1) and the frame body (2) are a one-piece component.

10. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier plate (1) and the frame body (2) are separate, interconnectable components.

11. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized by on the carrier plate (1) and / or the frame body (2) provided fastening means which are set up to hold the license plate (3).

12. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by on the carrier plate (1) and / or the frame body (2) vorgese hen fasteners which are set up to fasten the smartframe to the motor vehicle.

13. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy supply unit (26) comprises an energy store, for example a rechargeable battery.

14. Smartframe according to claim 13, characterized in that the energy storage is arranged on the carrier plate (1).

15. Smartframe according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the energy supply unit (26) additionally has a charging module (27) connected to the energy storage device, by virtue of which the energy storage device can be charged.

16. Smartframe according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the energy store via the charging module (27) and an external with the charging module (27) cooperating charger (28) can be charged inductively.

17. Smartframe according to claim 15, characterized in that the charging module (27) has an interface which is set up to charge the energy storage by cable.

18. Smartframe according to claim 13, characterized in that in addition to the energy store, a solar cell connected to it is provided, the energy store being chargeable by the energy provided by the solar cell.

19. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit (4) comprises a single display module or a plurality of display modules arranged in a row, the display module (s) being an LCD display, an e-paper display or an LED display.

20. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that with the display unit (4) a letter, number and / or character string can be optically displayed.

21. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display unit (4) is arranged angled with respect to an outer surface of the carrier plate (2) or the frame body (3).

22. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display unit is designed to be illuminated by a lighting unit provided on the smartframe or the motor vehicle.

23. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that it is indirect with the unit (5) for determining a position of the vehicle.

24. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a determined position information on the control and computing unit (14) and the communication unit (7) can be forwarded to the external data network.

25. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the motor vehicle by means of the unit (5) for position determination can be determined continuously, periodically or on request.

26. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication unit (7) comprises a GSM or LTE module, a SIM chip (12) and an antenna (13).

27. Smartframe according to claim 26, characterized in that the SIM chip (12) is soldered onto a circuit board and the antenna (13) is formed directly on the circuit board.

28. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and computing unit (14) has interfaces (20, 21, 22) via which it is connected to the other functional units.

29. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and computing unit (14) a central data processing Work module (15), a module (16) for energy control, a module for display control (17), and a module (18) for controlling the switching on and off.

30. Smartframe according to claim 1, characterized by an infrared unit (23) as a further signal-technically connected to the control and computing unit (14) functional unit, the infrared unit (23) being set up to exchange data with an external infrared reader (24) .

31. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one security feature is seen on the smartframe.

32. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the smartframe has a read-out unit which is designed to contact data from a data carrier arranged on the license plate (3), for example an RFID chip or a legend, without contact read out.

33. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the smartframe has an RFID tag (30), for example a passive RFID tag.

34. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor is arranged on the smartframe, which is set up to assemble or disassemble the license plate (3) on the smartframe and / or the assembly or disassembly of the smart to recognize frames on the motor vehicle.

35. Smartframe according to claim 34, characterized in that the sensor is a capacitive sensor.

36. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a recognition unit is provided on the smartframe, which is set up to detect a violent removal of the smartframe from a motor vehicle.

37. Smartframe according to claim 36, characterized in that the recognition unit comprises an acceleration sensor.

38. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the smartframe is set up to receive and process encrypted data, and is also set up to encrypt and send out data.

39. Smartframe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a loudspeaker unit and / or a microphone unit is arranged on the smartframe.

40. A method for producing a smart frame for a vehicle license plate of a motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 39, with at least the following steps:

Providing a smart frame composed of a carrier plate (1) and a frame body (2),

- Arranging at least the following functional units on the smartframe: an energy supply unit (26), a display unit (4), a unit (5) for determining the position, a communication unit (7), a control and computing unit (14), at least the display unit (4) on the frame body (2) is arranged;

Providing signal connection means between the functional units;

Providing electrical connection means between the energy supply unit (26) and the further functional units.

41. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that all functional units are arranged on the frame body (2).

42. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the energy supply unit (26) is arranged on the carrier plate (1) and the further functional units are arranged on the frame body (2).

43. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the energy supply unit (26) and at least one further of the functional units are arranged on the carrier plate (1).

44. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the carrier plate (1) and the frame body (2) are separate plastic components which are manufactured by means of an injection molding process.

45. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that the carrier plate (1) and the frame body (2) are connected to one another via connecting means, for example clamping or screwing means.

46. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the carrier plate (1) and the frame body (2) are made in one piece by an injection molding process.

47. The method according to any one of claims 40 to 46, characterized in that the functional units are arranged on the smartframe by means of the injection molding process.

48. The method according to any one of claims 40 to 47, characterized in that the functional units are arranged on the smartframe after the injection molding.

49. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that during injection molding in the carrier plate (1) and / or the frame body (2), construction spaces and / or fastening means are formed, which are set up to accommodate and / or fasten the functional units.

50. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that on the carrier plate (1) and / or the frame body (2) fastening means pre- will be seen who are set up to attach a license plate (3).

51. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that on the carrier plate (1) and / or the frame body (2) fastening means are provided, which are set up to fasten the smart frame on the vehicle side.

52. Method for operating a smartframe designed according to one of claims 1 to 39 in a vehicle which is assigned to a vehicle fleet of a vehicle rental system, the smartframe being fastened on the vehicle side and comprising a carrier plate (1) and a carrier plate (1). surrounding frame body (2) is composed to include the following continuously, periodically or if necessary, the operations:

Determining or querying status information relating to vehicle rental, in particular a reservation or availability status of the vehicle, and displaying the status information via the display unit (4) arranged on the frame body (2);

53. Use of a smart frame designed according to one of claims 1 to 39 in a motor vehicle assigned to a vehicle fleet of a vehicle rental system, the smart frame being fastened on the vehicle side and comprising a carrier plate (1) and a carrier plate (1) surrounding the frame body (2 ), and where, via a display unit (4) arranged on the frame body (2) of the smart frame, status information relating to vehicle rental, in particular a reservation or availability status, can be displayed.