WO2021099387A1

WO2021099387A1 - Method for monitoring a driver of a vehicle by means of a measuring system on the basis of ambient moisture

Info

Publication number: WO2021099387A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/082540
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mohammad Kabany
Original assignee: B-Horizon GmbH
Priority date: 2019-11-22
Filing date: 2020-11-18
Publication date: 2021-05-27
Also published as: DE102019131600B4; DE102019131600A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for monitoring a driver of a vehicle by means of a measuring system, the method comprising the following steps: providing at least one measuring system for measuring pressure and/or moisture, the measuring system being coupled to at least one vehicle element or being installed integrated with at least one vehicle element, and the measuring system having at least one sensor for measuring a, preferably only one, stress level of the driver, so that pressure and/or moisture are measured by the sensor; subsequently forwarding the measured stress level values, i.e. the pressure and/or moisture values, to a processing unit of the measuring system; detecting and recognising a stress level of the driver on the basis of the stress level values; determining a selected action on the basis of the recognition by the measuring system, the action being selected from a list consisting of: setting up a call to a remote support entity, transmitting the stress level values to a remote support entity, generating an audible alarm and generating a visual alarm, adjusting the volume of loudspeakers in the vehicle, adjusting the seat position of a vehicle seat in the vehicle, and displaying recommendations to take a break to the driver.

Description

Method for monitoring a driver of a vehicle by means of a measuring system

Basis of an ambient humidity

description

The present invention relates to a method for monitoring a driver of a vehicle by means of a measuring system and a corresponding device according to claims 1 and 9.

The method proposed here, among other things, comprises the first step in which at least one measuring system for measuring pressure and / or humidity is provided, the measuring system being coupled to at least one vehicle element or being integrated with at least one. In this case, the measuring system has at least one sensor for measuring one, preferably only one, stress level of the driver, so that the sensor measures pressure and / or moisture.

In a second step, the measured stress level values, that is to say the pressure and / or humidity values, are then passed on to a processing unit of the measuring system.

In a third step, a stress level of the driver is recorded and recognized based on the stress level values. In a fourth step, a selected action is selected based on the detection by the measurement system, the action being selected from a list consisting of: setting up a call to a remote support center, transmitting the Stress level values for a remote support center, generation of an acoustic alarm and generation of a visual alarm, adjustment of the volume of loudspeakers in the vehicle, adjustment of a seating position of a vehicle seat of the vehicle, as well as display of recommended breaks to the driver.

However, a music adaptation is also possible as a possible action. This can mean that the music channel is changed. For this purpose, it is conceivable that the music channel in a vehicle radio is automatically switched to a music app. For this purpose, it is conceivable that this music app is stored in advance in the processing unit or another unit, and that this music app is loaded fully automatically when at least one stress level value is exceeded. This music app can then play at least one previously stored music title fully automatically, in particular to calm the driver down so that the stress levels drop. As an alternative or in addition to this, internal vehicle lighting can also be set. A corresponding setting can be referred to as "ambient light", so that a light color, light intensity and brightness are set.

In particular, the present invention claims, inter alia, a pressure measurement and / or the moisture measurement in connection with a stress level. The moisture measurement is based in particular on the release of sweat on the skin of the driver who touches an object of use in the vehicle (steering wheel, joystick, radio, etc.) from the outside and with the skin.

A stress level is understood to mean the strain (effect of the stresses) on people through internal and external stimuli or stresses (objective factors affecting people as well as their sizes and periods of time). These can be artificial as well as natural, biotic as well as abiotic, affect both the body and the psyche of humans and ultimately be perceived as positive or negative or have an effect. Dealing with the stress depends on the personal (including health) characteristics and cognitive abilities of the individual person; dealing with a threat is also known as coping. Usable behaviors are e.g. B. aggression, flight, behavior alternatives, acceptance, changing the condition or denying the situation.

"Positive stress" or eustress (the Greek prefix eΰ (eu) means "well, good, right, easy") are those stressors that affect the organism claim, but have a positive effect. Positive stress increases alertness and promotes maximum performance of the body without harming it. Eustress occurs, for example, when a person is motivated to perform certain tasks, has the time and opportunities to prepare for them, or when a (possibly longer or severe) crisis situation or illness is nevertheless positively addressed, coped with (coping strategy) and overcome can be. As a result, moments of happiness can even be felt. Eustress has a positive effect on the psychological or physical functionality of an organism even if it occurs frequently and over a long period of time.

Stress is only perceived negatively if it occurs frequently or permanently and cannot be compensated for physically and / or psychologically and is therefore rated as unpleasant, threatening or overwhelming. In particular, negative effects can occur if the individual person (also through their interpretation of the stimuli) does not see or has any ability to cope with the situation. Examples of this are exams without time or the ability to learn, a disease that is unclear or not recognized despite a doctor's visit (see Semmelweis reflex), an apartment that is unbearable due to noise and without the possibility of moving, etc. In this case, permanent negative stress ( also distress or dysstress, English distress; the Greek prefix dύV (dys) means “bad”), if necessary, can be prevented by suitable aids or stress management strategies.

Abiotic stress factors would be e.g. B. physical nature, such as cold, speed, noise, exhaust gases and natural and artificial radiation. The latter include strong and excessively long exposure to the sun or other such as high-frequency or radioactive or electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore toxic substances such. B. plasticizers, such as diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in PVC floor coverings or children's toys, (cigarette smoke and the substances it contains, pollution of drinking water, excessive and regular alcohol consumption, diet low in vital substances or which is increasingly found in a large number of products and application methods in agriculture ( e.g. "herb regulation" by glyphosate) applied - and thus absorbed into the human body - pesticides.

Biotic factors would be, for example, exposure to pathogens or tumors, including chronic and autoimmune inflammatory processes, which in turn are influenced by the abiotic factors mentioned above (stressors with effects on cell metabolism and the immune system). On an emotional level, psychological stress such as bullying, certain attitudes and expectations of one can also be People or z. B. his parents, and continue to fear being stressors (psychosocial stress factors).

So stress is first and foremost the strain on the body from such stressors. This is followed by a reaction and, if necessary, adaptation of the body to and to these factors, if necessary with external help. Distress leads to a greatly increased tension in the body (release of certain neurotransmitters and hormones, e.g. adrenaline and noradrenaline) and, in the long term, to a decrease in alertness and performance. Stress or distress only has a damaging effect on the human organism when stress exceeds the range of possible adaptation and repair functions (e.g. DNA repair) of the individual person or person according to his individual physique and psyche or health constitution. whose organism takes place beyond (chronic stress / duration of exposure, excess, possibly multiple factors).

According to at least one embodiment, only the pressure and the humidity are measured by the sensor in order to determine a stress level of the driver.

According to at least one embodiment, the sensor is installed in a steering wheel and / or a joystick and / or a vehicle seat of a vehicle so that the driver directly touches the steering wheel and / or the joystick and / or the vehicle seat.

According to at least one embodiment, limit values of pressure and / or humidity are stored in a memory of the CPU, the respective time-discrete or continuously measured pressure and temperature values being compared with the values stored in the memory of the CPU Based on these values (humidity and pressure), the CPU determines an action (for example one of the above actions) to be carried out.

According to at least one embodiment, factor limit values from pressure and humidity are stored in a memory of the CPU, the respective time-discrete or continuously measured pressure and temperature values being compared with the values stored in the memory of the CPU, with at least one of these values being exceeded (Humidity and pressure) an action (for example one of the above actions) is determined to be executed by the CPU, the factor limit value being a factor of the respective pressure and pressure Moisture value is defined, in particular wherein both values are measured at the same time by the sensor.

According to at least one embodiment, the pressure and the humidity are each measured at different times within a predetermined measuring time interval.

Experience has shown that when there is a stress reaction, the pressure first rises and only afterwards does perspiration begin to develop. To put it simply, the driver grips a steering wheel, for example, particularly strongly in the event of a stressful situation, and only then does the corresponding perspiration begin to build up. Pairs of values can be formed from the pressure and the associated humidity values.

According to at least one embodiment, first the pressure and / or the temperature and only then the humidity and / or the temperature is measured within the measurement time interval, the pressure and only once the humidity being measured within each measurement time interval.

According to at least one embodiment, a time interval between two measurement intervals that are immediately adjacent in terms of time is greater than the time period of at least one of the measurement intervals, in particular with no measurement taking place in the measurement pauses generated thereby. To this extent, such a measurement can be carried out clocked and not continuously.

The present application also relates to a device for monitoring a driver of a vehicle by means of a measuring system for carrying out the method.

According to at least one embodiment, the device comprises at least one measuring system for measuring pressure and / or humidity, wherein the measuring system, which is coupled to at least one vehicle element or can be integrated with at least one, wherein the measuring system has at least one sensor for measuring a, preferably only has one, stress level, of the driver, so that the pressure and / or the moisture can be measured by the sensor.

The present invention also relates to a measuring system for measuring pressure and / or humidity and a method for measuring pressure and / or humidity. The measuring system described here can be one that is used in the above described method for monitoring a driver of a vehicle by means of a measuring system and the corresponding device is used.

The measuring system according to the invention for measuring pressure and / or moisture, among other things, comprises at least one sensor for measuring pressure and / or moisture, the sensor comprising at least one capacitor with at least two electrodes which, in particular in a horizontal direction, along and on one, in particular flexible, carrier material are arranged relative to one another, with at least one dielectric layer being arranged between the electrodes.

The horizontal direction is preferably a fluff direction of extension of the flexible carrier material.

“Flexible” in this context means that the carrier material is at least in places flexible and therefore elastic.

In particular, the carrier material can be a woven fabric or some other clothing material, such as a polyester, for example.

The dielectric layer thus separates the two electrodes in a horizontal and / or in a transverse direction perpendicular thereto.

According to the invention, at least one electrode and / or the dielectric layer, at least in places, at least one, at least partially moisture-permeable and / or moisture-absorbing moisture layer, is arranged on a side facing away from the carrier material, with the at least one electrode and / or dielectric layer between them in a transverse direction the carrier material and the moisture layer are arranged so that a capacitance is at least partially changed by the moisture at least partially hitting the dielectric layer, a processing unit being set up and provided to measure and / or store the measured values of the sensor, so that a capacitive humidity sensor is created.

A capacitive humidity sensor is in principle a capacitor whose dielectric preferably consists of a hygroscopic polymer layer that absorbs (absorbs) or emits (desorbs) up to a moisture in accordance with the humidity of the ambient air Equilibrium state (diffusion gradient = 0) is reached. The dielectric constant of the polymer material changes as a function of the moisture content.

The task of the processing unit is, among other things, to determine the relative humidity as precisely as possible from a measured ambient temperature and the humidity-dependent capacitance value of the sensor.

According to the invention, the data measured by the sensor are sent from the processing unit to a central CPU (Central Processing Unit), these data being processed by the processing unit. The CPU and the processing unit are preferably different from each other. The CPU and the processing unit are arranged at a distance from one another, for example. In particular, the processing unit and the CPU cannot be arranged on a common carrier and / or substrate as long as the carrier is not the carrier material, for example a textile.

It is also conceivable that the device claimed here, and in particular the sensors, are installed on an inner surface of a tire. It is also conceivable that the sensors are even incorporated into the material of the tire. It is conceivable that the sensors are all inserted into the material and thus encased by the material of the tire and that the processing units are arranged on the inner surface of the tire. Alternatively, however, the processing units can also be incorporated into the material of the tire. The sensors can then detect the internal tire pressure, the internal tire temperature and / or the individual or total running time of the tire.

According to at least one embodiment, the measuring system comprises at least one device for measuring pressure and / or humidity, the device having at least one sensor for measuring pressure and / or humidity, the sensor comprising at least one capacitor with at least two electrodes, which in particular are arranged in a horizontal direction along one another and on an in particular flexible carrier material, at least one dielectric layer being arranged between the electrodes.

According to the invention, at least one electrode and / or dielectric layer, at least in places, at least one, at least partially moisture-permeable and / or moisture-absorbing layer (= Moisture layer), the at least one electrode and / or dielectric layer being arranged in the transverse direction between the carrier material and the moisture layer, so that a capacitance is at least partially changed by the moisture at least partially hitting the dielectric layer, with a processing unit set up and intended to measure these measured values of the sensor and / or to store them so that a capacitive humidity sensor is created.

In the context of the present application, “moisture-absorbing layer” can be understood to mean an at least partial absorption of moisture from an ambient medium into the layer itself. Moisture can therefore be understood as a gaseous or droplet phase in the surrounding medium. The moisture can be contained in the ambient air or some other ambient medium of the layer.

The water or liquid content of air is generally referred to as humidity. The absolute humidity indicates how much water or liquid vapor is contained in the volume unit of the gas mixture; Unit of measurement: g water (or other liquid) -no ³ . The relative humidity is the quotient of the amount of liquid vapor present in the gas at a certain temperature and the saturation amount of liquid vapor possible at the same temperature. The relative humidity is usually given in percent (%). To do this, the quotient is multiplied by 100. If the air is saturated, ie the relative humidity is 100%, some of the liquid in the air is liquid. In this case, the associated liquid-gas mixture is referred to as haze or mist.

The term moisture or dampness can be the measure of the presence of water or another liquid in or on a material (e.g. textiles) or a substance or in a gas or in a room.

The moisture-absorbing moisture layer described here can therefore differ from a, in particular only liquid-absorbing (moisture) layer, among other things in that the moisture-absorbing moisture layer is made of a material which, in addition to the adsorption of liquid, also contains moisture in the surrounding medium absorbed. However, it is also conceivable that the Moisture-absorbing moisture layer only absorbs moisture in the surrounding medium of the layer and therefore cannot absorb any liquid.

According to the invention, the data measured by the sensor are sent from the processing unit to a central CPU (Central Processing Unit), these data being processed by the processing unit.

The sensor and / or the processing unit and / or the central CPU can be supplied with electrical energy by means of a battery or a landline power supply.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to generate electrical energy to supply the sensor and / or processing unit by means of so-called “energy harvesting”.

Energy harvesting refers to the production of small amounts of electrical energy from sources such as ambient temperature, vibrations or air currents for mobile devices with low power. The structures used for this are also known as nanogenerators. With wireless technologies, energy harvesting avoids restrictions due to wired power supply or batteries.

Energy harvesting options:

- Piezoelectric crystals generate electrical voltages when a force is applied, for example through pressure or vibration. These crystals can be arranged on or on the carrier material.

- Thermoelectric generators and pyroelectric crystals generate electrical energy from different temperatures. These generators can be arranged on or on the carrier material.

- The energy of radio waves, a form of electromagnetic radiation, can be captured and used energetically via antennas. Passive RFIDs are an example of this. These antennas can be arranged on or on the carrier material.

- Photovoltaics, electrical energy from ambient lighting.

- osmosis. An energy store of the device can be part of a processing unit. For this purpose, one or more of the processing units can have such an energy store (local energy store). For example, only one or some of the processing units has such an energy store, so that one of these processing units supplies another processing unit (namely one which does not have an energy store) with electrical energy.

It is also conceivable that the energy storage unit (s) of the processing unit (s) fully or partially supplies the CPU with electrical energy. For example, the CPU cannot be connected to any other energy stores and / or energy supply lines.

At least one of the energy stores can be charged via the aforementioned energy harvesting.

The energy transfer between the sensors and / or the processing units and / or the CPU can take place entirely or partially wirelessly.

The wireless energy transmission in the near field, also referred to as non-radiative coupling, includes, for example, inductive coupling based on magnetic flux. The term wireless energy transfer is often used synonymously for inductive energy transfer, as this plays a dominant role in practical applications. With the non-radiative coupling in the near field, wave phenomena play no role.

For example, the wireless energy transfer between the individual elements takes place by means of inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling and / or capacitive coupling.

According to at least one embodiment, the measuring system has at least two sensors, the processing unit dividing the sensors into groups of at least one sensor on the basis of at least one of the following criteria:

- Location of the sensor or sensors on the carrier material, the carrier material being divided into areas and only sensors of one group being arranged within an area,

Area of a sensor. According to at least one embodiment, the measuring system comprises at least two devices for measuring pressure and / or humidity, each processing unit forwards its data received from the sensors to the central CPU. The data connection between the processing unit and the central CPU can be wired (with data connections) or wireless. For this purpose, at least one processing unit can establish a Bluetooth connection to the central CPU.

According to at least one embodiment, at least one device comprises at least two sensors. In this respect, a sensor group can already be formed by these two sensors. The two sensors can then be controlled and / or regulated by a common processing unit.

It is conceivable that the plurality of processing units form a processing network, the acquisition, processing and / or forwarding of the sensor data and / or the processing data of each sensor and / or each processing unit being controlled by at least one control device (master). The control unit can be identical to the CPU described above.

However, it is also possible that one or more of the processing units represent the master, which controls the other processing units (slaves) and / or the other sensors (slaves).

For example, one of the processing units and / or the CPU can, after the device has been put into operation (for example, after the device has been switched on), select such sensors which are put into operation for a predefinable period of use. Alternatively, all or some sensors can also be put into operation, but then it is conceivable that a processing unit and / or the CPU, in particular for the purpose of saving energy, only send data from a predetermined number (i.e. fewer than all sensors) from sensors to the CPU forwards (filtering).

This master processing unit can preferably be the only unit to communicate with the CPU.

As an alternative or in addition, it is also conceivable that one or all of the processing units and / or a sensor (slave or master) communicate directly with the CPU. According to at least one embodiment, the processing network can be subdivided into at least two, only logically separated, network segments (VLANs) by means of at least one VLAN switch, each of the detection elements depending on the control by a VLAN switch and / or the control device and thus can be controlled by each of the network segments.

If, for example, a very large area (for example a textile) is equipped with a large number of sensors and processing units used here, individual processing units and / or sensors can then be categorized in a particularly simple manner (according to different priorities, etc.). In one embodiment, instead of a physical network subdivision, a “virtual”, that is to say VLAN, subdivision is chosen. This ensures that changes in the categorization of the processing units and / or sensors can be responded to particularly quickly and without costly conversion work.

According to at least one embodiment, the measuring system comprises at least one processing network, whereby by means of at least one VLAN switch of the processing network, this can be divided into at least two, only logically separated, network segments (VLAN), and each processing unit and / or each of the sensors can be controlled by each of the network segments depending on the control by the VLAN switch.

For this purpose, the VLAN switch can be installed in at least one of the processing units and / or sensors or in a separate component.

According to at least one embodiment, the VLAN switch is used to prioritize the individual network segments, in particular with regard to their data exchange.

According to at least one embodiment, each processing unit and / or each network segment is assigned at least one VLAN ID, with at least one sensor or another processing unit being controllable via each of the VLAN IDs. Individual sensors and / or individual processing units can form their own sub-network. In order to communicate across network boundaries, static project-dynamic routes are used in the prior art. This model of separation is clear and straightforward and has been used for years. However, this has the disadvantage that broadcast requests in the subnet are visible to all participants and must be viewed by the endpoints. In other words, until now, different end devices could only be controlled via appropriate, separate and physically separate switches assigned to each subnet. However, such a structure is particularly expensive and extensive in design.

As already mentioned above, the design of each subnetwork with a separate switch and separate physical data lines is therefore dispensed with, so that a single physical structure can be used for the entire network. H. Network architecture, only on the basis of a logical, and in particular mathematical, distinction ^ h. thought), is separated.

The abbreviation “VLAN switch” denotes such a network switch, which is set up and intended to operate a network in the form of a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN).

In this respect, the network segments now claimed, which can each be designed in the form of a VLAN network, enable the separation of the network to be divided into several logical segments, i.e. the network segments.

In contrast to the physical separation through the assignment to a switch port, the devices are logically separated by a VLAN ID when they are separated by VLANs. The data stream of each station is given an identifier (the VLAN "tag"). This identifier determines whether a data packet belongs to a specific VLAN. All devices with the same VLAN ID are now in a logical network.

In particular, a broadcast can be limited by the logical separation of the individual networks. Broadcasts are only distributed to members of the same VLAN and not to all control elements attached to the switch.

This not only contributes to higher performance, but also to greater security, because the data traffic is restricted to fewer addressees. Come in addition, that users or the control elements in a VLAN usually have no way of breaking out of the assigned VLAN. Access (or attack) to another computer that does not belong to your own VLAN can therefore be prevented by the network switch. If cross-VLAN communication is necessary, routes can be set up for this purpose.

In particular, it is pointed out that the VLAN technology described here can be one which is adapted to the industrial standard IEEE 802.1 Q and / or is compatible with it.

The IEEE 802.1 Q standard is a prioritization and VLAN technology standardized by the IEEE, which, in contrast to the older, only port-based VLANs, implements packet-based tagged VLANs. The term “tagged” is derived from the English term “material tags”.

Tagged VLANS are therefore networks that use network packets that have a special VLAN marking.

In particular, data fields for V-LAN tagging are defined in the 802.1 Q standard that can be introduced in the data area of an Ethernet packet.

To this extent, the present network can be designed in the form of an Ethernet communication system.

This has the advantage that, as a rule, existing, older switches can also forward such packets. The inserted tag usually consists of several fields, for example four fields with a total length of 32 bits.

2 bytes are used for the protocol ID, 3 bits for the priority field, 1 bit for the canonical format indicator and 12 bits for the VLAN ID.

To uniquely identify a VLAN, each VLAN is therefore initially assigned a unique number. This number is called the VLAN ID. A detection module equipped with VLAN-ID = 1 can communicate with any other device in the same VLAN, but not with a device in another VLAN, such as B. ID = 2, 3, .... In order to differentiate between the VLANS, an Ethernet frame is extended by 4 bytes according to the IEEE 802.1 Q standard. Of these, 12 bits are provided for the VLAN ID, so that (without using the canonical format) 4096-2 = 4094 VLANS are theoretically possible.

It is conceivable that the individual logical network connections according to an OPC standard, i. H. for example in the form of OPC UA connections. In particular, it is conceivable that several OPC UA endpoints with different IP addresses, VLAN IDs and prioritization according to the above-mentioned IEEE 802.1Q standard are available for each network segment via the control device.

If a network segment that has been assigned a certain VLAN ID unambiguously, preferably unambiguously, has a higher priority than a network segment that differs from it, only in logical terms, with a correspondingly different VLAN ID, the control device and / or the VLAN switch can be provided to first give preference to the data exchange of the higher-priority network segment in order to allow the lower-priority network segment to be processed only after the tasks assigned to this higher-priority network segment have been removed.

In other words, the general rule is: Assignment and configuration of the OPC UA endpoints to a specific network segment according to the VLAN ID and assignment of a priority according to the priority of the corresponding VLAN.

According to at least one embodiment, each sensor and / or each processing unit is assigned at least one VLAN ID and each network segment is in turn assigned to at least one, for example exactly one, unambiguously, preferably unambiguously, VLAN ID, with each of the VLAN IDs being assigned at least one control is controllable. According to at least one embodiment, at least one device comprises at least one temperature sensor, the temperature sensor measuring an ambient temperature and / or a temperature of a sensor and forwards it to the processing unit of a device and / or to the central CPU.

According to at least one embodiment, the central CPU determines a degree of utilization (CPU load and / or memory consumption) of at least one processing unit, wherein when a limit temperature of the processing unit and / or at least the this processing unit associated sensor this (r) is at least partially throttled in its performance or completely switched off

According to at least one embodiment, the sensor is additionally a capacitive pressure sensor, the processing unit also being set up and provided to measure and / or store a change in capacitance of the capacitor caused by external pressure.

A capacitive sensor is basically a sensor that works on the basis of the change in the electrical capacitance of an individual capacitor or a capacitor system. The influencing of the capacity by the size to be captured can take place in different ways, which are primarily determined by the purpose of use.

A capacitive sensor is based, among other things, on the fact that two electrodes, one of which can be the surface to be measured, form the "plates" of an electrical capacitor whose capacitance or change in capacitance is measured, which can be influenced as follows:

A plate is displaced and / or deformed by the effect being measured, which changes the plate spacing and thus the measurable electrical capacitance.

The plates are rigid and the capacitance changes in that an electrically conductive material or a dielectric is brought into close proximity.

The effective plate area changes when the plates are shifted against each other like a rotary capacitor.

In order to be able to detect even small changes better, the actual measuring electrode can often be surrounded by a shielding electrode that shields the inhomogeneous edge area of the electric field from the measuring electrode.This results in an almost parallel electric field with the known one between the measuring electrodes of the usually grounded counter electrode Characteristic of an ideal plate capacitor.

A capacitive pressure sensor is in particular one in which the change in capacitance due to the bending of a membrane and the resulting change in the plate spacing is evaluated as a sensor effect. For example, the membrane is the above-mentioned dielectric or around the individual capacitor electrodes, which can in particular be designed in the form of a plate. In other words, in such an embodiment, a capacitive humidity sensor is combined with a capacitive pressure sensor in a novel way, but without these components forming separate elements or two separate sensors, rather the present embodiment is a “two in one” “Concept in which the same sensor functions as both a humidity sensor and a pressure sensor.

According to at least one embodiment, the carrier material is a woven material, in particular in which electrical conductor tracks for electrical contacting of the sensor and the processing unit are woven.

In the context of the invention, a woven fabric is therefore a fabric that has been woven manually or by machine on the basis of individual threads.

The electrical conductor tracks can therefore also be integrated in a tissue in addition to the usual fibers and tissue strands, or they can replace individual tissue strands which form the tissue network.

Depending on the distance and properties of the individual threads (twisted up, fluffy, etc.), very loose fabrics such as bandages or dense fabrics such as brocade fabric can arise. Woven fabrics are longitudinally elastic through elastic threads used as warp threads (more ribbons used) or crimped and bulked yarns. They are tensioned, processed and contract when at rest. Bulky yarns consist of textured, i.e. crimped synthetic fibers. The crimp changes the properties of the synthetic fibers. The yarns spun on it are very elastic and voluminous and have good thermal insulation.

For example, the carrier material can be part of a cover fabric for a seat, in particular a vehicle seat or an office chair. In this respect, however, the sensor can preferably be the entire device applied to the cover material of such a seat or integrated into such a seat.

For example, the processing unit is set up and provided to detect the individual humidity and pressure values and to determine at least one respective characteristic value from a combination of the individual humidity and pressure values it can be deduced which individual (with weight and / or size) is currently occupying the vehicle seat.

For example, a weight of the respective person can be derived and determined from the pressure measurement by the processing unit. The respective moisture that the respective person emits to the sensor can also be measured, the respective characteristic value being, for example, a product of the relative humidity value times the load weight determined by the processing unit.

If such a characteristic value exceeds a corresponding limit value, the processing unit can issue a warning, in particular by means of a connection to the electronics of the vehicle. This warning may indicate that the seat is overcrowded or that the driver is sweating too much. However, this warning can also be replaced by a corresponding display indicating which occupancy type is using the seat. An occupancy type can be a weight classification of a respective user, or it can also be a question of whether the user is an animal, a person or a thing. The processing unit can therefore preferably be integrated into display electronics of the vehicle, but at least can be connected to such a unit.

For this purpose, it is conceivable that the processing unit connects to a receiving unit of the vehicle, for example by means of Bluetooth or another wireless connection, and the respective characteristic or limit value and / or the respective warning and / or the respective identification of the user on a display of the vehicle be reproduced.

Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that these individual values and / or identifications can also be called up and / or displayed externally. For example, the car can be monitored for overcrowding by an external controller.

For example, the processing unit can be connected to a triggering unit of an airbag by means of a data connection, so that the processing unit can also control and / or regulate the triggering unit, in particular with regard to a triggering time of the airbag. Additionally and / or alternatively, it is possible for the processing unit to supply a controller unit of the airbag with data, for example with regard to an occupancy type, position and / or weight of a user of the vehicle seat. These data can lead to the deployment time and the deployment sequence of the airbag being adapted to the user, so that personal injury to the user is avoided.

According to at least one embodiment, at least one electrode and / or dielectric layer is printed on the carrier material or on a particularly water-impermeable layer arranged on the carrier material or applied by means of a thin-film method.

This means that at least one element, preferably both the electrode and the dielectric layer, is printed on the carrier material or a preferably electrically non-conductive, more preferably water-impermeable layer applied between the sensor and the carrier material by means of a printing process.

The printing process can be an inkjet process, for example.

For example, the processing unit is applied to the carrier material in the same way as the sensor. For this purpose, it is conceivable that the processing unit, but at least one, in particular conductive, layer of the processing unit is, for example, printed onto the carrier material. The data communication between the processing unit and the sensor can then take place via the conductor tracks mentioned above. These conductor tracks can be at least partially, but preferably completely, woven into the woven fabric or even form individual fibers of the woven fabric itself.

For example, at least one electrode is designed to be flat. This means that a thickness of the electrode is negligible compared to its areal extension. Such an electrode can therefore be produced in particular by means of a printing process.

Alternatively, a thickness of at least one electrode can be at most 5 mm. To this end, the printing process can be used several times, so that at least two, but then preferably more, individual printing layers are stacked one on top of the other.

Furthermore, the electrode can also be arranged on the carrier material by means of a 3-D printing process. 1. The FDM process (Fused Deposition Modeling)

Alternative names: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Fused Layer Modeling (FLM) The process describes the application of layers (extrusion) of a material through a hot nozzle. The consumables are in the form of a long wire (so-called filament) on a roll and are pushed into a print head by the conveyor unit, where they are melted and placed on a print bed. The print head and / or print bed can be moved in three directions. In this way, layers of plastic can be applied one on top of the other.

2. The SLS process (selective laser sintering)

In contrast to the sintering process, in which substances in powder form are bonded with each other under the action of a whisk, this is done selectively with a laser (alternatively also electron beam or infrared beam) with the SLS process. So only a certain part of the powder is melted together.

For this purpose, a thin layer of powder is always applied to the printing bed by the coating unit. The laser (or other energy source) is now aimed precisely at individual points of the powder layer in order to form the first layer of the print data. The powder is melted or melted and then solidifies again through slight cooling. The unmelted powder remains around the sintered areas and serves as a support material. After a layer has solidified, the print bed lowers by a fraction of a millimeter. The coating unit now moves over the print bed and applies the next layer of powder. The second layer of the print data is then sintered by the laser (or other energy source). This creates a three-dimensional object in layers.

3. Three-Dimensional Printing (3DP)

The 3DP process works very similarly to selective laser sintering, but instead of a directed energy source, a print head moves over the powder. This releases tiny droplets of binding agent onto the underlying powder layers, which are thus bonded together. Otherwise this procedure is the same as the SLS procedure. 4. Stereolithography (SLA)

Instead of a plastic wire or printing material in powder form, liquid resins, so-called photopolymers, are used in the stereolithography process. They are hardened in layers by UV radiation and thus create three-dimensional objects. To do this, the construction platform in the Harz Basin is gradually lowered. There are also variants (the so-called Polyjet process) without an entire tank with liquid resin. For this, an epoxy resin is applied drop by drop from a nozzle and immediately cured by a UV laser.

5. Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)

Alternative designation: Layer Laminated Manufacturing (LLM)

The process is based neither on chemical reactions nor on a thermal process. The contour is cut with a separating tool (e.g. a knife or carbon dioxide laser), a film or a plate (e.g. paper) and glued on top of each other in layers. Lowering the construction platform creates a layered object made of glued, overlapping foils.

One or more water-impermeable layers and / or also the moisture layer can be applied in the same type and / or thickness as the electrode.

According to at least one embodiment, the moisture layer completely covers the capacitor.

This can mean that the moisture layer delimits and closes off the sensor towards the outside, that is to say in the transverse direction, so that the sensor is arranged between the moisture layer and the carrier material.

According to at least one embodiment, the sensor has at least one further condenser, which is arranged in the transverse direction below or above the condenser and spaced apart from the condenser by a further water-impermeable layer on or under this further water-impermeable layer, so that a condenser stack arises. The further capacitor can be constructed in the same way as the capacitor and can also be arranged in the same way as the capacitor on the further water-impermeable layer.

By means of such a capacitor stack, the sensor system can be particularly easily refined insofar as it is conceivable that, with two sensors forming the capacitor stack, both sensors perform the same tasks, but the individual sensors determine respective measured values which, taken together, form an average let it close. For example, the (relative) humidity of the environment is measured by each of the two sensors, the average humidity value then being determined from these two measured values. The same can be done accordingly with the pressure measurement, so that the accuracy of the entire measurement, in particular a combination of the measurements of (relative) humidity and the respective pressure, can be designed particularly precisely.

According to at least one embodiment, the water-impermeable layer and / or the further water-impermeable layer at least partially form the dielectric layer itself.

This can mean that instead of separately positioning a dielectric layer next to the water-impermeable layer and / or next to the further water-impermeable layer, this dielectric layer itself is formed by the water-impermeable layer and / or the further water-impermeable layer.

Such a production of the dielectric layer by the water-impermeable layer (s) therefore forms a particularly simple and cost-effective method of making a cost-effective device.

Apart from this, the electrodes, the dielectric layer and the water-impermeable layer (s) can in principle be arranged in relation to one another in such a way that an electrical short circuit is prevented in any case.

According to at least one embodiment, a maximum thickness of the moisture layer is at least 30% and at most 80% of the maximum thickness of the water-impermeable layer and / or the maximum thickness of the further water-impermeable layer. This not only ensures a particularly flat sensor, but also ensures a particularly fast response time to changes in humidity. The moisture acting from the outside on the moisture layer therefore does not have to travel long distances to the dielectric.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for measuring pressure and / or humidity, it being particularly noted that all of the features disclosed for the device described above are also disclosed for the method described here, and vice versa.

According to at least one embodiment, the method for measuring pressure and / or humidity initially comprises a first step by means of which at least one measuring system, in particular according to at least one of the preceding claims, is provided, with at least one sensor for measuring pressure and / or or moisture is provided, the sensor having at least one capacitor with at least two electrodes, which are arranged, in particular in a horizontal direction along and on a, in particular flexible, carrier material to one another, with at least one dielectric layer being arranged between the electrodes .

According to the invention, at least one electrode and / or the dielectric layer, at least in places, at least one, at least partially moisture-permeable and / or moisture-absorbing moisture layer is arranged on a side facing away from the carrier material, with the at least one electrode and / or the dielectric layer in a transverse direction are arranged between the carrier material and the moisture layer, so that a capacitance changes at least partially due to the moisture at least partially hitting the dielectric layer, a processing unit measuring and / or storing this change so that a capacitive moisture sensor is created.

The method described above has the same advantages and advantageous configurations as the device described above.

The invention described here is described in more detail below using two exemplary embodiments and the associated figures.

Identical or identically acting components are provided with the same reference symbols. FIG. 1A shows a method for monitoring a driver of a vehicle by means of a measuring system.

In a time diagram, FIG. 1B shows measurement times within a measurement interval.

FIGS. 2A to 2C show an exemplary embodiment of a measuring system described here and according to the invention.

A device according to the invention for measuring pressure and / or humidity is shown in a first exemplary embodiment in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of an exploded drawing shown in relation to the layer arrangement.

In FIG. 5, a further exemplary embodiment of a device described here is shown.

FIG. 1A shows a method 200 and a device 100 for monitoring a driver of a vehicle by means of a measuring system 1000.

The method 200 includes a first step, according to which a measuring system 1000 for measuring pressure and / or humidity is provided, the measuring system 1000 being coupled to at least one vehicle element 100A or being built in with at least one, and the measuring system 1000 being at least one sensor 1 for measuring one, preferably only one, stress level of the driver, so that the sensor 1 measures pressure and / or moisture.

The measured stress level values, that is to say the pressure and / or humidity values, are then forwarded to a processing unit 5 of the measuring system 1000, the stress level of the driver being recognized based on the stress level values in a further step.

In a further step, an action is selected based on the detection by the measuring system 1000, the action being selected from a list consisting of: Establishing a call to a remote support center, transferring the stress level values to a remote support center, generating an acoustic alarm and generating a visual alarm, adjusting the volume of loudspeakers in the vehicle, adjusting a seat position of a vehicle seat in the vehicle, and displaying Recommendations for breaks to the driver.

Limit values of pressure and / or humidity are stored in a memory of a CPU 40 (shown in FIG. 2A), the respective time-discrete or continuously measured pressure and temperature values being compared with the values stored in the memory of the CPU 40, If at least one of these values (humidity and pressure) is exceeded, the CPU 40 determines an action to be carried out.

In one possible embodiment, FIG. 1B shows that a pressure P1 and a humidity F1 are each measured at different times within a predetermined measuring time interval M100. However, it is also possible to measure both values at the same time.

FIG. 2A shows a section of a schematic structure of a measuring system 1000 according to the invention described here. A processing unit 5, which is in data communication with a plurality of sensors 1, can be seen. The processing unit 5, together with the sensors 1, forms a device 100. The humidity and / or pressure values measured by the individual sensors 1 are sent to a central CPU 40 in order to be stored and / or further processed there. In addition, there is a temperature sensor 60 which measures an ambient temperature and / or a temperature of the sensor 1 and forwards it to the processing unit 5 of the device 100 and / or to the central CPU 40.

FIG. 2B shows schematically the entire measuring system 1000, with a plurality of sensor groups, which are formed by the individual devices 100 for measuring pressure and / or humidity and which each show a processing unit 5. A plurality of sensors 1 is therefore assigned to each processing unit 5.

FIG. 2C schematically shows the installation and integration of the measuring system 1000 in a chair, in particular in an office chair. As can now be seen from FIG. 3, a device 100 for measuring pressure and / or humidity is shown there in detail.

A sensor 1 is shown there as an example, the sensor 1 showing a capacitor stack with a capacitor 20 and a capacitor 30, the individual electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitors 20, 30 being arranged one above the other in the horizontal direction H1, alternatively For this purpose, however, of course, an arrangement of the individual electrodes 10, 11 of an individual capacitor 20, 30 in the transverse direction Q1 which runs perpendicular to the horizontal direction H1 and thus also runs or can be arranged perpendicular to the direction in which the sensor 1 shown there extends.

The individual electrodes 10, 11 are arranged on a carrier material 13. The Trä germaterial 13 can in particular be a woven fabric, in particular a flexible woven fabric.

A water-impermeable layer 4 is arranged on the carrier material 13, the two electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitor 20 being printed on this water-impermeable layer 4 in the horizontal direction H 1.

The electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitor 20 are completely surrounded by a further water-impermeable layer 14. On this water-impermeable layer 14, the further capacitor 30 with corresponding electrodes 10, 11 is printed in the same way. In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, exposed outer surfaces of the individual electrodes 10, 11 of the further capacitor 30 are preferably completely reversed by a water-permeable and / or water-absorbing moisture layer 3.

Via this moisture layer 3, water can hit a dielectric layer 4, which in the present case is arranged in the horizontal direction H1 between the respective electrodes 10, 11 of a capacitor 20, 30.

In the present exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 3 and 4, the water-impermeable layer 4 itself forms a dielectric layer 4 of the capacitor 20. The same applies to the further water-impermeable layer 14 with regard to the further capacitor 30. As a result of the moisture impinging on and penetrating through the moisture layer 3, the dielectric properties, in particular of the dielectric layer 4 of the further capacitor 30, are changed.

In addition, a processing unit 5 can be seen which is in data-technical relationship with the two capacitors 20, 30, this processing unit 5 being set up and intended to measure a change in the relative humidity of the environment and / or the humidity layer 3.

Due to the “stackwise” arrangement shown in FIG. 4 and the fact that the further water-impermeable layer 14 prevents the capacitor 20 from coming into contact with moisture, it can therefore be provided that only the further capacitor 30 and its dielectric layer 4 of the Exposed to moisture. For this purpose, the processing unit 5 can then compare a change in the capacitance of the further capacitor 30 with the stable capacitor capacitance of the capacitor 20, so that a particularly simple comparison can be made in the change in the relative humidity and / also in the respective load pressure.

The arrow shown in FIG. 3 also shows a pressure direction in which the sensor 1 is subjected to pressure. Both can preferably be measured, evaluated and stored by the sensor 1 and in particular by the device 100. In particular, the processing unit 5, shown as essential in the invention, is used for this purpose, which can also measure and evaluate corresponding pressure values and changes in the capacitance of the individual sensors 1 associated therewith, so that the processing unit 5 is additionally set up and provided for a through To measure and / or store the change in capacitance of the capacitor 20 and in particular also of the further capacitor 30 caused by external pressure.

The moisture layer 3 can be designed to be flexible or not flexible. In addition, it is possible for the moisture layer 3 to be designed as a woven material. In particular, it can be a woven fabric which was mentioned by way of example in the introductory part of the present application. In addition, however, it is also possible that the moisture layer 3 is a substrate which, for example, has been applied, for example glued, to the further capacitor 30 in the form of an epitaxy or an adhesive process. The water-impermeable layer 14 and / or the water-impermeable layer 15 can also be flexible and inflexible, in particular also in the form of a woven fabric or a substrate in the same way as the moisture layer 3.

In addition, it is advantageously conceivable that the electrodes 10, 11 of the two capacitors 20, 30 were printed onto the water-impermeable layer 14 and the further water-impermeable layer 15 in the form of a printing process, for example an inkjet printing process.

An exploded view is shown in FIG. 3, the respective arrangement of the electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitors 20, 30 being evident in particular from FIG. The force acting on the sensor 1, shown by the direction of the arrow, and the moisture acting through the individual, schematically shown drops, can again be seen. In particular, it can again be seen that the moisture penetrates in particular between the electrodes 10, 11 and has, for example, a significant effect on the electrical properties of the respective water-permeable layer 14, so that the capacitance of at least the further capacitor 30 increases as in FIG explained in each case changes.

In a further embodiment of the invention described here, FIG. 4 shows that the sensor 1 can consist of two electrodes 10 and one electrode 11. The electrodes 10 have one polarity (preferably the same polarity), while the electrode 11 has a different polarity, but the exploded view of the left part of FIG. 3 is shown in the lower part of FIG , 14, 15 can be used. The electrodes 10 can also have different polarities and / or electrical potentials.

The electrodes 10 can also be electrically connected to one another.

For example, the electrodes 10, 11 can each have and / or generate a separate polarity and / or a separate electrical potential. The same can also apply to those in the following figures with regard to the electrodes.

For example, the lowermost water-impermeable layer is in turn the water-impermeable layer 4, the subsequent water-impermeable layer 14 and the water-impermeable layer 15 arranged thereon in the transverse direction Q1 is another water-impermeable layer, in each case one electrode 10, 11 is applied in particular printed on a separate what is ser-impermeable layer.

In this stacking of the individual water-impermeable layers 4, 14 and 15, the capacitor 20 shown in the left-hand part of FIG. 4 is therefore produced by merging these layers, the electrodes 10 each being removed in the transverse direction Q1, as in the corresponding partial image can be arranged on different levels.

As an alternative to this, the electrode 11 can also be applied together with at least one of the electrodes 10 in a common plane, that is to say on or in a common water-impermeable layer 4, 14, 15, so that, for example, only the second of the electrodes 10 is on a separate one waterproof layer 4, 14, 15 stacked up who must.

In principle, the individual electrodes 10, 11 can therefore be arranged in different planes in the Q1 direction with respect to one another. For example, there is a paired assignment between exactly one water-impermeable layer 4, 14, 15 with exactly one electrode 10, 11.

The invention is not restricted by the description using the exemplary embodiment. Rather, the invention encompasses every new feature, as well as every combination of features, which in particular includes every combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or this combination itself is not explicitly specified in the patent claims or in the exemplary embodiments.

List of reference symbols

1 sensor

3 moisture layer 4 dielectric layer / waterproof layer

5 processing unit 10 electrode 11 electrode 13 carrier material 14 water-impermeable layer

15 waterproof layer 20 capacitor 30 capacitor 40 CPU 60 temperature sensor

100 device 100A vehicle element 200 method 1000 measuring system

P1 pressure

F1 humidity

H1 horizontal direction

M100 measuring time interval Q1 cross direction

Claims

Method for monitoring a driver of a vehicle by means of a measuring system on the basis of an ambient humidity

1 . Method (200) for monitoring a driver of a vehicle by means of a

Measuring system (1000), the method (200) comprising the following steps:

- Provision of at least one measuring system (1000) for measuring pressure and / or humidity, the measuring system (1000), which is coupled to at least one vehicle element (100A) or built in integrated with at least one, and the measuring system (1000) has at least one sensor (1) for measuring one, preferably only one, stress level of the driver, so that pressure and / or moisture is measured by the sensor (1);

- Subsequent forwarding of the measured stress level values, that is to say the pressure and / or humidity values, to a processing unit (5) of the measuring system (1000);

- Detecting and recognizing a stress level of the driver based on the stress level values;

- Determination of a selected action based on the detection by the measuring system (1000), the action being selected from a list consisting of: setting up a call to a remote support center, transmitting the stress level values to a remote support center, generating an acoustic alarm and Generating a visual alarm, adapting a volume of loudspeakers in the vehicle, adapting a seating position of a vehicle seat of the vehicle, and displaying recommended breaks to the driver.

2. The method (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that only the pressure and the humidity is measured by the sensor (1) to a

Determine the stress level of the driver.

3. The method (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor (1) is installed in a steering wheel and / or a joystick and / or a vehicle seat of a vehicle so that the driver controls the steering wheel and / or the joystick and / or touches the vehicle seat directly.

4. The method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that limit values of pressure and / or humidity are stored in a memory of a CPU (40), the respective time-discrete or continuously measured pressure and temperature values with the in the The values stored in the memory of the CPU (40) are compared, and if at least one of these values (humidity and pressure) is exceeded, the CPU (40) performs an action.

5. The method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that factor limit values from pressure and humidity are stored in a memory of the CPU (40), the respective time-discrete or continuously measured pressure and temperature values with those in the memory of the CPU (40) stored values is compared, when at least one of these values (humidity and pressure) is exceeded by the CPU (40) an action is determined for execution, the factor limit value being defined as a factor of the respective pressure and humidity value , in particular both values being measured by the sensor (1) at the same time.

6. The method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that within a predetermined measuring time interval (M100) the pressure and the humidity are measured at different times.

7. The method (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that within the measuring time interval (M100) first the pressure and / or the temperature and only then the humidity and / or the temperature is measured, whereby the pressure is measured only once and the humidity only once within each measurement time interval (M100).

8. The method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a time interval between two measurement intervals (M100) that are immediately adjacent in terms of time is greater than the period of at least one of the measurement intervals (M100), in particular where in is generated thereby Measurement pauses no measurement takes place.

9. Device (100) for monitoring a driver of a vehicle by means of a measuring system (1000) for performing the method (200) according to claim 1.

10. The device (100) according to claim 9, characterized by at least one measuring system (1000) for measuring pressure and / or Moisture speed, wherein the measuring system (1000), which is coupled with at least one Fahrzeugele element or installed or integrated with at least one can be installed, the measuring system (1000) having at least one sensor (1) for measuring one, preferably only one, stress level of the driver, so that pressure and / or moisture can be measured by the sensor (1);