System for Detection of Vehicle Body Damage

Abstract

System for detecting vehicle body damage caused to a body of a vehicle, wherein the system comprises numerous sensor devices arranged in connection with an exterior surface of the vehicle body for monitoring, registering and alerting on-line, in real-time, when and if a vehicle body damage is caused to the vehicle.

Claims

1-10. (canceled)

11. A system for detecting damages to a body (110) of a vehicle (100), the system comprising (a) multiple sensor devices (10) arranged in connection with an exterior surface of the vehicle body (110), each of the sensor devices (10) comprising a sensor module (20) provided with one or more acoustic sensor (22), and (b) a sensor control device (30) provided with one or more of means and software for performing coarse pre-filtering of sensor data, and a communication device (40), (c) a data acquisition unit (80) having a local communication module (81) for communication with the sensor devices (10) and an external communication module (82) for communication with an external cloud-based or local server (200), wherein the sensor control device (30) is provided with a database containing acoustic signatures of body damages and the sensor control device (30) is provided with one or more of means and software for comparing measurements of the one or more acoustic sensors (22) of the sensor module (20) with the stored acoustic signatures in the database to detect damages to the body (110) of the vehicle (100).

12. The system for detecting vehicle body damage according to claim 11, wherein the data acquisition unit (80) is provided with a global positioning system (83).

13. The system for detecting vehicle body damage according to claim 11, wherein the sensor module (20) comprises one or more from the group consisting of: a vibration sensor (21), compass sensor or gyroscope (23); temperature sensor (24); and detection sensor (25) for one or more of smoke and fire.

14. The system for detecting vehicle body damage according to claim 11, wherein the sensor devices (10) are integrated in connection with side marker lights (120) of the vehicle (100).

15. The system for detecting vehicle body damage according to claim 11, wherein the sensor control device (30) is provided with one or more of means and software for locating the position of the damage based on information from acoustic sensors (22) from several sensor devices (10).

16. The system for detecting vehicle body damage according to claim 11, further comprising a data processing device (300) having a data extraction module (301) for extracting sensor data from the external cloud or local server (200), and further including one or more of means and software (302) for digital filtering and machine learning of the extracted sensor data, and a storage module (303) for storing processed data to the external cloud-based or local server (200).

17. The system for detecting vehicle body damage according to claim 16, further comprising an operational device (400) having a data extraction module (401) for extracting sensor data and processed data from the data processing device (300), wherein the operational device (400) further comprises a presentation module (402) provided with one or more of means and software for presentation of relevant information, and report modules (403a, 403b) for distributing information to relevant receiver platforms (405, 406, 407).

18. The system for detecting body damage according to claim 11, wherein the sensor control device (30) includes one or more of means and software for filtering transient noise from a power supply (130) of a vehicle, and storing power in an energy storage unit (60) to operate the associated sensor(s) (21, 22, 23, 24, 25).

19. The system for detecting body damage according to claim 11, wherein the sensor device (10) comprises at least one energy storage unit (60) and at least one energy harvester (70) providing power to charge the at least one energy storage unit (60) powering the sensor device (10).

20. The system for detecting body damage according to claim 16, wherein the data processing device (300) with one or more of means and software (302) for machine learning is arranged to process the extracted sensor data to find patterns, trends and relationships.

21. The system for detecting vehicle body damage according to claim 13, wherein the sensor devices (10) are integrated in connection with side marker lights (120) of the vehicle (100).

22. The system for detecting vehicle body damage according to claim 14, further comprising a data processing device (300) having a data extraction module (301) for extracting sensor data from the external cloud or local server (200), and further including one or more of means and software (302) for digital filtering and machine learning of the extracted sensor data, and a storage module (303) for storing processed data to the external cloud-based or local server (200).

23. The system for detecting vehicle body damage according to claim 15, further comprising a data processing device (300) having a data extraction module (301) for extracting sensor data from the external cloud or local server (200), and further including one or more of means and software (302) for digital filtering and machine learning of the extracted sensor data, and a storage module (303) for storing processed data to the external cloud-based or local server (200).

24. The system for detecting body damage according to claim 13, wherein the sensor control device (30) includes one or more of means and software for filtering transient noise from a power supply (130) of a vehicle, and storing power in an energy storage unit (60) to operate the associated sensor(s) (21, 22, 23, 24, 25).

25. The system for detecting body damage according to claim 14, wherein the sensor control device (30) includes one or more of means and software for filtering transient noise from a power supply (130) of a vehicle, and storing power in an energy storage unit (60) to operate the associated sensor(s) (21, 22, 23, 24, 25).

26. The system for detecting body damage according to claim 15, wherein the sensor control device (30) includes one or more of means and software for filtering transient noise from a power supply (130) of a vehicle, and storing power in an energy storage unit (60) to operate the associated sensor(s) (21, 22, 23, 24, 25).

27. The system for detecting body damage according to claim 16, wherein the sensor control device (30) includes one or more of means and software for filtering transient noise from a power supply (130) of a vehicle, and storing power in an energy storage unit (60) to operate the associated sensor(s) (21, 22, 23, 24, 25).

28. The system for detecting body damage according to claim 13, wherein the sensor device (10) comprises at least one energy storage unit (60) and at least one energy harvester (70) providing power to charge the at least one energy storage unit (60) powering the sensor device (10).

29. The system for detecting body damage according to claim 14, wherein the sensor device (10) comprises at least one energy storage unit (60) and at least one energy harvester (70) providing power to charge the at least one energy storage unit (60) powering the sensor device (10).

30. The system for detecting body damage according to claim 18, wherein the sensor device (10) comprises at least one energy storage unit (60) and at least one energy harvester (70) providing power to charge the at least one energy storage unit (60) powering the sensor device (10).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] The present invention will below be described in further detail with reference to the attached drawings, where:

[0059] FIG. 1A is a principle drawing of a sensor device according to the disclosure,

[0060] FIG. 1B is a principle drawing of a sensor device integrated behind a side marker light,

[0061] FIG. 1C is a principle drawing of a sensor device integrated in a side marker light,

[0062] FIG. 1D is a principle drawing of numerous sensor devices arranged in side marker lights of a vehicle,

[0063] FIG. 2 is a principle drawing of a system according to the disclosure,

[0064] FIG. 3 is a principle drawing of a sensor environment and local processing of sensor data in a system according to the disclosure, and

[0065] FIG. 4 is a principle drawing of a computing environment of a system according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Reference is now made to FIG. 1A which is a principle drawing of a sensor device 10 according to the disclosure adapted for arrangement in connection with exterior surface of a body 110 of a vehicle 100. The sensor device 10 is formed by a housing or encapsulation 11 adapted for accommodating a sensor module 20, sensor control device 30 and sensor communication device 40. The sensor module 20 comprises at least one acoustic sensor 22. In the shown embodiment the sensor module 20 further comprises at least one vibration sensor 21.

[0067] In embodiments where the sensor module 20 only comprises at least one acoustic sensor 22, the at least one acoustic sensor 22 will be arranged to detect both small damages and more serious damages.

[0068] In embodiments where the sensor module 20 in addition to the at least one acoustic sensor 22 comprises at least one vibration sensor 21, the at least one acoustic sensor 22 will be arranged to detect small damages while the at least one vibration sensor 21 will be arranged to detect more serious damages.

[0069] According to a further embodiment the sensor module 20 may also comprises at least one compass sensor or gyroscope 23. In a further embodiment, the sensor module 20 can further comprise at least one temperature sensor 24. In a further embodiment the sensor module 20 can comprise at least one smoke and/or fire detection sensor 25. The sensor device 10 is further provided with a power module 50 provided with means and/or software, such as filters, DC/DC converter, (low drop-out) regulator, for adapting and controlling voltage and current supplied to components of the sensor device 10 from a vehicle power supply 130 either directly or via a side marker light 120. The sensor device 10 can further be provided with an energy storage 60, e.g. in the form of one or more super capacitors and/or batteries providing back-up power. The power module 50 will in this connection preferably be provided with at least one charger circuit for adapting and controlling voltage and current for charging of the energy storage 60. Alternatively, or in addition, the sensor device 10 can be provided with an energy harvester 70 providing power to charge the at least one energy storage 60 and allow the sensor device 10 to function when the motor of the vehicle is stopped.

[0070] In embodiments where back-up power is not required, the energy storage 60 and energy harvester 70 can be omitted and the sensor device 10 can be connected directly to the vehicle power supply 130 or via the side marker light 120.

[0071] The sensor communication device 40 is preferably a short range wireless communication device, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other wireless MESH module, and the sensor communication device 40 is arranged for one-directional or bi-directional communication enabling communication with a data acquisition unit 80, further described below. In the case the communication device 40 is arranged for bi-directional communication this will enable the sensor devices 10 to form a MESH network, as well as change settings of the sensors in the sensor module, perform update of software in the sensor device 10 and perform troubleshooting.

[0072] According to a further embodiment, the sensor control device 30 is provided with means and/or software for filtering transient noise from the vehicles power supply 130, and storing required amounts of power in the energy storage 60 to operate the associated sensor(s) 21-25.

[0073] The mentioned compass sensor 23 can e.g. be formed by a magnetometer. In an alternative embodiment, the compass sensor 23 is formed by a magnetometer and at least one accelerometer.

[0074] By that the sensor device 10 is provided with temperature sensor 24 and/or smoke and/or fire detection sensor 25 an early warning of possible fire can be detected.

[0075] Reference is also made to FIG. 1B which shows a principle drawing of an example of integration of a sensor device 10, behind a (LED) side marker light 120 of a vehicle 100, seen in a cross-sectional view. As can be seen from the example the sensor device 10 is supplied with power from a vehicle power supply 130 via the side marker light 120 by that the sensor device 10 is connected to the vehicle power supply 130 in the side marker light 120 by means of power wires 121 connected to the power module 50 of the sensor device 10 via appropriate connection means, and the marker light 120 is connected to the power supply 130 via power wires 122 connected to the power module 50 of the sensor device 10 and supplied with power via the sensor device 10. In an alternative embodiment the marker light 120 and sensor device 10 are connected separately directly to the vehicle power supply 130. In a further alternative embodiment the marker light 120 is connected to the vehicle power supply 130 and the sensor device 10 is connected to the marker light 120 power wire of the marker light 120 and supplied with power via the sensor device 10.

[0076] In the shown example in FIG. 1B the housing or encapsulation 11 is mainly tubular and adapted to be received in an opening or recess 111 in the vehicle body 110. The housing or encapsulation 11 of the sensor device 10 is at one end provided with a flange 12 via which the sensor device 10 can be arranged to the vehicle body 110 via suitable fastening means 13.

[0077] The figure also show that the marker light 120 is arranged to the vehicle body 110 by means of suitable fastening means 122.

[0078] Accordingly, in this embodiment the sensor device 10 will extend from the exterior surface of the vehicle body 110 and inside the vehicle body 110.

[0079] Reference is also made to FIG. 1C which is a principle drawing of integration of a sensor device 10 in a (LED) side marker light of a vehicle, seen in a cross-sectional view. In this embodiment the above described sensor device 10 is integrated in the side marker light 120, e.g. by arrangement to the same fastening means 122 as the marker light 120 is arranged to the vehicle body 110 with. Accordingly, in this embodiment the sensor device 10 is enclosed by the marker light 120 and arranged to an exterior surface of the vehicle body 110.

[0080] In a further embodiment, not shown, the sensor device 10 is arranged as a combination of the embodiments described above, wherein some components of the sensor device 10 is integrated in the marker light 120 and some components of the sensor device 10 is arranged behind the marker light 120, e.g. the energy storage can be arranged behind the marker light.

[0081] Reference is now made to FIG. 1D which shows examples of arrangement of sensor devices 10 in side marker lights 120 of a vehicle 100.

[0082] Reference is now made to FIG. 2 which is a principle drawing of a system. The system comprises in addition to the mentioned sensor devices 10 arranged to the body 110 of the vehicle 100 by integration in the marker lights 120, a data acquisition unit 80 is arranged on the vehicle 100 provided with a local communication module 81 arranged to communicate wirelessly with the sensor devices 10 arranged on the vehicle 100. The data acquisition unit 80 is further provided with an external communication module 82, such as GSM, Wi-Fi, NB long range radio, NB-LTE, LoRa or similar long range communication, arranged to forward the measured sensor data by the sensor devices 10 to an external cloud (web) or local server 200 for storage of sensor data.

[0083] The data acquisition unit 80 is in a further embodiment provided with a global positioning system 83 providing position information of the vehicle 100 and the sensor devices 10 arranged thereon. The data acquisition unit 80 can further be arranged for communication with a vehicle driver platform 405 via the external cloud or local server 200 or via the local 81 or external 82 communication module, enabling the driver to enter its identification code, as well as provide the driver with information, messages, warnings, faults or similar information.

[0084] The system further comprises a data processing device 300 provided with means and/or software for filtering the sensor data and machine learning of sensor data stored in the external cloud or local server 200.

[0085] The system further comprises an operational device 400 forming an Operation and maintenance center. The operational device 400 is further arranged for presentation of information, messages, warnings and faults from stored and filtered sensor data. The operational device 400 is further arranged for communication with one or more of: a vehicle driver platform 405, workshop platform 406 and management platform 407, which will be further described below.

[0086] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 which is a principle drawing of a sensor environment and local processing of sensor data in a system. The sensor control device 30 of the sensor device 10 is arranged for collecting sensor data from the sensor of the sensor module 20, and is further provided with means and/or software for performing coarse pre-filtering of data and signals from the respective sensors 21-25, as well as storage of the filtered sensor data on a local memory. The sensor control device 30 is further provided with a database containing acoustic signatures of body damages and the sensor control device 30 is provided with means and/or software for comparing measurements of the acoustic sensor(s) 22 of the sensor module 20 with the stored acoustic signatures in the database to detect damages to the body of the vehicle, as well as locating the position of the damage based on information from acoustic sensors 22 from several sensor device 10. Accordingly, by e.g. comparing the sound level registered by acoustic sensors 22 of sensor devices 10 distributed along a side of a body 110 of a vehicle 100 one can achieve a location of the position of the damage.

[0087] The sensor data can then next be forwarded to the data acquisition unit 80 via the communication device 40 directly, or via communication devices 40 in other sensor devices 10 in the MESH Network by means of the local communication module 81. The data acquisition unit 80 is further arranged to forward the received sensor data to an external cloud or local server 200 via the external communication module 82.

[0088] The external cloud or local server 200 is arranged to store sensor data in the external cloud or local server 200 for further processing.

[0089] Reference is now made to FIG. 4 which is a principle drawing of a computing environment of a system according to the disclosure which also shows post (further) processing of collected sensor data.

[0090] The disclosed system comprises, for post/further processing of sensor data, a data processing device 300 provided with a data extraction module 301 arranged for extracting sensor data from the data storage of the external cloud or local server 200. The data processing device 300 is further provided with means and/or software 302 for digital filtering and machine learning of the extracted sensor data from the external cloud or local server 200, as well as storage of filters and machine learning methods in a storage module 303 for storage of processed data. The storage module 303 is further arranged for forwarding the processed data to the external cloud or local server 200 for storage therein. The data processing device 300 is further provided with a data processing API 304 enabling communication with a filter and data processing platform 305. By means of machine learning one can make predictions or calculations based on large amounts of data. Machine learning can be divided in several methods, which is known as e.g. supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning and reinforcement learning that enable different approaches for processing of extracted sensor data depending on the result to be achieved. Accordingly, by providing the data processing device 300 with means and/or software 302 for machine learning the extracted sensor data can be processed to find patterns, trends and relationships, especially related to damages and driving behaviour. In addition the data processing device 300 can be provided with means and/or software for artificial intelligence enabling the data processing device 300 to make (ethical) choices/decisions. Accordingly, machine learning can be used to improve models and provide decision support.

[0091] The system further comprises an operational device 400 provided with a data extraction module 401 for extracting sensor data, as well as processed data from the data processing device 300. The operation device 400 is further provided with a presentation module 402 provided with means and/or software for presentation of information, messages, warnings, fault and other relevant information.

[0092] The operational device 400 is provided with one or more report modules 403a-b, in the shown example comprising two report modules in the form of a workshop report module 403a and a management report module 403b enabling relevant information to be distributed to relevant receivers. In the example, the information from the workshop report module 403a can be distributed to a workshop or vehicle driver by means of an API module for workshop and vehicle driver 404 in communication with a vehicle driver platform 405 and workshop platform 406. E.g. the information can be sent to the vehicle driver platform 405 where the vehicle driver platform 405 is arranged to receive and display a SMS or comprises and APP for displaying information. The management report module 403b is in the example distributing information to a management platform 407 via a management module API 408.

[0093] Accordingly, by means of the operational device 400 relevant information can be tailored the relevant receiver.

Modifications

[0094] By connecting the system disclosed herein with the vehicles present sensors and informational system, the data from the vehicle can be stored and be available for the data acquisition unit, which further makes the data available for the data processing device 300 and operational device 400.