WO2024149623A1 - Method and system for detecting damage to vehicles and for subsequently settling damages - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting damage to vehicles and for subsequently settling damages and to a system for carrying out the method. The object of the present invention was therefore to provide a method which, starting with the detection of damage, automatically initiates the subsequent settlement of damages (adjustment of damages) and guides the parties involved, in particular a vehicle owner (or aggrieved party), through a sequence of individual steps for settling damages.

Description

1

Procedure and system for damage detection on vehicles and subsequent damage processing

The present invention relates to a method for detecting damage to vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, and for subsequent damage processing. The invention also relates to a system for carrying out such a method.

When motor vehicle damage occurs, various measures must be taken due to legal requirements and insurance regulations in order to create the conditions for the subsequent damage settlement (claims settlement). However, these processes are generally not well known; in addition, those involved in the accident are usually in an exceptional situation with high physical and psychological stress. This means that drivers of vehicles involved in an accident often make hasty and unfavorable decisions under the influence of the accident, or make statements that may later prove to be detrimental to the driver or owner of the vehicle.

The object of the present invention was therefore to provide a method which, starting with the damage detection, automatically initiates the subsequent damage settlement (claims settlement) and which guides the parties involved, in particular a vehicle owner (or injured party), through a sequence of individual steps of the damage settlement. Furthermore, the object was to develop the method of 2

To design the claims settlement in such a way that it is visible to those involved and, preferably, is documented in a forgery-proof manner. The task also included

System to carry out the procedure.

These objects are achieved by a method for damage detection and damage processing as well as by a system for carrying out this method according to the independent patent claims, as well as by the embodiments specified in the dependent claims and by the embodiments specified in the following description. Further advantages, effects and application possibilities emerge from the following description and the drawings.

The inventive method for damage detection and

Claims settlement includes at least the following steps: a) Recording (capturing) sound signals generated by a

Damage event caused to at least one material to be monitored, in particular a pane of glass, of a vehicle, by at least one sensor attached to a surface of the material to be monitored, which converts the sound signals into electrical signals (=

sensor signals); b) evaluation of the sensor signals, whereby as a result of the

Evaluation of the occurrence of the damage event on the vehicle and recording the time of the damage occurrence and the location (position) of the vehicle at the time of the damage occurrence; c) transmission of the data obtained in step (b) to a

Server of a central office; 3 d) Sending a notification about the damage event from the central server to a previously determined workshop; e) Sending a notification about the damage event from the central server to a previously determined expert, and instructing the expert to prepare a proof and a damage calculation; f) Sending a notification about the damage event from the central server to a previously determined

Law firm .

The recording and evaluation of the sound signals generally takes place continuously, e.g. while the vehicle is in use or when it is parked.

The procedural steps following step (c) concern damage settlement in the true sense of the word. Step (c) and the subsequent steps are carried out automatically, i.e. computer- or software-controlled, or initiated as soon as a damage event has been detected (step (b)). Manual intervention by the driver of a vehicle affected by a damage event is generally not required (with the exception of, for example, BB... steps that require a declaration of intent). This has the advantage that damage detection, transmission of data on the damage event to the head office server, etc. can also take place if, for example, the vehicle is no longer roadworthy or if the driver has become incapacitated as a result of an accident.

The sound signals recorded in step (a) include airborne sound (especially in the area of the 4

audible sound), but also ultrasound and low frequency sound) as well as infrasound. Preference is given to the

The method uses sensors that are able to detect both

Airborne sound and infrasound. The frequency range of the sound signals is 0 to 30 kHz; it includes both sound waves that propagate in air (airborne sound) and sound waves that propagate in solid bodies, especially

Glass, spread out.

The method is intended in particular for detecting damage events in vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, e.g. cars, trucks and other heavy vehicles, motorcycles,

Trailers, vans or mobile homes. In addition, the

The method can also be used to detect damage to aircraft or watercraft.

To detect damage, at least one to convert

A sensor suitable for converting sound signals into electrical signals is placed on the surface of a material which is to be monitored for the occurrence of damage.

In motor vehicles, this particularly concerns surfaces of glass panes, the bodywork and bodywork

B . Headlights, lights, (outside) mirrors, bumpers and

Sunroof) . The sensor mentioned above is particularly preferred

(or two or more such sensors) mounted on the windscreen of a motor vehicle.

Preferably, it is attached to the inside of a windshield, for example. It can also be attached to cavities in the bodywork. 5

The electrical signals generated by the sensor(s) are - after conversion into digital signals - evaluated in a subsequent step (b), whereby the occurrence of the damage event to the mentioned material of the vehicle is recognized as a result of the evaluation. In addition, the evaluation can be carried out in such a way that the severity (strength, intensity) of the damage (e.g. total destruction of a windshield) and/or the type of damage event is recognized (e.g.

stone chips or scratches).

The evaluation can be carried out by means of one or more evaluation units (s), as described in detail below (see sections "System for carrying out the method according to the invention" and ^" Sensor system"). The detection of damage occurs essentially in actual time, ie at the time in which the damage event takes place.

At the same time, in step (b), the time at which the damage occurred and the location (position) of the vehicle at the time the damage occurred are recorded. This data can be obtained, for example, via a navigation device or infotainment system built into the vehicle or an on-board computer, or via GPS navigation software (app) on a mobile phone device belonging to the driver of the vehicle.

The data obtained during the evaluation on the detected damage event, preferably with the data regarding the time of the damage occurrence and the location (position) of the vehicle, are transmitted to a server at a central office in a subsequent step (c). If two or more 6 If some of the materials monitored by sensors in a vehicle have been damaged, additional information regarding the type and number of damaged materials or vehicle parts can be transmitted in writing (o) (e.g. windscreen, left and/or right exterior mirror, driver's door,

Passenger door, tailgate).

The transmission of the data and information mentioned above to the control center (server) is generally carried out via a radio connection, in particular via a mobile radio connection, for example via a smartphone carried by the driver (or vehicle owner) in the vehicle involved in the accident or a mobile radio device installed in the vehicle (transmitter and receiver unit). If no mobile radio connection can be established at the time of the damage event, for example because there is no operational smartphone in the vehicle or no mobile radio network is available, the data of the detected damage event is saved (preferably in a memory of the evaluation unit) and the transmission is carried out at a later time as soon as a mobile radio connection can be established.

In general, the process is as follows: If the software recognizes a damage pattern of a damage event that has occurred during the evaluation, this information is sent, for example, via WLAN, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to a smartphone belonging to the driver (or possibly a passenger) on which an app is installed. This app is preferably designed in such a way that it establishes a connection to the server as soon as a damage event has been recognized during the evaluation. 7

This app forwards or sends the data to the central server, which then (software-controlled) initiates the implementation of the further steps in the claims settlement. The server communicates automatically, i.e. software-controlled, with the various people, companies or institutions involved in the settlement process (repair workshops, law firms, appraisers/experts, towing service, etc.).

The "head office" can be, for example, a service company that provides the method according to the invention (and a system suitable for carrying it out, in particular programs and hardware, e.g. servers) and, for example, enables customers to use the method by issuing access authorizations (accounts) on a contractual basis. In particular, it is intended that two or more repair workshops (also called "car dealerships") each receive such an account from the head office.

The central server mentioned above is designed with appropriate software to organize the entire processing procedure, in particular the steps described below, as soon as the server has received the data on the damage event transmitted in step (c). During the processing procedure, the server automatically communicates with the various people, companies and institutions involved (e.g. car dealership/repair shop; law firm; towing service).

In step (d) of the procedure, the central server sends a notification of the damage event to a 8 previously specified workshop, optionally also to the owner of the vehicle. Preferably this is done via mobile phone or internet connection. Alternatively or additionally, this notification can also be sent by the above-mentioned

smartphone of the driver of the damaged vehicle. These transmissions are carried out automatically.

The mentioned workshop (also called a "car dealership") has been designated in advance by the owner of the vehicle as the workshop to be notified in the event of damage (alternatively, several workshops can be specified for selection). The contact details, in particular mobile phone numbers and email addresses, of all workshops contractually authorized to use the system, as well as the contact details of the vehicle owners who are customers of a specific workshop, have been registered in advance with the head office and stored on the mentioned server. In general, each customer is assigned to a specific

Car dealership assigned .

In the next step (e), a notification about the damage is sent from the central server to a previously determined appraiser (i.e. one authorized by the vehicle owner). Together with this notification, the appraiser (vehicle expert) can be commissioned to prepare a report on the damage. This notification is preferably sent by email, SMS or similar means of communication.

The appraiser or expert then prepares (step (1) ) a report, which includes a preservation of evidence and a damage calculation . This 9

Documents are also created in digital form

(Files; e.g. text files, graphics, photographs) .

The expert then arranges for the files of the

The report is sent to the central server and optionally also to the vehicle owner. This is also sent electronically ("online"), preferably by email, SMS or similar means of communication.

In a further step, the report is sent in digital form by the expert or the head office to the previously determined law firm for legal processing of the claim (step (f) ; see below). Preferably, the forwarding of the report is initiated automatically by the head office server.

In a further step (f), the sending of a notification about the damage event is initiated from the central server to a previously determined law firm (usually a specialist lawyer for traffic law); preferably, the vehicle owner is informed about the sending of this notification. The notified law firm can - after being commissioned by the vehicle owner - carry out the legal processing of the damage case.

The method may comprise an additional step (g) in which the server of the control center sends a notification of the damage event (20) to the owner (HO, 41, 42) and/or driver of the vehicle, together with a request to contact the said workshop for inspection and

To determine the extent of the damage.

Optionally, a deadline can be set for this. 10

This request is preferably also transmitted via a mobile phone connection, e.g. displayed as an SMS on the smartphone of the vehicle owner or driver. This display can preferably be linked to the display of a route connection on a navigation device in the vehicle or on the smartphone in order to make it easier to find the way to the workshop. It can also be provided that, if there are several workshops to choose from, the workshop closest to the accident site is displayed.

After the damaged vehicle has been brought to the workshop as requested, the workshop can carry out an inspection of the

Carry out an inspection of the damage and determine the extent of the damage (step (h)). Preferably, the result of the determination of the extent of the damage is recorded by the workshop, particularly in digital form. In addition to the type and extent of the damage, the following data can also be recorded: day and time of the inspection of the vehicle damage; name of the workshop employee; vehicle registration number; name of the driver/owner. Preferably, this report is sent in digital form to the central server so that it can be viewed by those involved in the process who have access.

In the further course of the claim settlement, the procedure may further comprise the following steps: k) checking and confirming receipt of payment of the costs reimbursed by the insurance company and storing this data on the server;

1) after recovery of the vehicle: sending a message to the driver/owner of the vehicle and/or to the

Servers . 11

Furthermore, the procedure may include the following further steps: m) submission of a declaration of assignment of claims for the insurance company and the expert; n) submission of a declaration to start repairs immediately.

These declarations are usually made (by the vehicle owner) at the beginning of the settlement procedure.

These declarations are preferably submitted in digital form and are stored on the headquarters server so that they can be viewed by those involved in the procedure who are authorized to access them.

The claim settlement process can optionally include a further step in which the insurance company liable for payment, after examining the submitted report, sends the declaration of acceptance of repair costs and repair approval (to the head office server; as well as to the vehicle owner and to the repair shop designated by him). This is also done electronically ("online"), preferably by email, SMS or similar means of communication.

Preferably, individual, several or all steps of the procedure are carried out in real time and automatically, in particular program-controlled (with the exception of the necessary manual data inputs, confirmations, etc.). ¹¹ "Automatic" means that the process of damage detection and processing, or the respective process steps, are initiated automatically, i.e. without human intervention. The process of damage detection and processing is initiated automatically when the damage event occurs. 12 is set (detection of a damage event in step (b)). In particular, it is intended that individual or several steps of the process are carried out program-controlled. For program-controlled implementation, a specially designed software or app is installed on the server of the control center and on the mobile devices involved (smartphones, etc.).

"In real time" means that the processing of data, in particular the evaluation of sensor data, and the sending and receiving of data, information, documents, etc. takes place without delay (with the exception of delays caused by technical faults or the like).

The method according to the invention is preferably carried out in such a way that one or more, preferably all of the steps or functions specified in steps (b) to (o) or (c) to (o), and possibly also further steps of the claims settlement, are carried out digitally (i.e. using digital technology, hardware and software) and processed using blockchain technology, whereby the documents, declarations, transactions, etc. generated in the steps mentioned are stored chronologically in digital form in a blockchain data structure. This ensures that the data is highly secure against manipulation, so that it can be used as court-proof evidence if necessary. The central server and the end devices (smartphones, tablets, PCs, etc.) of those involved in the process (users) are equipped with appropriate software which enables the use of blockchain technology. 13

On the other hand, the blockchain data records are visible at any time to the authorized users of the process (those with access rights), so that every user, in particular the owner of a damaged vehicle and the respective repair workshop, can find out about the current status of the settlement process. In particular, the aforementioned head office, the owner of the vehicle and/or the aforementioned workshop can track the current status of the claim settlement via protected access, preferably using a mobile application (app) set up for this purpose on a mobile device (e.g. smartphone, tablet).

Preferably, the actions carried out during the procedure (e.g. sending documents, submitting declarations) are recorded by day, time, sender, recipient, etc. so that the procedure as a whole is transparent and traceable.

The method according to the invention thus enables an automated, secure and transparent implementation of the service process starting with the occurrence of the damage up to the restoration of the damaged vehicle.

According to a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that it has the following step (o), which is automatically triggered when damage is detected (step (b)): o) Making an emergency call to an emergency call center or rescue control center (emergency services, police, fire department), 14 and/or request for a towing service, in each case combined with transmission of the location (position) of the vehicle when damage occurs.

This step is triggered in particular when the

Damage detection (steps (a) and (b)) a serious case of damage was detected. The following criteria can be used in particular for the automatic detection of a serious case of damage: energy of the impact (amplitude of the sound signal(s); type of damage (e.g. total destruction of a window, especially a windscreen); if several

Sensors installed on the vehicle: Number of sensors that detect a damage event.

The emergency call is preferably made via the mobile phone network (using a device installed in the vehicle or using a mobile phone belonging to the driver or a passenger).

In less serious cases of damage, which do not require an immediate automatic emergency call, the

A towing service is only requested after a prior check by the lawyer who has been informed of the damage event (step (f)). This lawyer can enable the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident to communicate with the relevant towing service via the central server.

If a vehicle is to be equipped with a sensor of the type mentioned for the first time or again, the method may comprise the following preparatory step, which follows the step 15

(a) and which can also be carried out independently of the above-mentioned procedural steps:

- Attaching at least one sensor, which is designed to convert the sound signals caused by a damage event into electrical signals, to a surface of a material, in particular a pane of glass, which is to be monitored for the occurrence of a damage event. The sensor or sensors are preferably attached using an adhesive connection (e.g. double-sided adhesive tape or adhesive layer).

After attaching the sensor, an activation step is preferably carried out to put the sensor into operation; this activation is preferably carried out using a smartphone app designed for this purpose (e.g. smartphone or tablet etc. of the vehicle owner or driver). It is possible to compare the data with the data of the vehicle and the vehicle owner/driver stored on the central server (see description of data collection below) before the installed sensor(s) are activated.

Activation enables the smartphone (or another suitable mobile radio device) to receive the data obtained during the evaluation about the detected damage event and to forward it to the control center server (see above, steps b) and c) ).

The mentioned sensor, or at least one of several sensors, is preferably a sensor which is designed to record both airborne sound and infrasound signals. 16

This allows a high level of reliability in damage detection. Particularly suitable sound sensors (sensor units) are described below. In order to detect different damage events as accurately as possible, it is advantageous to use a sensor that is able to use the microphone located in it to record the sound signals generated by a damage event (i.e. airborne sound, in particular audible sound) and also the infrasound signals generated in the process.

Furthermore, the method according to the invention can comprise one or more of the following preparatory steps, which can be carried out independently of the above-mentioned method steps:

(i) capturing, preferably by means of a scanner, data of at least one owner of a vehicle and data of a vehicle of this owner, and storing these data by the central office (e.g. on a server);

Data in particular includes: chassis number of the vehicle, vehicle type and make, year of manufacture, mileage, vehicle registration number, name and contact details of the owner, names and contact details of persons authorized to drive the vehicle; data for identifying the mobile radio devices (e.g. mobile radio number) or other end devices of the persons involved (driver, owner); information on vehicle insurance; type, number and location of the Schal 1 sensors installed in the vehicle.

(ii) Creating at least one protected user account (Account) for at least one workshop at the headquarters

(e.g. on a server at headquarters); 17

(iii) Creating at least one protected user account (Account) for at least one vehicle owner at the headquarters (e.g. on a server at the headquarters).

Preferably, a workshop which has an account with the head office is enabled by this account to record the relevant data (step (i)) for each of its customers (vehicle owners) who wish to take advantage of the procedure and to store this data with the head office (generally in a database on the head office's server).

"Relevant data" includes in particular data for identifying the vehicle (vehicle data) and the vehicle owner (e.g. chassis number of the vehicle, vehicle type and make, year of manufacture, vehicle registration number); these are preferably recorded by scanning the official registration confirmation, for example using a smartphone or tablet. Other information, such as the name and contact details of the owner, names and contact details of people who are authorized to drive the vehicle (driver); details of the vehicle insurance (insurance provider, motor vehicle liability, partial insurance, fully comprehensive insurance, agreed deductible, workshop commitment), as well as a lawyer appointed by the vehicle owner, can also be entered manually and stored on the central office server. The recording and storage of the above-mentioned data has the advantage that in the event of damage, this information is available via the central office for the implementation of the inventive damage settlement procedure - as described above. 18

This step of data collection (registration) is a preparatory step that is usually carried out when a vehicle owner wishes to participate in the method according to the invention or in the system for carrying out the method for the first time.

The data collection described above ensures that a specific vehicle (with sound sensors installed in it, etc.) is firmly and clearly assigned to the respective vehicle owner (and drivers, if applicable) and their mobile radio devices. Since each mobile phone user is clearly identifiable, this makes it possible for the data sent to the central server in the event of a damage event (step (c) of the process) to be assigned to the respective vehicle owner registered on the central server.

According to a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that a driver who is not authorized to use the vehicle (who has not been registered as a driver as described above and stored in the server database) is recognized at the start of the journey and the vehicle owner receives a message informing him of this third-party use.

The method according to the invention can also be used advantageously in cases in which the damage event that occurred and was detected can be traced back to one of the following causes:

- Vandalism of a parked vehicle;

- Parking damage caused by another vehicle. 19

The evaluation of the signals (step (b)) is designed to detect damage caused by vandalism or parking damage caused by third parties.

For example, damage caused by vandalism can be detected based on its specific sound signals (e.g. noise when a scratch is created in the vehicle's paintwork). The same applies to parking damage. In addition, data can be evaluated that results from the vehicle being turned off or parked (e.g. ignition switched off, no engine noise). In addition, the signals provided by other sensors installed in the vehicle (e.g. vibration sensors, cameras) can be used to detect parking or vandalism damage.

If parking damage or vandalism damage is detected, the process is designed to automatically perform one or more of the following steps:

- step (c) and the other above-mentioned steps of the process according to the invention;

- Generation of alarm signals by the vehicle (horns, lights, flashing)

- Sending a warning to the driver and/or owner of the vehicle, preferably via Mob! If unnetz.

Even if the method according to the invention has been described above as a sequence of method steps, this does not exclude two or more of these steps from being carried out simultaneously. Preferably, steps c) to g), or at least two of these steps, are carried out simultaneously. 20

The present invention further relates to a system for carrying out the method according to the invention.

This system shall include at least the following:

- one, two or preferably several vehicles, each of these vehicles having one or more sensors attached to at least one surface of a material, preferably a pane of glass, the sensor(s) being designed to detect the sound signals caused by a damage event and to convert them into electrical signals (= sensor signals);

- at least one evaluation unit in each of the vehicles, which is designed to evaluate the sensor signals so that as a result of the evaluation the occurrence of the damage event on the mentioned material of a respective vehicle is recognized and the result is output in digital form, and wherein the evaluation unit is further designed to transmit the data generated during the evaluation to another device, preferably by means of a wireless data connection or a radio network, in particular by means of Bluetooth or WLAN;

- a central, external processing unit (computer, server) which is suitable for receiving data from each of the vehicles via the said communication connection; this processing unit together with two or more

End devices, preferably mobile devices, form a network which is preferably designed to store data and transactions in chronological order in a blockchain data structure. 21

The evaluation unit is preferably designed using appropriate software to evaluate the signals transmitted by the sensors and to detect the damage event.

If two or more sensors are installed in a vehicle (e.g. at different locations on the windshield or on different windows), each sensor can be connected to a respective evaluation unit, or a common evaluation unit can be installed which is set up to receive and evaluate data from two or more sensors.

Preferably, the evaluation unit is designed to carry out an evaluation of the temporal course of infrasound signals and the temporal course of sound signals (airborne sound).

Preferably, the evaluation of the temporal progression of the sound signals is carried out on the basis of one or more of the following parameters: frequency range, frequency spectrum, gaps in the frequency spectrum, change in frequency over time, minimum/maximum amplitude, amplitude (sound energy or intensity) over time, level reduction at the end, total duration of the damage event. These functions can be implemented using suitable software or in an ASIC.

The evaluation may further comprise a further step in which the pattern of the (airborne) sound and infrasound signals of a damage event obtained by the evaluation is assigned to one of several damage pattern types. 22, whereby these types of damage include in particular the following: glass stone chip damage, glass breakage damage, glass cracks; hail damage to glass or sheet metal, fall damage, in particular dents, in sheet metal parts; scratches in sheet metal parts; scratches in plastic parts or in composite parts;

Breakage damage in plastic parts or in composite material parts; impact or breakage damage to vehicle exterior mirrors; impact or breakage damage to lighting equipment, in particular to headlights and tail lights of motor vehicles.

When evaluating the signals, one or more of the following programs or methods are preferably used: audio filters, Fourier transformations, wavelet transformations, pattern recognition, statistical methods. Further details on the evaluation or the evaluation unit are described in the "Sensor system" section below.

The evaluation unit is designed to transmit the data generated during the evaluation to another device, preferably by means of a wireless data connection or a radio network, in particular by means of Bluetooth or WLAN. A smartphone (in particular a smartphone carried by the driver), or an on-board diagnostic system or infotainment system of a vehicle), etc. can be considered as an "other device".

The end devices, preferably mobile devices (e.g. smartphone, tablet, notebook), are preferably equipped with a software application (app) that enables the verification and 23

Storing data and transactions in the blockchain and enabling access to them.

According to a further embodiment, the said application, or another application installed on a terminal device, is designed to perform one or more of the following functions:

- Accident damage detection in real time, based on the sensor signals, as well as optional display of the damaged vehicle part and/or type of damage;

- manual emergency call to rescue control center;

- Reporting a breakdown to a workshop;

- Taking photos of the damaged vehicle at the scene of the accident from different perspectives, optionally upon request by the application;

- Display of information on deadlines to be met, alarm if necessary;

- Information on documents to be submitted, if necessary with a request and deadline;

- Registration of the vehicle driving the vehicle at a workshop or the mentioned centre;

- after fitting one or more of the abovementioned sensors to a vehicle: activation of the sensor(s);

- Detection of parking damage caused by third parties, in particular parking damage resulting from a hit-and-run accident, based on the sensor signals, as well as optional display of the damaged vehicle part and/or type of damage, location and time of the damage event, as well as optical/acoustic alarm;

- Detection of vandalism damage to a parked vehicle, especially vandalism damage with escape behavior, based on the sensor signals, as well as optional display of the damaged vehicle part and/or type of damage, 24

Location and time of the damage event, optical / acoustic

Alert.

The following section describes a sensor unit which is particularly suitable for use as sensor(s) in the method and system according to the invention described above and is preferably used.

This sensor unit has at least the following components and features:

- a housing with an end wall and a peripheral side wall connected to the end wall, which extends towards the fastening side and whose edge, when fastened to the surface, is at a distance from this surface;

- a circuit board arranged in the housing and connected to it, with a gap between the underside of the circuit board and the front wall of the housing opposite it;

- a microphone mounted on the component side of the board with a wall, which together with the board forms a

encloses the interior;

- at least one inside the microphone on the

circuit board arranged sound transducers;

- a sound opening located in a wall area of the microphone opposite the circuit board and facing the mounting side;

- a sound-permeable connecting layer which is applied to the outer surface of the microphone in the mentioned area and covers the sound opening;

- at least one fastening means for fastening the sensor unit to the material surface, in particular to the 25

Surface of a glass panel. The fastener is either attached to the edge of the side wall and extends to the fastening side, or the fastener is attached to the component side of the board, but outside the microphone and inside the housing, and extends to the fastening side.

In order to detect different damage events as accurately as possible, it is particularly advantageous to use a sensor unit that is able to use the microphone arranged in the sensor unit to detect the sound signals generated by a damage event (i.e. airborne sound) and also the infrasound signals generated thereby. The special features of the sensor unit described in this section prevent the strong infrasound signals of a damage event from superimposing the airborne sound signals; at least the extent of such superimposition is reduced. As a result, this sensor unit is generally able to separate the infrasound signals and the airborne sound signals of a damage event and to detect both types of signals.

For example, glass damage is often caused by a stone being thrown against a window, which causes a clearly audible stone impact noise. This sound signal transmitted through the air can be recorded, ie captured, with all its properties and special characteristics using the microphone of a sensor unit as described in this section. 26

Due to its ability to record both the sound signals (airborne sound) generated by a damage event and the infrasound signals also generated in the process, the sensor unit described in this section can be used in an exemplary manner to detect different damage events, in particular in the method and system according to the invention for detecting damage to vehicles and for subsequent damage processing.

This sensor unit is a sensor unit for the acoustic

Detection of damage events on materials, in particular on vehicle glass panes. The sensor unit is intended for attachment to the surface of a material which is to be monitored for the occurrence of damage events; in particular, the sensor unit is intended for attachment to the surface of a glass pane, in particular on the windshields of motor vehicles. The side of the sensor unit which is intended for attachment to the surface of a material and which, after the sensor unit has been attached, is adjacent to the aforementioned surface of the material (i.e. rests against this surface) is referred to as the "attachment side".

The housing of the sensor unit, usually made of plastic or metal, surrounds the circuit board with the microphone on it with its front wall and its surrounding side wall. The "front wall" is referred to as the

The wall area of the housing delimits the sensor unit on the side opposite the fastening side. The side wall can be designed like the shell of a cylinder, for example, or with a rectangular or square contour. The housing is preferably made up of 27 made of front wall and surrounding side wall, manufactured in one piece.

The housing is preferably open towards the fastening side if the fastening means - as mentioned above - is attached to the component side of the board. The edge of the side wall which extends towards the fastening side has a distance (gap) to this surface when attached to the surface. This can be achieved in particular by selecting the height of the fastening means(s) so that the mentioned distance is maintained. The distance is preferably 1 to 3 mm.

This avoids direct contact between the housing and the material surface when the sensor unit is intended to be attached to such a surface in order to detect any damage events that occur. Direct contact between the housing and the material surface could cause the housing to make loud noises, which could distort the acoustic signals of a damage event.

If the fastening means is attached to the edge of the side wall according to the alternative mentioned above, the fastening means, which is located between this edge and the material surface, avoids direct contact of the housing with the material surface. In this case, the thickness (height) of the fastening means determines the distance of the edge of the side wall to the material surface. This distance is also preferably 1 to 3 mm, but can also be less. 28

A circuit board connected to the housing is arranged in the housing, wherein it is preferred that there is a distance between the underside of the circuit board and the end wall of the housing opposite it, whereby a cavity is formed therebetween.

Preferably, the circuit board is aligned parallel or approximately parallel to the front wall of the housing above it. The top side of the circuit board (component side) on which the microphone is arranged is aligned towards the fastening side. In the state after the sensor unit has been attached to the surface of a material to be monitored, the circuit board is generally aligned approximately parallel to this surface.

A commercially available circuit board (printed circuit board) can be used as the circuit board. The circuit board preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.5 - 1.5 mm, in particular 0.8 - 1.2 mm.

At least one microphone is mounted on the component side of the board, which has a wall (or "housing" or "capsule" ; e.g. made of metal (particularly aluminum) or plastic) which, together with the board, encloses an interior space. In this interior space is the

Sound transducer of the microphone, or two or more such sound transducers, to convert the alternating sound pressure oscillations caused by a damage event into electrical signals (= microphone signal).

The wall of the microphone has a wall area which is opposite the circuit board and faces the mounting side; preferably this wall area has a flat outer surface which, when mounted on the surface 29 of a material runs parallel or substantially parallel to that surface.

The wall area mentioned has a sound opening, which serves to create a connection between the interior of the microphone and the environment of the sensor unit. Preferably, the sound opening is not arranged above the sound transducer (i.e. opposite), but offset to the side (i.e. outside the base area of the sound transducer, in plan view), so that the sound entering through the sound opening hits the sound transducer partly directly, partly indirectly - after reflection on various surfaces in the interior of the microphone.

The sound opening is covered by a sound-permeable connecting layer which is attached to the outer surface of the microphone in the aforementioned wall area. When the sensor unit is attached to the surface of a material, this connecting layer is located between the aforementioned wall area of the microphone and the material surface, thus creating a preferably full-surface contact between the microphone and the material surface. Direct contact between the microphone (i.e. its wall) and the material surface is thus avoided.

This connection layer enables the transmission of low-frequency vibrations in the infrasound range, which are caused by a damage event in the material to be monitored, e.g. a pane of glass, to the microphone, so that these vibrations (infrasound signals) are recorded by the microphone (ie its sound transducer). 30 On the other hand, this connecting layer suppresses or reduces the background noise caused by vibrations. Such background noise would be caused by the movements of the material surface to be monitored that occur during a damage event if the microphone were to lie directly on this material surface, e.g. a pane of glass, without a connecting layer.

The material of this connecting layer is therefore sound-permeable (i.e. permeable to airborne sound) and also enables the transmission of infrasound signals; on the other hand, this connecting layer prevents or suppresses inherent noise that could arise from the vibration-related movement of the material to be monitored, to which the sensor unit is attached.

The following are particularly suitable materials for the connecting layer: rubber, elastomers, felt, soft PVC, also in combination (laminates). Due to the use of these materials, the connecting layer is elastic, in particular pressure-elastic. The thickness of the connecting layer is preferably 0.1 to 1 mm, in particular 0.2-0.6 mm.

For fastening the sensor unit according to the invention to a material surface to be monitored, in particular to the

surface of a glass pane, the sensor unit has at least one fastening device. This is either attached to the edge of the side wall and extends to the fastening side, or the fastening device is on the 31 ment side of the board, outside the microphone and inside the housing, and extends to the mounting side. As a result, when the sensor unit is properly attached to a material surface to be monitored, it is connected to the material surface to be monitored by the mounting means(s).

If the fastening means is attached to the component side of the circuit board as described above, there is a free gap (air gap) between the edge of the side wall of the housing and the material surface when the sensor unit is attached to a material surface. This prevents the housing from coming into contact with the material surface. The gap size is preferably 1 to 3 mm.

The fastening means preferably extends in a ring shape over the entire circumference of the sensor unit, or two or more individual fastening means, e.g. in the form of supports or segments, can be provided. A double-sided, preferably elastic adhesive tape with a thickness of 0.3 - 3 mm, in particular 1 to 2 mm, is preferably used as the fastening means. For example, a double-sided, elastic PVC adhesive tape with a thickness of 1 - 2 mm can be used. Instead of an adhesive tape, a preferably elastic adhesive layer produced by applying an adhesive can also serve as the fastening means.

If the fastening means is attached to the edge of the side wall as mentioned above, it preferably extends over the entire circumference of the edge of the side wall. The fastening means mentioned above can be used as fastening means. 32

Due to the features described above, the sensor unit is advantageously suitable for the acoustic detection of damage to materials, in particular to glass panes. The combination of the following two features is particularly advantageous:

- When the sensor unit is attached to a material surface, e.g. a glass pane, the housing has no direct contact with this material surface because - as described above - the edge of the side wall of the housing is at a distance from this surface when attached to a material surface.

- There is a gap between the microphone and the material surface.

A connecting layer is arranged which, when the sensor unit is attached to a material surface, establishes contact between the microphone and the material surface.

These design features ensure that the sensor unit, when properly attached to the surface of a material to be monitored, is only in contact with the surface of the material via the attachment means and the connecting layer. This enables the microphone to record the sound signals (airborne sound) and infrasound signals generated when a damage event occurs, for example when a stone hits a pane of glass, and at the same time suppresses or reduces the detection of disturbing background noise.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the circuit board in the state of attachment of the sensor unit 33 on a material to be monitored protrudes towards the front wall of the housing (ie away from the mounting side). This can be achieved by dimensioning the height of the mounting means or/and the height of the side wall of the housing so that the microphone (with the

connecting layer) exerts pressure on the board, causing the board to deform elastically and move into the mentioned

In particular, the board can bulge into the above-mentioned cavity between the underside of the board and the end wall opposite it.

The elastic deformation of the circuit board and the resulting spring tension (compressive stress) means that the microphone with its connecting layer is pressed against the surface of the material by a contact pressure when the sensor unit is attached to it. This ensures a reliable connection between the sensor unit and the material surface and improves the transmission of the sound signals.

The combination of the following features is therefore particularly advantageous:

- When the sensor unit is attached to a material surface, e.g. a pane of glass, the housing has no direct contact with this material surface (as explained above).

- There is a gap between the microphone and the material surface.

A connecting layer is arranged which, when the sensor unit is attached to a material surface, establishes contact between the microphone and the material surface. 34 the microphone is - as explained above - pressed against the surface of the material by a contact pressure when the sensor unit is attached to such a material.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the sensor unit 1, an electronic circuit, in particular an integrated circuit, is arranged on the circuit board in the interior of the microphone and is electrically connected to the microphone, e.g. via conductor tracks in the circuit board. The electronic circuit 1 is designed in particular to carry out one or more of the following functions: preamplifier, analog-digital converter, audio filter, noise suppression. This makes it possible, among other things, to convert the analog signal of the sound transducer into a digital signal and to amplify it. Alternatively, these functions can also be carried out by a separate circuit outside the sensor unit.

The sensor unit is preferably a miniaturized (Micro Electro Mechanical System = MEMS) component made using SMD technology. Miniaturized microphones are preferably used as microphones, particularly microphones made using SMD technology, e.g.

B. Electret microphones or MEMS microphones, the latter being particularly preferred.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a MEMS transducer is used as the sound transducer, with a circuit board connected to the MEMS transducer

An integrated circuit, in particular an ASIC, is arranged in an electrically conductive manner to the sound transducer. 35 Typically, the integrated circuit or ASIC is designed to perform one or more of the following functions: preamplifier, analog-to-digital converter, audio filter, noise suppression.

Commercially available "MEMS microphones", comprising a circuit board with a sound transducer (MEMS transducer), ASIC and housing (wall) with a sound opening, are suitable for use in a sensor unit as described above or for building such a sensor unit and are preferred due to their small dimensions and high sensitivity. An example of a commercially available MEMS microphone is the MEMS SMD component from the manufacturer Adafruit Industries.

(New York) with the type designation "SPW2430" (dimensions: approx. 16mm x 14mm x 3mm).

A MEMS microphone is particularly preferably equipped with a sound opening that is arranged laterally offset from the sound transducer (sound pickup), so that the sound entering through the sound opening hits the sound transducer partly directly and partly indirectly (after reflection on surfaces in the interior of the microphone). The surface of the encapsulation material ("molding", e.g. "glob top molding") with which the ASIC is encapsulated also serves as a sound-reflecting surface. The ASIC of the MEMS microphone is designed in particular to carry out one or more of the following functions: preamplifier, analog-digital converter, audio filter, noise suppression. The MEMS microphone preferably has an integrated analog-digital converter so that a digital audio signal is output. If the MEMS microphone used has an analog audio 36 signal, a downstream analog-digital converter is preferably used to generate a digital audio signal.

The microphone used in the sensor unit is preferably a microphone that is designed to record sound in the frequency range from 50 Hz to 20 kHz, in particular from 50 to 15 kHz, and infrasound < 50 Hz, in particular in the range from 5 Hz to < 25 Hz. MEMS microphones are designed to record sound and infrasound in the frequency ranges mentioned. The properties of the various MEMS microphones can be found in the respective manufacturer information. The sensitivity of such MEMS microphones is usually in the range from -45 to -35 dBV, with a signal-to-noise ratio in the range from 57 to 65 dB (A).

In addition, it can be advantageous if the microphone used is designed to record ultrasonic signals (> 20 kHz). Commercially available MEMS microphones, as described above, generally also record a proportion of sound signals in the ultrasonic range. Although this proportion is comparatively small, these ultrasonic signals can be used to specifically detect different damage patterns, e.g. stone chip patterns, i.e. can be taken into account in the evaluation.

The sensor unit is usually equipped with means for supplying power or voltage to the microphone and, if necessary, an electronic circuit, as well as for forwarding the analog or digital signal generated by the sensor unit; such means are known to the person skilled in the art (e.g. 37

B. electrical connections, plug connections, electrical connecting cables). In order to enable uninterrupted microphone recording, the power supply of the sensor unit can comprise batteries, rechargeable batteries, solar cells, capacitors (preferably supercapacitors) or similar means known to those skilled in the art.

The sensor unit described above can be mounted on a

A variety of different materials can be used to record any damage that occurs. Examples and preferred materials and areas of application include:

Glass panes of (air/land/water) vehicles, in particular motor vehicles (cars, trucks, buses, rail vehicles, cable cars, etc.); the sensor unit is preferably mounted on the inside of a glass pane (e.g. of a motor vehicle).

Other materials and areas of application include: metal structures and components, particularly the bodywork and components of motor vehicles.

Structures and components made of plastics or composite materials (e.g. carbon fiber reinforced plastic), in particular the bodywork and components of motor vehicles as well as lighting devices and exterior mirrors of motor vehicles.

In particular, the sensor unit can be used in connection with the present invention to detect the following damage events:

Glass - stone chip damage, glass breakage damage, glass cracks; accident damage, especially dents, in sheet metal parts; scratches in 38

Sheet metal damage; scratches in plastic parts or composite parts; breakages in plastic parts or composite parts; impact or breakage damage to vehicle exterior mirrors; impact or breakage damage to lighting equipment, particularly headlights and taillights. It is preferably used to record damage to vehicles, particularly motor vehicles.

The following section describes a sensor system for the acoustic detection of damage events on materials, in particular on vehicle glass panes, which is particularly suitable for use in the above-described inventive method and system for damage detection on vehicles and for subsequent damage processing and is preferably used.

"Detection" means that the nature (or type) of the damage event that has occurred is detected, preferably also its other properties (e.g. the strength or intensity of the damage event). "Acoustic" means that the detection is based on sound signals (including infrasound).

For example, the following types of damage to glass panes can be distinguished: scratches (superficial only), stone chip damage, cracks or breaks, breakage, total destruction. The sensor system enables the detection and differentiation of such damage events. It can also be used to differentiate between non-damaging, noise-generating physical impacts (e.g. impact of a rubber ball on a pane of glass) and actual damage events. 39

The sensor system for the acoustic detection of damage events is based on the knowledge that a certain damage event - depending on the type and energy (strength) as well as the type of material damaged - generates a certain acoustic pattern during its duration, which is characteristic of the respective type of damage event. It is particularly advantageous that both airborne sound signals (particularly in the audible sound range) and infrasound signals of a damage event are recorded and evaluated.

This sensor system comprises at least the following:

- at least one sensor unit containing a microphone for

Attachment to a surface of a material to be monitored, wherein the sensor unit is designed to detect the sound signals (i.e. airborne sound, in particular in the audible sound range) and infrasound signals caused by a damage event and to convert them into electrical signals;

- at least one electronic circuit conductively connected to the microphone, which is designed to carry out one or more of the following functions: preamplifier, analog-digital converter, audio filter, noise suppression; the circuit is preferably arranged in the sensor unit;

- at least one evaluation unit which is connected to the aforementioned circuit of the sensor unit and is designed to evaluate the signals transmitted by the circuit and to detect the damage event based on the result of the evaluation. 40

Preferably, the sensor unit of the sensor system is a sensor unit as described in the previous sections, although several sensor units can also be used in combination. Due to the special properties and advantages, as explained above, this sensor unit is particularly suitable for use as a component of the sensor system.

The electronic circuit, which can perform the functions of a preamplifier, analog-digital converter, etc., can, for example, form a unit together with the microphone, as described above.

The evaluation unit is preferably a computer which, by means of appropriate software, is designed to evaluate the signals received from the sensor unit and to detect the damage event, as described in more detail below.

Microcontrollers are preferably used as the hardware of the evaluation unit. These generally contain a processor (CPU), RAM, program memory, interfaces (e.g. network, USB), input and output ports (I/O ports). The evaluation unit can also contain an analog-digital converter if the sensor unit used does not have an analog-digital converter.

A preferred microcontroller is the "RP2040"; this is a 32-bit microcontroller from the "Raspberry Pi Foundation" (Cambridge, UK). The technical characteristics of this microcontroller are as follows: 41

CPU: 32-bit RP2040 dual-core processor with 133 MHz clock frequency;

Random access memory (RAM): 264 kByte SRAM;

Program memory: 2Mbyte Q-SPI Flash;

I/O ports: 26 multi-functional general-purpose inputs and outputs (GPIO), 3.3V compatible.

The microcontroller can also be equipped with a suitable radio module, e.g. Bluetooth or WiFi module, to enable, among other things, the sending of evaluation data via a wireless connection, for example to the smartphone of the driver of a vehicle.

The microcontroller software is preferably designed for pattern recognition of sound signals, whereby the data provided by the sensor unit mentioned is evaluated in all frequency ranges. The evaluation software can preferably be created on the basis of "Raspberry Libraries".

In particular, the evaluation unit is designed to carry out an evaluation of the temporal course of infrasound signals and the temporal course of sound signals (airborne sound).

The evaluation of the temporal progression of the signals is generally carried out continuously. In order to enable evaluation to be as uninterrupted as possible, the power supply of the evaluation unit can comprise batteries, rechargeable batteries, solar cells, capacitors (preferably supercapacitors) or similar means known to those skilled in the art. 42

Preferably, the data or signals provided by the sensor unit(s) are evaluated by the evaluation unit at specific intervals, with these intervals preferably being 1 second or less. The detection of sound signals by the sensor unit(s) usually takes place continuously.

The sensor system advantageously enables the detection of damage in real time, since the respective damage event and at the same time the type of damage are detected at the time in which the damage event takes place (in contrast to a subsequent assessment of damage).

The temporal progression of the infrasound or airborne sound signals, in particular the amplitudes or frequencies, during the duration of the respective damage event results in a characteristic pattern which can be used by the evaluation unit to identify the type of damage event. In addition, this pattern can be characterized using other parameters, as described below.

The evaluation unit of the sensor system is preferably designed to carry out the above-mentioned evaluation of the temporal course of the infrasound and airborne sound signals on the basis of one or more parameters, as already mentioned above.

Furthermore, the evaluation unit is preferably designed to use one or more of the following programs or methods when evaluating the signals and/or to detect a damage event: audio filters, Fourier transformations, wavelet transformations, pattern 43

Recognition, statistical methods. Such methods and suitable programs or software are known to those skilled in the art.

The evaluation of the signals using software is fundamentally based on the fact that during a damage event (e.g. stone chipping on a window pane) a signal pattern is created which consists of different sound components (audible noise, infrasound, possibly ultrasound) and changes over time. It is particularly important that the infrasound signals propagate faster in the material than the audible sound component (noise) propagates in the air, so that the infrasound signals reach the microphone faster than the audible sound signals. The temporal progression of the signal pattern can, for example, have an initial phase with a strong infrasound signal, followed by a phase with a strong sound signal in the audible range (e.g. impact noise), followed by a decay phase due to reverberation reflections. For the evaluation of the signals, it is therefore preferable to use software that works with adjustable parameters that characterize the phases or sections mentioned. For example, these can be parameters that describe the signal strength (amplitude; minimum/maximum), the frequency range of the signals and/or the duration of the respective phase.

According to a preferred variant, the evaluation unit is designed to take into account various adjustable threshold values during pattern recognition, so that when a threshold value is exceeded, the occurrence of a

damage is detected or the severity of the damage can be classified. The threshold values can be set using 44

Practical tests are used to determine the results and continuously develop them in order to improve damage detection or to adapt it to specific conditions.

Furthermore, it is planned that pattern recognition will be optimized using AI (artificial intelligence) methods. This means in particular that the system (i.e. the software of the evaluation unit) is constantly learning using new data from further damage events. Neural networks or deep learning functions in particular can be used for this. The use of these methods is particularly advantageous for improving pattern recognition of damage events that are particularly difficult to recognize.

Furthermore, the evaluation unit is preferably designed to store the data generated during the evaluation and/or to transmit it to another device, preferably by means of a wireless data connection or a radio network, in particular by means of Bluetooth, WiFi, WLAN or a wireless Internet connection. Examples of "other devices" include a smartphone, a computer/server, or an on-board diagnostic system or infotainment system of a vehicle. For this purpose, the transmitting unit is equipped with the respective transmitting modules x otherwise these modules can also be provided by a separate device.

Furthermore, the evaluation unit is preferably designed to send a message, e.g. via WLAN, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, to a mobile device (mobile phone, smartphone, notebook, tablet, etc.) in the event of a damage pattern being detected, which is preferably equipped with an app designed for this purpose. This is usually 45 is a smartphone of the driver of a vehicle, which is equipped with sensor(s) and evaluation unit(s) for carrying out the method according to the invention.

In addition to information about the damage event that has occurred, the message sent can also contain the data generated by the evaluation unit. In addition, the mobile device or the app installed on it can be set up to forward this message, preferably together with the data on the damage pattern, to a server (for example, that of a service provider).

This sending of data from the mobile device to a server preferably takes place automatically, i.e. without human intervention (program-controlled). Typically, the mobile device mentioned is the cell phone or smartphone of the driver of a vehicle in which a damage event has been detected by the evaluation unit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the evaluation unit is designed to assign the pattern of the sound and infrasound signals of a damage event obtained by the evaluation to one of several damage pattern types, as described above. The damage pattern types mentioned can be stored in the evaluation unit. 46

According to a further embodiment, the evaluation unit is designed to detect vandalism damage or parking damage caused by a third party to a vehicle depending on the pattern obtained for the respective damage event.

Particularly when using the sensor system in a motor vehicle, it is advantageous if the evaluation unit is designed to generate an alarm or emergency signal depending on the damage event detected, or to transmit an emergency call to a rescue control center.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the system comprises at least one camera which is suitable for continuously making video recordings and optionally storing them. In particular, it is provided that such a camera is installed in a vehicle which is equipped with a system according to the invention for acoustic detection of damage events. The camera is preferably installed in such a way that its angle of view covers the front area of the vehicle. Such a camera can also be installed to monitor the rear area. In this way, the course of the damage can be recognized visually in addition to acoustic detection. Since the camera is continuously in operation, it also recognizes and documents the course of the damage shortly before the occurrence of a damage event, in particular a frontal collision. These video recordings can also be taken into account in the damage settlement process, e.g. to clarify the course of the accident or determine the cause of the accident. 47

Description of the drawings

The invention is illustrated by way of example with reference to drawings (Figs. 1 to 5 and 6A to 6F) and explained below.

Fig. 1 shows in the form of an organizational chart the use of the method according to the invention by customers (vehicle owners; (40, 41, 42) ) of various repair workshops ("car dealerships"; (30, 31, 32) , wherein the method is provided and maintained by a central office (service provider; (20) ).

In the example shown in Fig. 1, three "car dealerships" (30, 31, 32) are involved in the process and have been provided with a corresponding access authorization ("account"; as explained above) by the head office (20). Each of these car dealerships is thus authorized to offer interested customers

(vehicle owners; (40, 41, 42) ) to participate in the process. The cars (50a, 50b, 50c; 51a, 51b, 51c; 52a, 52b, 52c) of these customers have been equipped with sensors (a, b, c; a ^' , b • , c ^' ; a '' , b ^'' , c ' : ) for damage detection, as described above. Sensor units according to Fig. 3 to 5 can preferably be used as sensors.

The headquarters (20) provides the software and hardware required to carry out the procedure. The registered "car dealerships" (30, 31, 32) can, based on their access authorization, access the data of their customers (contact information, insurance details, etc.) as well as the vehicle data of these customers (chassis number, license plate number, etc.). 48 in a respective memory (30a, 31a, 32a) of the control center.

Fig. 2 illustrates the method and system according to the invention using an exemplary flow chart; in addition, numerous other variants for carrying out the method are possible.

The double arrows indicate that communication is generally bidirectional, i.e. the respective transmitter and receiver can perform both functions simultaneously or alternately. Communication preferably takes place via mobile networks, WLAN, Bluetooth, landlines, B-Mail or SMS.

The headquarters provides the procedure and the system for its implementation, in particular a server with software for data processing and data storage using blockchain technology.

A workshop (car dealership) that would like to enable its customers (users, vehicle owners) to participate in the process has received an access authorization ("account") from the head office. A customer/user's vehicle is equipped with sensors for damage detection and activated via an app that is installed on the customer's smartphone. The car dealership, which has received an account from the head office, is thus able to enable its customers to participate in the process and system by registering. This is done in a simple way by scanning the vehicle registration confirmation (part 1), which records the relevant vehicle data and owner data (including mobile phone number and email address). In addition, other data (insurance provider, type of insurance 49

(partial/fully comprehensive insurance), agreed deductible, workshop commitment, etc.) are entered manually. The recorded data are sent to the head office for later use in the process.

If damage occurs to a vehicle belonging to a registered customer (vehicle owner), the damage event is detected by the sensors and reported to the head office (usually via the driver's mobile phone/smartphone). The customer (vehicle owner) and the customer's workshop (car dealership) are informed of the damage to the vehicle by the head office (server). The customer is also guided to "his" car dealership for a visual inspection of the damage, for example using a navigation device.

After the extent of the damage has been determined in the car dealership (workshop), or independently of this, an automatically called-in appraiser (vehicle expert) will prepare a report which includes securing evidence and calculating the damage. This report is sent to the legal representative (law firm, specialist lawyer for traffic law), who has also been automatically informed by the head office about the damage to the vehicle of the registered vehicle owner.

These functions or steps in the claims settlement process are digitized, preferably with AI-supported technology, and processed in a legally secure manner using blockchain technology, whereby the data, documents, etc. are stored in detail and chronologically and manipulative third-party interventions are excluded, so that they can be used as court-proof evidence if necessary. 50

In the event of serious damage, the method or system according to the invention also automatically triggers a rescue call to the appropriate control centers of the fire brigade (emergency number, police and rescue service), as shown in Fig. 2. This immediately provides a conversation with the injured customer.

The flow chart shown in Fig. 2 also provides for a towing service to be commissioned to remove the damaged vehicle. This step can be initiated automatically by the head office according to the method according to the invention, or by the lawyer who has already been called in (see above).

Fig. 3 :

The sensor unit (1) (also called "sensor") is attached to the surface (11a) of a material (11) to be monitored (e.g.

glass pane).

The housing (7) of the sensor unit consists of a front wall (7a) and a surrounding side wall (7b) connected to it. This side wall extends towards the fastening side (A); the edge (7c) of the side wall (7b) does not touch the surface (11a) of the material (11), but maintains a distance (d) from this surface so that an air gap is created. This means that the housing is open on one side, namely towards the fastening side (A).

A circuit board (6) is arranged in the housing (7) and connected to the housing, as shown in the drawing. The circuit board is approximately parallel to the front wall (7a) of the housing and to the surface (11a) on which the sensor unit (1) 51 is attached. There is a distance (e) between the underside (6a) of the circuit board (6) and the opposite end wall (7a) of the housing (7), so that a cavity is formed therebetween.

On the component side of the board (6) (opposite the bottom side (6a)) there is a microphone (2) with a wall

(2 ¹ , 2" ) which together with the board form a

Interior space (3). In this interior space (3) a sound transducer (4) is arranged on the component side of the circuit board (6).

The microphone (2) has a sound opening (8) which is arranged in a wall area (2 ^'' ) of the microphone (2) which is opposite the circuit board (6) and faces the fastening side (A). The wall area (2 ^'' ) is essentially flat and runs approximately parallel to the surface (11a) on which the sensor unit (1) is fastened.

The sound opening (8) is not located opposite the sound transducer (4), but at a laterally offset position.

Also arranged in the wall area (2 ^'' ) of the microphone (2) is a sound-permeable connecting layer (10) with a thickness (a), which is attached to the outer surface in the mentioned area and covers the sound opening (8). When the sensor unit is attached to the surface (11a), the connecting layer (10) is located between this surface and the outer surface of the wall area (2 ) of the microphone and connects these two surfaces. 52

Fasteners (9, 9') for fastening the sensor unit (1) to the material surface (11a) are provided on the component side of the circuit board (6); these are located outside the area of the microphone (2) but inside the housing (7) and extend to the fastening side (A) or to the surface (11a) of the material (in the illustrated state of fastening the sensor unit to the surface of a material, the plane of the fastening side of the sensor unit marked with the dashed line (A) is identical to the surface (11a) of the material). An elastic, double-sided PVC adhesive tape with a thickness of 1-2 mm can be used as the material for the fastening means(s).

As can be seen from the drawing, the height (c) of the fastening means (9, 9') is selected such that the edge (7c) of the side wall (7b) maintains the mentioned distance (d) from the surface (11a) of the material. The housing therefore has no contact with the material surface (11a).

Also arranged on the component side of the circuit board (6) and in the interior (3) of the microphone (2) is an electronic circuit (5), e.g. an ASIC, which includes, for example, a preamplifier and an analog-digital converter. The circuit is encapsulated in an encapsulation material (5a).

As can be seen from the drawing, the sensor unit, when attached to a material (11), is only connected to the surface (11a) of the material (11) via the fastening means (9, 9') and the connecting layer (10). 53

The arrow (12) indicates that the circuit board (6) bulges (12) towards the front wall (7a) of the housing (7) when the sensor unit is attached to the material (11), as provided according to a preferred embodiment (the curvature of the circuit board is not shown in Fig. 3, but is merely indicated by the arrow (12)). This can be achieved - as shown in Fig. 1 - by choosing the height (c) of the fastening means (9, ⁹¹ ) such that it is shorter than the sum of the height (b) of the microphone and the thickness (a) of the connecting layer (10).

Due to its elastic properties, the board, which is curved in the direction of the arrow (12), exerts pressure (through spring force) on the microphone and the connecting layer (10) located thereon in the direction of the material 11. This improves the contact between the microphone (2, 2 ^'' ) and the connecting layer (10) to the surface (11a) of the material (11).

Fig. 4 :

The sensor unit (or "sensor") (1) is attached to a material to be monitored (11). The circuit board (6) is located inside the housing, shown here as transparent, the peripheral edge (7b) of which is shown by a thick line. The position of the microphone (2) on the circuit board is indicated by a dashed line, as are the positions of the sound transducer (4) and the circuit (5). Both elements are located together in the interior of the microphone (2) (as in Fig. 1).

The sound opening (8) is located above the circuit (5) and laterally offset (distance (f) to the sound transducer (4) . 54

The fastening means (9, 9 ' ) are mounted opposite each other in the outer area of the circuit board (6).

Fig. 5 x

The sensor unit (or "sensor") (1) shown in this drawing is a modification of the sensor unit according to Fig. 3 and differs from it as follows«

The fastening means (9, 9') is not attached to the circuit board (6), but to the edge (7c) of the side wall (7b) of the housing (7). The edge (7c) can be bent or folded inwards (i.e. directed towards the microphone (2)) as shown in Fig. 5. The edge (7c) has no direct contact with the material surface (11a), but is connected to it via the fastening means (9, 9 ^' ). The fastening means, e.g. a double-sided adhesive tape, preferably extends over the entire circumference of the edge (7c) (not shown).

If the sensor unit (1) - as shown in Fig. 5 - is attached to the surface (11a) of a material (11) to be monitored, for example a glass pane, the fastening means (9, 9 ') connects the housing (7) of the sensor unit to the material (11). The height of the fastening means (9, 9 *) in this case corresponds to the distance (d) between the material surface (11a) and the edge (7c) of the side wall (7b) of the housing (7). The housing has no direct contact with the surface (11a), but is only connected to the material by the

Fasteners connected to it. 55

As in Fig. 3, the arrow (12) indicates that the circuit board (6) bulges (12) towards the front wall (7a) of the housing (7) when the sensor unit is attached to the material (11). This can be achieved by appropriate dimensioning of the side wall (7b) and the height/thickness (d) of the fastening means in relation to the height (b) of the microphone (2) and the thickness (a) of the bonding layer (10).

Examples

Fig. 6A to 6F show the temporal course (pattern) of the infrasound signals or airborne sound signals for different damage events on a glass pane (stone chips, glass breakage).

The experimental setup with which the sound signals shown were obtained is as follows:

A production vehicle (car) was fitted with a windshield to which a sensor unit according to the invention was adhesively attached, as described above. The position of the sensor unit on the windshield was varied during the tests (e.g. top left or bottom center).

The tests were carried out at an ambient temperature of 26 °C; the test room was open to the outside so that background noise caused by road traffic was present. 56

To simulate damage events (e.g. stone impact), a metal pin was used that strikes a point on the respective window with adjustable impact force. In this way, 96 impacts were generated on a windshield, with the conditions being varied as follows:

1) 700 g force applied on an area of 0.3 mm ² ,

2) 1200 g force applied on an area of 0.3 mm ² ,

3) 1700 g force applied on an area of 0.3 mm ² .

4) 2200 g force applied on an area of 0.3 mm ² .

After each test run, the pane was removed from the vehicle and replaced with a new pane, which was fitted with a new sensor unit (adhesive bond).

The sound signals generated during the experiments were recorded using audio recording software ("Audacity"; free software). Fig. 6A to 6F show screenshots of the sound signal patterns recorded using this software.

From the temporal progression of the recorded signals (from left to right) it is clear that when the damage event occurs a very strong infrasound signal is generated ("infrasound phase"). These infrasound ranges are characterized by a strong overmodulation of the signal and usually have only a few zero crossings on the X-axis. The signals in the airborne sound range are usually not overmodulated (as they have lower energy or lower volume) and are characterized by a large number of zero crossings. 57

This infrasound phase transitions seamlessly into a characteristic signal pattern in the audible sound range ("beat pattern phase"). Finally, a "fade-out" follows due to Hall reflections. Infrasound and (air) sound signals can overlap, and in this case the (air) sound signals can also be recognized by their signal curve ("fast" vibrations, superimposed sine curves).

List of reference symbols

1 sensor unit

2 Microphone

2 ' Microphone wall

2 Wall area

3 Interior of the microphone

4 transducers

5 el . circuit

5a Encapsulation material

6 Board

6a Bottom of the board

7 Housing

7a Front wall of the housing

7b Side wall of the housing

7c Edge of the side wall

8 Sound opening

9 Fasteners

9 ' Fasteners

10 Connection layer

11 Material (material to be monitored)

11a Surface of the material

12 Direction of the curvature of the board

A Mounting side; level 58 a Thickness of the bonding layer b Height of the microphone c Height of the fastening means d Distance of the edge (7c) to the surface (11a)

Distance between bottom (6a) and front wall (7a) f lateral distance between sound opening (8) and sound transducer (4)

20 Headquarters

30, 31, 32 Workshops/Car dealerships

30a, 31a, 32a Resources provided by the head office for the workshops/car dealerships

40, 41, 42 Customers (vehicle owners) of the workshops/

Car dealerships

50a, 50b, 50c Vehicles of vehicle owners a, b, c Sensors

Claims

59 claims

1. Method for damage detection and damage processing, comprising at least the following steps: a) recording (- capturing) sound signals caused by a damage event on at least one material to be monitored, in particular a pane of glass, of a vehicle (50a, 50b, 50c), by at least one sensor (a, b, c; 1) attached to a surface of the material to be monitored, which sensor converts the sound signals into electrical signals (= sensor signals); b) evaluating the sensor signals, whereby as a result of the evaluation the occurrence of the damage event on the vehicle (50a, 50b, 50c) is detected, and recording the time of the damage occurrence and the location (position) of the vehicle when the damage occurs; c) transmitting the data obtained in step (b) to a server of a control center (20); d) sending a notification about the damage event from the server of the control center (20) to a previously determined

Workshop (30, 31, 32); e) sending a notification about the damage event from the server of the central office (20) to a previously determined expert, and instructing the expert to prepare a preservation of evidence and a damage calculation; f) sending a notification about the damage event from the server of the central office (20) to a previously determined

Law firm . 60

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following further step: g) sending a notification about the damage event from the server of the control center (20) to the owner (40, 41, 42) and/or driver of the vehicle, together with a request to visit the said workshop for the purpose of inspection and determination of the extent of the damage.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises the following further step after step (g): h) determining the extent of the damage in the workshop, and optionally preparing a report in digitalized

Shape.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises the following further step after step (e): i) preparation of a preservation of evidence and a damage calculation (= report) in digital form by the expert, and sending of the report to the server of the headquarters.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises at least one of the following

steps xj) sending the report in digital form, by the expert or the head office, to the previously designated law firm for legal processing of the claim; k) checking and confirming receipt of payment of the costs reimbursed by the insurance company, and storing this data in the head office server; 61

1) after recovery of the vehicle: sending a message to the central server and/or to the driver/owner of the vehicle

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following further steps: m) issuing a declaration of assignment of claims for the insurance company and the expert; n) issuing a declaration for the immediate start of repairs.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more, preferably all of the steps or functions specified in steps (b) to (n) are carried out digitally and processed by means of blockchain technology, wherein the documents, declarations or other information generated in said steps are stored chronologically in digital form in a blockchain data structure.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head office, the owner of the vehicle and/or the said workshop can each track the current status of the damage settlement via a protected access, preferably by means of a smartphone app set up for this purpose.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following additional step, which takes place automatically upon detection of damage occurrence (step (b)): 62 o) Making an emergency call to an emergency call center or rescue center, and/or requesting a towing service, in each case combined with transmission of the location (position) of the vehicle in the event of damage occurring.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that individual, several or all of the said method steps are carried out automatically, in particular program-controlled, preferably in real time.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following additional step (p), which precedes step (a):

- Attaching at least one sensor, which is designed to convert the sound signals caused by a damage event into electrical signals, to a surface of a material of said vehicle, in particular to a glass pane, wherein the attachment of the sensor is preferably carried out by means of an adhesive connection.

12. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that after attaching the sensor, an activation step is carried out for its commissioning, preferably by means of a smartphone app designed for this purpose by the vehicle owner.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor, or at least one of several sensors, is designed to record both airborne sound and infrasound signals. 63

14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one of the following steps x

- Capturing, preferably by means of a scanner, data on at least one owner of a vehicle and data on a vehicle belonging to this owner, and storing this data on the said server of the control centre (20); this data in particular comprising: chassis number of the vehicle, vehicle type and make, year of manufacture, mileage, vehicle registration number, name and contact details of the owner, name and contact details of persons authorised to drive the vehicle; data for identifying the mobile radio devices of the persons involved (driver, owner); information on vehicle insurance; type, number and location of the sensors installed in the vehicle;

- Creating at least one protected user account for at least one workshop on a server at the headquarters;

- Creating at least one protected user account for at least one vehicle owner on a server at the headquarters.

15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damage event that occurred and was recognized is attributable to one of the following causes:

- Vandalism of a parked vehicle;

- Parking damage caused by another vehicle; the evaluation of the signals in step (b) is designed to detect damage caused by vandalism or parking damage caused by a third party. 64

16. System for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 15, comprising:

- one, two or preferably several vehicles (50a, 50b,

50c), wherein each of these vehicles has on at least one surface of a material, preferably a glass pane, one or more sensors (a, b, c; 1) attached thereto, wherein the sensor(s) is/are designed to detect the sound signals caused by a damage event and to convert them into electrical signals (- sensor signals);

- at least one evaluation unit in each vehicle, which is designed to evaluate the sensor signals so that, as a result of the evaluation, the occurrence of the damage event on the mentioned material of a respective vehicle is recognized and the result is output in digital form, and wherein the evaluation unit is further designed to transmit the data generated during the evaluation to another device, preferably by means of a wireless data connection or a radio network, in particular by means of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or WLAN;

- a central, external computing unit which is suitable for receiving data from each of the vehicles via said communication connection; this computing unit forming a network together with two or more terminal devices, preferably mobile terminal devices.

17. System according to claim 16, characterized in that the central, external computing unit (server) and the terminal devices are designed to store data and transactions in chronological order in a blockchain data structure. 65

18. Terminal, preferably a mobile terminal, for use in a system according to claim 17, wherein the terminal is equipped with an application (= app) which enables the verification, sending, receiving and storing of data and transactions in the blockchain as well as access to this data.

19. Terminal according to claim 18, that the terminal, preferably a smartphone, is set up by the said application, or by another application installed on the device, to perform one or more of the following functions:

- Accident damage detection in real time, based on the sensor signals, as well as optional display of the damaged vehicle part and/or type of damage;

- manual emergency call to rescue control center;

- Reporting a breakdown to a workshop;

- Taking photos of the damaged vehicle at the scene of the accident from different perspectives, optionally upon request by the application;

- Display of information on deadlines to be met, alarm if necessary;

- Information on documents to be submitted, if necessary with a request and deadline;

- Registration of the vehicle driving the vehicle at a workshop or the mentioned centre;

- after fitting one or more of the abovementioned sensors to a vehicle: activation of the sensor(s);

- Detection of parking damage caused by third parties, in particular parking damage resulting from hit-and-run accidents, based on the sensor signals, as well as optional display of the damaged vehicle part 66 and/or type of damage, location and time of the damage event, as well as optical/acoustic alarm;

- Detection of vandalism damage to a parked vehicle, in particular vandalism damage with escape behavior, based on the sensor signals, as well as optional display of the damaged vehicle part and/or type of damage, location and time of the damage event, optical/acoustic alarm.

20. Method or system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor unit is used as the sensor (a, b, c) which has the following features:

- a housing (7) with an end wall (7a) and a peripheral side wall (7b) connected thereto, which extends towards the fastening side (A) and whose edge (7c) in the state after fastening on the surface (11a) has a distance (d) from this surface; wherein the "fastening side (A)" is that side of the sensor unit (1) which in the state after fastening on the surface (11a) is adjacent to it;

- a circuit board (6) arranged in the housing (7) and connected thereto;

- a microphone (2) mounted on the component side of the circuit board (6) with a wall (2', 2 '') which, together with the circuit board, encloses an interior space (3);

- at least one in the interior (3) of the microphone (2) on the

circuit board (6) arranged sound transducer (4);

- a sound opening (8) which is arranged in a wall region (2 ^'' ) of the microphone (2) which is opposite the circuit board (6) and faces the fastening side (A); 67

- a sound-permeable connecting layer (10) which is arranged in the mentioned area (2 ^'' ) of the microphone (2) on its outer surface and covers the sound opening (8);

- at least one fastening means (9, 9 ') for fastening the sensor unit (1) to the material surface (11a), in particular to the surface of a glass pane, wherein the fastening means is either attached to the edge (7c) of the side wall (7b) and extends to the fastening side (A), or on the component side of the circuit board

(6) , outside the microphone (2) and inside the housing

(7) and extends to the fastening side (A).