WO2008061858A1

WO2008061858A1 - Method for transmission of an accident message

Info

Publication number: WO2008061858A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/061601
Authority: WO
Inventors: Günther HRABY; Sebastian Morf; Gernot Zimmermann
Original assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2006-11-20
Filing date: 2007-10-29
Publication date: 2008-05-29
Also published as: DE102006054582A1

Abstract

Method for transmission of an accident message to a service facility for handling equipment damage to a motor vehicle, with the accident message being transmitted by a communication device in the vehicle via a communication network to the service facility, characterized in that, in the event of an accident, the accident message (13) is transmitted by manual operation of the communication device (2) via a first communication channel, which at least in places does not make use of wires, to a network device (7) which is connected to the communication network (6), with the accident message (13) including identification information (15) and position information (14) which is associated with the accident location and is provided by a position-finding system; in that the network device (7) uses the accident message (13) to determine the service facility (9) and passes the accident message (13) to this service facility (9) via a second communication channel; in that the service facility (9) sets up a third communication channel to the communication device (2) after receiving the accident message (13) and uses this in order to remotely diagnose the equipment damage, by the service facility (9) calling up accident-related data which has previously been stored in a memory device (19) in the motor vehicle (1).

Description

description

Method for transmitting an accident message

Technical area

The invention relates to a method for transmitting an accident message to a service facility for remedying property damage to a motor vehicle, wherein the accident message is transmitted from a built-in motor vehicle communication device via a communication network to the service facility.

State of the art

In motor vehicles today telematic systems are used, which usually have a GSM module and / or a GPS module. By means of these radio modules on the one hand navigation data can be brought to the vehicle and on the other hand emergency call data, as well as data for a remote diagnosis, optionally transmitted together with a location information to a locally remote from the vehicle transceiver.

Under the type designation AC 45 from Siemens, such a radio-based communication device is known, which automatically triggers an airbag via GSM / GPRS an emergency call service, a so-called "eCall", or in the case of technical damage, a so-called "break down call". , settles. According to the ideas of the European Commission and the automotive industry, all new vehicles in Europe will be used in the future be equipped with such, automatically or manually operated emergency call systems; The aim of this "eCall system" is to significantly reduce the number of road fatalities.

From DE 197 53 686 B4 an emergency call system is known, in which an accident message is transmitted to emergency contact addresses, whereby a closest to the accident car dealer can be contacted.

In order to obtain help for persons or occupants of a vehicle as quickly as possible in the event of an accident, DE 44 21 508 A1 proposes a system which uses mobile telephones when the emergency signal is transmitted.

Another telematics service that is currently undergoing testing is the usage-based adjustment of car insurance premiums. In this case, driving data, personal data of the driver, the sections of the route traveled at a certain time and other usage-dependent data are transmitted from a communication device installed in the vehicle to the insurance company. In the literature, this calculation method of the insurance premium, which is adapted to individual use, is also referred to as "pay per use" or "pay as you drive", abbreviated "PAYD." The risk to be borne by the insurer can thus be calculated individually more accurately ,

By contrast, telematics data has hardly been used in the settlement of accidental damage. Thus, the choice of the workshop in the event of an accident largely left to the vehicle drivers involved in the accident. When handling claims, resources such as For example, cheap discounts that are contractually agreed between an insurance company and a towing company or a workshop are not used efficiently. However, there is a considerable potential for improvement, especially in the handling of minor damage.

Illustrations of the invention

Object of the present invention is to provide a method by means of which an accident damage management is easier and with less effort possible.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1. Particular embodiments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims.

The basic idea of the invention is, by means of a suitable transmission of information between an accident vehicle and a locally remote service facility, such as a motor vehicle workshop

Towing company or another entity involved in the settlement of the accident, to make the settlement of an accident reimbursement more cost-effective.

The inventive method is characterized:

- That in case of an accident by manual operation of the communication device, the accident message, for example via mobile (eg GMS or UMTS), is transmitted to a network device of a communication network, wherein in the accident message, by a positioning system (eg GPS or Galileo), location information is included;

- That the network device on the basis of the accident message determines a suitable service facility and forwards the accident message to them; and

-that the service device after receiving the accident message to the communication device establishes a third communication channel to perform a remote diagnosis of property damage by accident-related data that has been previously stored in a storage or registration device of the motor vehicle, retrieved by the service facility.

Service facility is generally understood to mean an entity that is involved in the settlement of the accidental damage. This may be, for example, a car repair shop or another facility that contributes to the handling or treatment of property damage caused by an accident.

In other words, the invention provides that the service facility and the driver of a vehicle in the event of an accident, all information is provided that may be useful for efficient and cost-effective handling of property damage. This is particularly advantageous in the case of the above-mentioned "consumption-based" calculation of insurance premiums (PAYD), since cheap discounts can be used in repair shops of the insurance company and repair costs can be saved. But even for the driver of a vehicle results in a not to be overlooked practical advantage, especially if he is not familiar with the conditions at the scene of the accident: finding a local as close to the accident as possible lying and competent workshop, which can also cost-effectively repair the damage, is usually difficult for him. The information which workshop has been selected can be brought to the vehicle via the communication channel, which was set up between a motor vehicle workshop and the communication device, or else, for example, transmitted to the vehicle driver via mobile radio. However, the driver not only saves time, but more generally, technical resources are used more efficiently than in the past when handling property damage.

The network device may advantageously be a computer that is associated with an insurance company, so that automatically favorable contractual relationships between the insurer and workshops, towing companies or other facilities can be used. Advantageously, discounts can be used, so that the damage can be done relatively inexpensively. Depending on the nature of the accident, accident management according to the invention can mean an advantage for the insurer and / or for the insured person. In the event of an accident involving the transport of dangerous goods, compliance with specific rules, measures and procedures by the network installation and / or the service facility may be of crucial importance for efficient accident claims management.

In order to settle an accident message in the event of an accident, a portable data carrier can be used with advantage, which is manually inserted into a corresponding reading device which is connected to the communication device in the vehicle. For example, a smart Card or chip card. An algorithm stored thereon can be started automatically, for example, as soon as the smart card or chip card is inserted into the reading device.

Advantageously, a communication protocol is used in the transmission of the accident message, which is at least partially stored on the smart or chip card. As a result, for example, a proprietary software of an insurance company, which is downloaded from the communication network in the car can be used. Driver-related and / or vehicle-related information can advantageously be kept on this data carrier and transmitted automatically during operation.

It may be advantageous if the service device transmits confirmation information to the communication device of the motor vehicle after receipt of the accident message. As a result, occupants of the vehicle can be informed about a close help. This confirmation information can also be transmitted via a telephone connection, in which details about settlement of the damage can be tuned by telephone with the driver of the vehicle.

It may also be advantageous if the network device after determining the service device to the

Communication device transmits a return information, which causes the communication device to initiate a telephone connection with the service device. In this case, communication costs can be shifted to the holder of the vehicle. In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that a starting route is transmitted from the network device or from the service device to the communication device. This makes it easier for the driver to find a workshop in a still roadworthy vehicle.

It may be favorable if the communication device transmits the location information of the motor vehicle to the network device in periodic time intervals after transmission of the accident message and automatically sends it to the network device

Service facility is forwarded. In this way, it is possible that the approach of a roadworthy accident vehicle on a screen of the car workshop is traceable.

It may be advantageous if in the accident message the time of the accident, the vehicle type and data of the driver are included. This makes it possible, for example, that in the case of Schadguttransportes the risk of consequential damage can be kept low.

In view of a quick settlement, it may be advantageous if the forwarding of the accident message to the service facility is made dependent on their availability. This avoids long waiting times.

Advantageously, the transmission of the accident message from the motor vehicle to the service facility can be linked simultaneously with the automatic or manual triggering of an emergency call ("eCall"). Brief description of the drawings

To further explain the invention, reference is made in the following part of the description to the drawings in which further advantageous embodiments, details and further developments of the invention can be found. It shows:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram in which the inventive settlement of accidental damage is sketched on a motor vehicle;

FIG. 2 shows an example of the structure of an accident message;

3 shows a block diagram of a communication device in a motor vehicle to which a reading device for a mobile data carrier is connected in order to use different telematics services via communication links P1, P2,...

Embodiment of the invention

In FIG. 1, a motor vehicle 1 is schematically sketched in a diagram, from which it would be assumed that it was damaged by an accident at the scene of the accident OI. The vehicle 1 is provided with a communication device 2. The communication device 2 is designed to emit a so-called "Accident Call", hereinafter also referred to as "A-Call" for short. The communication device 2 continues to receive from a position determination system 3, in the present example, satellite information (arrow 12) for determining the location information of the vehicle 1

Positioning system 3 may be, for example, GPS or Galileo. In addition to a GPS module, a radio module, in the present example a GSM radio module, is present in the communication device 2.

In the event of an accident, the communication device 2 is manually caused by an operating element (which is not shown in detail in Figure 1) to make an "A-call." For this purpose, a radio link to a via the GSM communication channel (arrow 4)

Transceiver 5 of a communication network 6 made to transmit a, directed to a network device 7, accident message 13 (see Fig. 2). The communications network 6 is shown as a network in the example of Figure 1, but in fact comprises subnetworks, i.e., subnetworks. circuit-switched mobile or fixed networks, or packet-switched networks, such as the Internet.

The transceiver device 5 can thus be, for example, a base station of a GSM or UMTS mobile network. The

Network device 7 consists in the present example of a computer that is assigned to an insurance company, in which the motor vehicle 1 is insured. But it is also conceivable that the network device 7 manually, e.g. operated within the framework of a Call Center.

After arrival of the accident message 13 in the computer 7 detects this on the basis of the provided identification information, which may be, for example, an insurance number, the holder of the motor vehicle 1. In addition, the information OI is available on the scene of the accident. Using data stored in the device 7, the computer 7 is able to select a local and inexpensive service device 9, for example a towing company or a repair shop with which the insurance company has a discount agreement. For a special transport vehicle, eg for dangerous goods, more extensive underwriting agreements may be decisive.

The network device 7 now establishes a further communication connection to this selected service device 9. It is determined their availability. If the service device 9 is available, the accident message 13, possibly supplemented by further information on the motor vehicle or holder, is forwarded to it. Otherwise, a second or further (shown in broken lines in Figure 1) service device 8 is contacted. The selection of the service facilities 9 and 8 is based on criteria that are stored in the device 7, such as local proximity, contractual relationship with the insurer, vehicle type and possibly others.

After the selection of a service device 9 of this a communication connection, for example, a guided via GSM or UMTS mobile communication link (in Figure 1 transceiver 10, arrow 11) is constructed to the vehicle 1, and a storage or registration device 19 in the vehicle 1 queried by the service facility 9 in order to estimate the extent of the damage better. In this storage or registration device 19 information is stored, for example, from an airbag, from Damage sensors may originate from the passenger compartment, from acceleration sensors or other detectors in the vehicle 1. These accident-relevant data allow a better assessment of the damage pattern.

About this communication link 10, 11 between the car 1 and workshop 9 and 8 also a feedback or confirmation information to the vehicle 1 can be transmitted. However, the driver can also be asked, for example, in addition via a speakerphone in the car, whether in his view, the damaged vehicle 1 is still fit to drive, or whether a tow truck must be sent or other measures are displayed. The handling of property damage can be carried out on this information basis easier and better than was previously possible.

Since the service device 9 knows by receiving the accident message 13 the location (oil) of the accident, for example, a route plan to facilitate the journey calculated and transmitted in a suitable form to the communication device 2 and optionally placed on an existing in the vehicle 1 navigation system for display ,

However, it is also possible for the network device 7, after selecting a service device 9, to transmit its telephone number to the communication device 2. In this case, the communication device 2 initiates a telephone connection to the service device 9 (not shown in detail in FIG. 1).

2 shows an example of the structure of an accident message 13. The accident message 13 comprises in the representation shown the following data fields: Location information (Ol) 14, identification information (I) (eg

Insurance number) 15, name and address, possibly phone number of the vehicle owner / holder 16, vehicle type 17, driving data at the time of the accident 18. Of course, the accident message may also contain other data fields (not shown in Figure 2).

The "A-Call" according to the invention makes it possible to settle claims with less effort than hitherto, which is particularly the case in the execution of

Small claims for insurers of particular importance, since their settlement has so far caused high costs. Even if there is no comprehensive insurance, there are advantages for insurers with regard to customer loyalty.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a device 200 arranged on the vehicle side. This vehicle device 200 includes a communication device 2, which uses different telematics services 70 ', 70 ", 70'" via radio communication links P1, P2,..., Pn , The

Communication device 2 consists essentially of a Selbstortungsmodul P, a communication module C and a control module S. To the control module S is a read / write device 100 for a portable data carrier 110, z. B a smart or chip card, connected.

In order to bring one of the telematics services 70 ', 70'',70''' to expiration, a code stored on the data carrier 110 is completely or partially loaded. This code can consist of individual software modules of a telematics service, so that, for example, a proprietary communication software of an insurance company comes to expiration, by means of which the accident message is transmitted. These days belong Telematic devices more and more standard equipment of an automobile, ie a mobile communication unit (eg GSM) and a position detection unit (eg GPS) is nowadays usually present in a motor vehicle, so that the realization of

Invention can be done very easily by a software patched on it.

Thanks to the invention, technical resources, such as communication devices and fuel costs, are less stressed during the handling of an accident damage repair.

Compilation of the reference numbers used

I motor vehicle, motor vehicle 2 communication device

3 position determination system

4 arrow

5 transceiver

6 communication network 7 network device, computer

8 service facility

9 service facility

10 transceiver

II arrow 12 arrow

13 accident message

14 Data field (Ol) Location information

15 data field (I) identification information

16 Data field name / address 17 Data field Vehicle type

18 Data field driving data

19 storage device

70 ', 70' '. 70 '' 'telematics device 100 reading device

110 mobile data carrier, chip / smart card 200 vehicle device

Pl, P2, ..., Pn Communication connection P Self-locating module C Communication module S Control module

Claims

claims

1. A method for transmitting an accident message (13) to a service device (9) for the treatment of property damage to a motor vehicle (1), wherein the

Accident message is transmitted from a communication device (2) of the motor vehicle via a communication network to the service device (9), characterized in that - in the event of an accident by manual

Operation of the communication device (2) the accident message (13) via an at least partially wirelessly formed first communication channel to a network connected to the communication network (6)

(7) is transmitted, wherein the accident message (13) includes identification information (15) and a location information (14) associated with the accident location, which provides a position-determining system (3); the network device (7) determines the service device (9) on the basis of the accident message (13) and sends the accident message (13) to it via a second communication channel;

- That the service device (9) after receiving the accident message (13) to the communication device (2) builds a third communication channel and uses this to perform a remote diagnosis of property damage by accident-relevant

Data previously stored in a memory device (19) of the motor vehicle (1) can be retrieved from the service device (9).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the network device (7) is a computer which is associated with an insurance company of the motor vehicle (1) and the service device (9) a

Contract workshop or a towing company, which are in a contractual relationship with the insurance company.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the manual operation of the communication device (2) by inserting a smart card (110) into a reading device (100), which is connected to the communication device (2).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that in the transmission of the accident message (13) a protocol is used, which is at least partially stored on the smart card (110).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the service device (9) upon receipt of the accident message (13) a confirmation information to the

Communication device (2) of the motor vehicle (1) transmitted.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the network device (7) after determination of the service device (9) to the communication device (2) transmits a return information, which the communication device (2) causes to initiate a telephone connection with the service facility (9).

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that from the network device (7) or the service device (9) to the communication device (2) a starting route is transmitted.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the communication device (2) after transmission of the accident message (13) in periodic time intervals, the location information (14) of the motor vehicle (1) to the network device (7) and automatically transmitted to the

Service device (9) is forwarded.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that in the service device (9) an imaging device is provided, on which the current location information (14) of the motor vehicle (1) is displayed visually.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the accident message (13) the time of the accident, the vehicle type (17) and data of the vehicle driver (16) are included.

11. The method according to claim 1 to 4, characterized in that the forwarding of

Accident message (13) to the service facility (9) is made dependent on their availability.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transmission of the accident message (13) from the motor vehicle (1) to the service device (9) at the same time with the automatic or manual activation of an emergency call ("eCall") is linked.