System and procedure for the controlled shutdown of vehicles exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior and vehicles with external influences

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for the controlled immobilization of vehicles exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior while in motion, characterized in that at least some of the vehicles are equipped with a device (3) for receiving immobilization signals, that a vehicle exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior can be identified by its license plate, and that upon receipt of an immobilization signal for a vehicle, a specific operating mode (B) is initiated for the vehicle, wherein the specific operating mode (B) includes a reduction in the vehicle's speed until the vehicle comes to a standstill. The invention further relates to a method for the controlled immobilization of vehicles and to correspondingly equipped vehicles.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a method for the controlled shutdown of vehicles exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior and a vehicle subject to external influence.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a system and a method for detecting vehicles with potentially dangerous driving behavior and their controlled shutdown. State of the art

[0003] Traditionally, vehicles are impounded through physical measures, such as stopping and confiscating them on the spot. In certain cases, such as outstanding insurance premiums or lack of roadworthiness, law enforcement authorities can order a vehicle to be impounded.

[0004] Modern technologies also allow for the remote shutdown of stationary vehicles to prevent unauthorized use. However, these systems are often isolated and do not offer an integrated solution for real-time intervention by law enforcement agencies.

[0005] Existing systems focus on preventing activation or shutting down the system when the vehicle stops. However, solutions that allow controlled shutdown while driving through external intervention are lacking.

[0006] In the field of road safety, there is a growing need for technologies that enable the rapid and effective identification and stopping of vehicles exhibiting dangerous driving behavior. Traditional methods, such as manual checks by police forces, are reaching their limits, particularly in urban areas, at high speeds, and in heavy traffic. Description of the invention

[0007] According to the invention, this problem of controlled shutdown during driving by external intervention is solved by a system with the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the system are described in dependent claims 2 to 6. The problem is further solved by a method according to claim 7. Advantageous embodiments of the device are described in dependent claims 8 to 15. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a vehicle according to claim 16. An advantageous further development of the vehicle is the subject of claim 17.

[0008] A particular advantage of the invention is that authorized persons, especially police officers, can reliably, quickly, and safely stop vehicles exhibiting risky driving behavior by entering the vehicle's license plate number (truck or car) into a control unit, thereby transmitting a stop signal to a control unit in the vehicle's engine compartment. This preferably interrupts the engine ignition. The present invention is therefore not only a disclosure directed to those skilled in the art for the design of vehicles, but also demonstrates to police officers that they can safely and reliably stop and / or immobilize vehicles by entering the license plate number into a control unit.

[0009] Further advantages, special features and expedient further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments.

[0010] The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems through an integrated system that combines advanced technologies for license plate recognition, driving behavior analysis and vehicle control.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a system that enables vehicles exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior to be brought to a safe and controlled stop while in motion by means of external stop signals. This is achieved by equipping vehicles with a stop signal receiver which, upon receiving such a signal, activates a specific operating mode that causes a gradual reduction in speed until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

[0012] It is particularly preferred if an engine control unit of the vehicle is connected to a memory, wherein the license plate is stored in the memory and wherein the engine control unit can switch off the ignition of the engine upon receiving the shutdown signal associated with the license plate of the vehicle.

[0013] By combining license plate recognition, real-time driving behavior analysis and direct vehicle intervention, the system enables authorized bodies, especially the police, to take targeted measures to impound such vehicles in order to ensure public safety.

[0014] The present invention relates in particular to a system and a method for the controlled immobilization of vehicles, especially by police authorities, to ensure public safety, particularly to prevent or stop rampages by vehicles as quickly as possible. By integrating remote immobilization and direct intervention technologies, authorized bodies can effectively stop vehicles exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior or in emergency situations.

[0015] The invention relates to a system for the controlled immobilization of vehicles exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior while in motion, characterized in that at least some of the vehicles are equipped with a device (3) for receiving immobilization signals, that a vehicle exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior can be identified by its license plate number, that upon receipt of an immobilization signal for a vehicle, a specific operating mode (B) is initiated for the vehicle, wherein the specific operating mode (B) includes a reduction in the vehicle's speed until the vehicle comes to a standstill.

[0016] The invention further relates to a method for the controlled immobilization of vehicles exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior while in motion, characterized in that at least some of the vehicles are equipped with a device (3) for receiving immobilization signals, that a vehicle exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior is identified by its license plate number, that upon receipt of an immobilization signal for a vehicle, a specific operating mode (B) for the vehicle is initiated, wherein the specific operating mode (B) includes a reduction in the vehicle's speed until the vehicle comes to a standstill.

[0017] The invention further relates to a vehicle characterized in that it is equipped with a device (3) for receiving shutdown signals such that, upon receipt of an authorized and authenticated shutdown signal for the vehicle, a specific operating mode (B) for the vehicle can be initiated, wherein the specific operating mode (B) includes a reduction in the speed of the vehicle until the vehicle comes to a standstill.

[0018] The functionality of the vehicle, in particular its safe and reliable operation so that it is suitable for use in a system according to the invention or for carrying out a method according to the invention, is preferably tested and certified during regular TÜV inspections. These TÜV inspections specifically examine whether the device (3) for receiving shutdown signals is configured such that, upon receipt of an authorized and authenticated shutdown signal for the vehicle, a specific operating mode (B) for the vehicle can be initiated, wherein the specific operating mode (B) includes a reduction in the vehicle's speed until the vehicle comes to a standstill.

[0019] An advantageous further development of the invention is characterized by the fact that the identifier is compared with a central database in order to verify the authenticity of the shutdown signal.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous to design the invention in such a way that the device for receiving shutdown signals (receiving device) can check whether the shutdown signal for the vehicle is authorized and authenticated, and that only if the shutdown signal is authorized and authenticated is the specific operating mode (B) for the vehicle initiated.

[0021] An advantageous further development of the invention is characterized in that the vehicle-side receiver(s) (3) is connected indirectly or directly and wirelessly or wired to one or more vehicle-side central data processing units (8) for evaluating the received shutdown signals, wherein the vehicle-side data processing unit (8) is designed in such a way that it can initiate a complete or at least partial reduction of the speed of the vehicle (4) by outputting corresponding control variables based on the incoming

[0022] It is particularly advantageous to design the invention in such a way that the reactivation of a vehicle stopped by the device can only be carried out by means of a police-specific code.

[0023] An advantageous further development of the invention is characterized in that the trademark is captured by an OCR scan.

[0024] It is particularly advantageous to design the invention in such a way that the license plate is recorded taking into account manual input, in particular by authorized persons, preferably police officers.

[0025] An advantageous further development of the invention is characterized by the fact that the identifier is compared with a central database in order to verify the authenticity of the shutdown signal.

[0026] It is particularly advantageous to design the invention in such a way that the technical suitability of the vehicle for carrying out the method according to the invention is checked during TÜV inspections.

[0027] The present invention provides an integrated system that enables authorized bodies to identify vehicles in real time and, if necessary, to immobilize them in a controlled manner. This preferably includes: 1. Identification unit: Recording of vehicle data, including license plate number and location. 2. Communication module: Secure transmission of control commands, especially shutdown signals, to the target vehicle. 3. Vehicle-internal control system: Receiving and executing commands to reduce speed or shut off the engine.

[0028] This integration allows police authorities to respond effectively to threats without direct physical intervention, increasing safety for everyone involved. Items A procedure for the controlled decommissioning of vehicles by authorized bodies, comprising the steps: ◯ Capturing vehicle data using an identification unit; ◯ Transmission of control commands, in particular shutdown signals, via a communication module to the identified vehicle; ◯ Receiving and executing control commands, in particular shutdown signals, by an in-vehicle control system to reduce speed or shut off the engine. B System for carrying out the procedure according to Item A, comprising: ◯ An identification unit for recording vehicle data; ◯ A communication module for transmitting control commands, in particular shutdown signals; ◯ An in-vehicle control system for receiving and executing control commands, in particular shutdown signals. C Procedure according to Item A, wherein the identification unit includes automatic license plate recognition and comparison with police databases. D. Procedure according to Item A, wherein the communication module uses encrypted communication channels to ensure the security of the transmission. E Procedure according to Item A, wherein the vehicle's internal control system gradually reduces the vehicle's speed to ensure a safe standstill. F. Procedure according to Item A, wherein the vehicle's internal control system performs a controlled engine shutdown to bring the vehicle to a standstill. G. System according to Item B, wherein the identification unit is equipped with stationary or mobile cameras for capturing vehicle license plates. H. System according to Item B, wherein the communication module uses radio technologies for transmitting the control commands, in particular shutdown signals. I System according to Item B, wherein the vehicle's internal control system is integrated into the vehicle electronics and forwards control commands directly to the engine control unit. J. Procedure according to Item A, wherein the central control unit compares the received vehicle data with a central database containing information on stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants or other relevant data. Illustration of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing

[0029] Fig.Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention for the controlled immobilization of vehicles exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior while in motion. This system is characterized in that at least some of the vehicles are equipped with a device (3) for receiving immobilization signals, that a vehicle exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior can be identified by its license plate number, and that upon receipt of an immobilization signal for a vehicle, a specific operating mode (B) is initiated for the vehicle, wherein the specific operating mode (B) includes a reduction in the vehicle's speed until the vehicle comes to a standstill.

[0030] Preferred elements for the implementation of the invention are: 1. Identification unit

[0031] The identification unit uses advanced sensors and databases to identify vehicles that are potentially dangerous or violate legal regulations. This can be done through automatic license plate recognition and comparison with police databases. 2. Communication module

[0032] This module ensures the secure and reliable transmission of control commands to the identified vehicle. It uses encrypted communication channels to prevent unauthorized access. 3. Vehicle-internal control system

[0033] Installed in the vehicle, this system receives and executes control commands. This could involve a gradual reduction in speed or a controlled engine shutdown to bring the vehicle to a safe stop.

[0034] By using this system, methods according to the invention for the controlled shutdown of vehicles exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior while driving can be carried out safely and efficiently, wherein at least some of the vehicles are equipped with a device (3) for receiving shutdown signals, at least one vehicle exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior is identified by its license plate number, and wherein, upon receipt of a shutdown signal for a vehicle, a specific operating mode (B) for the vehicle is initiated, wherein the specific operating mode (B) includes a reduction in the vehicle's speed until the vehicle comes to a standstill.

[0035] Preferred embodiments of this method are described below. Example 1: Emergency intervention by police officers in case of suspected rampage on a highway, especially a motorway

[0036] A vehicle is traveling at high speed and / or exhibiting conspicuous driving behavior on a highway, particularly a motorway. The identification unit and / or the police officers detect the vehicle and initiate a method according to the invention for the controlled immobilization of vehicles exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior while in motion. The vehicle exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior is identified by its license plate. Upon receiving an immobilization signal for a vehicle, a specific operating mode (B) is initiated for the vehicle, wherein the specific operating mode (B) involves reducing the vehicle's speed until it comes to a complete stop. The transmission of the immobilization signal can be effected via a suitable communication module, for example, by the police officers sending the vehicle's license plate number to the central control unit.An immediate engine shutdown command is sent via the communication module to the vehicle's internal control system. The vehicle is stopped promptly and safely, thus preventing potential damage and injury. Example 2: Emergency intervention in case of suspected rampage in a pedestrian zone

[0037] A vehicle is traveling at high speed in a pedestrian zone. The identification unit detects the vehicle and reports it to the central control unit. An immediate engine shutdown command is sent via the communication module to the vehicle's internal control system. The vehicle is stopped promptly and safely, thus preventing potential damage and injuries. Example 3: Emergency intervention with a central control unit in case of suspected rampage on a highway, especially a motorway

[0038] A vehicle is traveling at high speed and / or exhibiting unusual driving behavior on a highway, particularly a motorway. The identification unit detects the vehicle and reports it to the central control unit. An immediate engine shutdown command is sent via the communication module to the vehicle's internal control system. The vehicle is stopped promptly and safely, thus preventing potential damage and injuries.

[0039] Other preferred elements of the system are: Detection unit: A camera system for the optical detection of vehicle license plates and for monitoring driving behavior. Driving behavior analysis module: A module for real-time analysis of driving behavior data that identifies potentially dangerous behavior.

[0040] Central control unit: A unit for verifying vehicle data and generating control commands.

[0041] In-vehicle receiver module: A system installed in the vehicle that executes received control commands, such as speed reduction or engine shutdown.

[0042] The integration of these components enables effective monitoring and control of road traffic, leading to increased public safety.

[0043] Advantageous further development of the preferred elements of the system are: 1. Recording unit

[0044] The detection unit preferably consists of high-resolution cameras and sensors strategically positioned along roads and highways. These devices continuously capture images of passing vehicles and extract relevant data such as license plate number, vehicle type, and direction of travel. Additionally, driving behavior data such as speed, acceleration, and lane changes are recorded. 2. Driving Behavior Analysis Module

[0045] The driving behavior analysis module uses advanced algorithms, including machine learning, to analyze the collected data in real time. It identifies potentially dangerous behavior, such as excessive speed, abrupt braking, or erratic lane changes. When such behavior is detected, an alarm is sent to the central control unit. 3. Central control unit

[0046] The central control unit receives alarms and verifies the vehicle data by comparing it with a central database containing information on stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants, and other relevant data. Upon successful verification, the unit generates specific control commands that are sent to the vehicle in question. 4. Vehicle-internal receiver module

[0047] The vehicle's internal receiver module receives the control commands and executes the corresponding actions. This can include a gradual reduction in speed, activation of stop signals, or a controlled engine shutdown. The measures are implemented in such a way as to ensure the safety of the driver and other road users.

[0048] By using a central control unit, the aforementioned steps of the process can be further automated and implemented in real time. This is particularly evident in the following further developments of the previously mentioned examples. Example 1: Detection and impounding of a vehicle traveling at excessive speed

[0049] A vehicle passes a detection unit that measures its speed and records its license plate. The driving behavior analysis module detects a significant speeding violation, for example, more than 30 km / h above the permitted limit. An alarm is sent to the central control unit, which compares the license plate number with the database. A control command to reduce speed is generated and sent to the vehicle's internal receiver module, which gradually reduces the vehicle's speed until it comes to a safe stop. Example 2: Detection of dangerous driving behavior through abrupt lane changes

[0050] A vehicle repeatedly makes abrupt lane changes without signaling. The detection unit records this behavior, and the driving behavior analysis module identifies it as potentially dangerous. The central control unit is alerted and checks the vehicle against its database. A control command to reduce speed can then be generated and sent to the vehicle's internal receiver module, which gradually reduces the vehicle's speed until it comes to a safe stop. Example 3: Emergency intervention in case of suspected rampage

[0051] A vehicle is traveling at high speed in a pedestrian zone. The detection unit immediately reports this to the central control unit. Due to the severity of the situation, an immediate engine shutdown command is sent to the vehicle's internal receiver module. The vehicle is stopped promptly and safely, thus preventing potential damage and injuries.

[0052] Preferably, the vehicle or system according to the invention comprises a receiver (3) designed to receive the shutdown signals from a transmitter (1).

[0053] In general, these optical, electromagnetic or magnetic field shutdown signals emitted by the transmitter(s) (1) or by transmitters (1) of a communication network, for example base stations of a cellular mobile communications network, are processed by the vehicle-side receiver (3) and / or a vehicle-side data processing unit (8) connected to it and are transmitted directly or indirectly to the vehicle's on-board electronics and / or engine control and / or brakes (4) in the form of shutdown signals and / or control variables.

[0054] To completely reduce the speed of a vehicle (4), for example, the ignition of the engine can be switched off.

[0055] The transmitter(s) (1) are, for example, devices or installations for emitting shutdown signals or waves of any kind, in particular sound waves and / or electromagnetic waves and / or electromagnetic waves in the high-frequency or low-frequency range or in the microwave, infrared, visible or ultraviolet range and / or for permanently or temporarily emitting one or more magnetic fields (5) or base stations of a cellular mobile communications network.

[0056] For example, external sensors (6) convert detected physical quantities into electrical or digital shutdown signals, which, directly or indirectly via an external central processing unit (7) (evaluation unit), cause the external transmitter (1) to issue a warning and / or shutdown signal, if necessary.

[0057] The same applies analogously to the vehicle-side and possibly sensor-like receivers (3) that may cooperate with a central vehicle-side data processing unit (8) and may be present.

[0058] In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the vehicle-side receiver(s) (3) are connected indirectly or directly, wirelessly or wired, to one or more vehicle-side central data processing units (8) for evaluating the received shutdown signals.

[0059] The vehicle-side data processing device (8) can, for example, be designed in such a way that, based on the incoming shutdown signals, it can initiate a complete or at least partial reduction of the speed of the vehicle (4) by outputting corresponding control variables.

[0060] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle-side receiver (3) and / or the vehicle-side central data processing unit (8) (evaluation unit) associated with it can be programmed via one or more input devices (11) with a user- and / or vehicle-specific code.

[0061] In particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention, the external central data processing unit (7) is connected to both a transmitter (1) and a receiver (12) for receiving signals.

[0062] The vehicle's central data processing unit (8) is also connected, for example, to both a receiver (3) and a transmitter (13) for signals.

[0063] In the event of a passing vehicle (4), a user- or vehicle-specific code can then be transmitted to the external receiver (12) by means of the vehicle-side transmitter (13).

[0064] The external central data processing unit (7) and / or the external receiver (12) can optionally process and modulate the warning and / or shutdown signal to be transmitted via the external transmitter (1) using this specific code in such a way that the vehicle-side receiver (3) and / or the vehicle-side central data processing unit (8), which are preferably also programmed with the user- or vehicle-specific code, accept these external warning and / or shutdown signals.

[0065] The vehicle-side components of the extended system, or of the vehicle, for example the vehicle-side, possibly sensor-like receiver (3), the vehicle-side central data processing unit (8) (evaluation unit), the vehicle-side input unit (11) and the vehicle-side transmitter unit (13), if present, may already be installed in the vehicle (4) at the factory or can be retrofitted.

[0066] The reactivation of a vehicle stopped by the procedure or the system can preferably only be carried out using a reactivation device owned by the police or carried by the police.

[0067] Alternatively, the reactivation of a vehicle stopped in the manner according to the invention can preferably be carried out solely by external and / or vehicle-side input of a police-owned code or a code carried by the police.

[0068] The vehicle to be secured (4) is, for example, a land vehicle, in particular a car or truck, and it is particularly advantageous to permit the use of certain roads or types of roads, in particular motorways, only for vehicles equipped according to the invention, in particular with a corresponding approval, certification or TÜV test.

[0069] In summary, it can be stated that the invention can prevent rampages and other safety-endangering journeys in advance, or end them considerably faster than is known in the prior art.

[0070] Thanks to the invention, the number of dangerous journeys and the associated accidents and, above all, personal injuries are significantly reduced.

Claims

System for the controlled immobilization of vehicles exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior while in motion, characterized in that at least some of the vehicles are equipped with a device (3) for receiving immobilization signals, that a vehicle exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior can be identified by its registration number, that upon receipt of an immobilization signal for a vehicle, a specific operating mode (B) is initiated for the vehicle, wherein the specific operating mode (B) includes a reduction in the vehicle's speed until the vehicle comes to a standstill. System according to claim 1, characterized in that an engine control unit of the vehicle is connected to a memory, wherein the vehicle's license plate number is stored in the memory and wherein the engine control unit can switch off the ignition of the engine upon receiving the shutdown signal associated with the vehicle's license plate number. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification mark is compared with a central database to verify the authenticity of the shutdown signal. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device for receiving shutdown signals (receiving device) can check whether the shutdown signal for the vehicle is authorized and authenticated and that only if the shutdown signal is authorized and authenticated is the specific operating mode (B) for the vehicle initiated. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle-side receiver(s) (3) are connected indirectly or directly and wirelessly or wired to one or more vehicle-side central data processing units (8) for evaluating the received shutdown signals, wherein the vehicle-side data processing unit (8) is designed in such a way that it can initiate a complete or at least partial reduction of the speed of the vehicle (4) by outputting corresponding control variables based on the incoming System according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reactivation of a vehicle stopped by the device can only be carried out by means of a police-proprietary code. Method for the controlled shutdown of vehicles exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior while in motion, characterized in that at least some of the vehicles are equipped with a device (3) for receiving shutdown signals, that a vehicle exhibiting potentially dangerous driving behavior is identified by its registration number, that upon receipt of a shutdown signal for a vehicle, a specific operating mode (B) for the vehicle is initiated, wherein the specific operating mode (B) includes a reduction in the vehicle's speed until the vehicle comes to a standstill. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that an engine control unit of the vehicle is connected to a memory, wherein the license plate is stored in the memory and wherein the engine control unit shuts off the ignition of the engine upon receiving the shutdown signal associated with the license plate of the vehicle. Method according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the identifier is captured by an OCR scan. Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the license plate is recorded taking into account a manual input, in particular by authorized persons, preferably police officers. Method according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the identification mark is compared with a central database to verify the authenticity of the shutdown signal. Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the device for receiving shutdown signals (receiving device) can check whether the shutdown signal for the vehicle is authorized and authenticated and that only if the shutdown signal is authorized and authenticated is the specific operating mode (B) for the vehicle initiated. Method according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the vehicle-side receiver(s) (3) are connected indirectly or directly and wirelessly or wired to one or more vehicle-side central data processing units (8) for evaluating the received shutdown signals, wherein the vehicle-side data processing unit (8) is designed such that it causes a complete or at least partial reduction of the speed of the vehicle (4) by outputting corresponding control variables based on the incoming Method according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the reactivation of a vehicle stopped by the device can only be carried out by means of a police-proprietary code. Method according to one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that the technical suitability of the vehicle for carrying out the method according to one of claims 6 to 12 is checked during TÜV inspections. Vehicle characterized in that it is equipped with a device (3) for receiving shutdown signals such that, upon receipt of an authorized and authenticated shutdown signal for the vehicle, a specific operating mode (B) for the vehicle can be initiated, wherein the specific operating mode (B) includes a reduction in the speed of the vehicle until the vehicle comes to a standstill. Vehicle according to claim 16, characterized in that an engine control unit of the vehicle is connected to a memory, wherein the vehicle's license plate number is stored in the memory and wherein the engine control unit can switch off the ignition of the engine upon receiving the shutdown signal associated with the vehicle's license plate number.

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