Safety guarantee for starting of vehicles with alarm devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a security method implemented in a means of transport, the means of transport comprising a startable powertrain, a communication module for transmitting and receiving messages via a channel, and an alarm device, the alarm device generating at least one alarm message when activated in the event of an attempt to attack and / or steal the means of transport, the at least one alarm message being used to be transmitted to at least one predefined communication device via the communication module. The method comprises steps (10-100), wherein, when the alarm device is activated, in the event of an attempt to start the powertrain, it is determined whether the alarm message can be transmitted, and in the negative case the start is prohibited.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to warning devices fitted to means of transport, optionally of the motorised type, and more precisely to the security of these means of transport when their warning devices are not functioning properly. Background Art

[0002] As known to those skilled in the art, some vehicles include an alarm device (sometimes called a "stolen vehicle tracker") responsible for generating, upon activation, at least one alarm message in the event of an attempted attack and / or theft of said vehicle, said at least one alarm message intended to be transmitted to at least one predefined communication device via an onboard communication module. Each alarm message may optionally include the current geographical location of said vehicle, determined by said alarm device or by a positioning device permanently mounted on said vehicle.

[0003] Activation of the alarm device may for example be caused by locking of the doors of the vehicle, or by receipt of an activation message, or by withdrawal of an (optionally electronic) starter key (or box).

[0004] To optimize the communication, the communication module usually comprises an external antenna (transmitter / receiver) which is for example fixedly integrated with an external surface of a part of the vehicle body. The alarm device is usually installed in a secret place of the vehicle or in a foot of the antenna, in particular when the foot accommodates an electronic map for controlling the transmission / reception.

[0005] A disadvantage of this type of alarm device is that it is of no use when the alarm message is not sent, even if the alarm device is activated. This is particularly the case if the alarm device and / or the antenna is experiencing a malfunction or malfunction, or has been removed or damaged by malicious acts committed during an attempted theft of the vehicle.

[0006] The present invention therefore aims to improve the situation. Summary of the invention

[0007] To this end, the present invention particularly provides a security method for implementation in a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a startable powertrain, a communication module for transmitting and receiving messages via a channel, and an alarm device, which, when activated, generates at least one alarm message in the event of an attempt to attack and / or steal the vehicle, and the at least one alarm message is used to be transmitted to at least one predefined communication device via the communication module.

[0008] The safety method is characterized in that it comprises a step in which, when the warning device is activated and in the event of an attempt to start the powertrain, it is determined whether the warning message can be transmitted and in the negative case the start is inhibited.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, it is now possible to determine whether the alarm message can be transmitted, and when the alarm message can be transmitted, the start of the means of transport is authorized because the communication device has been alerted, while when the alarm message cannot be transmitted, the communication device is not alerted and the start of the means of transport is therefore prohibited.

[0010] The security method according to the invention may include other features that may be used alone or in combination, in particular:

[0011] - during the steps of the safety assurance method, dedicated messages may be sent to the communication module and / or the alarm device, and in the absence of a response to at least one of these messages, the alarm message is considered not to be able to be transmitted;

[0012] - in the steps of the safety assurance method, when the transport means comprises a communication network connected to the communication module and the alarm device, the dedicated message may be sent to the communication module and / or the alarm device via the communication network, and the transmission of the response via the communication network is awaited;

[0013] - in the steps of the safety assurance method, when no response from the communication module and / or the alarm device is received during a selected first time period, the starting may be prohibited;

[0014] - In the steps of the security method, the first time duration may be between one minute and three minutes;

[0015] - in the steps of the safety method, the starting may be prohibited for a selected second time period;

[0016] - In the steps of the safety assurance method, the second period of time may end when the alarm device is deactivated.

[0017] The present invention also provides a computer program product, which includes a set of instructions, which, when executed by a processing unit, can implement a security method according to the type described above to ensure the safety of the start-up of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a startable powertrain, a positioning device for determining the geographic location of the vehicle, a communication module for transmitting and receiving messages via a channel, and an alarm device, wherein the alarm device generates at least one alarm message when activated in the event of an attempt to attack and / or steal the vehicle, and the at least one alarm message is used to be transmitted to at least one predefined communication device via the communication module.

[0018] The present invention also provides a security device for installation on a means of transport, the means of transport comprising a startable powertrain, a positioning device for determining the geographic location of the means of transport, a communication module for transmitting and receiving messages via a channel, and an alarm device, wherein the alarm device, when activated, generates at least one alarm message in the event of an attempt to attack and / or steal the means of transport, and the at least one alarm message is used to be transmitted to at least one predefined communication device via the communication module.

[0019] The safety assurance device is characterized in that it includes at least one processor and at least one memory, and the at least one processor and the at least one memory are configured to perform operations, the operations aiming to determine whether the alarm message can be transmitted when attempting to start the powertrain when the alarm device is activated, and to prohibit the start in the negative case.

[0020] The present invention also provides a means of transport, optionally a motor-driven type of means of transport, which, on the one hand, comprises a startable powertrain, a positioning device for determining the geographic location of the means of transport, a communication module for transmitting and receiving messages via a channel, and an alarm device, which, when activated, generates at least one alarm message in the event of an attempt to attack and / or steal the means of transport, and the at least one alarm message is used to be transmitted to at least one predefined communication device via the communication module, and on the other hand, the means of transport comprises a safety device of the type described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] - Figure 1 A means of transport is schematically and functionally shown, comprising an alarm device, a safety device according to the invention and a communication module coupled to a communication network, the communication module also being coupled to a communication device,

[0023] - Figure 2 schematically shows an example of an algorithm for implementing the security assurance method according to the present invention, and

[0024] - Figure 3 An embodiment of a safety assurance device for implementing the safety assurance method according to the invention is schematically and functionally shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In particular, the invention aims at providing a safety method and an associated safety device DS for safety during the start-up of a vehicle V comprising a startable powertrain GM and an alarm device DA.

[0026] In the following, as a non-limiting example, it is considered that the transport means V is of the motor type. The transport means is, for example, a car, such as Figure 1 The invention is not limited to this type of transport. The invention relates to any type of transport comprising an alarm device DA. Thus, the invention relates to land transport, ships and aircraft.

[0027] exist Figure 1 The above schematically shows an example of a (here motorized) vehicle V, which comprises in particular a powertrain (or GMP) GM, an alarm device DA, a safety device DS according to the invention and a communication module MC, which can communicate via a channel with an at least partially wireless communication network RC2, which is also connected to a communication device EC.

[0028] The powertrain (or GMP) GM is startable (by electronic control) and comprises at least one drive machine configured to provide or recover torque for moving the vehicle V. The (each) drive machine may be thermal or non-thermal. A non-thermal drive machine may be, for example, an electric machine (or electric motor), a hydraulic machine, a pneumatic (or compressed air) machine or a flywheel. A thermal drive machine may be, for example, a heat engine.

[0029] The communication module MC is configured to transmit / receive messages, optionally audio programs and / or video programs, to / from the communication network RC2, optionally to / from other communication modules, via a channel. These other communication modules may belong to other means of transport or to a server or infrastructure communication station. Thus, the communication may be carried out, for example, over short distances according to WiFi or LiFi standards, or over long distances, for example, by means of mobile phone standards (particularly 4G or 5G). Note that Car2X, CAR 2 CAR or Infra2Car may also be optionally implemented with WiFi-G5 or cellular technology (4G or 5G).

[0030] For example, and if Figure 1 As shown above without limitation, the communication module MC may include an external antenna AN and an electronic map CE for controlling the transmission / reception of the antenna AN. In a car V, the antenna AN may be fixedly connected to an external part of the car body, in particular to an external surface of the roof (or top), for example. Figure 1 The electronic map CE may be, for example, Figure 1 The electronic map is shown above as being housed in the foot of the antenna AN, but this is not mandatory. In fact, the electronic map can be housed in a box, which is for example integrated with the inner surface of the roof (or top) of the vehicle V (which is optionally located below the antenna AN) or integrated in the engine compartment of the vehicle V.

[0031] The alarm device DA is configured to generate, when activated, at least one alarm message in the event of an attempted attack and / or theft of the vehicle V for transmission via the communication module MC to at least one predefined communication device EC.

[0032] The communication device EC can be, for example, a server which belongs to the manufacturer of the warning device DA or to the manufacturer of the vehicle V.

[0033] Note that the warning message may contain data defining the problem to which the vehicle V is subject (e.g. an attack (or break-in) or a theft attempt) and / or data defining the current geographical location of the vehicle V. This geographical location may be determined by the warning device DA or by a navigation aid DAN permanently mounted on the vehicle V, such as Figure 1 The above is non-limiting.

[0034] Activation of the alarm device DA may be caused, for example, by locking the doors of the vehicle V, or by receiving an activation message (by a remote control or by a communication module MC receiving the activation message from the communication network RC2), or by withdrawing a (optionally electronic) starter key (or box). Deactivation of the alarm device DA may be caused, for example, by unlocking the doors of the vehicle V, or by receiving a deactivation message (by a remote control or by a communication module MC receiving the deactivation message from the communication network RC2), or by inserting a (optionally electronic) starter key (or box).

[0035] As described further above, the invention provides in particular a safety method for ensuring safety during the start-up of a vehicle V, more precisely of a powertrain GM of the vehicle.

[0036] The security method can be implemented (at least partially) by a security device DS, which includes at least one (for example a digital signal type (or DSP (i.e. "Digital Signal Processor"))) processor PR and at least one memory MD. The security device can therefore be implemented in the form of a combination of electrical or electronic circuits or components (or "hardware") and software modules (or "software"). The memory MD is randomly accessible to store instructions, which are used to implement at least part of the security method by the processor PR. The processor PR may include an integrated (or printed) circuit, or may include multiple integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or wireless connections. An integrated (or printed) circuit is understood to be any type of device capable of performing at least one electrical or electronic operation.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In the non-limiting example shown above, the security device DS is part of a computer CA mounted on the vehicle V. But this is not mandatory. In fact, the security device DS can be a device including an inherent computer. Usually, considering the importance of the security device in terms of the security of the vehicle V, the security device DS is preferably installed in a secret area.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown above in a non-limiting manner, the safety method according to the present invention comprises steps 10 - 100 , which starts when the alarm device DA is activated in sub-step 10 .

[0039] In this step 10-100 of the (safety assurance) method, when the alarm device DA is activated in sub-step 20 when attempting to start the powertrain GM, the (safety assurance device DS) determines in sub-steps 30, 40, 60 and 70 whether the alarm message (generated by the alarm device DA) can be transmitted via the communication module MC (more precisely via the antenna AN).

[0040] In the affirmative (thus when the warning message can be transmitted), the (safety assurance device DS) authorizes the starting of the drivetrain GM in a substep 50 .

[0041] In the negative case (thus when the warning message cannot be transmitted), on the other hand, the (safety assurance device DS) prohibits the starting of the drive train GM in a substep 80 .

[0042] It is understood that when an attempt is made to start the vehicle V while the alarm device DA of the vehicle is activated, the vehicle V is subjected to an attack and / or theft attempt detected by the alarm device DA, which then generates an alarm message that has to be transmitted to the communication device EC through the communication module MC. In this case, the invention is therefore able to determine whether the alarm message can be transmitted. When the alarm message can be transmitted, the start of the vehicle V can be authorized because the communication device EC has been alerted and, therefore, the vehicle V can optionally be tracked (or traced) thanks to the continuous geographical location of the vehicle provided by the alarm device DA. When the alarm message cannot be transmitted, the communication device EC is therefore not alerted and the start of the vehicle V is therefore prohibited.

[0043] Note that when the alarm device DA is part of the antenna AN (and therefore the communication module MC), it is possible to have the dedicated message transmitted only to the alarm device DA or only to the communication module MC, since when one of them is damaged or unplugged, the other is also damaged or unplugged. Conversely, when the alarm device DA is not part of the communication module MC, it is necessary to have the dedicated message transmitted to both the alarm device DA and the communication module MC, since one of them (usually the antenna AN in question) may be damaged or unplugged while the other remains intact, being hidden or inaccessible from the outside.

[0044] For example, in order to determine whether the alarm message can be transmitted, it can be performed as follows without limitation.

[0045] In this example, if Figure 2 As shown above in a non-limiting manner, in steps 10-100, (the security device DS) can send a dedicated message to the communication module MC and / or the alarm device DA in a sub-step 30, and the communication module and / or the alarm device must respond to the dedicated message. Then, in a sub-step 40, (the security device DS) can determine whether the response has been effectively transmitted. In the absence of a response to at least one of the dedicated messages, it is considered that the alarm message cannot be transmitted. In fact, it is considered that the communication module MC and / or the alarm device DA are not contactable and are therefore damaged or non-existent. On the contrary, in the presence of a response to at least one of the dedicated messages (or when both MC and DA are queried, in the presence of a response to the dedicated message), it is considered that the alarm message can be transmitted. In fact, it is considered that the communication module MC and / or the alarm device DA are contactable and are therefore operating correctly.

[0046] In the case of this latter option, in step 10-100, when the vehicle V comprises a communication network RC1 connected to the communication module MC and the alarm device DA, Figure 1 As shown above without limitation, the (security device DS) can send said dedicated message to the communication module MC and / or the alarm device DA via this communication network RC1. In this case, the (security device DS) waits for the transmission of a response to said dedicated message via the communication network RC1 of the vehicle V. It is understood that this option requires that the security device DS is also connected to the communication network RC1 directly or indirectly (for example, here via the computer CA).

[0047] The communication network RC1 equipped on board the vehicle V may be multiplexed. In this case, the communication network may be, for example, a CAN (“Controller Area Network”) or LIN (“Local Interconnect Network”) network.

[0048] However, it is noted that the transmission of the dedicated message and the transmission of the response to the dedicated message may be performed via a channel (eg, via WiFi or Bluetooth).

[0049] In order to avoid taking into account transmission errors of the dedicated message or the response, the dedicated message may be transmitted N times, where N>2. For example, N may be selected to be equal to three. In this case, Figure 2 As shown above in a non-limiting manner, when the safety device DS learns in sub-step 40 that it has not received at least one response to the dedicated message it has just transmitted, the safety device can increase the current value of the variable n (which represents the number of transmissions performed and therefore takes values ​​from 1 to N) by 1 unit in sub-step 60, that is, n=n+1. Then, in sub-step 70, the safety device DS can determine whether the current value of the variable n is equal to N. In the negative ("non") case, the safety device DS returns to execute sub-step 30 to transmit at least one new dedicated message. On the contrary, in the positive ("oui") case, the safety device DS executes sub-step 80, in which the safety device prohibits the start of the powertrain GM.

[0050] It is also noted that, in a variant, in step 10 - 100 , the (safeguard device DS) may inhibit said starting when it has not received a response from the communication module MC and / or the alarm device DA during the first selected duration d1 .

[0051] For example, the first duration d1 may be between one minute and three minutes. Thus, the first duration may be selected to be equal to two minutes, for example.

[0052] It is also noted that in step 10 - 100 , the (safeguard device DS) may inhibit said starting during a selected second time duration d2 .

[0053] In the case of this latter option, the second duration d2 may end, for example, when the alarm device DA is deactivated. Figure 2 As shown above without limitation, the safety device DS can execute sub-step 90 after having prohibited the start, in which the safety device determines whether the alarm device DA has been deactivated. In the negative ("non") case, the safety device DS returns to execute sub-step 90 after a while (for example after five or ten minutes). Conversely, in the positive ("oui") case, the safety device DS executes sub-step 100, in which the safety device authorizes the start of the powertrain GM.

[0054] It is also noted that the present invention also provides a computer program product (or computer program), which includes a set of instructions, which, when executed by an electronic circuit (or hardware) type processing component (such as a processor PR), can implement the safety assurance method described above to ensure the safety of the start-up of the vehicle V.

[0055] Also note that Figure 3 As shown above, in addition to the random access memory MD and the processor PR, the safety device DS may also include a large-capacity memory MM, which is used in particular to store responses to the special messages of the safety device, the current value of the optional variable n, the signal for activating or deactivating the alarm device DA, the signal for attempting to start the powertrain GM, and the intermediate data occurring in all calculations and processing. In addition, the safety device DS may also include an input interface IE, which is used to receive at least the response to the special message of the safety device, the signal for activating or deactivating the alarm device DA, and the signal for attempting to start the powertrain GM, in order to use these data in calculations or processing, optionally after shaping and / or demodulating and / or amplifying these data by means of a digital signal processor PR' in a manner known per se. In addition, the safety device DS may also include an output interface IS, which is used in particular to transmit the special messages of the safety device and the start authorization and start prohibition for the safety device.

[0056] It is also noted that one or more sub-steps of the steps of the security method can be performed by different components. Thus, the security method can be implemented by multiple digital signal processors, random access memories, large-capacity memories, input interfaces, and output interfaces.

Claims

1. A method for securing a vehicle (V), the vehicle comprising a startable powertrain (GM), a communication module (MC) for transmitting and receiving messages via a channel, and an alarm device (DA), the alarm device generating at least one alarm message when activated in the event of an attempt to attack and / or steal the vehicle (V), the at least one alarm message being used to be transmitted via the communication module (MC) to at least one predefined communication device, characterized in that: The safety assurance method comprises steps, wherein, when the alarm device (DA) is activated and in the case of an attempt to start the powertrain (GM), it is determined whether the alarm message can be transmitted, and in the negative case the start is prohibited, the vehicle also comprising a safety assurance device (DS), which sends dedicated messages to the communication module (MC) and / or the alarm device (DA), and in the absence of a response to at least one of these messages, it is considered that the alarm message cannot be transmitted.

2. The security method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the step, when the transport vehicle (V) includes a communication network (RC1) connected to the communication module (MC) and the alarm device (DA), the dedicated message is sent to the communication module (MC) and / or the alarm device (DA) via the communication network (RC1), and the response is waited for to be transmitted via the communication network (RC1).

3. The security method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In said step, said starting is inhibited when no response is received from said communication module (MC) and / or said alarm device (DA) during a selected first time period.

4. The security method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the step, the first duration is between one minute and three minutes.

5. The security method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In this step, the starting is inhibited during a selected second time period.

6. The security method according to claim 5, characterized in that: In said step, said second period of time ends when said alarm device (DA) is deactivated.

7. A computer program product, comprising a set of instructions, which, when executed by a processing unit, is capable of implementing a security method according to any one of the above claims to ensure the safety of the start of a vehicle (V), wherein the vehicle comprises a startable powertrain (GM), a communication module (MC) for transmitting and receiving messages via a channel, and an alarm device (DA), wherein when activated, the alarm device generates at least one alarm message in the event of an attempt to attack and / or steal the vehicle (V), and the at least one alarm message is used to be transmitted to at least one predefined communication device via the communication module (MC).

8. A safety device (DS) for a vehicle (V), the vehicle comprising a startable powertrain (GM), a communication module (MC) for transmitting and receiving messages via a channel, and an alarm device (DA), the alarm device generating at least one alarm message when activated in the event of an attempt to attack and / or steal the vehicle (V), the at least one alarm message being used to be transmitted via the communication module (MC) to at least one predefined communication device, characterized in that The safety device comprises at least one processor (PR) and at least one memory (MD), the at least one processor and the at least one memory being configured to execute operations, the operations being intended to determine whether the alarm message can be transmitted when attempting to start the powertrain (GM) when the alarm device (DA) is activated, and to prohibit the start in the negative case, the means of transport also comprising a safety device (DS), which sends dedicated messages to the communication module (MC) and / or the alarm device (DA), and in the absence of a response to at least one of these messages, considers that the alarm message cannot be transmitted.

9. A means of transport (V), comprising a startable powertrain (GM), a communication module (MC) for transmitting and receiving messages via a wave channel, and an alarm device (DA), which, when activated, generates at least one alarm message in the event of an attempt to attack and / or steal the means of transport (V), the at least one alarm message being used to be transmitted to at least one predefined communication device via the communication module (MC), characterized in that The transport means further comprises a safety and security device (DS) according to claim 8 .

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