Angistar interference detection with in-vehicle cellular received strength signal indicator
By measuring and analyzing the strength and quality of the signals received by the vehicle and calculating the correlation coefficient, the false alarm problem of the vehicle anti-theft system in the weak signal area was solved, and the accurate identification of interference signals and the effective execution of anti-theft measures were achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411254631.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-07-18
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle anti-theft systems are prone to false alarms when encountering areas with weak signals, such as tunnels, mountainous areas, or rural areas, and have difficulty effectively distinguishing between interference signals and normal signals.
By measuring the strength and quality of the observed signal received by the vehicle, its correlation coefficient is calculated. When the correlation coefficient meets the threshold, an attempt is made to establish a heartbeat signal via the cellular network. If this fails, it is identified as an interference signal and anti-theft measures are taken.
It effectively distinguishes between interference signals and normal signals, reduces false alarms for theft detection, and ensures vehicle safety in areas with weak signals.
Smart Images
Figure CN121361428A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicles and, in particular, to a method for operating an anti-theft system of a vehicle to counter the use of jamming devices. BACKGROUND
[0002] A vehicle can have an anti-theft system that connects the vehicle to a back office that monitors the vehicle. The vehicle and the back office periodically communicate a monitoring signal. An intruder can attempt to jam the signal when stealing the vehicle. If the monitoring signal is lost, the vehicle can conclude that it is being stolen and take preventative action. However, in other situations, such as when the vehicle enters a tunnel, in mountainous areas, or in rural areas, the monitoring signal can also be lost. These scenarios can result in false positive detection of theft. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system and method for detecting a theft of a vehicle without generating false positives. SUMMARY
[0003] In one example embodiment, a method of preventing theft of a vehicle is disclosed. A strength of an observed signal received at the vehicle within a selected radio frequency band is measured. A quality of the observed signal within the selected radio frequency band is measured. A correlation coefficient between the strength of the observed signal and the quality of the observed signal is calculated. A heartbeat signal is attempted to be established via a cellular network when the correlation coefficient satisfies a selected coefficient threshold. The observed signal is determined to be a jamming signal when the heartbeat signal is not established. The vehicle is controlled to perform a preventative action for preventing theft of the vehicle when the observed signal is determined to be the jamming signal.
[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method includes calculating the correlation coefficient when the strength of the observed signal is greater than a strength threshold and the quality of the observed signal is less than a quality threshold.
[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method includes determining the observed signal to be the jamming signal when the correlation coefficient is positive.
[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method includes attempting to establish a heartbeat signal with a remote location when the correlation coefficient is positive, and performing the preventative action when the vehicle is unable to establish the heartbeat signal with the remote location.
[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the correlation coefficient is a Pearson correlation coefficient.
[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method includes determining the correlation coefficient using strength values and quality values within a moving window.
[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the preventative action is at least one of: turning off an engine of the vehicle, disabling engine ignition, initiating a video recording device at the vehicle, initiating an audio recording device at the vehicle, generating an alarm at the vehicle, and setting an upper limit on a speed of the vehicle.
[0010] In another example embodiment, a system for preventing theft of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a communication device and a processor. The communication device is configured to receive an observed signal within a selected radio frequency band. The processor is configured to measure a strength of the observed signal, measure a quality of the observed signal, calculate a correlation coefficient between the strength of the observed signal and the quality of the observed signal, attempt to establish a heartbeat signal via a cellular network when the correlation coefficient satisfies a selected coefficient threshold, determine that the observed signal is an interference signal when the heartbeat signal is not established, and control the vehicle to perform a preventative action for preventing theft of the vehicle when the observed signal is determined to be the interference signal.
[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the processor is further configured to calculate the correlation coefficient when the strength of the observed signal is greater than a strength threshold and the quality of the observed signal is less than a quality threshold.
[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the processor is further configured to determine the observed signal to be the interference signal when the correlation coefficient is positive.
[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the processor is further configured to attempt to establish the heartbeat signal with a remote location when the correlation coefficient is positive, and perform the preventative action when the vehicle is unable to establish the heartbeat signal with the remote location.
[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the correlation coefficient is a Pearson correlation coefficient.
[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the processor is further configured to determine the correlation coefficient using the strength values and the quality values within a moving window.
[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the preventative action is at least one of: turning off an engine of the vehicle, disabling engine ignition, initiating a video recording device at the vehicle, initiating an audio recording device at the vehicle, generating an alarm at the vehicle, and setting an upper limit on a speed of the vehicle.
[0017] In yet another example embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a communication device, an actuator device, and a processor. The communication device is configured to receive an observed signal within a selected radio frequency band. The actuator device is configured to prevent theft of the vehicle. The processor is configured to measure a strength of the observed signal, measure a quality of the observed signal, calculate a correlation coefficient between the strength of the observed signal and the quality of the observed signal when the strength of the observed signal is greater than a strength threshold and the quality of the observed signal is less than a quality threshold, attempt to establish a heartbeat signal via a cellular network when the correlation coefficient satisfies a selected coefficient threshold, determine the observed signal as an interference signal when the heartbeat signal is not established, and control the actuator device to perform a preventative action to prevent theft of the vehicle when the observed signal is determined as the interference signal.
[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the processor is further configured to determine the observed signal as the interference signal when the correlation coefficient is positive.
[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the processor is further configured to attempt to establish the heartbeat signal with a remote location when the correlation coefficient is positive, and perform the preventative action when the vehicle is unable to establish the heartbeat signal with the remote location.
[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the correlation coefficient is a Pearson correlation coefficient.
[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the processor is further configured to determine the correlation coefficient using the strength values and the quality values within a moving window.
[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the preventative action is at least one of: turning off an engine of the vehicle, disabling an engine ignition, activating a video recording device at the vehicle, activating an audio recording device at the vehicle, generating an alarm at the vehicle, and capping a speed of the vehicle.
[0023] The above features and advantages of the present disclosure, and other features and advantages, are readily apparent from the following detailed description, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] Other features, aspects, and details are described below with reference to the drawings. The foregoing information and the detailed description below can be understood in conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0025] Figure 1 is a diagram of an anti-theft system for a vehicle in accordance with an example embodiment;
[0026] Figure 2a block diagram showing various operations that can be performed by a processor of a controller;
[0027] Figure 3 is a graph showing signal parameters that can be measured to detect the presence of an interfering signal;
[0028] Figure 4 is a table of received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values and reference signal received quality (RSRQ) values of an observed signal obtained during normal communication of the vehicle;
[0029] Figure 5 is a table of RSSI values and RSRQ values of an observed signal obtained when the vehicle is interfered with; and
[0030] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method of detecting and responding to an interfering signal in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term module refers to processing circuitry, which can include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.
[0032] According to exemplary embodiments, Figure 1 is a diagram of an anti-theft system 100 for a vehicle. The anti-theft system 100 includes a vehicle 102 and a back office 104 or remote location. The vehicle 102 includes a controller 106 and a communication device 108 including a transmitter and receiver. Anti-theft monitoring signals, also referred to herein as heartbeat signals 112, are periodically communicated between the back office 104 and the controller 106. During normal operation, the heartbeat signals 112 include the vehicle 102 sending a signal to the back office 104 and the back office 104 returning a response signal to the vehicle. The heartbeat signals 112 can be encrypted signals and are transmitted at a given strength on a selected frequency band. When the back office 104 becomes aware that the vehicle 102 has been stolen, the back office 104 can send an anti-theft message to the vehicle to cause the vehicle to take precautions to deter the theft.
[0033] The vehicle 102 also includes a recording device 114 or camera that can record images outside the vehicle or inside the vehicle. The recording device 114 can alternatively or additionally be an audio recording device. The vehicle 102 also includes various actuation devices 116 that can be deployed to prevent vehicle theft using the methods disclosed herein.
[0034] A thief can attempt to steal the vehicle 102 using a jamming device 120 to disrupt the heartbeat signal at the vehicle 102. The jamming device 120 sends a jamming signal 122 that interferes with the communication (including the heartbeat signal 112) between the backend 104 and the vehicle 102, thereby preventing the backend from recognizing the theft.
[0035] The controller 106 can include processing circuitry (processor 110) that can include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combination of logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. According to one or more embodiments detailed herein, the controller 106 can include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when processed by one or more processors of the controller 106, implement a method of detecting a jamming signal 122 and controlling various anti-theft operations at a vehicle in response to the detection.
[0036] Figure 2 A block diagram 200 illustrating various operations that can be performed by the processor 110 of the controller 106 is shown. The processor 110 can operate various modules, including a telematics or communication module 202, a column lock module 204, a body control module 206, and other modules 208.
[0037] The communication module 202 controls the sending and receiving of signals between the vehicle 102 and the backend 104. The signals can be sent using various communication systems, including but not limited to Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, cellular, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X). The column lock module 204 can perform or conduct a steering column lock that prevents the steering column from rotating or at least hinders the rotational ability of the steering column. The body control module 206 controls various operations that can prevent the theft of the vehicle, such as preventing the vehicle engine from starting (or shutting down the vehicle engine if the vehicle engine is on). The other modules 208 can perform or conduct additional functions, such as sounding an alarm, limiting the maximum speed of the vehicle, activating a recording device, which can be a video recording device that records video and / or an audio recording device that records audio, etc.
[0038] Figure 3is a graph 300 showing signal parameters that can be measured to detect the presence of an interfering signal. Time is shown along the horizontal axis. Signal strength is measured in units of Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and shown along the right axis in units of decibels (dB). Signal quality is measured in units of Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) and shown along the left axis in units of decibels (dB). For illustrative purposes, time is divided into a first time period 302, a second time period 304, and a third time period 306. The first time period 302 occurs before a first time tl. The second time period 304 occurs between the first time tl and a second time t2. The third time period 306 occurs after the second time t2.
[0039] The graph 300 shows a first curve 308 representing the RSSI of the observed signal and a second curve 310 representing the RSRQ of the observed signal. During the first time period 302 and the third time period 306, normal communication occurs between the vehicle 102 and the backend 104. An interfering signal turns on at the first time tl, remains on during the second time period 304, and turns off at the second time t2. During normal communication (i.e., the first time period 302 and the third time period 306), the observed signal is the heartbeat signal with a relatively low RSSI (about -75 dB) and a relatively high RSRQ (about -10 dB). During the interference (i.e., the second time period 304), the observed signal is the interfering signal with a relatively high RSSI (about -30 dB) and a relatively low RSRQ (about -30 dB). A correlation coefficient between the signal strength (RSSI) and the signal quality (RSRQ) can be calculated to determine whether the observed signal is the interfering signal or the normal heartbeat signal.
[0040] In one embodiment, the correlation coefficient is a Pearson Correlation Coefficient, as shown in Equation (1):
[0041] Equation (1)
[0042] where r is the correlation coefficient, x i is the ith measurement of RSSI, is the mean of the values of x i , and y i is the ith measurement of RSRQ, is the mean of the values of y i . During normal communication, the correlation coefficient is negative. During the interference operation, the correlation coefficient is positive.
[0043] Figure 4 is a table 400 of RSSI values and RSRQ values of an observed signal obtained during normal communications of a vehicle. The first column includes RSSI values, and the second column includes RSRQ. The RSSI value and RSRQ value in the same row are obtained at the same time. As the column is moved down, the time increases. For purposes of illustration, a moving window of length n of time is placed extending backward from the ith time. The RSSI values and RSRQ values within the moving window (i.e., from i-n to i) are used to calculate a correlation coefficient for the ith time, such as by using equation (1). For the illustrative RSSI values and RSRQ values shown, the correlation coefficient is a negative value (e.g., r = -0.943879807).
[0044] Figure 5 is a table 500 of RSSI values and RSRQ values of an observed signal obtained when the vehicle is interfered. A moving window is shown. For the RSSI values and RSRQ values during the interference, the correlation coefficient is a positive value (e.g., r = 0.926736047).
[0045] Figure 6 is a flowchart 600 illustrating a method of detecting and responding to an interfering signal in one embodiment. The method begins at block 602 when the ignition of a vehicle is turned on. In block 604, a health check is performed on the communication system (i.e., antenna, communication module, etc.) of the vehicle. If the communication system fails the health check, the method proceeds to block 606. In block 606, the method continues to wait for a selected amount (e.g., 10 seconds) before the method returns to block 602.
[0046] Returning to block 604, if the communication system passes the health check, the method proceeds to block 608. In block 608, an observed signal is received on a selected radio frequency band, and the RSSI of the observed signal is measured. In block 610, the RSSI is compared to an RSSI threshold (i.e., strength threshold). If the RSSI is less than the RSSI threshold (i.e., normal heartbeat signal), the method returns to block 606. Otherwise, the method proceeds to block 612.
[0047] In block 612, the RSRQ of the observed signal is measured. In block 614, the RSRQ is compared to an RSRQ threshold (i.e., quality threshold). If the RSRQ is greater than the RSRQ threshold (i.e., normal heartbeat signal), the method returns to block 606. Otherwise, the method proceeds to block 616.
[0048] In block 616, the correlation coefficient is calculated. In block 618, the sign of the correlation coefficient is observed. In other words, the correlation coefficient is compared to a correlation threshold equal to zero. If the sign is negative, the method returns to block 606. Otherwise, the method proceeds to block 620.
[0049] In block 620, the processor 110 attempts to establish a heartbeat signal with the back office via the telematics or communication module 202 using the cellular communication channel through the cellular network. In block 622, the success of the attempt is monitored. The processor 110 sends an encrypted message and waits for a response. If a response is received, the heartbeat signal is healthy. If no response is received within a specified time period, the heartbeat signal is not healthy. If the processor 110 is able to establish a healthy heartbeat signal with the back office, it can be concluded that there is no jamming signal and therefore no attempt at theft. The method can then return to block 602. On the other hand, if the processor 110 is not able to establish a healthy heartbeat signal with the back office, it can be concluded that there is a jamming signal. The method can then proceed to block 624. In block 624, a preventive action(s) can be taken, implemented, or executed to prevent or deter theft of the vehicle. Exemplary preventive actions can include, but are not limited to, activating or sounding an alarm, disabling or preventing the vehicle engine from starting, shutting down the vehicle engine if the vehicle engine is already on, capping the speed of the vehicle, activating a camera and / or recording device.
[0050] The term“a” does not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denotes that there is at least one of the referenced items. The term“or” means“and / or” unless clearly indicated otherwise by context. Reference throughout this specification to“aspects” means that a particular element described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and can be present or can not be present in other aspects. Additionally, it is to be appreciated that described elements can be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.
[0051] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being“on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements can also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being“directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.
[0052] Unless specified to the contrary herein, all test standards are the most recent standard in effect as of the filing date of this application, or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standard appears.
[0053] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
[0054] While the foregoing disclosure has been described in reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the disclosure.
Claims
1. A method of preventing theft of a vehicle, comprising: measuring a strength of an observed signal received at the vehicle, the observed signal being within a selected radio frequency band; measuring a quality of the observed signal within the selected radio frequency band; calculating a correlation coefficient between the strength of the observed signal and the quality of the observed signal; when the correlation coefficient satisfies a selected coefficient threshold, attempting to establish a heartbeat signal via a cellular network; when the heartbeat signal is not established, determining the observed signal to be an interference signal; and when the observed signal is determined to be the interference signal, controlling the vehicle to perform a preventative action for preventing theft of the vehicle.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The correlation coefficient is calculated when the strength of the observed signal is greater than a strength threshold and the quality of the observed signal is less than a quality threshold.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: The observed signal is determined to be the interference signal when the correlation coefficient is positive.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: When the correlation coefficient is positive, attempting to establish a heartbeat signal with a remote location, and when the vehicle is unable to establish the heartbeat signal with the remote location, performing the preventative action.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The preventative action is at least one of: (i) shutting off an engine of the vehicle; (ii) disabling ignition of the engine; (iii) activating a video recording device at the vehicle; (iv) activating an audio recording device at the vehicle; (v) generating an alarm at the vehicle; and (vi) capping a speed of the vehicle.
6. A system for preventing theft of a vehicle, comprising: a communication device configured to receive an observed signal within a selected radio frequency band; a processor configured to: measure a strength of the observed signal; measure a quality of the observed signal; calculate a correlation coefficient between the strength of the observed signal and the quality of the observed signal; when the correlation coefficient satisfies a selected coefficient threshold, attempt to establish a heartbeat signal via a cellular network; when the heartbeat signal is not established, determine the observed signal to be an interference signal; and when the observed signal is determined to be the interference signal, control the vehicle to perform a preventative action for preventing theft of the vehicle.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein, The processor is further configured to calculate the correlation coefficient when the strength of the observed signal is greater than a strength threshold and the quality of the observed signal is less than a quality threshold.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein, The processor is further configured to determine the observed signal to be the interference signal when the correlation coefficient is positive.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to, when the correlation coefficient is positive, attempt to establish a heartbeat signal with a remote location, and when the vehicle is unable to establish the heartbeat signal with the remote location, perform the preventative action.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the preventative action is at least one of: (i) shutting off an engine of the vehicle; (ii) disabling ignition of the engine; (iii) initiating a video recording device at the vehicle; (iv) initiating an audio recording device at the vehicle; (v) generating an alert at the vehicle; and (vi) capping a speed of the vehicle.