Advanced alarm system for motor vehicle

Abstract

An alarm system for a motor vehicle (1) having a body (6) defining a passenger compartment (2) inside, the alarm system being equipped with: a proximity monitoring unit (16) configured to monitor the surroundings of the motor vehicle (1); and a processing unit (14) operatively coupled to the proximity monitoring unit (16) and configured to determine an early warning state when movement in the surroundings of the motor vehicle (1) is detected based on information provided by the proximity monitoring unit (16). At least one sensor assembly (12) fixedly coupled to the vehicle body (6) of the motor vehicle (1) so as to provide a detection signal as a function of a contact or touch to the vehicle body (6); the processing unit (14) is operatively coupled to the sensor assembly (12) and is configured to, after determining the early warning state, obtain a corresponding detection signal and execute a processing operation intended to identify a contact or touch on the vehicle body (6); and generating an alarm signal based on the identification of the contact or touch.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102024000022245, filed on 7 October 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This solution relates to an advanced alarm system and related methods for vehicles (especially motor vehicles). Background Technology

[0004] As is well known, motor vehicles are usually equipped with intrusion alarm systems.

[0005] This type of alarm system is volumetric and configured to monitor the interior of a vehicle (passenger compartment) to detect intrusion and attempted theft. Such systems typically rely on ultrasonic or microwave technology to implement this volumetric monitoring.

[0006] Other known alarm systems alternatively provide, or in addition to the volume monitoring systems mentioned above, anti-theft detection via accelerometers or inclinometers.

[0007] Some newly manufactured vehicles are also equipped with systems for monitoring the space around the vehicle (using cameras coupled to the exterior of the vehicle) to detect suspicious movement and trigger appropriate alarm signals (e.g., sending a notification to the owner).

[0008] While the current alarm systems are effective, they may not always be suitable for dealing with the ever-changing security threats faced by car owners. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This solution aims to provide an advanced vehicle alarm system that can more comprehensively address the aforementioned security threats.

[0010] For the purposes described above, this solution provides the following alarm system and method.

[0011] An alarm system for a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle having a body and an interior defining a passenger compartment, the alarm system comprising: a proximity monitoring unit configured to monitor the surrounding environment of the motor vehicle; and a processing unit operatively coupled to the proximity monitoring unit and configured to determine a warning state based on information provided by the proximity monitoring unit upon detecting movement in the surrounding environment of the motor vehicle, further comprising at least one sensor assembly fixedly coupled to the vehicle body and configured to provide a detection signal based on contact or touch of the vehicle body, wherein the processing unit is operatively coupled to the sensor assembly and configured to, upon determining the warning state,: acquire the corresponding detection signal and perform a processing operation aimed at identifying contact or touch of the vehicle body; and generate an alarm signal based on the identification of contact or touch.

[0012] In an embodiment, the close-range monitoring unit comprises a radar-type radio detection unit, the radio detection unit being configured to monitor the interior of the passenger compartment by means of a volumetric intrusion prevention function in addition to monitoring the surroundings of the motor vehicle.

[0013] In an embodiment, the sensor assembly comprises at least one first sensor element of piezoelectric type, the first sensor element being configured to convert vibrations generated by contact or touching of the vehicle body of the motor vehicle into electrical detection signals.

[0014] In an embodiment, the sensor assembly further comprises a second sensor element defining a microphone, the second sensor element being configured to detect and convert sound waves generated by contact or touching of the vehicle body of the motor vehicle into corresponding electrical detection signals.

[0015] In an embodiment, a plurality of sensor assemblies are comprised, the sensor assemblies being integrally coupled to the vehicle body of the motor vehicle and being uniformly distributed around the vehicle body.

[0016] In an embodiment, the processing unit is configured to identify unique characteristics of the contact or touching, including one or more of intensity, duration, pattern and position relative to the vehicle body, and to generate an alarm signal in dependence on the characteristics.

[0017] In an embodiment, the processing unit is configured to perform: activation of a visual alarm signal upon identification of a first type of touching; activation of a visual and an additional acoustic alarm signal upon identification of a second type of touching.

[0018] In an embodiment, the processing unit is configured to implement a machine learning based algorithm for identifying the contact or touching.

[0019] In an embodiment, the processing operation is intended to identify the contact or touching of the vehicle body of the motor vehicle in dependence on the detection signals acquired by the sensor assembly, the processing operation being enabled only upon determination of a pre-alarm condition.

[0020] In an embodiment, the processing unit is configured to implement a further monitoring intended to detect intrusions in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle while detecting the contact or touching of the vehicle body by the first monitoring unit.

[0021] In an embodiment, an internal monitoring unit is comprised, the internal monitoring unit being configured to implement a monitoring of the environment in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle; wherein the processing unit is configured to activate the internal monitoring unit upon detection of an intrusion in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle by the first monitoring unit.

[0022] In one embodiment, one or more peripheral environment monitoring units are further comprised, the peripheral environment monitoring units comprising respective cameras configured to capture the surrounding area of the motor vehicle; wherein the processing unit is configured to activate the peripheral environment monitoring units upon detecting an intrusion in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle and upon identifying a contact or touch to the vehicle body.

[0023] A motor vehicle comprising an alarm system according to any of the preceding embodiments.

[0024] A motor vehicle comprising an alarm system according to any of the preceding embodiments.

[0025] A motor vehicle comprising an alarm system according to any of the preceding embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The present application will be described with respect to the following drawings in which:

[0027] - Figure 1 A motor vehicle equipped with an advanced alarm system according to one embodiment in the present solution is schematically illustrated;

[0028] - Figure 2 A general block diagram of the alarm system;

[0029] - Figure 3 A car body trim panel "sensorized" by means of a respective sensor assembly is shown in a partially exploded view; and

[0030] - Figure 4 An operational flow chart performed by the alarm system according to an aspect in the present solution. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] As will be described in detail, an aspect of the present solution relates to implementing an advanced alarm system that seamlessly interfaces, complementarily integrates standard anti-theft solutions with innovative vehicle exterior monitoring and protection solutions.

[0032] The advanced alarm system not only detects intruders inside the vehicle, but also extends the protection range to the immediate surrounding environment of the vehicle. Thus, the advanced alarm system creates an invisible barrier around the vehicle, which alerts the owner (or other interested parties) of potential threats or dangers, even before the potential threats or dangers actually harm the vehicle. In other words, the advanced alarm system creates a 360 o The protection bubble, the advanced alarm system not only reacts to potential threats, but also predicts and prevents threats from occurring.

[0033] In particular, one aspect of the present solution provides for one or more sensor assemblies, which are integrally coupled with the vehicle and designed to detect contacts or touches to the vehicle body, and a control unit, which is coupled to the sensor assemblies and configured to process the acquired signals to identify the type of detected contacts and, in particular, to distinguish between legitimate contacts and potentially dangerous contacts (i.e. threatening contacts).

[0034] Generally, "touches" herein refer to direct contacts between an external entity and the vehicle body. Such contacts can differ, for example, in intensity, duration and / or kind. In particular, the external entity refers to a living being (human or animal) or a non-living being (object).

[0035] For example, the vehicle driver can represent such an external entity and achieve direct contact to the vehicle body by exerting pressure, tapping and / or rubbing (e.g. by the driver himself with his fingers). The external entity can also be an object or, when operated by a malicious actor, a theft tool acting on the motor vehicle body 1.

[0036] The alarm system is configured to implement algorithms to identify and classify the contacts or touches, with the aim of distinguishing between "benign" interactions of the vehicle (e.g. carried out by the vehicle driver or owner) and potentially dangerous interactions. By analyzing the characteristics of the contacts or touches (such as intensity, duration, pattern and / or position on the vehicle body), the system can trigger appropriate responses, ranging from sending a simple notification to the owner to active deterrence (e.g. sound and / or visual alarm).

[0037] Figure 1 A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle 1, is shown, which is provided with a passenger compartment 2 (configured to accommodate at least one driver and possibly one or more passengers), two front wheels 3 (belonging to a front axle) and two rear wheels 4 (belonging to a rear axle). At least one of the front and rear axles receives torque from a powertrain unit 5 (as shown in the example located at the rear) of the motor vehicle 1, which is of conventional, hybrid or electric type.

[0038] The passenger compartment 2 is defined by a support structure of the motor vehicle 1, which comprises a body or bodywork 6, which forms the outer shell of the support structure and is fixed thereto.

[0039] As is known, the bodywork 6 comprises a plurality of exterior panels 7, which are shaped so as to form the outline of the motor vehicle 1 and, as a whole, the aesthetic appearance thereof.

[0040] The term panel 7 specifically refers to the bodywork that covers the corresponding portion of the support structure. The panel 7 can be a laminate, i.e. it generally has a small thickness with respect to its width and / or height. The panel 7 can be rigidly coupled with the support structure, or, in a conventional manner, it can move with at least a first degree of freedom with respect to the load-bearing structure, for example a door, a bonnet or a trunk lid.

[0041] Each panel 7 has an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is directed towards the outside of the motor vehicle 1 and is shaped so as to form, generally in cooperation with the other panels 7, the aerodynamic and aesthetic appearance of the motor vehicle 1; the inner surface is instead directed towards the passenger compartment 2 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0042] Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 comprises at least one electronic control unit 8 (or electronic control unit, "ECU"), which, among other functions, is responsible for managing and controlling the general operation of the motor vehicle 1 and of its main systems, including, for example: the powertrain unit 5 acting on the torque output, the transmission, the brakes, possibly in cooperation with other drive mechanisms on board the motor vehicle 1.

[0043] Physically, the electronic control unit 8 can consist of a single digital processing device (microprocessor, microcontroller, etc.), or it can consist of several independent devices coupled together by communication, for example through the CAN network of the motor vehicle 1.

[0044] The motor vehicle 1 can also comprise additional control units, for example one or more Vehicle Control Units (VCU), dedicated to controlling and monitoring on-board devices / sensors.

[0045] According to an aspect of the present solution, the motor vehicle 1 comprises an alarm system 10 configured to generate the aforementioned 360 o shield around the motor vehicle 1 and to implement the advanced functions described above.

[0046] In particular, with reference to Figure 2 , the alarm system 10 comprises: one or more sensor assemblies 12, which are integrally coupled with the bodywork 6 of the motor vehicle 1 (in particular with the corresponding panel 7), as shown in Figure 3 , and are configured to output a detection signal (as shown in Figure 3exemplarily shown in Fig. 1, by a human hand) and a processing unit 14. The processing unit 14 is operatively coupled with the sensor assemblies 12 to acquire the respective detection signals and to perform suitable processing operations on these signals aimed at monitoring the safety of the motor vehicle 1.

[0047] In particular, the processing unit 14 can comprise a respective digital processing unit (microprocessor, microcontroller, FPGA, etc.) and a non-volatile memory in which information and processing instructions are stored to implement the above-mentioned processing operations. In a possible implementation, the processing unit 14 can be part of, or constitute, the above-mentioned electronic control unit 8 in the motor vehicle 1. Alternatively, the processing unit 14 can be a separate entity, preferably communicatively coupled with the same electronic control unit 8.

[0048] As Figure 2 shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the processing unit 14 is located in front of the passenger compartment 2, for example in the dashboard area.

[0049] According to an aspect of the present solution, each of the above-mentioned sensor assemblies 12 (as Figure 3 shown in Fig. 1) comprises at least one first sensor element 12a capable of converting the vibrations generated by a contact or touch to the body 6 into an electric detection signal. In particular, the first sensor element 12a is a piezoelectric transducer, which works on the principle of the piezoelectric effect, i.e. on the ability of piezoelectric materials to generate an electric potential difference when subjected to mechanical deformation.

[0050] In particular, the first sensor element 12a implements an accelerometer function, which can be advantageously manufactured using micro-machining techniques of semiconductor materials, exploiting Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS).

[0051] The adoption of piezoelectric technology is advantageous in ensuring high robustness while requiring only very low power consumption, especially when MEMS sensors are used (also considering the efficient management of the signal processing and classification chain, which will be discussed in detail below).

[0052] In an advantageous implementation, each of the above-mentioned sensor assemblies 12 further comprises a second sensor element 12b, of a different type from the first sensor element 12a, for example (but not necessarily) a microphone, configured to detect and convert into a respective electric signal the acoustic waves generated by the touch or contact to the body 6 of the motor vehicle 1. Such a microphone can be of the capacitive or piezoelectric type and can be advantageously manufactured using MEMS technology.

[0053] The advantage of employing two different types of sensors in the sensor assembly 12 is that it both reduces the false detection rate (e.g. the possibility of mistaking a pure acoustic stimulus for a contact or touch) and improves the performance in terms of classification of contacts or touches.

[0054] Advantageously, the alarm system 10 can comprise a plurality of the above-mentioned sensor assemblies 12, suitably (e.g. uniformly) distributed around the body 6 of the motor vehicle 1, so as to provide a substantially complete (360 o ) coverage of the entire body 6.

[0055] For example, and as shown in the above-mentioned Figure 1 , the alarm system 10 can involve the installation of a pair of the above-mentioned sensor assemblies 12 on each side (right, left, front and rear) of the body 6 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0056] The advantage of employing a plurality of sensor assemblies 12 is that it allows a more precise determination of the position of the point of contact or touch to the body 6 (information which can be useful for implementing advanced monitoring strategies).

[0057] In any case, the body 6 effectively screens and protects the sensor assembly 12, which is not visible from the outside of the motor vehicle 1 and is protected from the external environment. In other words, the sensor assembly 12 is arranged inside the body 6, so that the body 6 is interposed between the outer body (which determines the contact or touch) and the sensor assembly 12.

[0058] In particular, the sensor assembly 12 can be attached to the corresponding panel 7 of the body 6, for example being installed between the panel 7 and the support structure of the motor vehicle 1, or alternatively being directly included in the corresponding panel 7.

[0059] According to another aspect of the present solution, the alarm system 10 also comprises a short-range monitoring unit, in particular a radar radio detection unit 16 (operating at 60 GHz in a specific application), configured to monitor the inside of the passenger compartment 2 (with volumetric intrusion function) and at the same time to monitor the surrounding environment of the motor vehicle 1 (or the area or zone immediately adjacent to the surrounding environment), for example within a range of 1-1.5 m around the motor vehicle 1.

[0060] The radio detection unit 16 can be installed, as shown in Figure 2 , in a panel or housing on the roof of the passenger compartment 2, close to the front of the passenger compartment 2 (commonly referred to as "overhead compartment" or OHC). Thus, the field of view of the radio detection unit 16 both includes the inside of the passenger compartment 2 and the area of the immediate surrounding environment of the motor vehicle 1.

[0061] The radio detection unit 16 is conveniently and operably coupled (wired or wireless) to the processing unit 14 to exchange detection signals and control and configure the signals.

[0062] The alarm system 10 may also include an internal monitoring unit 18 configured to monitor the interior environment of the passenger compartment 2 of the vehicle 1 and the occupant status of the passenger compartment 2. The internal monitoring unit 18 can be conveniently installed in the passenger compartment 2, in a location adjacent to the radio detection unit 16, for example, in the area above the rear-view mirror (RVM).

[0063] The internal monitoring unit 18 is, for example, a standard RGB-IR camera that can operate in visible and infrared light and is operatively coupled (wired or wireless) to the processing unit 14.

[0064] The alarm system 10 may also include one or more surrounding environment monitoring units 19, particularly including a surround view camera configured to generate an area view of the vehicle 1, primarily to assist in parking and blind spot monitoring.

[0065] like Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the alarm system 10 includes two ambient environment monitoring units 19, which are installed at the rearview mirror of the vehicle 1.

[0066] The alarm system 10 may also include or cooperate with a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit (not shown here) or a similar satellite positioning unit, which is also operatively coupled to the processing unit 14.

[0067] According to one aspect of this solution, the processing unit 14 is configured to execute an algorithm to parse received signals from various sensors and detection elements (particularly from sensor assembly 12, radio detection unit 16, internal monitoring unit 18, surrounding environment monitoring unit 19, and GPS unit), process these signals in a joint manner (using "sensor fusion" technology), and generate a vehicle-level information set that can be used to monitor the safety of motor vehicle 1.

[0068] In these algorithms (which may include, for example, feature extraction algorithms, spectrum analysis algorithms, and "machine learning" algorithms), signals from various sensors (particularly from sensor assembly 12 and radio detection unit 16) play specific roles in the final monitoring results, working together to provide a robust safety monitoring solution for vehicle 1. Specifically, processing unit 14 is configured to trigger real-time notification and alarm actions by coordinating the processing of these signals to ensure the safety of vehicle 1.

[0069] Reference Figure 4The detailed description describes the operations performed by the processing unit 14 to implement the monitoring of the safety status of the motor vehicle 1.

[0070] In particular, as shown in block 20, the monitoring is activated when the processing unit 14 detects that the driver (or the key holder of the motor vehicle 1) has locked or closed the vehicle door (i.e. "door lock").

[0071] After the activation of the monitoring, the radio detection unit 16 first starts operating to implement the monitoring of the environment surrounding the motor vehicle 1, as shown in block 22.

[0072] In this initial condition, the radio detection unit 16 is therefore active, as is the GPS unit.

[0073] In particular, as shown in block 24, the processing unit 14 implements, through the radio detection unit 16, a proximity monitoring aimed at detecting movements in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 1. At this stage, the ("piezoelectric") sensor assembly 12 is off, as are the internal monitoring unit 18 and the environment monitoring unit 19.

[0074] In block 25, when a movement in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 1 is detected (which leads to a pre-alarm condition), the sensor assembly 12 and the environment monitoring unit 19 are activated, entering a phase in which the processing unit 14 implements a monitoring aimed at detecting a touch or contact to the body 6 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0075] In particular, it should be noted that the preliminary monitoring of the environment surrounding the motor vehicle 1 implies that the monitoring of the touch or contact to the body 6 of the motor vehicle 1 can be kept disabled until such monitoring is really necessary, thus saving energy (this feature is particularly important since the monitoring is usually required for a long time).

[0076] Concurrently with this monitoring, the processing unit 14 is configured to implement, at the same time, a further monitoring through the radio detection unit 16 aimed at detecting a potential intrusion in the passenger compartment 2 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0077] As soon as a touch or contact to the body 6 of the motor vehicle 1 is detected (as shown in block 26), the processing unit 14 is configured to implement, on the basis of the detection signal provided by the sensor assembly 12, an appropriate algorithm aimed at determining the type of touch or contact that has occurred (for example, according to the type, intensity, pattern or position of the contact), distinguishing in particular between a light ("soft") and a strong ("hard") touch or contact.

[0078] In particular, a "strong" touch or contact is an event having significantly greater intensity, duration or other distinctive features compared to the same features of a "light" touch or contact.

[0079] To this end, the processing unit 14 can execute suitable "machine learning" algorithms trained in an earlier phase. These algorithms can, for example, accurately classify the various types of contact, such as "touch", "scratch", "key", "collision".

[0080] When a light contact is identified, as indicated by block 27, the processing unit 14 determines a potential, but not immediate, dangerous situation, and can be configured to trigger a visual signal, such as a flashing turn indicator light, etc.

[0081] When, on the contrary, a strong contact is identified, as indicated by block 28, the processing unit 14 determines an actual and immediate dangerous situation, and can be configured to trigger a visual and acoustic signal, such as a flashing turn indicator light and a sounding horn and / or siren.

[0082] Furthermore, as indicated by block 29, the processing unit 14 is configured to send a notification to the owner (or other interested party) of the motor vehicle 1, e.g. by means of the connectivity system of the motor vehicle 1. These notifications can contain, for example, information about the event that caused the alarm and location information (obtained by means of a GPS unit) of the motor vehicle 1.

[0083] As mentioned above, while monitoring the touches or contacts to the body 6 of the motor vehicle 1, the processing unit 14 can advantageously be configured to implement an intrusion monitoring inside the passenger compartment 2 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0084] In particular, as indicated by block 30, when the radio detection unit 16 detects an intrusion, the processing unit 14 will activate the sensor assembly 12, the internal monitoring unit 18 and the surrounding environment monitoring unit 19. It will also activate the visual and acoustic signals.

[0085] As indicated by block 29 (and described above), the processing unit 14 is then configured to send an alarm notification to the owner (or other interested party) of the motor vehicle 1.

[0086] Furthermore, at any time, pressing the alarm disable button (or similar control means, e.g. implemented through an app on a smartphone or other mobile electronic device) on the key of the motor vehicle 1 will cause the alarm system 10 to enter a disabled state (as indicated by block 32), in which, among others, the sensor assembly 12, the radio detection unit 16, the internal monitoring unit 18 and the surrounding environment monitoring unit 19 are deactivated.

[0087] The advantages achievable with the present solution are evident from the above discussion.

[0088] In any case, it is again emphasized that the alarm system, by combining traditional volume monitoring with an advanced system for detecting and classifying touches or contacts to the vehicle body, overcomes the limitations associated with traditional alarms, thus achieving protection of the motor vehicle.

[0089] Advantageously, the touch detection system is "awakened" only when necessary, after a potential danger has been detected (such as the movement in the motor vehicle's surroundings referred to in the example discussed). This feature reduces the energy consumption of the alarm system, making it effectively comparable with traditional alarm systems.

[0090] The sensor assembly, based on piezoelectric operation, is able to detect the slightest touches on the motor vehicle body and accurately detect specific contact areas or positions (as well as the nature of the contact), thus providing important information for the safety monitoring of the motor vehicle.

[0091] Finally, it is specified that modifications and variations can be made to the solutions described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0092] In particular, it is emphasized that the solutions described can be advantageously applied in vehicles, without limitation as to the type of vehicle.

[0093] Furthermore, it is specified that the type and number of sensors used in the alarm system 10 can differ from those shown. For example, different types of contact sensors can be used, such as capacitive sensors or sensors based on other perception modes.

Claims

1. An alarm system (10) for a motor vehicle (1), the motor vehicle having a body (6) having a passenger compartment (2) defined inside the body (6), the alarm system (10) comprising: A proximity monitoring unit (16) is configured to monitor the surrounding environment of the motor vehicle (1); as well as A processing unit (14), operatively coupled to the proximity monitoring unit (16) and configured to determine a warning state upon detecting movement in the surrounding environment of the motor vehicle (1) based on information provided by the proximity monitoring unit (16). It also includes at least one sensor assembly (12) which is fixedly coupled to the vehicle body (6) of the motor vehicle (1) and configured to provide a detection signal based on contact or touch with the vehicle body (6). The processing unit (14) is operatively coupled to the sensor assembly (12) and configured to, upon determining the warning state, acquire the corresponding detection signal and perform a processing operation aimed at identifying contact or touch on the vehicle body (6); And generate an alarm signal based on the identification of the contact or touch.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the proximity monitoring unit (16) includes a radar-type radio detection unit (16), the radio detection unit being configured to monitor the interior of the passenger compartment (2) in addition to monitoring the surrounding environment of the motor vehicle (1) through a volume intrusion prevention function.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor assembly (12) comprises at least one piezoelectric first sensor element (12a) configured to convert vibrations generated by contact or impact with the vehicle body (6) of the motor vehicle (1) into an electrical detection signal.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the sensor assembly (12) further includes a second sensor element (12b) defining a microphone, the second sensor element (12b) being configured to detect and convert sound waves generated by contact or touch of the vehicle body (6) of the motor vehicle (1) into a corresponding electrical detection signal.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of said sensor assemblies (12) integrally coupled to the vehicle body (6) of the motor vehicle (1) and uniformly distributed around the vehicle body (6).

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit (14) is configured to identify a unique feature of the contact or touch, including one or more of intensity, duration, pattern and position relative to the vehicle body (6), and generate the alarm signal based on the feature.

7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit (14) is configured to perform: activating a visual alarm signal when a first type of touch is identified; and activating a visual and additional acoustic alarm signal when a second type of touch is identified.

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit (14) is configured to implement a machine learning-based algorithm to identify the contact or touch.

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing operation is designed to identify contact or touch on the vehicle body (6) of the motor vehicle (1) based on the detection signal acquired by the sensor assembly (12), and to activate the processing operation only after the warning condition is determined.

10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit (14) is configured to perform further monitoring aimed at detecting intrusion into the passenger compartment (2) of the motor vehicle (1) while the contact or touch of the vehicle body (6) is detected by the first monitoring unit (16).

11. The system according to claim 10, further comprising an internal monitoring unit (18) configured to monitor the environment within the passenger compartment (2) of the motor vehicle (1); wherein the processing unit (14) is configured to activate the internal monitoring unit (18) when an intrusion into the passenger compartment (2) of the motor vehicle (1) is detected by the first monitoring unit (16).

12. The system according to claim 11 further includes one or more surrounding environment monitoring units (19), the surrounding environment monitoring units (19) including corresponding cameras configured to capture the surrounding area of ​​the motor vehicle (1); wherein the processing unit (14) is configured to activate the surrounding environment monitoring units (19) after detecting intrusion into the passenger compartment (2) of the motor vehicle (1) and recognizing contact or touch on the vehicle body (6).

13. A motor vehicle (1) comprising an alarm system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A vehicle control software that can be stored in and executed by at least one processing unit (14) in a motor vehicle (1), said software, when executed, causes said processing unit (14) to be configured to implement an alarm system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. An alarm method for a motor vehicle (1), the motor vehicle (1) having a body (6) having a passenger compartment (2) defined inside the body (6), the alarm method comprising: Monitor the surrounding environment of the motor vehicle (1); as well as A pre-alarm state is determined after movement in the surrounding environment of the motor vehicle (1) is detected. This further includes, after determining the pre-alarm status: Identify the presence of contact or touch with the vehicle body (6) of the motor vehicle (1); and An alarm signal is generated based on the identification of the contact or touch.

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