Method for operating anti-theft alarm device for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an anti-theft alarm device for a vehicle, having at least one sensor device for monitoring a vehicle interior of the vehicle and at least one alarm means, comprising: emitting (110) an electromagnetic output signal by means of the sensor device; receiving (120) an impulse response to the output signal by means of the sensor device, the impulse response having a plurality of propagation time components, each propagation time component being characterized for a particular signal propagation time; comparing (130) the impulse response with a reference impulse response and determining a change (D) in the propagation time component with respect to the reference impulse response; a change value is determined (140) as a function of a change in at least one part of the propagation time component, in particular by means of an accumulation of the change in at least one part of the propagation time component, and at least one alarm means is activated (150) when the change value reaches or exceeds a predetermined change reference value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating an anti-theft alarm device for a vehicle, an anti-theft alarm device for a vehicle, a vehicle including an anti-theft alarm device, a computer program product, a computer-readable storage medium, and a data carrier signal. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, anti-theft alarm systems are used in vehicles. When a vehicle is parked or turned off, these alarms monitor the vehicle's interior and detect unauthorized entry or trigger an alarm in that situation. Anti-theft alarm systems typically use ultrasonic sensors, which are specifically designed to monitor the vehicle's interior and are not used in other vehicle functions. Integrating such an alarm system into a vehicle is disadvantageous in terms of manufacturing costs. Furthermore, it is known that these alarm systems may be prone to triggering false alarms, which limits the comfort of using the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to overcome at least part of the disadvantages described above. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating an anti-theft alarm device for a vehicle, an anti-theft alarm device for a vehicle, a vehicle including an anti-theft alarm device, a computer program product, a computer-readable storage medium, and a data carrier signal, which allow for the implementation of the anti-theft alarm device in a vehicle at a lower cost and / or effectively avoid false alarms from the anti-theft alarm device.

[0004] The aforementioned tasks are solved by a method for operating an anti-theft alarm device for a vehicle according to a first aspect of the invention, by an anti-theft alarm device for a vehicle according to a second aspect of the invention, by a vehicle including an anti-theft alarm device according to a third aspect of the invention, by a computer program product according to a fourth aspect of the invention, by a computer-readable storage medium according to a fifth aspect of the invention, and by a data carrier signal according to a sixth aspect of the invention. Other features and details of the invention are derived from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. The features and details described herein in relation to the carrier module according to the invention are also applicable to the carrier device according to the invention and / or to the carrier system according to the invention and / or to the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that disclosures regarding various aspects of the invention are always mutually referenced or can be mutually referenced.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for operating an anti-theft alarm device for a vehicle, the anti-theft alarm device having at least one sensor device for monitoring the interior space of the vehicle and at least one alarm mechanism, the method comprising:

[0006] - At least one electromagnetic output signal is emitted through the sensor device.

[0007] - The sensor device receives an impulse response to the output signal, wherein the impulse response has multiple propagation time components, and each propagation time component is characteristic of a specific signal propagation time.

[0008] - The pulse response is compared with a reference pulse response, and the change in the propagation time component is determined relative to the reference pulse response, particularly by the sensor device and / or control unit.

[0009] The change value is determined based on the change of at least a portion of the propagation time components, particularly by the accumulation of the changes of at least a portion of the propagation time components, especially by the sensor device and / or control unit.

[0010] - When the change value reaches or exceeds a predetermined change reference value, at least one alarm mechanism is activated, especially by the sensor device and / or control unit.

[0011] Within the scope of this invention, the method may be configured to be a computer-executed method. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that at least some individual steps of the method may be performed simultaneously, or that the steps of the method may be performed in a given order. Additionally or alternatively, at least some steps of the method or all steps of the method may be repeatedly performed. In particular, each transmission of the electromagnetic output signal may initiate a re-implementation of the entire method.

[0012] In other words, a method for operating an anti-theft alarm device is proposed, wherein the anti-theft alarm device has at least one sensor device for monitoring the interior space of a vehicle.

[0013] According to the present invention, an electromagnetic output signal is emitted by the sensor device. This output signal is at least partially reflected by an object in the interior space of the vehicle or in the external vehicle environment. The reflected signal is received by the sensor device as an impulse response to the output signal.

[0014] Here, the impulse response (CIR) comprises multiple propagation time components (Taps). These propagation time components should be understood as signal components of the impulse response, received by the sensor device with a time offset. This time offset is derived, in particular, from the sampling rate at which the incoming signal, especially a wave signal, is sampled in the sensor device. Different propagation time components correspond, for example, to reflections of the output signal from objects spaced apart from the sensor device. Each of these propagation time components is specific here for the signal propagation time. Furthermore, assuming the electromagnetic output signal propagates at the speed of light, each signal propagation time or propagation time component is characterized for the distance between the sensor device and the object that has reflected the output signal.

[0015] According to the invention, the pulse response is further configured, particularly by means of the sensor device and / or control unit, to be compared with a reference pulse response and to determine the change in the pulse response, particularly the change in the amplitude of the pulse response, relative to the reference pulse response, particularly relative to the amplitude of the reference pulse response with respect to the corresponding propagation time component. The reference pulse response characterizes a reference state in which no unauthorized access to the vehicle's interior space exists. The deviation between the pulse response and the reference pulse response can be inferred here that unauthorized access to the vehicle has occurred. Preferably, the change is determined specifically for each propagation time component.

[0016] A reference impulse response may be predetermined or stored in the data memory of the sensor device and / or control unit, for example, for a specific vehicle or a specific sensor device, particularly at the factory level. The reference impulse response may include a number of propagation time components corresponding to the impulse response, each of which is characterized by the same signal propagation time of the impulse response's propagation time components.

[0017] Furthermore, the configuration is such that the change value is determined, in particular, by the sensor device and / or control unit, relying on the change of at least a portion of the corresponding, especially all, propagation time components possessed by the impulse response. Specifically, the change of all propagation time components or only a portion of the propagation time components can be used for this purpose. Preferably, the changes of these individual propagation time components can be accumulated into a change value or a total change value.

[0018] Furthermore, the system is configured to compare the determined change value with a predetermined change reference value, and activate at least one alarm mechanism when the change value reaches or exceeds the change reference value. In other words, the alarm mechanism is activated when the change in the impulse response reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold (change reference value).

[0019] Within the scope of this invention, the at least one alarm mechanism can be activated only when the change value in at least two, particularly in chronologically received pulse responses, reaches or exceeds a change reference value. In other words, the method can be implemented with respect to multiple chronologically sequential pulse responses, and the at least one alarm mechanism can be activated only when the change value in multiple, particularly at least two, at least four, or at least ten pulse responses, reaches or exceeds a change limit value. Preferably, the mechanism described within the scope of this invention can be used for processing each pulse response.

[0020] The method according to the invention is configured to use at least one electromagnetic sensor for monitoring the interior space. This is different from using ultrasonic sensors, and also allows for the use of sensor devices required for anti-theft alarm devices in other vehicle systems, particularly those for access or use control within the vehicle. This reduces the number of sensing mechanisms required in the vehicle and results in a simpler and less costly vehicle design. Furthermore, the method is configured to trigger an alarm only when a change in value exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby preventing false alarms.

[0021] In particular, at least one sensor device can be configured to transmit an electromagnetic output signal and receive a pulse response to the output signal.

[0022] The change in the propagation time component can preferably be considered in terms of quantity so that the signal change can be detected regardless of its direction.

[0023] Within the scope of this invention, it is preferably configured that the method further includes the following:

[0024] - Specifically, by means of a control unit and / or the sensor device, at least one variation signal of a propagation time component is provided, particularly by aggregating the variation of the propagation time component determined by the responses of a plurality of pulses received sequentially in chronological order, wherein the variation signal characterizes the time-varying process of the variation of the propagation time component.

[0025] - Pattern recognition is performed for at least one reference frequency in the at least one varying signal to detect frequency components in the at least one varying signal corresponding to the reference frequency, and recognition results are provided.

[0026] - The operation of the burglar alarm device, especially its sensitivity, depends on the identification results, particularly through the sensor device and / or control unit.

[0027] Specifically, it can be configured to provide varying signals for multiple propagation time components, preferably for all propagation time components, and to perform pattern recognition for multiple varying signals, preferably for all varying signals. Alternatively or additionally, one or more reference frequencies can be considered within the scope of pattern recognition.

[0028] The data required for one or more changing signals can preferably be stored in the data memory of the sensor device and / or at least one control unit. For example, for each pulse response, a determined change in the pulse response and / or propagation time component received by the sensor device can be stored in the data memory, thereby providing a historical record of the propagation time component or the signal changing therein over time by recalling or evaluating this data.

[0029] At least one changing signal can be characterized, for example, for the time-varying process of the propagation time component over a time interval between 5 s and 60 s, preferably between 10 s and 40 s, and particularly preferably between 20 s and 30 s. Such time intervals have proven advantageous for the reliable identification of the motion of interfering objects exerted on the vehicle side within the vehicle's interior space.

[0030] The identification result preferably characterizes whether and / or in which varied signals at least one frequency component corresponding to a reference frequency is detected and / or which frequency components. Within the scope of the invention, a positive identification result should characterize the detection of at least one frequency component corresponding to a reference frequency in at least one varied signal. Conversely, a negative identification result should characterize the absence of such a frequency component in the varied signal.

[0031] It is recognized within the scope of this invention that the motion of a vehicle can be transmitted to objects within its interior space. If these objects include non-inert media (e.g., liquids, metallic or metallized objects), the motion of these objects within the vehicle's interior space can trigger significant changes in the propagation time component of an impulse response received by a sensor device. This can lead to the triggering of false alarms in burglar alarm systems.

[0032] Because the anti-theft alarm is activated when the vehicle is off or the interior space is unoccupied, the movement of these objects is always exerted through the movement of the vehicle. This could be, for example, oscillating motion applied directly to the vehicle from the outside or indirect movement of the vehicle based on external influences, such as on a ferry or train. Implementing pattern recognition in one or more changing signals enables the identification of motion exerted by the vehicle on interfering objects within the vehicle's interior space as such motion and adapts it to the operation of the anti-theft alarm, thereby avoiding false alarms.

[0033] Preferably, the provision of at least one variation signal of a propagation time component is performed by aggregating the variations of the propagation time component determined by multiple impulse responses received sequentially in chronological order. In other words, a historical record of the variations of the associated propagation time component over time is constructed using multiple impulse responses received sequentially in chronological order. This yields the time-varying process of the variations of the associated propagation time component as a variation signal, where each moment represents a specific impulse response.

[0034] Specifically, it can be configured to adapt the operation of the anti-theft alarm device to reduce the sensitivity of the anti-theft alarm device in the event of a positive recognition result. In particular, the reduction in sensitivity should be understood as adapting the anti-theft alarm device to the following: in order to trigger the alarm, it is necessary to detect strong activity in the vehicle interior space or to detect strong changes in the impulse response, and / or the decision on whether to trigger the alarm does not take into account, or only weakens, the movement of interfering objects in the vehicle interior space exerted on the vehicle side.

[0035] The invention can preferably be configured such that at least one reference frequency is the natural frequency of the vehicle. In particular, the natural frequency can be the natural frequency of the vehicle's mass-spring system. If oscillations are introduced into the vehicle from the outside, for example by the application of a human force, the vehicle oscillates at the natural frequency of its mass-spring system. Correspondingly, the natural frequency of the vehicle or its mass-spring system is also the oscillation frequency transmitted to objects or interfering objects within the vehicle's interior space. Considering the vehicle's natural frequency as the reference frequency proves particularly advantageous here.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, at least one reference frequency may be configured to be an external frequency, particularly one indirectly applied to the vehicle. This refers not to the direct movement of the vehicle, but rather to the movement of the vehicle's environment, in which the vehicle is positioned such that it moves together with the environment. Correspondingly, these movements are also transmitted to objects within the vehicle's interior space. An example of this is the transport of a vehicle on a ferry or ship, where the ship's undulations are transmitted to the vehicle.

[0037] Within the scope of this invention, it is preferably configured that the provision of at least one change signal and / or the implementation of pattern recognition are only performed when the change limit value reaches or exceeds a predetermined activation value. In other words, it is conceivable that the change limit value is compared with a predetermined threshold (activation value). If the change value reaches or exceeds the threshold, then the provision of at least one change signal or pattern recognition is performed.

[0038] If, conversely, the activation value is not reached, it is preferable to neither provide at least one change signal nor perform pattern recognition. This approach offers the advantage that the computational power required to construct at least one change signal or to perform pattern recognition is only invoked when there is reasonable suspicion of unauthorized entry into the vehicle. This allows for energy-efficient operation of the vehicle or protection of the battery.

[0039] The activation value can preferably be lower than the change reference value, or constitute an alarm threshold below the change reference value.

[0040] Within the scope of this invention, the provision of the at least one change signal and / or the implementation of the pattern recognition can be configured such that the change value reaches or exceeds the activation value only in at least two, particularly in impulse responses received sequentially in chronological order. In other words, the method can be implemented with respect to multiple, sequentially received impulse responses, and the provision of the at least one change signal and / or the implementation of the pattern recognition can be performed only if the change value reaches or exceeds the activation value in multiple, particularly at least two, at least four, or at least ten impulse responses.

[0041] Advantageously, the change value can be determined and compared with the activation value via a sensor device. Alternatively or additionally, at least one change signal can be provided via the sensor device. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to implement the pattern recognition via the anti-theft alarm device or the vehicle's control unit. For this purpose, the change signal provided by the sensor device can be transmitted from the sensor device to the control unit via a communication connection, such as a CAN bus. The necessary computing power can be centrally provided in this way. This approach has proven advantageous for the high energy efficiency of the anti-theft alarm device and for protecting battery operation.

[0042] The invention can also be configured such that when the changing value repeatedly exceeds the activation value with respect to multiple pulse responses received sequentially in chronological order, the adaptation of pattern recognition and / or operation of the burglar alarm device is suspended at least temporarily, particularly for a predetermined time interval. The reduced sensitivity of the burglar alarm device is then maintained for this predetermined time interval, and no further pattern recognition is performed, in order to achieve battery protection or high-efficiency operation of the burglar alarm device. This approach offers advantages, for example, when a vehicle is parked on a busy road and repeatedly put into motion by passing vehicles.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the implementation of the pattern recognition can advantageously include decomposing at least one changing signal into its frequency components, particularly via a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). In this way, it can be easily and efficiently determined that the corresponding changing signal contains a frequency component corresponding to a reference frequency. Decomposing the changing signal into its frequency components also allows for the subsequent provision of a cleaned-up changing signal with selected frequency components. For example, to construct a cleaned-up changing signal, the frequency component corresponding to the reference frequency can be ignored.

[0044] Furthermore, regarding the present invention, it is conceivable that the implementation of the pattern recognition includes the association of at least one changing signal with a reference oscillation or reference oscillation signal, wherein the reference oscillation or reference oscillation signal has a reference frequency. From this, the similarity of the corresponding signals can be inferred, and thus the occurrence of the reference frequency within the changing signal can be inferred.

[0045] Advantageously, the operation of the burglar alarm device can be adapted to include at least one of the following:

[0046] -In particular, by adapting the changing reference value in such a way as to a positive identification result, the sensitivity of the burglar alarm device is reduced, and / or

[0047] - In particular, by means of the sensor device and / or control unit, in the event of a negative identification result, the changing reference value is adapted in such a way that the sensitivity of the burglar alarm device is increased, in particular, increased to the initial sensitivity, or the sensitivity of the burglar alarm device is maintained.

[0048] Initial sensitivity should be understood here as the sensitivity present when no movement of an object within the vehicle's interior space is detected. To reduce the sensitivity of the burglar alarm device, it is preferable to increase or raise the variation limit value. Therefore, a stronger change in the propagation time component is needed to trigger the alarm. To increase the sensitivity of the burglar alarm device, it is preferable to decrease the variation limit value. Therefore, only a smaller change in the propagation time component is needed to trigger the alarm. In particular, the variation reference value, when previously increased, can be changed back to its initial value upon a negative recognition result to restore the initial sensitivity of the burglar alarm device. If negative recognition results are repeatedly provided, it is preferable to maintain the variation reference value corresponding to the initial sensitivity.

[0049] The adaptation of the changing reference values ​​can depend on the number of propagation time components provided for a positive identification result and / or on the number of detected reference frequencies. This allows for a gradual reduction in the sensitivity of the burglar alarm device, particularly as the number of propagation time components providing a positive identification result increases and / or the number of detected reference frequencies increases. This allows for consideration of the combined movement of vehicles and multiple interfering objects within the vehicle's interior space.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the adaptation of the present invention to the operation of the burglar alarm device may include the following:

[0051] -In particular, by means of the sensor device and / or control unit, at least one propagation time component is reduced in weight and / or ignored when determining the change value, and a positive identification result has been provided for the propagation time component.

[0052] Specifically, it can be configured such that, when determining the change value, the propagation time component that provides a positive identification result is weighted with a weighting factor less than 1, while the remaining propagation time components are weighted with a weighting factor of 1. Equivalently, the weighting of the remaining propagation time components can be increased while the weighting of the propagation time components that provide a positive identification result remains unchanged. In this case, an additional adaptation of the change limit value may be appropriate. Alternatively, the propagation time components that provide a positive identification result can be completely ignored when determining the change value. By reducing the weights or ignoring the relevant propagation time components, the sensitivity of the burglar alarm device can be reduced with respect to each propagation time component, and false alarms can be avoided.

[0053] Preferably, within the scope of this invention, the adaptation of the operation of the burglar alarm device can be configured to include the following:

[0054] -In particular, when determining the change value, the frequency component corresponding to at least one reference frequency is ignored by the sensor device and / or control unit.

[0055] In other words, it can be configured to selectively ignore the variation component in the propagation time component caused by the motion of interfering objects within the vehicle's interior space corresponding to the reference frequency. This way, despite the motion of interfering objects within the vehicle's interior space, the sensitivity of the anti-theft alarm device can be maintained in the relevant propagation time component.

[0056] Ignoring the frequency component or variation component corresponding to at least one reference signal in the variation of one or more propagation time components can be achieved, for example, by providing at least one purified variation signal, wherein at least one frequency component corresponding to the reference frequency has been removed from the basic variation signal. This can preferably be done by decomposing the variation signal into its frequency components (e.g., by FFT) and regenerating the purified variation signal while ignoring the corresponding frequency component.

[0057] The purified change signal thus illustrates the time-varying process of the propagation time components across multiple impulse responses, excluding the frequency components of the interference. If this is performed for all involved propagation time components, the purified changes for each impulse response can be provided again based on the purified change signal. The purified changes based on the impulse responses can again determine the change values ​​in the aforementioned manner, however, these change values ​​no longer contain frequency components corresponding to one or more reference frequencies or changes attributed to these frequency components.

[0058] Alternatively, the determination of the variation of the propagation time component can be configured to include the following:

[0059] -In particular, filtering the changes in the propagation time component by a high-pass filter, especially by the sensor device and / or control unit.

[0060] This can remove interference or noise effects and provide a higher quality signal.

[0061] Preferably, the reception of the impulse response includes demodulation and / or sampling of at least one wave signal input to the sensor device. Preferably, the wave signal is sampled at a frequency between 0.5 GHz and 2 GHz, particularly preferably at 1 GHz.

[0062] Each sample corresponds to a propagation time component in the impulse response. If sampling is performed at 1 GHz, i.e., at 1 ns time intervals, adjacent propagation time components are separated by a 1 ns propagation time difference. Assuming that the electromagnetic wave propagates at approximately the speed of light (around 300,000,000 m / s), this propagation time difference can be converted into the distance to an object through which the output signal is reflected. A 1 ns propagation time corresponds to a propagation length of 30 cm for the signal. Based on the outward journey of the signal to the object and the return journey of the reflected signal to the sensor device, this corresponds to a distance of 15 cm between the object and the sensor device.

[0063] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to an anti-theft alarm device for a vehicle, the anti-theft alarm device having at least one sensor device for monitoring the interior space of the vehicle, wherein the anti-theft alarm device is configured to operate according to the method of the first aspect of the invention. The anti-theft alarm device here provides the same advantages as already described with respect to the method of the first aspect of the invention.

[0064] Within the scope of this invention, the anti-theft alarm device may be configured to have a plurality of sensor devices for monitoring the interior space of the vehicle. In particular, at least two, at least three, at least four, or more than four sensor devices may be provided.

[0065] A preferred further configuration of the invention may involve at least one sensor device configured as a UWB sensor (UWB, Ultrawideband) or having at least one UWB sensor. This provides the advantage that the function of the anti-theft alarm device can be achieved through a sensor that is already present in many vehicles or can be used in other vehicle applications. Such a UWB sensor is particularly useful for locating keys or other ID transmitters, such as mobile phones, within the vehicle's interior space to enable access control or usage control within the vehicle, particularly keyless entry systems. Such a vehicle system can be implemented correspondingly using the sensor device incorporated into the anti-theft alarm device. This reduces the overall sensing mechanisms required for the vehicle, thereby reducing vehicle complexity and manufacturing costs.

[0066] To transmit an electromagnetic output signal and / or to receive a pulse response to the electromagnetic output signal, at least one sensor device may be configured to have at least one antenna. Alternatively, at least two separate antennas may be configured or used for both transmission and reception. Alternatively, transmission and reception may be performed using only one antenna.

[0067] Within the scope of this invention, at least one sensor device may be configured to repeatedly, particularly at equal time intervals, transmit electromagnetic output signals or repeatedly, particularly at equal time intervals, transmit output signals. In particular, the electromagnetic output signals may be transmitted, for example, at frequencies between 1 Hz and 50 Hz, particularly between 5 Hz and 25 Hz, preferably at least or exactly 10 Hz. Corresponding to the repeated transmission of the output signals over time, the reception of pulse responses may also be performed repeatedly over time.

[0068] Preferably, the sensor unit for detecting the external frequency applied to the vehicle is included in the anti-theft alarm device. Alternatively, the sensor unit can be located on the side of the vehicle or be present in the vehicle. The sensor unit can be configured, in particular, as an inertial measurement unit (IMU). In this way, the acceleration and motion of the vehicle can be detected, and the corresponding external frequency can be determined or provided. At least one sensor unit preferably has at least one accelerometer, particularly configured as a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor.

[0069] A burglar alarm device may preferably have at least one control unit. The control unit may preferably be configured to, at least partially, control the process of the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0070] At least one control unit and / or sensor device may have a mechanism for data processing. In particular, the mechanism for data processing may have at least one processor and / or at least one working memory and / or at least one, in particular, non-volatile data memory.

[0071] At least one control unit may preferably be, at least temporarily, in a signal connection with at least one sensor device and / or at least one alarm mechanism and / or at least one sensor unit. In this way, signals from, for example, the sensor device / sensor unit can be transmitted to and processed by the control unit, and the alarm mechanism can be activated by the control unit if necessary. This process can also be implemented directly through the sensor device, or it can be configured such that at least one control unit is integrated into or embodied in the sensor device.

[0072] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle having an anti-theft alarm device according to a second aspect of the invention. In particular, at least one sensor device of the anti-theft alarm device can be configured as a UWB sensor. Alternatively or additionally, at least one sensor device of the anti-theft alarm device can be configured in the vehicle to implement a vehicle system for access control or use control, particularly a keyless entry system. By using electromagnetic sensors, the integration of the anti-theft alarm device into the vehicle can be achieved at a lower cost and more efficiently, as the use of dedicated sensor devices can be avoided.

[0073] Preferably, it is also conceivable that at least one sensor device of the anti-theft alarm system is disposed in or on the roof lining of the vehicle. This provides the advantage that the sensor device will not be unintentionally obstructed by objects placed within the vehicle's interior space.

[0074] Within the scope of this invention, it is preferable that the anti-theft alarm device and / or vehicle have at least one alarm mechanism. The at least one alarm mechanism may be configured as a visual alarm mechanism or configured to emit a visual alarm signal. A visual alarm mechanism may, for example, be configured as a vehicle lighting device, particularly as a headlight, flasher, taillight, interior lighting, or the like. Activating the visual alarm mechanism may, for example, include activating the vehicle's hazard lights. Additionally or alternatively, within the scope of this invention, at least one alarm mechanism may be configured as an acoustic alarm mechanism or configured to emit an acoustic alarm signal. An acoustic alarm mechanism may, for example, be configured as a vehicle horn or a loudspeaker for emitting an acoustic alarm signal.

[0075] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions that cause an anti-theft alarm device according to a second aspect of the invention to implement a method according to a first aspect of the invention. The computer program product according to the invention provides the same advantages as those described regarding the method according to the invention and / or the anti-theft alarm device according to the invention and / or the vehicle according to the invention.

[0076] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium wherein a computer program product according to a fourth aspect of the invention is stored on the computer-readable storage medium. The same advantages described herein apply to the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention as those applied to the method according to the invention and / or the burglar alarm device according to the invention and / or the vehicle according to the invention and / or the computer program product according to the invention.

[0077] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a data carrier signal, wherein the data carrier signal transmits a computer program product according to a fourth aspect of the present invention. The same advantages are described herein regarding the data carrier signal according to the present invention and / or the burglar alarm device according to the present invention and / or the vehicle according to the present invention and / or the computer program product according to the present invention and / or the computer-readable storage medium according to the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which various embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Features mentioned herein in the claims and specification may be important to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0079] The invention will now be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0080] Figure 1 A schematic view of one method is shown;

[0081] Figure 2 A schematic view of a burglar alarm device is shown;

[0082] Figure 3 A schematic view of the vehicle is shown;

[0083] Figure 4 A schematic view showing the change in the impulse response over time and...

[0084] Figure 5 A schematic view showing the change in the propagation time component of the signal.

[0085] The same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments in the figures. Detailed Implementation

[0086] Figure 1 A schematic view is shown of a method 100 for operating an anti-theft alarm device 200 for a vehicle 300, the anti-theft alarm device having at least one sensor device 201 for monitoring the interior space 301 of the vehicle 300 and at least one alarm mechanism 202, the method 100 comprising:

[0087] - The sensor device 201 emits an electromagnetic output signal of 110.

[0088] - The sensor device 201 receives the pulse response of the output signal to the sensor 120, wherein the pulse response has multiple propagation time components LK, and each propagation time component LK is characteristic of a specific signal propagation time.

[0089] - Compare the impulse response with a reference impulse response 130 and determine the change D of the propagation time component LK relative to the reference impulse response.

[0090] - The change value of 140 is determined based on at least a portion of the change in the propagation time component LK, particularly through the accumulation of at least a portion of the change in the propagation time component LK, and

[0091] - When the change value reaches or exceeds a predetermined change reference value, at least one alarm mechanism is activated.

[0092] Figure 2 A schematic view of an anti-theft alarm device 200 for vehicle 300 is shown, the anti-theft alarm device having at least one sensor device 201 for monitoring the interior space 301 of the vehicle 300. The anti-theft alarm device 200 is configured to operate according to the method 100 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0093] The anti-theft alarm device further includes a control unit 203 for controlling the anti-theft alarm device 200 and an alarm mechanism 202 that can be activated or deactivated by the control unit 203. Additionally, the anti-theft alarm device 200 includes a sensor unit 204 for detecting external frequencies applied to the vehicle 300. Alternatively or additionally, at least one alarm mechanism 202 and / or at least one sensor unit 204 may also be provided on the vehicle side.

[0094] Figure 3 A schematic view of a vehicle 300 is also shown, the vehicle having an anti-theft alarm device 200 according to a second aspect of the invention. Two sensor devices 201 of the anti-theft alarm device 200 for monitoring the interior space 301 of the vehicle 300 are currently shown. The sensor devices 201 are disposed in or on the roof lining of the vehicle 300.

[0095] Figure 4 A schematic view is shown of the change D of the pulse response relative to a reference pulse response recorded with respect to time T, wherein the pulse response is received by sensor device 201 in response to electromagnetic output signals emitted successively over time. Different pulse responses or their corresponding changes D relative to the reference pulse response are recorded here with respect to time T. The change D of the pulse response consists of the change of the propagation time component LK of each pulse response.

[0096] Depend on Figure 4 It can be seen that there exists a first region B1 and a second region B2, in which periodic variations with respect to a series of impulse responses can be observed in at least a portion of the propagation time components. These variations are currently generated by oscillating motion applied to the vehicle 300, wherein the frequency of these periodic variations corresponds to the natural frequency of the mass-spring system of the vehicle 300.

[0097] Figure 5 This illustrates the schematic change process of the changing signal DS, which is based on... Figure 4 The data shown in the figure extracts and characterizes the process of variation of the propagation time component LK with respect to multiple impulse responses or time T.

[0098] Knowing the natural frequency of the mass spring system of vehicle 300, it is possible to determine the frequency of the spring system. Figure 5 The variation signal DS shown in the figure is used to perform pattern recognition in order to determine the frequency component in the variation signal DS that corresponds to the inherent frequency as the reference frequency.

[0099] Based on this, the operation of the burglar alarm device 200 can be adapted, especially the sensitivity of the burglar alarm device.

[0100] The foregoing explanation of the embodiments is merely illustrative of the invention. Of course, the various features of the embodiments can be freely combined with each other as long as technically suitable, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0101] List of reference numerals

[0102] 100 methods

[0103] 110 launch

[0104] 120 received

[0105] 130 comparison

[0106] 140 confirmed

[0107] 150 activation

[0108] 200 burglar alarm equipment

[0109] 201 Sensor Device

[0110] 202 Alarm Agency

[0111] 203 Control Unit

[0112] 204 sensor units

[0113] 300 vehicles

[0114] Interior space of vehicle 301

[0115] LK propagation time component

[0116] B1 First Area

[0117] B2 Second Zone

[0118] D Change

[0119] T time

Claims

1. A method (100) for operating an anti-theft alarm device (200) for a vehicle (300), the anti-theft alarm device having at least one sensor device (201) for monitoring the interior space (301) of the vehicle (300), the method (100) comprising: -At least one electromagnetic output signal is emitted (110) by the sensor device (201), - The sensor device (201) receives (120) the impulse response to the output signal, wherein the impulse response has multiple propagation time components (LK), wherein each propagation time component (LK) is characteristic for a specific signal propagation time. - Compare the impulse response with a reference impulse response (130) and determine the change (D) of the propagation time component (LK) relative to the reference impulse response. - The change value (140) is determined based on the change of at least a portion of the propagation time component (LK), and in particular by the accumulation of the changes of at least a portion of the propagation time component (LK). - When the change value reaches or exceeds a predetermined change reference value, activate (150) at least one alarm mechanism.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, In addition, it includes: - Provide at least one variation signal (DS) of the propagation time component (LK), wherein the variation signal (DS) characterizes the change (D) of the propagation time component (LK) over time. - Pattern recognition is performed on at least one reference frequency in the at least one varied signal (DS) to detect frequency components corresponding to the reference frequency in the at least one varied signal (DS), and recognition results are provided. - The operation of the burglar alarm device (200) is adapted based on the identification results.

3. The method (100) according to claim 2. Its features are, At least one reference frequency is the inherent frequency of the vehicle (300) and / or at least one reference frequency is an external frequency applied to the vehicle (300). And / or at least one reference frequency is an external frequency applied to the vehicle (300).

4. The method (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 3. Its features are, The provision of at least one change signal and / or the implementation of pattern recognition are only performed when the change limit value reaches or exceeds a predetermined activation value.

5. The method (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4. Its features are, The implementation of the pattern recognition includes, in particular, decomposing at least one changing signal (DS) into frequency components of the changing signal by fast Fourier transform and / or associating at least one changing signal (DS) with a reference oscillation having the reference frequency.

6. The method (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5. Its features are, The adaptation for the operation of the burglar alarm device (200) includes at least one of the following: - Adapt the changed reference value to a positive identification result, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the burglar alarm device and / or When a negative identification result is obtained, the changed reference value is adapted to improve the sensitivity of the burglar alarm device, in particular to the initial sensitivity or to maintain the sensitivity of the burglar alarm device.

7. The method (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6. Its features are, The adaptation for the operation of the burglar alarm device (200) includes the following: -In particular, by means of the sensor device and / or control unit, when determining the change value of (140), at least one propagation time component (LK) is reduced in weight and / or ignored, for which a positive identification result has been provided.

8. The method (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7. Its features are, The adaptation for the operation of the burglar alarm device (200) includes the following: - When determining the change value of (140), the frequency component corresponding to the at least one reference frequency is ignored.

9. An anti-theft alarm device (200) for a vehicle (300), the anti-theft alarm device having at least one sensor device (201) for monitoring the interior space (301) of the vehicle (300), wherein, The burglar alarm device (200) is configured to operate in accordance with the method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The burglar alarm device (200) according to the preceding claim. Its features are, At least one sensor device (201) is configured as a UWB sensor.

11. The burglar alarm device (200) according to the preceding claim. Its features are, Includes at least one sensor unit (204) for detecting an external frequency applied to the vehicle (300).

12. A vehicle (300) comprising an anti-theft alarm device (200) according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. A computer program product comprising instructions that cause the burglar alarm device (200) according to any one of claims 9 to 11 to perform the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

14. A computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program product according to the preceding claim is stored.

15. A data carrier signal, wherein the data carrier signal transmits the computer program product according to claim 13.

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