Georeferenced energy degradation in vehicle theft

Abstract

Motor vehicle (1) with a control unit (3) which is operationally coupled to a device (5) for determining a current position of the motor vehicle (1), characterized by a storage device (7) that is operationally connected to the control unit (3) in which georeferenced information is stored that defines at least one area as a permissible operating area (BG1, BG2) for the motor vehicle (1), and thereby that the control unit (3) is operationally connected and configured with an energy management system (9) of the motor vehicle (1) when a current position (P1, P2) of the motor vehicle (1) indicates that the motor vehicle (1) is outside the permissible operating area (BG1, BG2), to execute a control intervention in the energy management system (9) which leads to a delayed breakdown of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the control intervention includes switching off a generator of the motor vehicle (1) so that the motor vehicle (1) remains operational as long as a battery of the motor vehicle (1) still supplies power.

Description

[0001] The invention relates generally to the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a motor vehicle whose recovery after unauthorized use is facilitated by means of georeferenced measures, and to a corresponding method.

[0002] From DE 10 2006 015 212 A1, it is known to use a navigation system installed in a motor vehicle in conjunction with an anti-theft device in such a way that, when the anti-theft device is activated, a radio signal is transmitted by means of which the current position of the motor vehicle can be determined. Within the framework of the anti-theft device, the navigation system is used solely for its intended purpose of determining the current position of the motor vehicle. The prerequisite for detecting unauthorized use, i.e., a theft, is the activation of the anti-theft device.

[0003] From DE 195 29 742 A1 it is further known to use an existing navigation device in addition to its intended use to supply location comparison data to the anti-theft device in order to detect possible unauthorized use of the vehicle based on a change in the vehicle's position between the location of the last parking operation and the location of a current start attempt.

[0004] The aforementioned measures are primarily aimed at preventing the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, for example, by means of an anti-theft device in the form of an immobilizer. However, a problem with this measure is that while the vehicle cannot be used, its location is made more difficult, if not impossible, by moving it to another location, for example, if the vehicle's transmitters have been disabled.

[0005] DE 197 25 669 C1 describes a method for immobilizing a vehicle when it leaves a permitted area. The system evaluates the current vehicle operating state and / or vehicle location to determine a safe immobilization location. The immobilization signal is only generated when the current vehicle operating state represents a safe immobilization location.

[0006] DE 42 24 536 A1 discloses a system for geographically defining the movement area of ​​vehicles. Signals received via satellite are converted into position coordinates within the vehicle. If the vehicle leaves a defined geographical area, an evaluation unit blocks the motors controlling the drive system and simultaneously transmits the current location to a control center. DE 195 08 370 C2 describes a method for securing vehicles against unauthorized use. Usage restrictions are set before the vehicle is used and stored in a central unit. A usage protection control unit checks for violations of a usage restriction. If a restriction is exceeded, at least one essential control unit is deactivated.DE 100 25 094 A1 discloses a motor vehicle arrangement in which the functionality of a key is limited in such a way that the engine is switched off as soon as a navigation system present in the motor vehicle detects that a predetermined geographical area has been left by the motor vehicle.

[0007] US 2005 / 0017855 A1 describes a virtual vehicle boundary system. It includes a method for activating a virtual fence for a delivery vehicle. The method involves detecting a protection event, determining that the protection event is an activation event, and activating a selected virtual fence based on the activation event.

[0008] US 2009 / 0243925 A1 discloses a method for geofencing vehicles, comprising: defining geographic subregions; dividing the geofence data into sub-geofences corresponding to the geographic subregions; generating attribution information; locating the vehicle in one of the geographic subregions; and limiting the determination of a geofence violation to a comparison of the vehicle position with the corresponding sub-geofence data of the identified geographic subregion.

[0009] US 2010 / 0148947 A1 discloses a method for configuring and activating a geo-fence boundary around an asset, wherein, upon detection of movement of the asset beyond the defined geo-fence boundary, the asset can be deactivated to prevent movement.

[0010] DE 197 47 921 A1 discloses a device for at least temporarily setting a prevent signal to prevent a vehicle from starting when leaving a predefinable permissible geographical area. The prevent signal is generated as soon as the vehicle leaves the permissible geographical area, but only prevents the vehicle from starting after the propulsion device driving the vehicle is switched off.

[0011] One possible object of the invention is to propose improvements to a motor vehicle by means of which it is made easier to find the motor vehicle in the event of unauthorized use.

[0012] At least one of the problems is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0013] Features and details described in connection with the motor vehicle according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the corresponding method and vice versa, so that mutual reference is always made, or can be made, with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects.

[0014] The core idea of ​​the invention is to use information about unauthorized use of the vehicle, such as a vehicle theft signaled by an anti-theft alarm or immobilizer, for a georeferenced control intervention. This intervention can, for example, be integrated into the operating strategy of the vehicle's energy management system, causing the vehicle to be rendered inoperable after a time delay within a predetermined geographic area, i.e., deliberately left stranded in a georeferenced manner. By deliberately leaving the vehicle stranded in predetermined areas with higher traffic volumes or that are populated, the recovery of the vehicle can be facilitated.Alternatively or additionally, the control intervention can provide that, in the event of detected unauthorized use, for example with the vehicle's lighting equipment, georeferenced signals are issued to improve the vehicle's visibility and traceability. As a result, the invention achieves better vehicle visibility and thus supports the recovery of the vehicle or assists law enforcement agencies, such as the police, in the recovery of stolen vehicles.

[0015] A motor vehicle according to the invention comprises at least: a control unit operationally coupled to a device for determining the current position of the motor vehicle, and a storage device operationally connected to the control unit in which georeferenced information is stored that defines at least one area as the permissible operating area for the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the control unit is operationally connected to an energy management system of the motor vehicle and is configured to execute a control intervention in the energy management system when the current position of the motor vehicle indicates that the motor vehicle is outside the permissible operating area. This intervention results in a delayed shutdown of the motor vehicle. The control intervention includes switching off a generator of the motor vehicle so that the motor vehicle remains operational as long as a battery of the motor vehicle still supplies power.

[0016] This ensures that if the vehicle is removed without authorization from a permitted operating area, it will remain stationary, i.e., the probability that the vehicle will be left stranded on a public road is increased, and consequently, the vehicle's recoverability is improved.

[0017] The georeferenced information can further define one or more areas as target areas (for the breakdown according to the invention) outside the permissible operating area. The control unit can be further configured to execute the control intervention only when the current position of the vehicle indicates that the vehicle is located in such a target area. Preferably, the target areas are those areas that are subject to increased security forces. These can be roads with high traffic volume, the vicinity of police stations, or public buildings with a heightened security presence.

[0018] This ensures that a decommissioned motor vehicle georeferenced according to the invention can be located more quickly.

[0019] The georeference information used to define an area can be at least one of the following: geographic location or area data, a defined distance to a reference point, location points defining a boundary line, or the like.

[0020] In an advantageous advanced configuration, the control unit can be further set up to update and manage georeferenced information based on an authorized vehicle usage profile. This ensures that the permitted operating area dynamically comprises essentially only locations within the authorized user's current usage profile. In other words, the georeferenced information is updated based on the vehicle's usage profile, so the permitted operating area is essentially defined by the locations within the authorized usage profile and their surrounding area, defined by a tolerance range. For example, for delivery vans, the georeferenced information could include data from a typical route, potentially with tolerance ranges for necessary responses to current traffic conditions. As soon as the vehicle deviates from such a defined route, the georeferenced actions are triggered.

[0021] In a particularly advantageous further development or alternative solution, it is provided that the control unit is further coupled with the vehicle's lighting equipment. The control unit can then be configured, if the vehicle's current position indicates that it is outside the permitted operating area, to trigger at least one predetermined signaling function, either as an alternative or in addition to the intervention in the energy management system, in particular to display light signals that deviate from the intended use of the vehicle's lighting equipment.

[0022] Such light signals can be generated, for example, using the vehicle's light sources, which are used in a manner deviating from their intended purpose to increase visibility. For instance, a turn signal and only the right headlight and / or only the left fog light could be combined to emit predetermined light signals to assist emergency services in identifying the vehicle. Such light signals can also be automatically evaluated and detected by surveillance cameras.

[0023] The device for determining the current position of the motor vehicle may be at least one device permanently integrated into the motor vehicle or operationally coupled to the motor vehicle from the group consisting of: vehicle-integrated navigation device, external mobile navigation device, mobile phone with navigation device, device for image processing-based location / town sign recognition, device for location determination based on signals transmitted by mobile networks, device for location determination based on signals transmitted by broadcasting services.

[0024] In accordance with the above-explained descriptions of motor vehicles according to the invention, the problem is also solved by a corresponding method.

[0025] An inventive method for controlling a georeferenced control intervention in an energy management system of a motor vehicle comprises: determining a current position of the motor vehicle; comparing the current position with georeferenced information that defines at least one permissible operating area for the motor vehicle; and if the result of the comparison shows that the motor vehicle is outside the permissible operating area, executing a control intervention in the energy management system that leads to a delayed breakdown of the motor vehicle.

[0026] The control intervention includes switching off a generator of the motor vehicle, so that the motor vehicle remains operational as long as a battery of the motor vehicle still supplies power.

[0027] Additionally, the control intervention can involve the immediate degradation of predetermined electrical consumers in the vehicle. Preferably, such electrical functions of the vehicle that are not safety-relevant are immediately deactivated. These could be, for example, functions provided by devices integrated into the vehicle, such as a navigation system, a mobile phone, or a heater.

[0028] In addition to intervening in the energy management system, the procedure may include: executing signaling functions, in particular in the form of predetermined light patterns that deviate from the intended use of the vehicle's lighting equipment.

[0029] The invention is particularly suitable for leased, car-sharing, rental, and company vehicles, but is also fundamentally suitable for private vehicles.

[0030] In addition to the described improvement in the recoverability of an unauthorized vehicle that has been stolen or taken, further advantages of the invention lie in its cost-effectiveness, since the hardware necessary for implementation is already present in most modern vehicles, especially in high-priced models that are particularly vulnerable to theft, and therefore the invention can essentially be supplemented by simply implementing the corresponding functions in the software.

[0031] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Likewise, the features mentioned above and those listed further here can be used individually or in any combination. Functionally similar or identical parts or components are sometimes provided with the same reference numerals. The terms "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" used in the description of the exemplary embodiments refer to the drawings in an orientation with normally legible figure labels or reference numerals.The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather as examples for the description of the invention. Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle according to the invention; and Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the execution of the georeferenced information according to the invention and its determination.

[0032] The invention is described in detail below with reference to the figures. This detailed description is intended for the information of those skilled in the art and is not to be considered limiting. Numerous specific details are presented in the following description. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention can also be used without these specific details. Known circuits, structures, and methods are not shown or explained in detail in order to avoid complicating the understanding of this description.

[0033] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention with a control unit 3 which is operationally coupled to a device 5 for determining a current position of the motor vehicle 1.

[0034] Device 5 for determining the current position of vehicle 1 can be permanently integrated into vehicle 1 or can be operationally connected to vehicle 1 as needed. Device 5 can be a navigation device integrated into the vehicle. The navigation device can also be an external mobile navigation device that can be operationally connected for data exchange via a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, WLAN, or similar) or wired (e.g., USB) connection.

[0035] The device 5 can also be a mobile phone. Such a device can have an integrated navigation system, in which case the same principles apply as for a mobile navigation system. However, it is also possible that the current position of the motor vehicle is determined based on signals transmitted by mobile networks. This location information can then also be transmitted to the control unit 3 for use according to the invention. Similarly, the device 5 for determining location can be a radio receiver, by means of which a current position can be determined based on signals transmitted by broadcast services.

[0036] Finally, the device can also include a camera that analyzes information from the immediate surroundings to determine the current position of the vehicle. This can be done, for example, using image processing-based location or sign recognition.

[0037] The implementation of the aforementioned methods for determining location is not essential to the invention; therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted here. It is clear to those skilled in the art that the individual measures will determine a current location with varying degrees of accuracy; however, this can be taken into account by incorporating appropriate tolerances into the georeferenced measures according to the invention.

[0038] Motor vehicle 1 of the Fig. 1 further comprises a storage device 7, which is operationally connected to the control unit 3. Naturally, the storage device 7 can also be part of the control unit or the device 5. Georeferenced information is stored in the storage device 7, which defines at least one geographic area as the permissible operating area (see...). Fig. 2) define for motor vehicle 1.

[0039] The electrical systems of the motor vehicle 1 are supplied with the necessary electrical energy in the form of electric current by an energy management system 9. This current is provided, among other things, by a battery 11 when the engine is switched off (not shown). During operation of the motor vehicle 1, i.e., when the engine is running, the battery 11 is charged in a known manner by means of a generator 13, which is driven by the engine.

[0040] Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 is equipped with lighting devices 15, 17 in accordance with regulations. The lighting devices 15 at the front 1a of the vehicle include, for example, headlights 15a, fog lights 15b, and front turn signals 15c. The lighting devices 17 at the rear 1b of the vehicle include, for example, taillights 17a, brake lights 17b, and rear turn signals 17c. Other lighting elements, such as a rear fog light, additional turn signals on the rearview mirrors, etc., are conceivable and can be used according to the invention, as explained later.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the implementation of the georeferenced information according to the invention and its determination. Essentially, the georeferenced information defines geographic locations and / or areas as the basis for the georeferenced measures according to the invention.

[0042] A particularly simple variant involves defining a boundary line G1 using a reference point BP and a defined distance D1 from the reference point, with the area within the circle serving as the permissible operating area BG1 for vehicle 1. Alternatively or additionally, a permissible operating area BG2 for vehicle 1 can be determined using a multitude of location points BGOP, which together define a boundary line G2. It is also possible to combine the two variants, for example, by using an OR or AND operator on areas BG1 and BG2, to define more complex geographical regions.

[0043] In connection with the definition of the permissible operating areas BG1 and BG2, it is also conceivable to configure the control unit 3 so that the georeferenced information is continuously or dynamically updated at specific times based on a usage profile of the vehicle 1. For example, it would be conceivable for the control unit 3 to be equipped with a protected configuration mode, which could be activated, for instance, by additional technical security devices (not shown). In this mode, the permissible operating area can then be configured essentially by driving through the locations of an authorized usage profile and, if necessary, their surroundings, which can be defined by a tolerance range. In this way, very precise and arbitrarily complex geographical areas can be defined as permissible operating areas.

[0044] Finally, it is also conceivable that the permissible operating area is determined on an external device, e.g. a computer system, supported by graphical configuration software, and can then be loaded into the storage device 7 via a secure data interface.

[0045] This allows a "permitted operating region" to be defined for both privately owned and rental vehicles. This means that the vehicle can only be operated within the region, not outside of it.

[0046] The function of the georeferenced measures according to the invention will now be briefly explained.

[0047] According to a first aspect of the invention, the control device 3 is configured to continuously or at certain time intervals monitor a current position P1 or P2 ( Fig.2) to check, based on the configured georeference information, whether the vehicle 1 is located in the permitted operating area BG1 or BG2.

[0048] If the control unit determines by means of the comparison that a current position P1 of motor vehicle 1 indicates that motor vehicle 1 is being used in the permissible operating area BG1 or BG2, nothing happens.

[0049] However, if the control unit determines, by means of the comparison, that the current position P2 of the vehicle 1 indicates that the vehicle 1 is located outside the permissible operating area BG1, BG2, the control unit 3 executes a control intervention in the energy management system 9, which causes the vehicle 1 to break down immediately or with a delay. This ensures that a vehicle 1, which is being used outside an authorized area, breaks down in an area adjacent to the permissible operating area.

[0050] The control intervention can consist of an immediate deactivation of an internal vehicle power supply, e.g., battery 11, and / or switching off the generator 13. If the generator 13 is switched off, the vehicle will only operate as long as battery 11 supplies power.

[0051] This facilitates the recovery of the vehicle 1 compared to cases where a vehicle is transported to a remote location by van due to an activated immobilizer. The measure is particularly advantageous for commercial vehicles with a predetermined operating area or for leased or rented vehicles that, for insurance reasons, may not be driven in certain countries. In these cases, it effectively prevents an authorized user, who therefore possesses an original key for the vehicle 1, from taking the vehicle to an unauthorized area. Since, according to the invention, the vehicle 1 comes to a standstill immediately or shortly thereafter leaving the permitted operating area BG1, BG2, the probability of recovering the vehicle is increased.

[0052] If the intervention involves switching off generator 13, the user can also be notified by a warning message, thus prompting them to return to the permitted operating area BG1, BG2. Once the vehicle 1 has returned there, generator 13 can be reactivated.

[0053] Alternatively or in addition to the control intervention in the energy management system 9, the control unit 3 can also be configured to trigger at least one predetermined signaling function, in particular light signals that deviate from the intended use of the lighting devices 15, 17 of the motor vehicle 1. For example, a direction indicator 15c or 17c and / or headlights 15a and / or fog lights 15b can be used in a non-intended combination to emit light signals, so that the motor vehicle attracts the attention of security forces (e.g. police).

[0054] These light signals can also be pre-programmed to enable automated, software-based recognition, for example, by surveillance cameras. It is conceivable that, on highways where the location of installed surveillance cameras (e.g., toll systems) is known, information could be transmitted using the vehicle's own lighting systems, such as headlights or turn signals. This information could include not only the mere presence of the vehicle at that location but also an identifier using a coded signal (numerical code, original license plate number, vehicle identification number).

[0055] In a further development of the invention, the georeferenced information defines one or more areas as target areas ZG1, ZG2, which preferably lie outside a permissible operating area BG1, BG2. The control unit 3 is then further configured to execute the intended control intervention or signaling when a current position P2 of the motor vehicle 1 indicates that the motor vehicle 1 is located precisely in such a target area ZG1, ZG2.

[0056] Further training makes it possible to identify areas where the vehicle 1 is most likely to break down after leaving the permitted operating area BG1, BG2. These target areas could be, for example, areas under increased surveillance by security forces, such as the vicinity of secured public buildings, police stations, or similar locations.

[0057] The present invention complements and improves upon known mechanisms, such as an immobilizer or identification via the vehicle key, by enabling the definition of a permitted geographical region in which a motor vehicle may be used. This data can be continuously compared with the vehicle's current location. For this purpose, a built-in navigation system or a portable device with positioning capabilities (e.g., a handheld navigation device or cell tower triangulation from a mobile phone) can be used. In the latter case, the determined coordinates can be transmitted to the vehicle's control unit via an interface, such as a Bluetooth data connection. The comparison of the current location with the stored permitted region provides a trigger signal for the measures according to the invention.

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle (1) with a control unit (3) which is operationally coupled to a device (5) for determining a current position of the motor vehicle (1), characterized by a storage device (7) that is operationally connected to the control unit (3) in which georeferenced information is stored that defines at least one area as a permissible operating area (BG1, BG2) for the motor vehicle (1), and thereby that the control unit (3) is operationally connected and configured with an energy management system (9) of the motor vehicle (1) when a current position (P1, P2) of the motor vehicle (1) indicates that the motor vehicle (1) is outside the permissible operating area (BG1, BG2), to execute a control intervention in the energy management system (9) which leads to a delayed breakdown of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the control intervention includes switching off a generator of the motor vehicle (1) so that the motor vehicle (1) remains operational as long as a battery of the motor vehicle (1) still supplies power. [2] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the georeference information further defines one or more areas as target areas (ZG1, ZG2) outside the permissible operating area (BG1, BG2), and the control unit (3) is further configured to execute the control intervention when a current position (P2) of the motor vehicle (1) indicates that the motor vehicle (1) is located in a target area (ZG1, ZG2). [3] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the georeference information for determining an area is at least one of the following: geographic location or area data, a defined distance (D1, D2) to a reference point (BP), a boundary line (G1, G2, G3), or location points (BGOP, ZGOP) defining the boundary line (G1, G2, G3). [4] Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control unit (3) is further configured to update the georeference information based on an authorized usage profile of the motor vehicle (1), such that the permissible operating area (BG1, BG2) is essentially defined by the locations of the authorized usage profile and their surroundings defined by a tolerance range. [5] Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the control unit (3) is further coupled and equipped with lighting equipment (15, 17) of the motor vehicle (1) when a current position (P2) of the motor vehicle (1) indicates that the motor vehicle (1) is outside the permissible operating area (BG1, BG2), in addition to the control intervention in the energy management system (9) to trigger at least one predetermined signaling function. [6] Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the device (5) for determining a current position of the motor vehicle (1) is at least one device permanently integrated into the motor vehicle (1) or operationally coupled to the motor vehicle (1) from the group consisting of: vehicle-integrated navigation device, external mobile navigation device, mobile phone with navigation device, device for image processing-based location / town sign recognition, device for location determination based on signals transmitted by mobile networks, device for location determination based on signals transmitted by broadcasting services. [7] Method for controlling a georeferenced control intervention in an energy management system (9) of a motor vehicle (1), characterized by Determining a current position (P1, P2) of the motor vehicle (1), Comparing the current position (P1, P2) with georeferenced information that defines at least one permissible operating area (BG1, BG2) for the motor vehicle (1), and If the comparison reveals that the motor vehicle (1) is located outside the permissible operating area (BG1, BG2), a control intervention in the energy management system (9) will be carried out, which will lead to a delayed breakdown of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the control intervention includes switching off a generator of the motor vehicle (1) so that the motor vehicle (1) remains operational as long as a battery of the motor vehicle (1) still supplies power. [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by, that the control intervention further exhibits: immediate degradation of predetermined electrical consumers in the motor vehicle (1), in particular immediate deactivation of such electrical functions of the motor vehicle (1) which are not safety-relevant, in particular one of the functions from the group which consists of: navigation system, mobile phone, heating. [9] Method according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by , that the procedure further exhibits: in addition to the control intervention in the energy management system (9), execution of signaling functions, in particular in the form of predetermined light patterns that deviate from the intended use of the lighting equipment (15, 17) of the motor vehicle (1).

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