Theft prevention system for a vehicle

Abstract

Theft prevention system (100) for a vehicle, the theft prevention system (100) comprising: - a sensor (103) configured to acquire sensor data that allows conclusions to be drawn about the presence of a theft attempt; - processing means (104) configured to: - detect a theft-relevant event based on the sensor data; - send a wake-up signal to a controller (101) in response to the detection of a theft-relevant event; and - from a time at which the theft-relevant event has been detected, send the sensor data to the controller (101); - the controller (101), which is configured to: - switch from a standby mode to an active mode in response to receiving the wake-up signal; - determine, depending on the sensor data, that a theft attempt has occurred;wherein the controller (101) is configured to process and / or analyze the sensor data with increased accuracy than the processing means (104); and, if it has been determined that an attempted theft is occurring, to cause, in active mode, a control signal to be sent via a communication network (111) of the vehicle to a control unit (102) of the vehicle in order to trigger an anti-theft countermeasure.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an energy-efficient theft prevention system for a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the energy-efficient operation of a theft prevention system.

[0002] A vehicle typically includes an anti-theft alarm system designed to evaluate sensor data from one or more sensors (e.g., a tilt sensor, a motion sensor, a door sensor, etc.) to detect an attempted theft and, if necessary, to initiate an appropriate anti-theft measure (e.g., generating an audible and / or visual alarm).

[0003] When the anti-theft alarm system is activated, a vehicle is typically in a resting state, meaning the alarm system must be powered by electrical energy from a starter battery (e.g., a lead-acid battery). To ensure low standby current and correspondingly long operating times, the anti-theft alarm system should have the lowest possible energy consumption.

[0004] This document addresses the technical challenge of reducing the energy consumption of a vehicle anti-theft alarm or anti-theft system while at least maintaining the detection rate of attempted thefts.

[0005] The problem is solved by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described, among other things, in the dependent claims.

[0006] One aspect describes a theft prevention system (or anti-theft alarm system) for a vehicle. The theft prevention system is typically active when the vehicle is at rest, i.e., when the ignition is not switched on. The theft prevention system can be powered by the vehicle's starter battery.

[0007] The anti-theft system includes a sensor designed to collect data that could indicate an attempted theft. Specifically, the sensor can be configured to collect data related to vehicle movement. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor can be configured to collect data related to movement inside the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor can be configured to collect data related to the operation of a door and / or hatch of the vehicle.

[0008] The sensor can be configured to acquire sensor data quasi-continuously, particularly at a frequency of 1 kHz or more. This allows for the acquisition of sensor data with a relatively high temporal resolution, which can then be used to detect an attempted theft.

[0009] The theft prevention system further comprises processing units configured to detect theft-relevant events based on sensor data. These processing units can be configured to process the sensor data quasi-continuously, particularly at a frequency of 1 kHz or higher, in order to detect theft-relevant events. This allows for the detection of theft-relevant events with a relatively high temporal resolution.

[0010] For the purpose of detecting a theft-related event, the processing equipment can be configured to compare the sensor data with one or more threshold values. If a threshold is exceeded or fallen below, the processing equipment can determine that a theft-related event has occurred. In other words, a theft-related event can occur if the sensor data exceeds or falls below a threshold value.

[0011] The processing equipment can be further configured to send a wake-up signal in response to the detection of a theft-related event. This wake-up signal can be sent, in particular, via a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) and / or an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus system.

[0012] The anti-theft system also includes a controller (specifically a microcontroller) configured to switch from standby to active mode upon receiving a wake-up signal. The controller's power consumption in standby mode is typically (significantly) lower than its power consumption in active mode. In standby mode, the controller may be limited to (periodically) checking whether a wake-up signal has been sent to it. Otherwise, the controller may remain inactive. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to perform actions and / or process signals or data in active mode.

[0013] In particular, the controller is configured, when in active mode, to send a control signal via the vehicle's communication network to a control unit in the vehicle to trigger an anti-theft countermeasure. This communication network can include a Controller Area Network (CAN) and / or a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) bus system. The anti-theft countermeasure can include, for example, generating an audible and / or visual warning signal; locking the vehicle's drive system and / or wheels; activating a camera to capture images; and / or sending a message to a receiver outside the vehicle.

[0014] The processing equipment is thus configured to regularly evaluate the sensor data and monitor for theft-related events. This ensures a high level of reliability in detecting attempted theft. Furthermore, the theft prevention system is designed so that the controller is only activated in response to the detection of a theft-related event. Since theft-related events are relatively rare in practice, this results in relatively infrequent controller activation and consequently relatively low energy consumption. This provides a reliable and energy-efficient theft prevention system.

[0015] The processing means and the controller can be designed such that the power consumption of the processing means is lower, in particular by one, two, or more orders of magnitude, than the power consumption of the controller in active mode. This can be achieved, in particular, by the processing means comprising an application-specific integrated circuit (i.e., an ASIC) configured to process the sensor data. For example, the processing means can be implemented using an ASIC. Furthermore, the sensor and the processing means can be provided as a single integrated circuit.

[0016] For example, processing equipment with a current draw of approximately 150 μA can be provided, while the controller in active mode has a current draw of approximately 20 mA. Assuming that a time-interval-controlled controller is typically activated periodically 5 to 25 times per second, the event-driven activation of the controller described above can significantly reduce the vehicle's quiescent current.

[0017] The processing equipment can be configured to send sensor data information to the controller in conjunction with the wake-up signal. For example, sensor data can be transmitted to the controller as soon as a theft-related event is detected. The controller can then be configured to determine, based on the sensor data, whether a theft attempt has occurred. In particular, the controller can process and analyze the sensor data with greater accuracy than the processing equipment. This allows the controller to determine with higher reliability whether the sensor data actually indicates a theft attempt.

[0018] Furthermore, the controller can be configured (possibly only then) to send a control signal to a control unit of the vehicle to initiate a countermeasure against theft if a theft attempt has been determined. Thus, the accuracy and reliability of the theft attempt detection can be further increased through the additional processing of sensor data by the controller.

[0019] The anti-theft system may include a communication unit (e.g., a transceiver) configured to send the control signal to a vehicle control unit via the vehicle's communication network. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to instruct the communication unit to send the control signal to a vehicle control unit.

[0020] According to another aspect, a method for operating a vehicle's anti-theft system (or anti-theft alarm system) is described. The method involves the acquisition of sensor data by a vehicle sensor, the sensor data being such that it allows for the inference of an attempted theft. The method also includes the detection of a theft-relevant event based on the sensor data. Furthermore, in response to the detection of a theft-relevant event, the method includes switching a controller from a standby mode to an active mode. The method further includes the initiation of an anti-theft countermeasure by the controller in active mode.

[0021] According to another aspect, a vehicle (especially a road vehicle, e.g., a passenger car, a truck, or a motorcycle) is described that includes the theft prevention system described in this document.

[0022] It should be noted that the methods, devices, and systems described in this document can be used both alone and in combination with other methods, devices, and systems described in this document. Furthermore, any aspect of the methods, devices, and systems described in this document can be combined with one another in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with one another in a variety of ways.

[0023] The invention will now be described in more detail using exemplary embodiments.

[0024] Fig. 1. A block diagram of an exemplary theft prevention system for a vehicle; and

[0025] Fig. 2. A flowchart of an exemplary procedure for operating a theft prevention system.

[0026] As stated at the beginning, this document deals with the provision of an energy-efficient theft alarm system or an energy-efficient theft prevention system.

[0027] A vehicle's anti-theft alarm or anti-theft system can comprise several subsystems for monitoring the vehicle's interior, detecting vehicle lifting, and so on. A subsystem that monitors the vehicle for lifting, for example, includes one or more sensors (e.g., a 3D accelerometer), a microcontroller, and a communication transceiver (e.g., for a LIN or CAN data bus). The one or more sensors are connected to the microcontroller via a data line (e.g., an I2C or SPI data line) to transmit sensor data. To reduce the vehicle's quiescent current, the microcontroller is kept in a standby or sleep mode and is cyclically woken up at defined intervals (e.g., 5 to 25 times per second) to collect and process sensor data from the one or more sensors.

[0028] Filters can be used to preprocess sensor data (or a sensor signal) to adapt the signal to the characteristics of a specific vehicle, allowing the preprocessed signal to be meaningfully processed further by the microcontroller. These preprocessing filters can be implemented in hardware (e.g., as an RC circuit) or in software (e.g., through signal processing in an ASIC of the sensor or in the microcontroller).

[0029] The (possibly pre-processed) sensor data can be evaluated in the microcontroller. As a result of the processing of the sensor data in the microcontroller, a control signal can be sent via the communication transceiver through the vehicle's onboard communication system to the corresponding control units in order to trigger a suitable anti-theft measure (e.g., an alarm).

[0030] The periodic activation of a microcontroller typically results in significant energy consumption (e.g., a quiescent current of 20 mA or more). Consequently, the vehicle exhibits a relatively high quiescent current, which could be reduced by decreasing the ratio of active-to-standby time and / or the sensor data sampling rate by the microcontroller. Conversely, a relatively low active-to-standby ratio or a relatively low sensor data sampling rate means that certain short-term events (such as a collision) cannot be reliably detected. Therefore, reducing the active-to-standby ratio or the sampling rate typically leads to a reduction in the detection rate of theft situations.

[0031] To reduce the energy consumption of an anti-theft alarm system while maintaining a high detection rate, an event-triggered or event-driven wake-up of the microcontroller can be used instead of and / or in addition to time-interval-controlled wake-up. In this approach, the one or more sensors of the anti-theft alarm system can be configured to continuously acquire sensor data. Furthermore, the one or more sensors can perform a basic evaluation of the sensor data, which can detect the occurrence of a theft-relevant event (e.g., substantial lifting of the vehicle). If a theft-relevant event occurs, a wake-up signal (especially an interrupt signal) can then be sent to the microcontroller to wake it up.

[0032] The basic evaluation can require relatively low energy consumption compared to signal processing in a microcontroller. For example, the basic evaluation can be performed by a suitably programmed and / or designed ASIC (i.e., an application-specific integrated circuit). In particular, the aforementioned filtering of a sensor signal can be carried out by such signal processing elements of one or more sensors.

[0033] The filtering may be configurable via software. Furthermore, an algorithm or part of an algorithm can be used to detect an attempted theft using the signal processing capabilities of a sensor.

[0034] In addition to the wake-up signal, sensor data can be sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller can be configured to switch from standby to active mode upon receiving a wake-up signal. Furthermore, in active mode, the microcontroller can be configured to process the sensor data and, if necessary, verify or confirm whether a theft has actually occurred. The microcontroller can then send a control signal via the communication transceiver to one or more control units to trigger a countermeasure for the detected theft attempt (e.g., to activate an audible and / or visual alarm).

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an example theft prevention system. 100 The system 100 includes a sensor 103, which is set up to collect sensor data that makes it possible to detect an attempted theft. The sensor 103 It can, for example, include a motion sensor and / or a tilt sensor. The sensor 103 includes signal processing equipment 104 (e.g. an ASIC) that are set up to process the sensor data in order to detect the presence of a theft-relevant event.

[0036] The processing equipment 104 For this purpose, the system can be configured to filter the sensor data and / or compare it against one or more threshold values. For example, a short-term change in the vehicle's tilt might indicate that the vehicle is being lifted onto a tow truck. A short-term change in the vehicle's tilt can thus be interpreted by the processing equipment as a theft-relevant event. 104 be detected.

[0037] Upon detection of a theft-related event, the processing equipment can 104 a wake-up signal via a communication link 112 to the microcontroller 101 transmit to the microcontroller 101 to transition from standby mode to active mode. Furthermore, information regarding sensor data can be sent to the microcontroller. 101 be transmitted. In particular, the data from the sensor can be transmitted. 103 The sensor data recorded (possibly from the time of detection of a theft-relevant event) is sent to the microcontroller. 101 be transmitted.

[0038] The microcontroller 101 It can then (in active mode) initiate the implementation of a theft countermeasure. For this purpose, a communication unit can be used. 105 or via a communication transceiver 105 a control signal via a communication network 111 to a control unit 102of the vehicle. In particular, the control unit 102 the control signal triggers the execution of the anti-theft measure.

[0039] Furthermore, the microcontroller can 101 It must be configured to determine, based on sensor data, whether an attempted theft has actually occurred. This can be achieved using the microcontroller. 101 one about the processing by the processing means 104 Further processing of the sensor data takes place. This allows the theft prevention system to... 100 A high level of reliability in detecting an attempted theft is provided.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of an example procedure. 200 for the operation of a theft prevention system 100 of a vehicle. The procedure 200 includes recording 201 of sensor data through a sensor 103of the vehicle. The sensor data is such that it allows for the conclusion that a theft attempt has occurred. The procedure 200 It also includes detection. 202 a theft-relevant event based on sensor data. A theft-relevant event can be processed by means of processing tools. 104 the sensor 103 be detected.

[0041] Furthermore, the procedure includes 200 , in response to the detection of a theft-related event, the conviction 203 a controller 101 from a standby mode to an active mode. For this purpose, the processing equipment can be used. 104 a wake-up signal to the controller 101 be sent. Furthermore, the procedure includes 200 the initiation 204 , through the controller 101 in active mode, a theft countermeasure.

[0042] The theft prevention system described in this document 100 enables a high integration density of the individual components. 103 , 104 , 101 of the system 100 This results in space savings within the vehicle. Furthermore, energy consumption can be reduced, particularly due to the use of programmable ASICs in the sensor. 103 , can be reduced. This requires a high level of integration, including a filter function on the sensor's ASIC. 103 possible. Furthermore, energy consumption can be reduced by event-based activation of the controller. 101 The number of attempted thefts can be reduced. Furthermore, the detection rate of theft attempts can be increased through continuous evaluation of sensor data. This continuous evaluation also enables the detection of other short-term events (such as contact with another parking vehicle).

[0043] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are intended only to illustrate the principle of the proposed methods, devices, and systems.

Claims

[1] Theft prevention system ( 100 ) for a vehicle, where the theft prevention system ( 100 ) includes, – a sensor ( 103 ), which is set up to collect sensor data that allows conclusions to be drawn about the existence of an attempted theft; – Processing agents ( 104 ), which are set up, – to detect a theft-relevant event based on the sensor data; and – to send a wake-up signal in response to the detection of a theft-related event; – a controller ( 101 ), which is set up, – to switch from standby mode to active mode in response to receiving the wake-up signal; and – to cause a control signal to be transmitted via a communication network in active mode ( 111 ) of the vehicle to a control unit ( 102) of the vehicle is sent to trigger an anti-theft countermeasure. [2] Theft prevention system ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein – the sensor ( 103 ) is set up to acquire sensor data quasi-continuously, in particular at a frequency of 1 kHz or more; and – the processing equipment ( 104 ) are set up to process sensor data quasi-continuously, especially at a frequency of 1 kHz or more, in order to detect a theft-relevant event. [3] Theft prevention system ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing means ( 104 ) include an application-specific integrated circuit that is set up to process the sensor data. [4] Theft prevention system ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing means ( 104) are set up, the wake-up signal is transmitted via a Serial Peripheral Interface, or SPI for short, and / or via an Inter-Integrated Circuit, or I2C, bus system ( 112 ) to the controller ( 101 to send. [5] Theft prevention system ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein – the processing equipment ( 104 ) are set up, in conjunction with the wake-up signal, information regarding the sensor data is sent to the controller ( 101 to send; and – the controller ( 101 ) is set up, – to determine, based on the information regarding the sensor data, that an attempted theft has occurred; and – if it has been determined that an attempted theft has occurred, to arrange for a control signal to be sent to a control unit ( 102 ) of the vehicle. [6] Theft prevention system ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein – the theft prevention system ( 100 ) a communication unit ( 105 ) includes, which is set up to transmit the control signal via a communication network ( 102 ) to a control unit ( 102 ) of the vehicle; and – the controller ( 101 ) is set up, the communication unit ( 105 ) to cause the control signal to be sent. [7] Theft prevention system ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication network ( 102 ) a Controller Area Network, or CAN for short, and / or a Local Interconnect Network, or LIN for short, bus system. [8] Theft prevention system ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing means ( 104 ) and the controller ( 101 ) are such that the energy consumption of the processing equipment ( 104) is smaller, in particular by one or two or more orders of magnitude, than the energy consumption of the controller ( 101 ) in active mode. [9] Theft prevention system ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing means ( 104 ) are set up to compare the sensor data with one or more threshold values ​​in order to detect a theft-relevant event. [10] Procedure ( 200 ) for the operation of a theft prevention system ( 100 ) of a vehicle, wherein the procedure ( 200 ) includes, - Capture ( 201 ) of sensor data by a sensor ( 103 ) of the vehicle, whereby the sensor data allows conclusions to be drawn about the existence of an attempted theft; – Detect ( 202 ) of a theft-relevant event based on sensor data; – in response to the detection of a theft-related event, apprehension ( 203 ) of a controller ( 101 ) from a standby mode to an active mode; and – Initiate ( 204 ), through the controller ( 101 ) in active mode, a theft countermeasure.

Images