Control device and method for the inherent anti-theft protection of a motor vehicle

Abstract

A control device and a control device for inherent anti-theft protection are provided. The control device for inherent anti-theft protection for a motor vehicle is designed to detect the vehicle's position and, based on this position, to create a security zone around the vehicle. It then activates an anti-theft unit by receiving an input signal or automatically and / or event-driven. Furthermore, the control device is designed to automatically execute anti-theft measures when the anti-theft unit is activated and the vehicle leaves the security zone.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for inherent anti-theft protection of a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle having the control device, and / or a method for inherent anti-theft protection of a motor vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, a computer program is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially execute the method. Additionally or alternatively, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially execute the method.

[0002] Driver assistance systems are increasingly being installed in modern motor vehicles, especially automobiles. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are electronic, particularly mechatronic, devices in motor vehicles designed to support the driver in certain driving situations. The primary focus is often on safety aspects, but also on improving driving and / or comfort. Driver assistance systems can also incorporate functions to protect motor vehicles from unauthorized access by third parties.

[0003] Vehicle thefts are a nuisance for motor vehicle users and remain a problem despite all the technical security measures taken to date. Nearly one million motor vehicles were stolen in the United States in 2021. Further technical measures are necessary to reduce the technical security of motor vehicles and the possibility of unauthorized access to a vehicle.

[0004] If a third party (unauthorized person) has gained access to known motor vehicles by intercepting and copying the Keyless Go vehicle key data, this unauthorized person can start the vehicle and leave the location unnoticed. Conventional theft measures are ineffective in this case, since starting the vehicle with the intercepted Keyless Go vehicle key data is identified as legitimate use. Compared to conventional motor vehicles, it may be desirable to make the theft of the vehicle technically complex and thus as unattractive as possible, as well as to immensely increase the logistical effort in the event of a theft.

[0005] Known and available solutions, as well as retrofit solutions, can include a tracking device that can trigger an alarm when the vehicle leaves a specific geographical area. The user is then called or can track the vehicle via GPS. These retrofit solutions can be easily removed and / or tampered with, and in this case, the unauthorized person may already be driving the vehicle at high speed. Furthermore, the user may not be reachable by phone at that moment and thus cannot be informed of the theft.

[0006] Against the background of this prior art, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device and / or a method which are each suitable for enriching the prior art.

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The subordinate claims and the dependent claims each contain optional developments of the disclosure.

[0008] The object is then achieved by a control device for anti-theft security for a motor vehicle according to patent claim 1. The control device for anti-theft security for a motor vehicle according to the disclosure is designed to detect a position of the motor vehicle and, based on the detected position, to form a security zone around the motor vehicle, optionally with a predetermined radius, and to activate an anti-theft unit by receiving an input signal or in an automated and / or event-driven manner. The control device is designed to automatically execute anti-theft security measures when an anti-theft unit is activated and the motor vehicle leaves the security zone.

[0009] The control device or control unit can be part of the driver assistance system or represent it. The control device can be, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU). The electronic control unit can be an intelligent processor-controlled unit that can communicate with other modules, for example, via a central gateway (CGW) and, if necessary, can form the vehicle's on-board network via fieldbuses such as the CAN bus, LIN bus, MOST bus, FlexRay, and / or via the automotive Ethernet, e.g., together with telematics control units and / or environmental sensors.

[0010] It is conceivable that the control device controls functions relevant to the vehicle's driving behavior, such as the steering, engine control, power transmission, the anti-theft device, and / or the braking system. Furthermore, driver assistance systems such as a parking assistant, adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane keeping assistant, lane change assistant, traffic sign recognition, traffic light recognition, start-off assistant, night vision assistant, and / or intersection assistant can be controlled by the control device.

[0011] The anti-theft device can be embodied as an inherent anti-theft device. Within the meaning of the disclosure, an inherent anti-theft device in a motor vehicle represents an integrated security feature or protective mechanism that is / are factory-installed in the motor vehicle to prevent and / or impede theft of the motor vehicle. The anti-theft device is inherent because it optionally represents an integral component of the motor vehicle.

[0012] For the purposes of the disclosure, a position of the motor vehicle refers to the current location or the geographical position where the motor vehicle is located. The position may include a static location or a location that changes due to the movement of the motor vehicle. The position of the motor vehicle may be detected. The position of the motor vehicle may be detected via GPS, vehicle tracking systems, cellular networks, and / or via a manual input from the user.

[0013] For the purposes of the disclosure, a safety zone is an area around the motor vehicle. The safety zone can be specified by a user. The size and / or extent of the safety zone is optionally defined using a radius. The safety zone optionally extends from the motor vehicle and its position, starting at the motor vehicle and evenly distributed around the motor vehicle according to the radius. Thus, the safety zone can be in the form of a circle. Alternatively or additionally, a safety zone can be defined differently. Optionally, map information can be used to specify the safety zone. Optionally, a safety zone can be created based on town boundaries and / or district boundaries and / or state borders.

[0014] For the purposes of the disclosure, an anti-theft unit is a unit that has functions to activate monitoring of the interior and / or exterior of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, further functions that make unauthorized theft of the motor vehicle more difficult or impossible can be activated via the anti-theft unit. The anti-theft unit can be embodied as a software component executable on a processor unit. The software component can be executed in the control device. Alternatively or additionally, the software component can be executed in a backend that is in communication with the motor vehicle and / or the control device. The communication connection can be embodied as a mobile and / or satellite connection. The anti-theft unit can be activated manually by receiving an input signal.The input signal can be provided by a user via an input unit. Alternatively or additionally, the anti-theft unit can be activated automatically. Alternatively or additionally, the anti-theft unit can be activated when a detected event occurs in the interior and / or exterior of the vehicle.

[0015] The control device described above offers a number of advantages. Among other things, when the anti-theft unit is activated and the user leaves the security area, measures can be initiated to alert the user that their vehicle may be stolen. Furthermore, other persons can be alerted to the theft, making it more difficult for the vehicle to be stolen unnoticed. Furthermore, the vehicle can be deactivated or its operation restricted. This can be done optionally when the vehicle is moved out of the security area with the anti-theft unit activated.

[0016] Possible further developments of the control device described above are explained in detail below.

[0017] It can be provided that the position of the motor vehicle is detected using positioning sensors and / or lateral and longitudinal inclination sensors. The current position of the motor vehicle can be detected via the position sensors. The positioning sensors can include GPS. Based on the GPS coordinates, the position of the motor vehicle can be clearly determined and the safety zone around the motor vehicle can be established based on the position. The positioning sensors can either be connected directly to the control device or to another control device, which transmits the data to the control device. The detection of the position of the motor vehicle can be supplemented by the lateral and longitudinal inclination sensors of the motor vehicle. This can improve the determination of the position of the motor vehicle.

[0018] It can be provided that the event-controlled activation of the anti-theft unit occurs by detecting events using at least one sensor unit of the motor vehicle in a predetermined external space around the motor vehicle and / or in the interior of the motor vehicle. The anti-theft unit can be activated when certain events occur. The events can be detected using internal sensors of the motor vehicle. Cameras of the motor vehicle can be used to detect people in the vicinity of the motor vehicle and / or their movements. Microphones of the motor vehicle can be used to detect noises around the motor vehicle and evaluate them accordingly. Information can be detected from sensors that monitor the opening and closing of doors.Taking into account the information from the sensors, the anti-theft unit can be activated and a possible theft of the vehicle can be detected.

[0019] It can be provided that, when an anti-theft unit is activated, events are further detected by at least one sensor unit of the motor vehicle in a predetermined external space around the motor vehicle and / or in the interior of the motor vehicle. In the activated state of the anti-theft unit, the interior and / or exterior of the motor vehicle can be monitored, and if theft of the motor vehicle is detected, appropriate action can be taken.

[0020] It can be provided that, upon activation, the anti-theft unit receives status information, including that the position of the motor vehicle is detected and a security area has been established. This information can be used to determine when the motor vehicle has been stolen and when authorized entry / use of the motor vehicle is permitted. If the motor vehicle is moved out of the specified security area and the anti-theft unit is activated, conclusions can be drawn about unauthorized use of the motor vehicle, and appropriate measures can be initiated to counteract this unauthorized use.

[0021] It can be provided that the anti-theft unit can be deactivated by receiving a further input signal or automatically, and deactivation can occur through authentication via a handheld device or touch display of the motor vehicle using a fingerprint or password and / or authentication via a camera. Using the input signal, a user can authenticate themselves as an authorized person to use / move the motor vehicle and deactivate the anti-theft unit. It can be provided that a code (identifier) ​​is entered via a handheld computer (smartphone, tablet, laptop) or a touch display in the motor vehicle. The code can be compared with a stored code (memory of the control device, backend), and if there is a match, the anti-theft unit can be deactivated. Furthermore, it can be provided to authenticate a user via an integrated fingerprint sensor or a camera.The camera used can be the interior and / or exterior camera of the vehicle and / or the camera of the handheld computer. The anti-theft device can be deactivated manually by the customer via camera authentication or automatically upon entry into the vehicle. Upon receiving the input signal, the anti-theft device can be deactivated and the security area can be discarded.

[0022] The anti-theft security measures may include providing status information from the anti-theft unit to a motor vehicle user and / or third parties. The anti-theft security system may inform a motor vehicle user (driver) that the anti-theft security system is still activated and needs to be deactivated. This can be done within a specified time. The user can authenticate themselves for this purpose. The anti-theft security system is thus deactivated, and initiating further measures is not necessary.

[0023] Theft protection measures can include generating acoustic and / or visual signals after a predefined period of time. This measure can signal that the vehicle is being opened and / or driven by unauthorized third parties. The surrounding area can be alerted to the presence of the vehicle. After a predefined period of time, the interior lighting, headlights, and / or indicators can be switched on and off periodically or aperiodically. A flashing on and off signal can be generated. Furthermore, an alarm tone and / or other tones can be emitted via the exterior loudspeakers, interior loudspeakers, and / or horn.

[0024] It can be provided that the anti-theft protection measures include limiting the number of times the motor vehicle can be started. By limiting the number of times the motor vehicle can be started, the motor vehicle can continue driving, but can only be started a predefined number of times. The number of times the motor vehicle can be started can be specified by the user when activating the anti-theft protection. The number can be entered via the handheld device or touch display. By limiting the number of times the motor vehicle can no longer be used after the predefined number of times and no longer offers any added value to the unauthorized user. The query about the number of times the motor vehicle can be deactivated / reset by deactivating the anti-theft protection. Furthermore, by querying the number of times the motor vehicle can be started using the anti-theft protection.This measure can be used alternatively or in addition to the other measures disclosed.

[0025] The anti-theft security measures can include reducing the motor vehicle's drive power until it comes to a standstill. Reducing the drive power can prevent the motor vehicle from moving away from the position and / or the security area. Reducing the drive power can bring the motor vehicle to a steady stop / standstill, thus preventing it from moving further away from the detected position and / or accidents. This measure can be used as an alternative or in addition to the other measures disclosed.

[0026] The anti-theft measures may include activating the motor vehicle's immobilizer. The immobilizer can be engaged after the vehicle has come to a standstill. This ensures that the vehicle cannot be restarted or moved further. In addition, it may be provided that other electronic functions are deactivated. This measure can be used as an alternative or in addition to the other measures disclosed.

[0027] It can be provided that the anti-theft security measures include an autonomous movement of the motor vehicle to the detected position. The motor vehicle can be designed as an autonomously driving motor vehicle. Using GPS and other assistance systems, the motor vehicle can perform autonomous driving functions. The motor vehicle can thus return to the detected position independently. Furthermore, it can be provided that the motor vehicle drives autonomously to a government institution, such as a police station. Furthermore, it can be provided that the vehicle automatically sends a notification to the government institution and provides information about the theft of the motor vehicle. Based on GPS data transmitted by the motor vehicle, it can be located and appropriate further measures can be taken to apprehend the motor vehicle.

[0028] It can be provided that the anti-theft security measures comprise generating control signals for additional control devices of the motor vehicle for activating an anti-theft security system in the additional control devices. The control device can provide control signals to additional control devices of the motor vehicle via additional communication connections. A program can be executed in the additional control devices via the control signals, which can result in deactivation. The motor vehicle is thus restricted or locked in its function and use. The additional control devices are deactivated, and use of the motor vehicle and / or further travel can be prevented. The later use of individual components, after the motor vehicle has been dismantled, can also be restricted and / or prevented.Deactivating the anti-theft device can also unlock the other control devices and enable their functions. The above description can be summarized in other words and in a possible more concrete embodiment of the disclosure as described below, whereby the following description is not to be interpreted as limiting the disclosure.

[0029] The starting point can be a motor vehicle with inherent theft protection based on POI management. When parking the motor vehicle, the user can define a point of interest (POI), their home. The motor vehicle can set up a security zone around this POI. The security zone can include a radius of 500 meters, within which the motor vehicle can move without triggering the theft alarm. The setting up of such a security zone can also be automated each time the motor vehicle is parked. The software unit required for this is referred to below as POI management. The POI management software unit can be partitioned on a control device within the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the control device can also be located outside the motor vehicle. A backend in which the software unit is partitioned can be provided by the vehicle manufacturer.In the following, the control device within the motor vehicle in which the POI management software unit is partitioned is referred to as the central control unit. The POI management software unit requires the current position of the motor vehicle to set up a security circuit. The POI management software unit can obtain this information from vehicle positioning sensors, such as GPS. Lateral and longitudinal inclination sensors can also be used to support this. Using the GPS coordinates, the position of the motor vehicle can be clearly determined, and a security zone can be established around the motor vehicle. The vehicle positioning sensors can be connected either directly to the central control unit or to another control unit, which transmits the data to the central control unit. Furthermore, another software unit may be required, which is referred to below as the anti-theft protection unit.The anti-theft SW unit can also be located on the central control unit. The anti-theft SW unit can be activated manually by a user or automatically each time the vehicle is parked. In addition, the anti-theft SW unit can be activated automatically when certain situations arise. For example, an armed robbery may occur on the street, as can occur in Latin and South America. If the external cameras detect a weapon, e.g. pistols, knives, etc., or if the external microphones detect gunshots in the immediate vicinity, followed by door transitions (closed to open), the anti-theft SW unit can be activated. Each time it is activated, the anti-theft SW unit receives information from the POI management SW unit that the current position has been saved and a security zone has been established.If the theft protection software unit is activated, this theft protection can be deactivated again in several ways. These include, for example, entering a corresponding code, e.g. via a touch display in the vehicle; via a smart device, e.g. smartphone, with backend connection; via a fingerprint sensor integrated in the vehicle; or camera authentication using the interior or exterior camera of a vehicle. The theft protection software unit can be deactivated via camera authentication by a user manually or automatically every time the vehicle is entered. If the theft protection software unit is deactivated, the POI management software unit receives a notification of the deactivation, after which the security zone can be discarded.

[0030] While the anti-theft software unit is active, all activities in the immediate exterior and interior can be monitored and recorded. This recording can be activated in the immediate exterior if vibrations are detected by lateral and longitudinal inclination sensors. The exterior cameras are then activated and record the activities that led to the vibration. If a person enters the interior of the vehicle, authorized or unauthorized, while the anti-theft software unit is active, all activities here are also recorded. For this purpose, a recording of the interior can be made using an interior camera. The settings of the seats, the settings of the steering wheel, the opening behavior of the doors via door contacts, the occupancy of the seats via seat occupancy sensors, and the recognition of gestures can be recorded.After the engine is started, every movement of the vehicle can be recorded using the vehicle position sensors. Furthermore, the interior can be recorded using microphones. The sensors can all be connected to the central control unit or to another control unit that is linked to the central control unit via a communications line. The data from the exterior and interior recordings can be permanently transmitted to the backend via a telematics control unit and stored there. The stored data can be automatically deleted after a certain period of time, up to 7 days. The telematics control unit is connected to the central control unit via a communications line. If the vehicle leaves the security zone set up by the POI management software unit while the anti-theft software unit is active, the vehicle assumes that a (possible) theft has occurred.The vehicle can then take several measures to prevent theft. As a first step, the driver can be informed that the anti-theft software unit is still active and that it must be deactivated within a certain time period (60 seconds) to continue driving. If this does not happen, the vehicle can take further measures to prevent theft. The vehicle can flash the interior lights for a certain time period (30 seconds) and play an alarm tone over the interior speakers.

[0031] If the anti-theft software unit is not deactivated during this time, the vehicle will gradually reduce its power until it comes to a standstill. Once the vehicle is stationary, the vehicle can be immobilized, and the vehicle will also begin flashing its exterior lights and playing an alarm tone through the exterior speakers, horn, and siren. This can prevent a potential thief from continuing their journey and draw attention to the vehicle in the vicinity. Alternatively, the vehicle can be set to automatically return to or drive to a specific POI. This could be the starting point or near government facilities, including the nearest police station. Furthermore, from this point on, the vehicle can automatically send a theft notification to the police and the customer.Using the transmitted GPS data, it is easy to locate the vehicle and initiate official measures to combat the theft.

[0032] As a further option, the anti-theft software unit can then send a message via the communication lines to all control units in the vehicle that a potential theft has been detected. All control units in the vehicle can then activate anti-theft protection in their software. This can mean that these control units are locked from further use. This not only prevents further use of the vehicle, but also prevents the disassembly of the vehicle and the resale of individual parts (in this case, control units). If the anti-theft software unit is deactivated again, the locks in the control units are also deactivated.

[0033] In one embodiment, a motor vehicle is parked in front of a house. This can be a designated resident parking space. A user can activate the anti-theft software unit and, via POI management, set a 500m security zone around the current position, which can be located via GPS. The vehicle can be equipped with the keyless go function. This means that when the customer approaches, the vehicle recognizes the vehicle key and unlocks the vehicle. Thieves can intercept the vehicle key signal, artificially amplify it, and thus gain access to the vehicle. In this context, the thieves can start the vehicle and steal it. Upon leaving the security zone, they receive a request on the central display to deactivate the anti-theft software unit within 60 seconds.Since the thieves neither know the security code nor can legally authenticate themselves via the interior camera, the timer expires. An alarm tone may sound over the interior speakers, and the built-in interior lights flash during this time. At the same time, another timer runs for 30 seconds. Since the thieves cannot legally authenticate themselves during this time, this timer also expires. The vehicle then reduces its power until it comes to a standstill, and at the same time, the exterior lights begin to flash in addition to the interior, and the vehicle's built-in siren and horn sound an alarm. From this point on, the vehicle automatically notifies the police and the user of the theft.Furthermore, all control units installed in the vehicle are informed of the theft via software and activate their anti-theft protection, which can make dismantling the vehicle into its individual parts and then selling the individual parts less attractive for thieves. Since all exterior and interior activities were recorded while the anti-theft protection software was active, the police were able to arrest the thieves using the camera and audio data.

[0034] Furthermore, a motor vehicle with the control unit or control device described above is provided. The motor vehicle can be a passenger car, in particular an automobile, or a commercial vehicle, such as a truck. The motor vehicle can be automated. The motor vehicle can be configured to at least partially and / or at least temporarily assume longitudinal guidance and / or lateral guidance during automated driving of the motor vehicle by means of the control device.

[0035] Automated driving can be implemented in such a way that the motor vehicle's movement is (largely) autonomous. Automated driving can be controlled at least partially and / or temporarily by the control device.

[0036] It is conceivable for the motor vehicle to intervene in the lateral guidance of the vehicle using a driver assistance system actively, e.g. by adjusting the actual steering wheel position, and optionally passively, e.g. by displaying a turn-by-turn instruction. The motor vehicle can be a motor vehicle with autonomy level 0, i.e. the driver assumes the dynamic driving task even if supporting systems (e.g. ABS or ESP) are present. The motor vehicle can be a motor vehicle with autonomy level 1, i.e. have certain driver assistance systems that support the driver in operating the vehicle, such as adaptive cruise control (ACC). The motor vehicle can be a motor vehicle with autonomy level 2, i.e. be so partially automated that functions such as automatic parking, lane keeping or lateral guidance, general longitudinal guidance, acceleration and / or braking are taken over by driver assistance systems.The motor vehicle can be a motor vehicle with autonomy level 3, i.e. so conditionally automated that the driver does not have to continuously monitor the vehicle system. The motor vehicle independently performs functions such as activating the indicator, changing lanes and / or keeping in lane. The driver can attend to other activities but will be prompted by the system to take over driving if necessary within a pre-warning period. The motor vehicle can be a motor vehicle with autonomy level 4, i.e. so highly automated that driving of the vehicle is permanently taken over by the vehicle's system. If the system can no longer handle the driving tasks, the driver can be prompted to take over driving. The motor vehicle can be a motor vehicle with autonomy level 5, i.e. so fully automated that the driver is not required to perform the driving task.Apart from setting the destination and starting the system, no human intervention is required. The motor vehicle can operate without a steering wheel and pedals. The above description with regard to the control device also applies analogously to the motor vehicle, and vice versa.

[0037] Furthermore, a method for inherent anti-theft protection of a motor vehicle is provided. The method comprises the following method steps. In a first method step, a position of the motor vehicle is detected. Furthermore, a security zone is formed around the motor vehicle based on the detected position. Furthermore, an anti-theft unit is activated automatically or by receiving an input signal and / or event-controlled. Furthermore, measures for anti-theft protection are executed automatically when an anti-theft unit is activated and the motor vehicle leaves the security zone.

[0038] The control method may be a computer-implemented method, meaning that one, several, or all steps of the method can be executed at least partially by a computer or a data processing device, optionally the control device. The above description with reference to the control device and the motor vehicle applies analogously to the method, and vice versa.

[0039] Furthermore, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially execute or carry out the method described above. The program code of the computer program can be in any desired code, in particular in a code suitable for motor vehicle control systems.

[0040] What has been described above with reference to the control device, the motor vehicle and the method also applies analogously to the computer program and vice versa.

[0041] Furthermore, a computer-readable medium, in particular a computer-readable storage medium, is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially carry out or perform the method described above. This means that a computer-readable medium can be provided which comprises a computer program as defined above. The computer-readable medium can be any digital data storage device, such as a USB stick, a hard drive, a CD-ROM, an SD card, or an SSD card (or SSD drive / SSD hard drive). The computer program does not necessarily have to be stored on such a computer-readable storage medium in order to be made available to the motor vehicle, but can also be obtained externally via the Internet or otherwise.What has been described above with reference to the method, the control device, the computer program and the motor vehicle also applies analogously to the computer-readable medium and vice versa.

[0042] Below is an optional embodiment with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described. Fig. 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle with a control device according to the disclosure for the inherent anti-theft protection of a motor vehicle, and Fig. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram of a motor vehicle.

[0043] The Fig. The motor vehicle 1, which is only schematically illustrated in Figure 1, has a control device 2 according to the disclosure, according to an optional embodiment. The control device 2 can comprise a storage unit. Alternatively, the storage unit can be located in a cloud and communicatively connected to the control device 2. The control device 2 can be communicatively connected to further control devices of the motor vehicle 1 and provide for data exchange. The control device 2 can provide control commands for controlling components of the motor vehicle 1. The control signals can be transmitted via the further control devices (subsystems) to the components (external loudspeakers, internal loudspeakers, horn, external lights, interior lights, siren, internal loudspeakers, external loudspeakers) of the motor vehicle 1.Furthermore, the control device 2 can exchange data with a backend system of the motor vehicle manufacturer via a communication connection (mobile connection, satellite connection). The backend system of the motor vehicle manufacturer can be a computer system that can provide services and is in contact with the motor vehicles via a communication system and can provide data exchange from the backend system to the motor vehicles and vice versa. The motor vehicle 1 can have an anti-theft unit 3. The anti-theft unit 3 can be embodied as a software component and executed on a processor unit of the control device 2. The software component can be stored in the memory unit. Alternatively, the software component can be executed partially or entirely in another control device of the motor vehicle 1 or in the backend system of the motor vehicle manufacturer.The anti-theft unit can receive control signals, process them, and provide control signals for components and other control devices of the motor vehicle 1. The motor vehicle 1 can have at least one sensor unit 4. It can be provided that the motor vehicle 1 is provided with a plurality of different sensor units 4, which acquire information (status information) about the motor vehicle 1 and / or environmental information from the motor vehicle 1 and provide it for further processing. The sensor unit 4 can comprise external sensors. These can be designed as an external camera with which the surroundings of the motor vehicle 1 are acquired. External microphones can also be provided. The sensor unit 4 can comprise internal sensors.These can be embodied as an interior camera, microphone (interior), fingerprint sensor, motion sensor, limit switch (door contacts), seat occupancy sensor, and sensors for detecting the steering wheel setting. Furthermore, sensors for determining the position of the motor vehicle 1 and lateral and longitudinal inclination sensors for detecting movements of the motor vehicle 1 can be provided. The sensor unit(s) 4 can have a direct communication connection to the control device 2 and transmit the detected data. Alternatively, the sensor units 4 can have a communication connection to another control device (control device of the subsystem), and the detected data is transmitted to the control device 2 via the another control device via a communication connection.Thus, it can be provided that any information generated by the motor vehicle 1 can be recorded and used to evaluate a movement of the motor vehicle 1 and / or an event. The recorded information can be stored in the memory unit of the control device 2 and / or in a memory unit of the backend system. Furthermore, a handheld device 4 can be in communication with the motor vehicle 1. Via the handheld device 4, the user can transmit information to the motor vehicle 1 and / or receive and display information from the motor vehicle 1. The handheld device 5 can be designed as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, PDA, or smartwatch. The communication connection between the handheld device 5 and the motor vehicle 1 can have one or more of the following communication connections: Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WLAN, or mobile data communication.Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 can have user interfaces for communicating with the user of the motor vehicle 1. Data can be received from the user via the user interfaces, and data from the motor vehicle 1 can be provided to the user. The user interface can comprise a display, touch display 6, keyboard, multifunction input element, and / or combinations thereof. The user interface(s) can be used to authenticate the user and / or enter / provide data for operating / controlling the motor vehicle 1. A code for activating / deactivating the anti-theft unit 3 can be received via the user interface(s).

[0044] The control device 2 is designed to carry out the following with reference to the Fig.2 according to an optional embodiment for inherent anti-theft protection of a motor vehicle 1. A position of the motor vehicle 1 can be detected by means of the sensor unit 4. The sensor unit 4 can comprise a GPS system. The detected position can be stored for comparison. A security area can be formed. To form the security area, a radius can be specified by a user. The security area includes an area around the motor vehicle 1, starting from the detected position of the motor vehicle 1. The security area can represent an area in which the motor vehicle 1 can move without measures being taken due to unauthorized use (theft). An anti-theft unit 3 can be activated. The activation can take place automatically. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that an input signal is received.The input signal can be provided by a user and include the entry of a code on the touch display 4, an audio signal, and / or a visual signal. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the anti-theft unit 3 is activated by a detected event outside the motor vehicle 1. A detected event can be users who are in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 1 and / or are in contact with it. The events can be recorded via one or more sensor units 4 of the motor vehicle 1. Anti-theft measures can be automatically executed when the anti-theft unit 3 is activated and the motor vehicle 1 leaves the security area. For this purpose, the current position data of the motor vehicle 1 (GPS) can be compared with the recorded position information and the security area.The anti-theft unit 3 can be deactivated by receiving an input signal. An authorized user of the motor vehicle 1 can enter a code for authentication via a user interface (touch display 6). The entered code is compared with a stored value, and if there is a match, the anti-theft unit 3 is deactivated. Furthermore, a fingerprint and / or a camera image can be evaluated and used to deactivate the anti-theft unit 3. Camera recognition can be used to automatically deactivate the anti-theft unit 3. Furthermore, voice recognition can be used to authenticate the user via a microphone. If a motor vehicle 1 with an activated anti-theft unit 3 leaves the security area, the user can receive a notification that the anti-theft unit 3 must be deactivated within a predetermined time in order to continue driving.If deactivation does not occur, initial measures can be initiated to make it more difficult and / or impossible for the motor vehicle to leave the security area. One measure can provide for the user to be informed via their smartphone that their motor vehicle 1 has left the specified security area. Furthermore, other persons (police) can be automatically informed that motor vehicle 1 has left the security area. At the same time, the position of the motor vehicle can be recorded and communicated to the user and / or the other persons. If no authentication is carried out after a request for authentication (code entry, fingerprint scan, visual or acoustic authentication), acoustic and / or visual signals can be generated and output by motor vehicle 1. This can include the generation of light signals via the flashing lights and exterior lights as well as the interior lighting.Furthermore, acoustic signals can be generated via the exterior loudspeakers, interior loudspeakers, horn, and siren to draw attention to the motor vehicle 1. Furthermore, it can be provided that after a further warning and / or a lapsed time window, the drive power of the motor vehicle 1 is reduced. This can occur gradually until the motor vehicle 1 comes to a standstill. When the motor vehicle is at a standstill, an immobilizer can be activated, which can prevent further movement of the motor vehicle 1. Furthermore, it can be provided that the number of starting processes is evaluated / monitored, and when a predeterminable number of starting processes is reached, the motor vehicle is deactivated and / or can no longer be started. Furthermore, a control signal can be sent via the control device 2 to the further control devices and / or components of the motor vehicle 1, which generate a deactivation of these via software.Thus, they are unusable and cannot be reused, even individually. They can be reactivated by entering the deactivation code. Furthermore, it can be provided that the motor vehicle 1 returns autonomously to the detected position. This can occur if the person does not authenticate when requested and the theft protection unit 3 detects unauthorized theft. Alternatively, it can be provided that the motor vehicle 1 drives autonomously to a government authority (police) in the area, where the motor vehicle 1 can be impounded. List of reference symbols 1 motor vehicle 2 Control device 3 Anti-theft unit 4 Sensor unit 5 Handheld 6 touch display V Procedure S1-S4 process steps

Claims

[1] Control device (2) for theft protection for a motor vehicle (1), characterized by that the control device (2) is designed to: - to detect a position of the motor vehicle (1) and to form a safety area around the motor vehicle (1) based on the detected position, - to activate an anti-theft unit (3) by receiving an input signal and / or automatically and / or event-controlled, and - to carry out automated anti-theft security measures when an anti-theft unit (3) is activated and the motor vehicle (1) leaves the security area. [2] Control device (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the position of the motor vehicle is detected by means of positioning sensors and / or lateral and longitudinal inclination sensors. [3] Control device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the event-controlled activation of the anti-theft unit (3) takes place by detecting events by means of at least one sensor unit (4) of the motor vehicle (1) in a predetermined external space around the motor vehicle (1) and / or in the interior of the motor vehicle (1); and wherein, when the anti-theft unit (3) is activated, events are further detected by means of at least one sensor unit (4) of the motor vehicle (1) in a predetermined external space around the motor vehicle (1) and / or in the interior of the motor vehicle (1). [4] Control device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that upon activation of the anti-theft unit (3), the control device (2) receives status information, comprising that the position of the motor vehicle (1) is detected and a security area is formed. [5] Control device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the anti-theft unit (3) can be deactivated by receiving a further input signal or automatically and the deactivation can be carried out by: - Authentication via a handheld (5) or touch display (6) using fingerprint or password; and / or - Authentication via a camera. [6] Control device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the anti-theft measures include at least: - Providing status information of the anti-theft unit (3) to a user of the motor vehicle (1) and / or third parties; - Generating acoustic and / or visual signals after a specified period of time; - limiting the number of times the motor vehicle is started (1); - reducing the driving power of the motor vehicle (1) until it comes to a standstill; - activating an immobiliser of the motor vehicle (1); - autonomous movement of the motor vehicle (1) to the detected position; and / or - generating control signals for further control devices of the motor vehicle (1) for activating an anti-theft device in the further control devices. [7] Motor vehicle (1), characterized by that the motor vehicle comprises the control device according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Method (V) for the inherent anti-theft protection of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the method (V) comprises the following method steps: - detecting (S1) a position of the motor vehicle (1) and forming (S2) a safety area around the motor vehicle (1) based on the detected position, and - Automated or by receiving an input signal and / or event-controlled activation (S3) of an anti-theft unit (3), and - Automated execution (S4) of anti-theft security measures when an anti-theft unit (3) is activated and the motor vehicle (1) leaves the security area. [9] Computer program, characterized by that the computer program comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to claim 8. [10] Computer-readable medium, characterized by that the computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to claim 8.

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