Border detection system using wireless signals

Abstract

A boundary detection system (56) for a vehicle (10), comprising: a control unit (42) programmed to generate a warning in response to the detection of the presence of a person (50, 52) in a first zone extending from the vehicle (10); and a wireless receiver (26, 30) designed to receive signals transmitted by a nomadic device (34) in a second zone surrounding the vehicle (10), the control unit (42) further being programmed to passively monitor message traffic between the nomadic device (34) and a receiver (38, 58) located outside the vehicle (10) and, in response to the wireless receiver (26, 30) detecting message traffic between the nomadic device and the receiver (38, 58) located outside the vehicle (10), to issue the warning.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThis application relates generally to boundary warning systems for vehicles.BACKGROUNDVehicles are used for different purposes in different applications. Vehicles may be used for law enforcement activities. Police officers may stay in the vehicle for a long time. Tenants may spend time in the vehicle while utilizing a computing system to process information or generate reports. In other situations, an officer's attention may be directed to observing a particular location or person. Thus, the police attendant could be distracted and less paid attention to persons who keep hidden near the vehicle. For example, an officer's attention may be directed to activities taking place in front of the vehicle and may not be awake regarding potential activities taking place in the rear of the vehicle. Tenants focused on their tasks and obligations in the vehicle may be easily damaged by persons approaching the vehicle from a direction that the tenant does not monitor. Systems for wireless communication with vehicles and for monitoring the environment are already known from the prior art, for example from US 2014 / 0309919 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,428 A and DE 10 2010 010 057 A1.SUMMARYAccording to the invention, a boundary detection system for a vehicle according to claim 1 comprises a controller programmed to generate a warning in response to detecting a presence of a person in a first area around the vehicle. The boundary detection system also includes a wireless receiver configured to receive signals transmitted from a nomadic device in a second area around the vehicle, the controller further programmed to output the alert in response to the receiver receiving the signals. Other configurations may include respective computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the acts of the methods.Some configurations may include one or more of the following features. The boundary detection system, wherein the second region includes the first region. The boundary detection system, wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted according to at least one of a plurality of IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standards. The border detection system, wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted to a mobile telephone network according to at least one of a plurality of mobile communication standards. The boundary detection system of claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted according to at least one of a plurality of Bluetooth communication standards. The boundary detection system, wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted from a dedicated short-range communication system. The boundary detection system may include a display, and the controller may be further programmed to output an indication on the display of the type of signal that triggered the alert. The boundary detection system, wherein the wireless receiver is further configured to output a signal strength of the signals being received. The boundary detection system, wherein the controller is further programmed to estimate a distance of the nomadic device from the vehicle based on the signal strength. The boundary detection system, wherein the controller is further programmed to estimate a direction of travel of the nomadic device based on a change in signal strength. The boundary detection system, wherein the controller is further programmed to command activation of door locks in response to the alert. The boundary detection system, wherein the controller is further programmed to arrange closing of windows that are open in response to the alert. The boundary detection system may include a radar receiver configured to monitor for radar signals transmitted from other vehicles, and wherein the controller may be further programmed to output the warning in response to receiving radar signals transmitted from other vehicles. Implementation of the described configurations may include hardware, a method, or a process or computer software on a medium that the computer can access.Further according to the invention, a vehicle according to claim 14 comprises a limit warning sensor adapted to detect a presence of a person located in a first zone extending from the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a wireless receiver configured to receive signals transmitted from a nomadic device located outside the vehicle in a second zone surrounding the vehicle and including at least a portion of the first zone to a receiver outside the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a controller programmed to issue a warning in response to the person being detected in the first zone and to issue the warning in response to the receiver receiving the signals. Other configurations may include respective computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the acts of the methods.Some configurations may include one or more of the following features. The vehicle in which the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted according to at least one of a plurality of IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standards. The vehicle in which the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted to a mobile telephone network according to at least one of a plurality of mobile communication standards. The vehicle in which the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted according to at least one of a plurality of Bluetooth communication standards. The vehicle in which the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted from a dedicated short-range communication system. Implementation of the described configurations may include hardware, a method, or a process or computer software on a medium that the computer can access.Further according to the invention, a method according to claim 19 for detecting a person in the vicinity of a vehicle comprises monitoring, by a controller, a boundary warning sensor configured to detect a presence of a person located in a first zone extending from the vehicle. The method also includes, in response to detecting the presence of the person in the first zone, outputting a warning by the controller. The method also includes monitoring, by the controller, for wireless signals transmitted from a nomadic device located in a second zone surrounding the vehicle to a receiver external to the vehicle. The method also includes, in response to receiving the wireless signals, outputting, by the controller, a warning. Other configurations may include respective computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the acts of the methods.Some configurations may include one or more of the following features. The method may include outputting, by the controller, a type of wireless signal that triggered the alert. Implementation of the described configurations may include hardware, a method, or a process or computer software on a medium that the computer can access.SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 shows an environment in which a vehicle including a boundary detection system may be operated. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a possible configuration for the boundary detection system. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram for a possible sequence of operations for the boundary detection system.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONEmbodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. As those of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not expressly illustrated or described. The feature combinations shown provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, in certain applications or implementations, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure may be desired.To improve the safety of persons in a vehicle, a boundary detection system may be used to provide an alert to occupants of the vehicle that persons could be present near the vehicle. Such a system may be capable of detecting persons in the vicinity of the vehicle and giving a warning about their presence in the area. The boundary detection system may utilize a radar system, such as might be found in a blind spot warning system. The boundary detection system may utilize an ultrasonic sensor, such as might be found in a backup warning system.The sensors used by the boundary detection system may be active sensors that emit a signal and receive a return signal. Additional sensors may include camera systems that contain image processing programs to detect persons proximate the vehicle.FIG. 1 shows an overview of an environment in which a vehicle 10 could be located. For example, the vehicle 10 may be used by law enforcement personnel. During a layer, tenants may park in the vehicle to perform various tasks. For example, tenants could use a computer to process information or could observe activities in a particular area. At these times, the beams could be distracted by the tasks they are doing and could not detect potential threats that are nearby. For example, one or more persons 50, 52 could walk near the vehicle 10. To improve the safety of the beams in the vehicle 10, it may be useful if persons 50, 52 near the vehicle could be detected.The vehicle 10 may include a boundary detection system 56. The boundary detection system 56 may be configured to monitor various vehicle sensors to detect the presence of persons 50, 52 or other objects (e.g., vehicles) that are proximate to the vehicle 10 or are moving proximate to the vehicle 10. The boundary warning system 56 may provide a warning to the occupants in the vehicle 10 when a presence of a person 50, 52 is detected proximate the vehicle 10. This allows the tenants to focus on various tasks without having to constantly monitor in all directions around the vehicle 10.The boundary detection system 56 may include various sensors configured to detect objects and persons 50, 52 proximate the vehicle 10. By monitoring for wireless communications emitted from a nomadic device 34 that may be carried by the person 50 near the vehicle 10, it may be possible to further improve the boundary detection system 56. The boundary detection system 56 could be further enhanced to detect communications from other vehicles, including airborne drones. Nowadays, most people carry at least one nomadic device 34, such as a cellular phone. Nomadic device 34 may include a cellular phone, a tablet, a computer, and other such electronic devices. Any portable electronic device that can wirelessly communicate with a network or other device could be included. Further, the nomadic device 34 may include an airborne drone or a remote vehicle / aircraft. A feature of nomadic devices is that they are generally configured to connect via a wireless communication channel to exchange information with a network or other nomadic devices.Nomadic device 34 may be configured to communicate with a first network 38 by connection to a cell tower 36. The first network 38 may include voice and data transmissions. Nomadic device 34 may be configured to communicate with a second network 58 by connection to a wireless network router 40. For example, the wireless network router 40 may be located in a nearby building 54 and may be configured to connect WiFi devices to the second network 58.The vehicle 10 may include various systems and sensors that may be included as part of the boundary detection system 56. The boundary detection system 56 may include any detection subsystems that detect objects within an area or boundary surrounding the vehicle 10. For example, the boundary detection system 56 may include one or more cameras that are part of various vehicle subsystems. The cameras may be configured to provide a video signal when activated. The video signal may be displayed and further processed (e.g., for object detection). For example, a rear parking assist (RPA) or a rear view monitoring system may include a rear view camera that provides video from an area behind the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 may also include a forward facing camera, which may be part of a cruise control (ACC) and collision warning (CW) system or a lane keeping assist (LDW) system. Additional side-facing cameras may be part of a blind spot warning system (BLIS).FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a possible configuration of a boundary detection system 56. the boundary detection system 56 may include one or more radar modules 12 to detect objects at various positions around the vehicle 10. The radar system 12 may include a radar transceiver 14 configured to transmit and receive radar signals. The radar system 12 may detect objects around the vehicle 10 and relative motion of the objects. The radar system 12 may operate by transmitting an electromagnetic wave and receiving a reflected electromagnetic wave from objects in the path of the transmitted electromagnetic wave. The output of the radar system 12 may include a presence of the object, a position of the object relative to the vehicle 10, and a relative speed of the object. The radar module may be part of an ACC / CW system that provides information associated with objects located in an area in front of the vehicle 10. The BLIS may include side-facing radar devices. The backup monitoring system may include a rear-facing radar. The radar system 12 may be configured to detect objects in front of the vehicle, behind the vehicle, and along the sides of the vehicle. The radar system 12 may be laser-based radar systems (e.g., lidar). One property of the radar system 12 is that it can only detect a restricted zone in front of the radar unit. Thus, multiple radar systems may be required to detect objects around the vehicle 10.Electronic modules in the vehicle 10 may communicate via a vehicle network (not shown). The vehicle network may include multiple channels for communication. A channel of the vehicle network may be a serial bus, such as a controller area network (CAN). One of the channels of the vehicle network may include an Ethernet network defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802 family of standards. Additional channels of the vehicle network may include discrete connections between modules and may include power signals from the vehicle battery. Different signals may be transmitted over different channels of the vehicle network 60. For example, video signals may be transmitted over a high speed channel (e.g., Ethernet), while control signals may be transmitted over CAN or discrete signals. The vehicle network may include any hardware and software components that assist in transferring signals and data between modules.The boundary detection system 56 may include an ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor may be part of the backup monitoring system or a front parking aid. The ultrasonic sensing system may detect objects within a predetermined range of the vehicle 10. The ultrasonic detection system may emit high frequency sound waves and detect a signal reflected from an object.The boundary detection system 56 may output various alerts and indicators to inform a user of an object in the detection zone. The vehicle 10 may include an operator interface 16 that includes a display 18 configured to provide output to the driver. In some configurations, the display 18 may be a touch screen display configured to enable operator input by touching locations on a screen of the replay 18. The user interface 16 may further include input devices configured to enable the driver to configure the boundary detection system 56. A controller 42 may be programmed to output signals to the user interface 16 and accept inputs from the user interface 16. The user interface 16 may be used to display options for functions of the boundary detection system to be activated. The various sensors assigned to the boundary detection system 56 can be activated and deactivated separately by means of the user interface 16. The user interface 16 may include lamps, lights, or other status indicators installed in the vehicle 10.The user interface 16 may further include one or more audible indicators 20 that provide an audible warning in response to a control signal. The acoustic indicators 20 may include speakers, buzzers, alarm sounds, and horns. For example, a loudspeaker that is part of an entertainment system may be used. The user interface 16 may include one or more haptic indicators 22 that cause vibration (e.g., steering wheel vibration) in response to a command signal.The display 18 may be configured to display images and video from the cameras. The display screen 18 may be located in an instrument panel of the vehicle 10. In some configurations, the display screen 18 may be configured to display video from an active camera under certain conditions. For example, when a transmission of the vehicle 10 is in reverse, video images may be displayed by the rear camera. In some configurations, the video may be shown when the vehicle 10 is in a parked state (e.g., transmission is placed in PARK). In some configurations, the video signal may be displayed during a parking maneuver. In some configurations, the video signal that is displayed may be selected by a driver. In some configurations, the display of video on the display 18 may be prohibited when the vehicle 10 is moving.The display 18 may be further configured to display a status of the boundary detection system 56. For example, an image of the vehicle 10 may be displayed. Objects or persons detected near the vehicle 10 may be displayed at a screen position relative to the vehicle 10 according to the detected location of the object or the person. The displayed content may resemble a radar map with the vehicle 10 in the center. A series of concentric circles may be displayed around the vehicle, each circle indicating a distance of an object or person from the vehicle 10. If an object or person is closer to the vehicle 10 than the distance associated with the circle, the circle may be highlighted on the display 18.The controller 42 may be programmed to monitor the status of the various limit warning sensors. If one or more of the limit warning sensors detect an object within range, the controller 42 may generate a warning signal. The warning signal may then trigger activation of the device to warn the vehicle occupants of a person near the vehicle 10.The boundary detection system 56 may include an interface to a door control module 44 of the vehicle 10. The door control module 44 may be configured to open, close, or lock various entry / exit points of the vehicle. The door control module 44 may include a latch control subsystem 46 configured to actuate the door latches of the vehicle 10. In response to the alert, the controller 42 may issue a command to the door control module 44 to close open access points to the vehicle including a sunroof, a tailgate, a trunk, a cargo hatch, or a window. The door control module 44 may include, for example, a window control subsystem 48 configured to actuate windows of the vehicle 10. The door control module 44 may be connected to the vehicle network. In response to a warning, controller 42 may issue a command to latch control subsystem 46 to actuate the door latches to a latched position. In response to the alert, the controller 42 may issue a command to the window control module to actuate the windows to a closed position. Such measures may improve the safety of occupants of the vehicle 10 by making the interior of the vehicle 10 less accessible to intruders.Existing boundary detection systems generally utilize active sensing devices to monitor the area around the vehicle 10. For example, radar and ultrasound systems output an electromagnetic wave that is reflected from objects in the path of the wave. The reflected signal is processed and the presence of an object or person 50 can be detected. Such sensors also provide persons with the ability to detect the electromagnetic signals transmitted by the boundary detection system 56, and enable persons to avoid detection. The non-visibility of the boundary detection system 56 may be improved by passively monitoring the nearby environment to detect signals emitted from devices carried by persons 50, 52 in the nearby environment.Sensors currently used for boundary detection systems generally have a limited range for detecting objects proximate the vehicle 10. Radar systems 12 and cameras may be constrained by stationary objects in the path of the radar or camera. Some of the sensing devices used by the boundary detection system 56 may have a limited range or field of view. Further, radar systems 12 are directional sensors that can detect objects in a limited circular arc in the path of the radar signals. Cameras may have limited visibility during night time or under certain weather conditions. Other sensors, such as ultrasonic sensors, may have a limited range for detecting objects. Generally, a person near the vehicle 10 must be in the path and sensing range of one of the sensors to be physically detected. In many situations, nearby obstacles may make it difficult to detect nearby persons. A person located behind the obstacle could not be detectable by conventional limit warning sensors. These factors may limit the effectiveness of the boundary detection system 56. The boundary detection system 56 may be improved by integrating additional detection capabilities with longer range capabilities.The boundary detection system 56 may include one or more controllers 42 configured to monitor the various boundary warning sensors and generate a warning. The controller 42 may monitor signals from the radar system 12, the camera system, and other described sensors and issue a warning when an object or person is detected. The boundary detection system 56 may be configured to detect the nomadic device 34 that could be carried by the person 50 in the vicinity of the vehicle 10.The vehicle 10 may already be configured with wireless communication interfaces compatible with the interfaces located on the nomadic device 34. For example, many vehicles include a Bluetooth interface for pairing with nomadic devices 34 to provide a hands-free telephony function. Thus, in most vehicles, there could already be wireless communication circuitry and processing capacity for monitoring the wireless communication channels. By passively monitoring wireless communications sent between nomadic devices 34 and external receivers, it may be possible to increase the range of the boundary detection system 56.Nomadic devices 34 may communicate using various wireless communication standards or protocols. Nomadic device (e.g., mobile phone) 34 may establish communications over a mobile phone network. Further, nomadic device 34 may be configured to communicate using one or more of the IEEE 802.11 wireless network standards (e.g., WiFi). Further, the nomadic device 34 may include a Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface. Each of these wireless signals broadcast by the nomadic device 34 may be monitored to detect the presence of the nomadic device 34 that is proximate the vehicle 10. The boundary detection system 56 may be configured to passively monitor for wireless communication signals so as not to alert the person 50 that the boundary detection system 56 is in proximity. An additional benefit of monitoring for these signals is that the wireless communication signals can be detected at a longer range than some of the limit warning sensor signals. In addition, the wireless communication signals may be less sensitive to obstructions between the boundary detection system 56 and the nomadic device 34.The boundary detection system 56 may include a wireless communication system 24 to communicate with remote devices. The wireless communication system 24 may include a number (e.g., N) of wireless receivers 26, 30 configured to receive signals using one or more wireless communication protocols. It should be appreciated that the wireless receivers 26, 30 may be part of a transceiver module configured to both receive and transmit according to a specified communication protocol. Note that a first wireless receiver 26 (e.g., receiver one) and a second wireless receiver 30 (e.g., receiver N) are shown. The wireless receivers 26, 30 are referred to differently because the receiver configuration depends on the wireless communication protocol supported by the respective receiver. There may be any number of wireless receivers 26, 30 to support multiple wireless communication protocols. The wireless receivers 26, 30 may be coupled to associated antennas 28, 32. The antennas 28, 32 may be configured to convert electromagnetic waves into electrical signals. In some configurations, a single antenna may be used. Multiple antennas 28, 32 may be desired to optimize signal reception within a desired frequency range for each of the wireless communication channels to be monitored. The antennas 28, 32 may be configured with a length that is optimized for receiving a particular frequency range associated with the wireless communication protocol.One or more of the wireless receivers 26, 30 may be configured to monitor wireless communications transmitted via a cellular telephone network. The wireless receivers 26, 30 may be configured to receive signals transmitted to a mobile telephone network according to one or more of a number of mobile communication standards. For example, a nomadic device 34 with cellular phone functionality may be able to communicate using various wireless protocols. Nomadic device 34 may establish communications via cell phone network 38 via cell tower 36. Wireless communication standards for mobile communications may include Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) systems, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, 3G and 4G systems. The wireless receivers 26, 30 may support any or all of the possible standards for mobile communications.One or more of the wireless receivers 26, 30 may be configured to monitor WiFi communications according to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 standards. In the USA, WiFi operates using 802.11b and 802.11g standards in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, while WiFi operates using 802.11a and 802.11n standards in the 5 GHz frequency band. Each of the frequency bands may be divided into a series of channels. For example, 14 channels may be present in the 2.4 GHz frequency range spaced at 5 MHz increments. Note that the assignment of the frequency spectrum may change according to country.One or more of the wireless receivers 26, 30 may be configured to monitor Bluetooth and / or Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) wireless communications according to one or more applicable Bluetooth standards. For example, the wireless receiver may communicate according to IEEE 802 PAN (Personal Area Network) protocols, of which Bluetooth is a subset. Bluetooth communication standards and protocols may be defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). One or more of the wireless receivers may be Bluetooth receivers.One or more of the wireless receivers 26, 30 may be configured to monitor communication signals in a frequency range assigned to dedicated short-range communications (DSCR). DSRC signals may be monitored to detect communications from other vehicles or infrastructure devices. DSRC signals may be transmitted in a spectrum of 75 MHz within the 5.9GHz frequency band. The DSRC signals may be transmitted by infrastructure components as part of a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication system. The DSRC signals may be transmitted by other vehicles as part of a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V communication system. In some configurations, the other vehicle may send position information using the DSRC signals. The position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 10 may be displayed on the display 18.One or more of the wireless receivers 26, 30 may be configured to monitor medium range wireless signals associated with remote control devices. The remote control devices may be cars or aircraft. The remote control devices may transmit wireless signals to a control module operated by a person. The boundary detection system 56 may be configured to detect wireless communications from the remote control device and the associated control module. The medium range wireless signals may be 2.4GHz AC spectrum signals. The wireless receivers 26, 30 may be configured to monitor direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) and / or FHSS(Frequency hopping spread spectrum) communications. Further, frequencies in the range 900-915 MHz may be monitored for activity. Other frequency ranges used by typical remote control devices may also be monitored.The wireless communication system 24 may be configured to monitor communications sent from the nomadic device 34 (e.g., phone, tablet, computer). The wireless communication system 24 may be configured to receive the wireless signals without disturbing the wireless signals. Nomadic device 34 may have connected to an external network 38, 58. The controller 42 may be programmed to implement an appropriate communication protocol in hardware and software to receive messages sent according to the selected wireless communication protocol. In some configurations, the wireless communication system 24 may be implemented as part of the controller 42. In another configuration, the functionality of the wireless communication system 24 may be distributed among multiple modules.The wireless receivers 26, 30 may be configured to process the electrical signals from the antennas 28, 32 and convert them to digital data. The wireless receivers 26, 30 may be configured to process electrical signals in a predetermined frequency range. The wireless receivers 26, 30 may include one or more amplifier stages to increase an amplitude of the electrical signal or otherwise scale the electrical signal to a desired voltage range. The wireless receivers 26, 30 may include one or more mixers to demodulate the electrical signal. The mixers may filter out carrier frequencies of the transmitted signal and output an electrical baseband signal. The wireless receivers 26, 30 may include one or more filters configured to pass signals having a frequency within a predetermined frequency range (e.g., low pass, band pass). The wireless receivers 36, 30 may include one or more analog-to-digital (A / D) converters to convert the electrical signals from an analog signal to a digital signal. The wireless receivers 26, 30 may include a processor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP)) and memory configured to run programs for processing the digital signals and controlling the wireless receiver components. The processor may execute the instructions to decode the digital signals and output digital data to the controller 42. The wireless receivers 26, 30 may transmit data to the controller 42 via the vehicle network.The wireless receivers 26, 30 may also be configured to measure the strength of the received signal. For example, circuitry may be implemented that converts the signal from the associated antenna 28, 32 to an analog voltage proportional to the amplitude of the received signal. Generally, the magnitude of the signal may increase as the distance between the transmitter (e.g., nomadic device 34) and the antenna 28, 32 decreases. The analog voltage may be sampled by an analog-to-digital converter to provide a digital value to controller 42.The wireless communication system 24 may be implemented in part as an integrated circuit. The wireless communication system 24 may include discrete components coupled to the integrated circuit as desired. Since many integrated circuits are available for different wireless communication protocols, the specific details and configuration may vary, respectively. The specific details of each of the wireless communication receivers 26, 30 and the connection of components and stages depend on the particular wireless communication protocol being processed. The wireless communication system 24 may communicate with the controller 42 via the vehicle network.The wireless communication protocols may determine how many signals are wirelessly transmitted. The protocol defines the frequency ranges and the manner in which signals are encoded for wireless transmission. Further, the protocol may define the expected content and formatting of the data represented by the signals. For example, header information and data bytes may be specified. The wireless communication system 24 may receive and process the wireless signals and output the headers and data bytes to the controller 42.In some configurations, the wireless communication system 24 may be used to send messages from the boundary detection system 56. In such configurations, the wireless receivers 26, 30 may be implemented as part of a wireless transceiver module. The wireless communication system 24 may be configured to transmit messages. The wireless communication system 24 may implement certain handshaking protocols specified by the protocol. For example, if a message is received, an acknowledgement may be required.The controller 42 may be programmed to monitor the wireless signals received from the wireless communication system 24. The types of messages received may depend on the wireless protocol being monitored. Nomadic devices 34, such as a smartphone, configured to wirelessly communicate using WiFi may periodically send a so-called probe request (test request). The probe request may be sent to detect networks proximate to the nomadic device 34. The probe request may include information such as a media access control (MAC) address of the nomadic device 34. Controller 42 may monitor message traffic to determine whether a sample request has been received. If a sample request has been obtained, the presence of a nomadic device 34 in the vicinity can be detected. The controller 42 may be programmed to detect the sample request.Further, nomadic device 34 may exchange additional data with the network. For example, nomadic device 34 may have established a connection with external network 38, 58 and may exchange data with external network 38, 58. The controller 42 may be programmed to monitor for the presence of messages and data packets exchanged between the nomadic device 34 and the external network 38, 58. For example, controller 42 may be programmed to monitor media access control (MAC) addresses included in the messages to determine an origin and destination of the messages. The presence of messages and data packets that are exchanged may indicate that a nomadic device 34 is present near the vehicle 10.In some configurations, the controller 42 may calculate a signal strength for the wireless signals. A high level signal strength may indicate that nomadic device 34 is closer to vehicle 10. Signal strength versus distance profiles may be developed to estimate the distance of the nomadic device 34 from the boundary detection system 56 based on the signal strength. Additionally, changes in signal strength over time may be monitored. The changes in signal strength over time may be analyzed to provide an indication of a direction of motion of the nomadic device 34. For example, decreasing signal strength may indicate that nomadic device 34 is moving away from vehicle 10. Increasing signal strength may indicate that nomadic device 34 is approaching vehicle 10.The boundary detection system 56 may monitor for the presence of wireless communications (e.g., WiFi, Mobile, Bluetooth, etc.) from the nomadic device 34. If the presence of a wireless communication is detected, a warning may be provided to the driver of the vehicle 10. The alert may consist of one or more of: visual alert, audible alert, and haptic alert. The boundary detection system 56 may include a speaker for outputting the audible warning. The warning can be transmitted to the driver by means of the operating interface 16.In some configurations, the display 18 may be configured to display signal strength for one or more wireless communication channels. The display 18 may also be configured to display an estimated distance between the nomadic device 34 and the boundary detection system 56. Further, the display 18 may be configured to display an indication of the wireless communication channel that generated the alert. For example, the display may indicate that the wireless signal that generated the alert was a WiFi signal. In some configurations, the display 18 may be configured to display a direction of movement of the nomadic device 34. The variables to be displayed can be output by the control unit 42.The boundary detection system 56 may be further configured to detect the presence of approaching vehicles. The onboard radar system 12 may be used to detect radar emissions from other vehicles. In a vehicle that includes a radar system, the radar system 12 may be passively monitored to detect radar signals emitted by approaching vehicles. That is, the radar system 12 may be configured to receive radar signals, but not to transmit a radar signal. Further, the amplitude of the received radar signals may provide an indication of the distance of the radar source from the vehicle 10.The controller 42 may monitor the DSRC communication channels to determine the presence of other vehicles approaching the vehicle. When the presence of another vehicle is detected by receiving a notification transmitted from another vehicle, the controller 42 may output a warning signal. The controller 42 may be programmed to distinguish between messages sent from a vehicle and messages sent from infrastructure components (e.g., traffic systems) according to associated communication protocols.The controller 42 may monitor for communications transmitted from a drone. The drone includes any remotely controlled airborne and land based device or vehicle (e.g., a remotely controlled vehicle, helicopter, etc.). For example, drones are configured to carry cameras and send signals to a command module. Such drones could be used as a monitoring device to search for police vehicles in an area. Detection of signals from a drone may help alert occupants of the vehicle 10 of activities of other persons in the area proximate the vehicle 10.An advantage of the disclosed system is that the range of the boundary detection system 56 is extended beyond conventional boundary detection systems. For example, an ultrasonic boundary system may have a range of five meters. A WiFi signal may be detected with a range of one hundred meters. Further, the disclosed boundary detection system 56 provides a cover that cannot be covered by other sensors. For example, the field of view of a radar system 12 is limited to a particular angle and distance from the radar unit. Passive monitoring for wireless emissions may enable detection of objects outside the field of view of other sensors.The enhanced boundary detection system 56 provides enhanced detection of possible threats that may be present nearby. The controller 42 may generate the warning in response to detecting the presence of a person in a first area around the vehicle using a pre-existing limit warning sensor. Detection of people using the pre-existing boundary warning sensors may be limited to a first zone extending from the vehicle. The controller 42 may further generate the alert in response to the wireless receivers 26, 30 receiving signals from the nomadic device 34. Detection of people using the wireless receiver may be effective in a second zone surrounding the vehicle 10. In some configurations, the second zone may include the first zone. In some configurations, the second zone may include only a portion of the first zone.FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for operations that may be performed by the controller 42 to implement the boundary detection system 56. At operation 200, the controller 42 may monitor received signals to determine whether there is traffic from a nomadic device 34. Controller 42 may monitor wireless traffic using one or more wireless protocols as described. At operation 202, the controller 42 may detect whether the received signals represent a valid message from the nomadic device 34. If a valid message is received, the operation may proceed to operation 204. If a valid message is not received, the operation may go back to the start for repetition.Once a valid message is received, commands may be executed at operation 204 to detect the distance and direction of the nomadic device 34. The distance and direction may be based on the signal strength of the wireless signal. Then, operation 206 may be performed.In parallel with monitoring the wireless communication signals, the operations for monitoring the limit warning sensors may be performed. At operation 210, the boundary warning sensors may be monitored. At operation 212, the controller 42 may check whether an object is detected by the boundary warning sensors. If no object is detected, the operation for repetition may return to the start. If an object is detected, operation 206 may be performed.At operation 206, a warning may be issued to indicate to occupants of the vehicle 10 the presence of the nomadic device 34. At operation 208, in an effort to protect the vehicle occupants, door locks may be set to a locked position and open windows closed.Even if the limit warning system is explained as a vehicle application, the limit warning system can be implemented separately from the vehicle. For example, the boundary warning system may be implemented as part of a building security system or a personal boundary detection system.The processes, methods, or algorithms disclosed herein may be available to / implemented by a processing device, controller, or computer, which may include a pre-existing programmable electronic control unit or a dedicated electronic control unit. Similarly, the processes, methods, or algorithms can be stored as data and instructions executable by a controller or computer in many forms including, but not limited to, information permanently stored on non-writable media such as ROM devices and information alterably stored on writeable storage media such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes, CDs, RAM devices, or other magnetic and optical media. The processes, methods, or algorithms can also be implemented in a software executable object. Alternatively, the processes, methods, or algorithms can be implemented in whole or in part using suitable hardware components, such as ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), state machines, controllers or other hardware components or devices, or a combination of hardware, software, and firmware components.

Claims

A boundary detection system (56) for a vehicle (10) comprising: a controller (42) programmed to generate a warning in response to detecting a presence of a person (50, 52) in a first zone extending from the vehicle (10); and a wireless receiver (26, 30) configured to receive signals transmitted from a nomadic device (34) in a second zone surrounding the vehicle (10), the controller (42) further programmed to passively monitor traffic between the nomadic device (34) and a receiver (38, 58) external to the vehicle (10) and, in response to the wireless receiver (26, 30) detecting traffic between the nomadic device and the receiver (38, 58) external to the vehicle (10), output the warning.The boundary detection system (56) of claim 1, wherein the second zone comprises the first zone.The boundary detection system (56) of claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver (26, 30) is configured to receive signals transmitted according to at least one of a plurality of IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standards.The boundary detection system (56) of claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver (26, 30) is configured to receive signals transmitted to a mobile telephone network (38) according to at least one of a plurality of mobile communication standards.The boundary detection system (56) of claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver (26, 30) is configured to receive signals transmitted according to at least one of a plurality of Bluetooth communication standards.The boundary detection system (56) of claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted from a dedicated short-range communication system.The boundary detection system (56) of claim 1, further comprising a display (18), and wherein the controller (42) is further programmed to output to the display (18) an indication of a type of the signal that triggered the alert.The boundary detection system (56) of claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver (26, 30) is further configured to output a signal strength of the signals being received.The boundary detection system (56) of claim 8, wherein the controller (42) is further programmed to estimate a distance of the nomadic device (34) from the vehicle (10) based on the signal strength.The boundary detection system (56) of claim 8, wherein the controller (42) is further programmed to estimate a direction of travel of the nomadic device (34) based on a change in signal strength.The boundary detection system (56) of claim 1, wherein the controller (42) is further programmed to command activation of door locks in response to the alert.The boundary detection system (56) of claim 1, wherein the controller (42) is further programmed to, in response to the alert, arrange closing of windows that are open.The boundary detection system (56) of claim 1, further comprising a radar receiver (14) configured to monitor for radar signals transmitted from other vehicles, and wherein the controller is further programmed to issue the alert in response to receiving radar signals transmitted from other vehicles.A vehicle (10) comprising: a boundary warning sensor configured to detect a presence of a person (50, 52) located in a first zone extending from the vehicle; a wireless receiver (26, 30) configured to receive signals transmitted from a nomadic device (34) located outside the vehicle (10) in a second zone surrounding the vehicle (10) and comprising at least a portion of the first zone to a receiver outside the vehicle; and a controller (42) programmed to passively monitor traffic between the nomadic device (34) and a receiver (38, 58) external to the vehicle (10), and further programmed to issue a warning in response to the presence of the person (50, 52) detected in the first zone, and to issue the warning in response to the wireless receiver (26, 30) detecting traffic between the nomadic device and the receiver (38, 58) external to the vehicle (10).The vehicle (10) of claim 14, wherein the wireless receiver (26, 30) is configured to receive signals transmitted according to at least one of a plurality of IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standards.The vehicle (10) of claim 14, wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted to a mobile telephone network (38) according to at least one of a plurality of mobile communication standards.The vehicle (10) of claim 14, wherein the wireless receiver (26, 30) is configured to receive signals transmitted according to at least one of a plurality of Bluetooth communication standards.The vehicle (10) of claim 14, wherein the wireless receiver (26, 30) is configured to receive signals transmitted from a dedicated short-range communication system.A method of detecting a person (50, 52) proximate a vehicle (10), comprising: by a controller (42), monitoring a boundary warning sensor configured to detect a presence of a person (50, 52) located in a first zone extending from the vehicle (10); in response to detecting the presence of the person in the first zone, outputting a warning by the controller (42); monitoring by the controller (42) for wireless signals transmitted from a nomadic device (34) located in a second zone surrounding the vehicle (10) to a receiver external to the vehicle (10); and in response to receiving the wireless signals, outputting the warning by the controller (42).The method of claim 19, further comprising outputting, by the controller (42), a type of wireless signal that triggered the alert.

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