COUNTERACTING THE TURNING OF DRIVE WHEELS OF A VEHICLE BASED ON AN INDICATION OF UNAUTHORIZED USE

Abstract

A method is provided that includes receiving a notification of unauthorized use of a vehicle, which includes a motor to generate torques that are applied to one or more drive wheels to cause the one or more drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle. The method includes receiving a detected input from the one or more sensor(s). Based on the notification of unauthorized use of the vehicle, the method includes instructing the motor to generate a torque that opposes the specified rotation of the one or more drive wheels, the generated torque being applied to the one or more drive wheels to counteract the specified rotation of the one or more drive wheels.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims priority over the preliminary US patent application No. 63 / 470,287 entitled: Operation of a Vehicle to Counteract Rotation of Drive Wheels During Unauthorized Use, filed on June 1, 2023, and the non-preliminary US patent application No. 18 / 529,786, filed on December 5, 2023, entitled: Counteract Rotation of Drive Wheels of a Vehicle Based on an Indication of Unauthorized Use, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in full by reference. TECHNOLOGICAL AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle technology and in particular to counteracting the rotation of drive wheels of a vehicle based on an indication of unauthorized use. BACKGROUND

[0003] Small motor vehicles, such as electric bicycles (e-bikes) and e-scooters, have gained popularity in recent years due to their practicality and environmental friendliness. They are compact, lightweight, and offer a convenient means of transportation for short distances within the city. However, their small size and ease of transport make them vulnerable to theft. E-bikes and e-scooters are attractive targets for thieves for several reasons. First, their compact design allows thieves to easily lift or carry them away without much effort. Furthermore, they are relatively easy to disassemble, enabling thieves to quickly remove valuable components and sell them individually. Additionally, their increasing popularity has made these vehicles more desirable and valuable, further enticing them to thieves.

[0004] It would therefore be desirable to have a system and a procedure that take into account at least some of the problems discussed above, as well as other possible problems. SUMMARY

[0005] Exemplary implementations of the present disclosure relate to automotive engineering and, in particular, are aimed at counteracting the rotation of a vehicle's drive wheels based on an indication of unauthorized use, such as by a thief who has stolen the vehicle. The present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following exemplary implementations.

[0006] Some exemplary implementations provide a vehicle comprising: a motor for generating torques applied to one or more drive wheels to cause the one or more drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle; one or more sensor(s) to provide a detected input indicating the rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels; and processing logic to receive at least an indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle;to receive the input received from the one or more sensor(s) and, based on the indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle, to instruct the engine to generate a torque that opposes the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels, wherein the generated torque is applied to the one or more drive wheels to counteract the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels.

[0007] Some exemplary implementations provide a device comprising: memory for storing computer-readable program code and processing logic to access the memory and execute the computer-readable program code to cause the device to do at least the following: receive an indication of unauthorized use of a vehicle that includes a motor to generate torques applied to one or more drive wheels to cause the one or more drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle; receive a detected input from one or more sensor(s) indicating rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels;and, based on the indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle, to instruct the engine to generate a torque that opposes the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels, wherein the generated torque is applied to the one or more drive wheels in order to counteract the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels.

[0008] Some exemplary implementations provide a method comprising: receiving a notification of unauthorized use of a vehicle, including a motor, to generate torques applied to a drive wheel or multiple drive wheels to cause the drive wheel or multiple drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle; receiving a detected input from one or more sensors indicating rotation of the drive wheel or multiple drive wheels; and, based on the notification of unauthorized use of the vehicle, instructing the motor to generate a torque opposing the indicated rotation of the drive wheel or multiple drive wheels, with the generated torque being applied to the drive wheel or multiple drive wheels to counteract the indicated rotation of the drive wheel or multiple drive wheels.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and benefits of the present revelation will become clear upon reading the following detailed description, along with the accompanying figures, which are briefly described below. The present revelation includes any combination of two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth herein, regardless of whether these features or elements are expressly combined or otherwise indicated in a specific exemplary implementation described herein. This revelation is to be understood as a whole, such that all separable features or elements of the revelation, in all its aspects and exemplary implementations, should be considered combinable unless the context of the revelation clearly prescribes otherwise.

[0010] It is understood, therefore, that this summary serves only to outline some exemplary implementations in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of revelation. Accordingly, it is understood that the exemplary implementations described above are merely examples and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection or the spirit of revelation in any way. Further exemplary implementations, aspects, and benefits will become clear from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which exemplify the principles of some of the described exemplary implementations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE(S)

[0011] Having thus described exemplary implementations of the revelation in general, we now refer to the attached figures, which are not necessarily to scale and in which: Fig. 1. A vehicle is illustrated according to some exemplary implementations of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a vehicle that is the vehicle of Fig. 1 can correspond to, where one of the vehicle's engines is Fig. 1 a brushless direct current motor (BLDC motor) is illustrated according to some exemplary implementations; Fig. 3. An arrangement is illustrated according to some exemplary implementations; Fig. 4 is a block diagram of various components of an e-scooter according to some exemplary implementations; Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B and Fig. 5C flowcharts are diagrams that illustrate different steps in a process according to some exemplary implementations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Some implementations of the present revelation are now described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, which show some, but not all, implementations of the revelation. Indeed, various implementations of the revelation can be embodied in many different forms and should not be interpreted as limited to those shown herein; rather, these exemplary implementations are provided so that this revelation may be thorough and complete and fully convey to those skilled in the art the scope of the revelation. The same reference signs refer throughout to the same elements.

[0013] Unless otherwise stated or clearly evident from the context, references to first, second, or the like should not be interpreted as implying a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature (unless otherwise stated or clearly evident from the context) may instead be below it, and vice versa; and similarly, features described as being to the left of another feature may instead be to its right, and vice versa. Likewise, where reference is made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships, or the like, unless otherwise stated, one or more, if not all, of these references may be approximate to account for possible acceptable variations, for example, those that may occur due to engineering tolerances or the like.

[0014] Unless otherwise stated or clearly evident from the context, the "or" used herein to refer to a series of operands is the "inclusive or" and is therefore true if one or more of the operands are true, as opposed to the "exclusive or," which is false if all operands are true. For example, "[A] or [B]" is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Furthermore, the articles "a" and "an" mean "one or more" unless otherwise stated or unless it is clear from the context that they refer to a singular form. It is also understood that, unless otherwise stated, the terms "data," "content," "digital content," "information," and similar terms may sometimes be used interchangeably.

[0015] Exemplary implementations of the present disclosure relate to counteracting the rotation of a vehicle's drive wheels based on an indication of unauthorized use. For the purposes of this document, a vehicle is a machine designed for transportation, such as on the ground. Some exemplary implementations are particularly applicable to wheeled vehicles that move across land on wheels. These vehicles include motor vehicles that incorporate one or more engines to provide propulsion. Examples of suitable motor vehicles include cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, electric bicycles (e-bikes), scooters, electric mopeds, golf carts, and motorized wheelchairs. Other examples of suitable motor vehicles include electric transport carts, electric lawnmowers, and electric vacuum cleaners.

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle 100 according to some exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, the vehicle includes a motor 102, one or more sensor(s) 104, a processing logic 106, and one or more drive wheels 108. The processing logic 106 can, without limitation, include a general-purpose or special-purpose processor, microprocessor, controller, or microcontroller.

[0017] According to exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, the motor 102 generates torques that are exerted on the one or more drive wheels 108 to cause the one or more drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle, and the one or more sensor(s) 104 provide a detected input to the processing logic 106, wherein the detected input indicates a rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels 108. The processing logic 106 receives an indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle.Based on the indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle and the detected input specifying a rotational movement of one or more drive wheels 108, the processing logic 106 instructs the motor 102 to generate a torque opposite to the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels 108. In one example, the detected input is provided by processing logic 106 based on an indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle. In another example, the detected input is provided by processing logic 106 independently of any indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle.

[0018] The torque generated by the motor 102 is applied to the one or more drive wheels 108 to counteract the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels. In some examples, the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels 108 is caused by an external force 110 exerted on the vehicle 100 and thereby on the one or more drive wheels 108. In some of these examples, the torque generated by the motor 102 is applied to the one or more drive wheels 108 to counteract the external force 110.

[0019] In some examples, the processing logic 106 determines a direction of rotation 112 of the one or more drive wheels 108 based on the detected input, and the motor 102 generates the torque based on the determined direction of rotation. In other examples, the processing logic 106 can determine a rotational speed of the one or more drive wheels 108 from the detected input, indicating a rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels 108. Based on the determined rotational speed, the processing logic 106 can determine a force magnitude 114 and instruct the motor 102 to generate the torque that opposes the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels with the same force magnitude.

[0020] In some examples, after receiving the detected input, which specifies a rotary movement of one or more drive wheels 108, the processing logic 106 must wait a certain period of time before instructing the motor 102 to generate the torque. This period of time can be selected in any number of different ways; however, in some examples, the processing logic 106 selects the period of time randomly (truly randomly or pseudorandomly) from a defined time frame 116 (e.g., 0.5 to 5 seconds).

[0021] As shown in the defined timeframe 116, in some examples the processing logic 106 can instruct the motor 102 to generate the torque 118 for a time interval 120, with the motor 102 ceasing to generate 122 the torque after the time interval 120. Similar to the time interval that the processing logic 106 waits to instruct the motor 102, the time interval for which the motor 102 is instructed to generate the torque can be selected in any number of different ways, such as randomly (truly random or pseudorandomly) from a defined timeframe. In some further examples, the processing logic 106 can then receive the captured input again after the time interval, with the captured input specifying the rotary motion of the one drive wheel or the multiple drive wheels 108 a second time.The processing switching logic 106 can then instruct the motor 102 to regenerate the torque to counteract the specified rotary motion.

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a vehicle 200, which can correspond to vehicle 100, where the motor 102 is a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor 202, according to some exemplary implementations. As shown, the BLDC motor 202 includes a rotor 204 rotating within a stator 206. The rotor 204 includes rotor magnets 208, and the stator includes stator windings 210 through which a current is passed to generate a rotating magnetic field, causing the rotor 204 to rotate. The vehicle also includes a BLDC motor driver 212 for driving the BLDC motor 202.

[0023] In some examples, the BLDC motor driver 212 includes one or more position sensors 214 to measure the position of the rotor 204. The one or more sensors 104 that provide the detected input to the processing logic 106 can include the one or more position sensors 214, and the detected input can include the position of the rotor 204 as well as a change in the position of the rotor 204 indicating the rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels 108. The BLDC motor driver 212 can also include a motor controller 216 to control the electrical commutation of the BLDC motor 202 based on the detected input from the one or more position sensors 214. In particular, the motor controller 216 can control the switching of the current flow through the stator windings 210 and thereby control the electrical commutation of the BLDC motor 202.In some examples, the BLDC motor driver 212 also includes one or more gate drivers 218 and a switching network 220 through which the current flow through the stator windings 210 is switched.

[0024] According to some exemplary implementations, the motor controller 216 includes the processing switching logic 106, which receives the detected input specifying the rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels 108. Based on the indication of unauthorized use, the processing switching logic 106 of the motor controller 216 instructs the BLDC motor 202 (via the gate driver 218 and the switching network 220) to generate a torque opposite to the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels. In other examples, the processing switching logic 106 is separate from the motor controller 216; and in some of these examples, the processing switching logic 106 instructs the BLDC motor 202 via the motor controller 216, the gate driver 218, and the switching network 220.In some of these examples, the captured input is provided to the processing logic 106 based on an indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle. In some of these examples, the captured input is provided to the processing logic 106 regardless of any indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle.

[0025] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a device 300, including the processing logic 106, according to some exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. As explained above, in some examples the device 300 can be implemented as the motor controller 216. In other examples, the device 300 can be separate from the motor controller 216. In some of these other examples, the device 300 can be implemented as a separate computer, such as a microcontroller. In this respect, the device 300 can include a memory 302 (also referred to as a computer-readable storage medium) connected to the processing logic 106. The memory 302 can store computer-readable program code 304.The processing logic 106 can access the memory 302 and execute the computer-readable program code 304 to cause the device 300 to perform the operations described above with respect to the processing logic 106.

[0026] To further illustrate exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, Fig. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of various components of an e-scooter 400 according to some exemplary implementations. As shown, the e-scooter 400 can include a BLDC motor 402 and a BLDC motor driver 412, which are connected to the BLDC motor 202 and the BLDC motor driver 212 of Fig. 2. Similarly, the e-scooter 400 can include one or more Hall sensor(s) 414, a motor controller 416 (which can include the processing switching logic 106), one or more gate drivers 418 and a switching network 420, which can each correspond to the one or more position sensor(s) 214, the motor controller 216, the one or more gate driver(s) 218 ​​and the switching network 220 respectively.

[0027] As also shown, the E-Scooter 400 includes a power source 422, such as one or more battery(ies), a DC-DC converter 424 for increasing or decreasing the voltage from the power source 422 from one level to another, and one or more voltage regulators 426 for generating or maintaining a steady and stable output voltage at one or more levels for various components of the E-Scooter 400.

[0028] The motor controller 416 can include a number of functional components for controlling the operation of the BLDC motor 402. The motor controller 416 can include a throttle block 428 for connection to a throttle mechanism of the e-scooter 400 and for receiving input from the rider, which the motor controller 416 can convert into corresponding control signals for the BLDC motor 402. In this respect, the motor controller 416 can include a pulse-width modulation (PWM) block 430 for controlling the speed of the BLDC motor 402 by regulating a duty cycle of electrical pulses sent to the motor via one or more gate drivers 418 and the switching network 420.

[0029] The motor controller 416 can include a Hall effect sensor 432 to detect the position and rotational speed of the rotor of the BLDC motor 402 in response to input from one or more Hall effect sensors 414, which can be used for sensor-based commutation of the BLDC motor 402. The motor controller 416 can also include a current sensing sensor 434, which (with current sensing resistors 436) measures the current through the windings of the BLDC motor 402. The motor controller 416 can use this current for various purposes, such as current limiting, torque control, and overcurrent protection.The motor controller 416 can also include a temperature block 438, which (in response to inputs from a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor 440 or one or more other temperature sensors) monitors the temperature of various components of the e-scooter 400, which the motor controller 416 can use to prevent overheating. An electromotive force feedback (BEMF) block 442 can detect the voltage generated by the BLDC motor 402, which can be used to determine the rotor position.

[0030] As also shown, the motor controller 416 can include an auxiliary block 444, which serves various secondary functions, such as controlling lights, turn signals, or other accessories of the e-scooter 400. The motor controller 416 can also include an interface for a universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter / inter-integrated circuit interface (UART-I2C interface) 446, which is used by the motor controller 416 for data exchange with other components, such as a display, a battery management system, or an external controller. Via the UART / I2C interface 446, the motor controller 416 can communicate with a user interface and / or a main controller of the e-scooter 400 and receive an indication of unauthorized use of the e-scooter 400.

[0031] Fig. 5A through 5C are flowcharts illustrating various steps in a 500 procedure according to some exemplary implementations. The procedure includes receiving a notification of unauthorized use of a vehicle, which includes a motor for generating torques applied to one or more drive wheels to cause the one or more drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle, as described in Block 502 of Fig. 5A. Examples of such an indication of unauthorized use may include, without limitation, an alarm system signal or a signal from a remote monitoring station. The method includes receiving a detected input from one or more sensors indicating a rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels, as shown in block 504. Based on the indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle, the method includes instructing the engine to produce a torque opposing the indicated rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels, the generated torque being applied to the one or more drive wheels to counteract the indicated rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels, as shown in block 506.

[0032] In some examples, the specified rotational motion of the one or more drive wheels is caused by an external force exerted on the vehicle and, consequently, on the one or more drive wheels. In some of these examples, the generated torque is applied to the one or more drive wheels to counteract the external force.

[0033] In some examples, procedure 500 includes determining a direction of rotation of one or more drive wheels based on the detected input, and the torque is generated in block 506 based on the determined direction of rotation.

[0034] In some examples, procedure 500 includes determining the rotational speed of one or more drive wheels based on the detected input and determining a force magnitude based on the determined rotational speed. In some of these examples, the motor in block 506 is instructed to produce the torque opposing the specified rotational motion of the one or more drive wheels with the determined force magnitude.

[0035] In some examples, procedure 500 includes waiting a certain amount of time after receiving the detected input before instructing the motor to produce the torque, as shown in block 508. In some other examples, the procedure includes randomly selecting the time interval from a defined time frame.

[0036] In some examples, the motor in block 506 is instructed to generate torque for a specified time period, and the motor ceases generating torque after that period. In some other examples, the procedure involves randomly selecting the time period from a defined time frame.

[0037] In some examples, method 500 includes re-receiving the captured input after the time interval, wherein the captured input specifies the rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels a second time, as in block 510 of Fig. 5C is shown. The procedure then also includes instructing the motor to regenerate the torque to counteract the specified rotational movement, as shown in block 512.

[0038] As explained above and repeated below, the present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following exemplary implementations.

[0039] Clause 1. A vehicle comprising: a motor for generating torques applied to one or more drive wheels to cause the one or more drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle; one or more sensor(s) to provide a detected input indicating the rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels; and processing logic to receive at least: an indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle;to receive the input received from the one or more sensor(s) and, based on the indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle, to instruct the engine to generate a torque that opposes the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels, wherein the generated torque is applied to the one or more drive wheels to counteract the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels.

[0040] Clause 2. The vehicle of Clause 1, wherein the specified rotational motion of the one or more drive wheels is caused by an external force exerted on the vehicle and thereby on the one or more drive wheels, and the generated torque is exerted on the one or more drive wheels to counteract the external force.

[0041] Clause 3. The vehicle according to Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the processing switching logic is to determine a direction of rotation of the one or more drive wheels based on the detected input and generate the torque based on the determined direction of rotation.

[0042] Clause 4. The vehicle according to one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the processing switching logic is to determine a rotational speed of the one or more drive wheels based on the detected input, and wherein the processing switching logic is to determine a force magnitude based on the determined rotational speed and instruct the motor to generate the torque that opposes the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels with the determined force magnitude.

[0043] Clause 5. The vehicle according to one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the processing switching logic must wait a period of time after receiving the detected input before instructing the engine to generate the torque.

[0044] Clause 6. The vehicle according to Clause 5, wherein the processing switching logic is to randomly select the time span from a defined time frame.

[0045] Clause 7. The vehicle according to any of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the processing switching logic is to instruct the engine to generate the torque for a period of time, and the engine is to cease generating the torque after the period of time.

[0046] Clause 8. The vehicle according to Clause 7, wherein the processing switching logic is to randomly select the time span from a defined time frame.

[0047] Clause 9. The vehicle according to Clause 7 or Clause 8, wherein the processing switching logic is designed to: receive the detected input again after the time interval, wherein the detected input specifies the rotational movement of the one drive wheel or the multiple drive wheels a second time; and instruct the motor to generate the torque again to counteract the specified rotational movement.

[0048] Clause 10. The vehicle according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the motor is a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor and the vehicle includes a BLDC motor driver for driving the BLDC motor.

[0049] Clause 11. The vehicle according to Clause 10, wherein the BLDC motor includes a rotor and the one or more sensor(s) includes one or more position sensor(s) for measuring a position of the rotor, wherein the BLDC motor driver includes the one or more position sensor(s), the detected input includes the position of the rotor and a change in the position of the rotor indicating the rotational movement of the one drive wheel or multiple drive wheels.

[0050] Clause 12. The vehicle according to Clause 11, wherein the BLDC motor driver includes a motor controller to control the electrical commutation of the BLDC motor based on the detected input from the one or more position sensor(s).

[0051] Clause 13. The vehicle according to Clause 12, wherein the rotor of the BLDC motor rotates in a stator, the rotor enclosing rotor magnets and the stator enclosing stator windings through which the current flow is switched to generate a rotating magnetic field to cause the rotor to rotate, and wherein the motor controller is to control the switching of the current flow through the stator windings and thereby the electrical commutation of the BLDC motor.

[0052] Clause 14. The vehicle according to Clause 13, wherein the BLDC motor driver includes one or more gate drivers and a switching network by which the current flow through the stator windings is switched.

[0053] Clause 15. The vehicle according to any of clauses 12 to 14, wherein the motor controller includes the processing switching logic.

[0054] Clause 16. The vehicle according to one of clauses 12 to 15, wherein the processing switching logic is separate from the motor controller and the processing switching logic is to instruct the motor via the motor controller.

[0055] Clause 17. A device comprising: a memory for storing computer-readable program code and processing logic for accessing the memory and executing the computer-readable program code to cause the device to do at least the following: receive a notification of unauthorized use of a vehicle that includes a motor to generate torques applied to one or more drive wheels to cause the one or more drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle; and, based on the notification of unauthorized use, receive a detected input from one or more sensor(s) indicating a rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels;and to instruct the motor to generate a torque opposing the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels, wherein the generated torque is applied to the one or more drive wheels to counteract the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels.

[0056] Clause 18. The device according to Clause 17, wherein the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels is caused by an external force exerted on the vehicle and thereby on the one or more drive wheels, and the generated torque is exerted on the one or more drive wheels to counteract the external force.

[0057] Clause 19. The device according to Clause 17 or Clause 18, wherein the processing switching logic is to execute the computer-readable program code to cause the device to determine, based on the detected input, a direction of rotation of the one or more drive wheels, and to generate the torque based on the determined direction of rotation.

[0058] Clause 20. The device according to any of Clauses 17 to 19, wherein the processing switching logic shall execute the computer-readable program code to cause the device to at least: determine a rotational speed of the one or more drive wheels based on the detected input; and determine a force magnitude based on the determined rotational speed, and wherein the motor is instructed to produce the torque opposing the specified rotational motion of the one or more drive wheels with the determined force magnitude.

[0059] Clause 21. The device according to any of Clauses 17 to 20, wherein the processing switching logic is to execute the computer-readable program code to cause the device to wait a period of time after receiving the detected input before instructing the motor to produce the torque.

[0060] Clause 22. The device according to Clause 21, wherein the processing logic shall execute the computer-readable program code to cause the device to randomly select the time span from a defined time frame.

[0061] Clause 23. The device according to any of Clauses 17 to 22, wherein the motor is instructed to generate the torque for a period of time, and the motor ceases generating the torque after the period of time.

[0062] Clause 24. The setup according to Clause 23, wherein the processing switching logic is to execute the computer-readable program code to cause the setup to randomly select the time span from a defined time frame.

[0063] Clause 25. The device according to Clause 23 or Clause 24, wherein the processing switching logic is to execute the computer-readable program code to cause the device to at least: receive the detected input again after the time interval, wherein the detected input specifies the rotational movement of the one drive wheel or the multiple drive wheels a second time; and instruct the motor to generate the torque again to counteract the specified rotational movement.

[0064] Clause 26. A method comprising: receiving a notification of unauthorized use of a vehicle, which includes an engine, to generate torques that are applied to a drive wheel or multiple drive wheels to cause the drive wheel or multiple drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle; and, based on the notification of unauthorized use, receiving a detected input from one or more sensors indicating a rotational movement of the drive wheel or multiple drive wheels; and instructing the engine to generate a torque opposing the indicated rotational movement of the drive wheel or multiple drive wheels, the generated torque being applied to the drive wheel or multiple drive wheels to counteract the indicated rotational movement of the drive wheel or multiple drive wheels.

[0065] Clause 27. The method according to Clause 26, wherein the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels is caused by an external force exerted on the vehicle and thereby on the one or more drive wheels, and the generated torque is exerted on the one or more drive wheels to counteract the external force.

[0066] Clause 28. The method according to Clause 26 or Clause 27, wherein the method comprises determining a direction of rotation of the one or more drive wheels based on the detected input and generating the torque based on the determined direction of rotation.

[0067] Clause 29. The method according to any one of Clauses 26 to 28, wherein the method comprises: determining a rotational speed of the one or more drive wheels based on the detected input and determining a force magnitude based on the determined rotational speed, and wherein the motor is instructed to produce the torque which opposes the specified rotational motion of the one or more drive wheels with the determined force magnitude.

[0068] Clause 30. The procedure according to any one of Clauses 26 to 29, wherein the procedure includes waiting a period of time after receiving the detected input before instructing the motor to produce the torque.

[0069] Clause 31. The procedure according to Clause 30, wherein the procedure includes randomly selecting the time period from a defined time frame.

[0070] Clause 32. The procedure according to any of Clauses 26 to 31, wherein the motor is instructed to generate the torque for a period of time, and the motor ceases generating the torque after the period of time.

[0071] Clause 33. The procedure according to Clause 32, wherein the procedure includes randomly selecting the time period from a defined time frame.

[0072] Clause 34. The procedure according to Clause 32 or Clause 33, wherein the procedure comprises: re-receiving the detected input after the time interval, wherein the detected input specifies the rotational motion of the one drive wheel or the multiple drive wheels a second time; and instructing the motor to re-generate the torque to counteract the specified rotational motion.

[0073] Experts in the field relating to the disclosure will be able to think of many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forth herein that incorporate the advantages of the teachings set forth in the foregoing description and the accompanying figures. It is therefore understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed and that modifications and other implementations are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the accompanying claims. Although the foregoing description and the accompanying figures describe exemplary implementations in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it is further understood that alternative implementations can provide other combinations of elements and / or functions without deviating from the scope of protection of the accompanying claims.In this respect, other combinations of elements and / or functions besides those explicitly described above are conceivable, as can be demonstrated in some of the accompanying claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 470,287

[0001] US 18 / 529,786

[0001]

Claims

[1] Vehicle, comprising: a motor for generating torques that are applied to one or more drive wheels to cause the one or more drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle; one or more sensors to provide a detected input indicating the rotational movement of one or more drive wheels; and a processing logic to at least: to receive a notification of unauthorized use of the vehicle; to receive the input captured from one or more sensors and based on the indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle, to instruct the engine to generate a torque that opposes the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels, wherein the generated torque is applied to the one or more drive wheels to counteract the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels. [2] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels is caused by an external force exerted on the vehicle and thereby on the one or more drive wheels, and the generated torque is exerted on the one or more drive wheels to counteract the external force. [3] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the processing switching logic is to determine a direction of rotation of one or more drive wheels based on the detected input and the torque is generated based on the determined direction of rotation. [4] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the processing switching logic is to determine a rotational speed of the one or more drive wheels based on the detected input and wherein the processing switching logic is to determine a force magnitude based on the determined rotational speed and instruct the motor to generate the torque which opposes the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels with the determined force magnitude. [5] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the processing switching logic must wait a period of time after receiving the detected input before instructing the motor to generate the torque. [6] Vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the processing switching logic is to select the time period randomly from a defined time frame. [7] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the processing switching logic is to instruct the motor to generate the torque for a period of time, and the motor is to cease generating the torque after the period of time. [8] Institution, comprehensive: a memory for storing computer-readable program code and a processing logic to access the memory and execute the computer-readable program code to at least initiate the setup: to receive a notification of unauthorized use of a vehicle which includes a motor to generate torques which are applied to a drive wheel or multiple drive wheels to cause the one or more drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle; to receive a detected input from one or more sensor(s) indicating a rotational movement of one or more drive wheels; and based on the indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle, to instruct the engine to generate a torque that opposes the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels, wherein the generated torque is applied to the one or more drive wheels to counteract the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels. [9] Device according to claim 8, wherein the specified rotational movement of the one drive wheel or the multiple drive wheels is caused by an external force exerted on the vehicle and thereby on the one drive wheel or the multiple drive wheels, and the generated torque is exerted on the one drive wheel or the multiple drive wheels to counteract the external force. [10] Device according to claim 8, wherein the processing switching logic executes the computer-readable program code to cause the device to determine a direction of rotation of the one or more drive wheels based on the detected input, and to generate the torque based on the determined direction of rotation. [11] Device according to claim 8, wherein the processing switching logic executes the computer-readable program code to at least cause the device to: to determine the rotational speed of one or more drive wheels based on the recorded input and to determine a force magnitude based on the specified rotational speed, and wherein the motor is instructed to generate the torque that opposes the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels with the specified force magnitude. [12] Device according to claim 8, wherein the processing switching logic is to execute the computer-readable program code to cause the device to wait a period of time after receiving the detected input before instructing the motor to generate the torque. [13] Device according to claim 12, wherein the processing switching logic is to execute the computer-readable program code to cause the device to randomly select the time interval from a defined time frame. [14] Device according to claim 8, wherein the motor is instructed to generate the torque for a period of time and the motor stops generating the torque after the period of time. [15] Procedures, including: Receiving a notification of unauthorized use of a vehicle that includes an engine to generate torques applied to one or more drive wheels to cause the one or more drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle; Receiving a detected input from one or more sensor(s) indicating a rotational movement of one or more drive wheels; and based on the indication of unauthorized use of the vehicle, instructing the engine to generate a torque that opposes the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels, wherein the generated torque is applied to the one or more drive wheels to counteract the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels. [16] Method according to claim 15, wherein the specified rotational movement of the one drive wheel or the multiple drive wheels is caused by an external force exerted on the vehicle and thereby on the one drive wheel or the multiple drive wheels, and the generated torque is exerted on the one drive wheel or the multiple drive wheels to counteract the external force. [17] Method according to claim 15, wherein the method comprises determining a direction of rotation of one or more drive wheels based on the detected input and generating the torque based on the determined direction of rotation. [18] The method of claim 15, wherein the method comprises: Determining the rotational speed of one or more drive wheels based on the captured input and Determining a force magnitude based on the specified rotational speed, and wherein the motor is instructed to generate the torque that opposes the specified rotational movement of the one or more drive wheels with the specified force magnitude. [19] Method according to claim 15, wherein the method comprises waiting a period of time after receiving the detected input before instructing the motor to generate the torque. [20] Method according to claim 19, wherein the method comprises randomly selecting the time interval from a defined time frame. [21] Method according to claim 15, wherein the motor is instructed to generate the torque for a period of time and the motor stops generating the torque after the period of time.

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