Method for preventing theft of a vehicle, and Anti-theft system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (50) for preventing theft of a vehicle (100), in particular of an electric bicycle, by means of an anti-theft system (10) which comprises at least a first lock element (1) and a second lock element (2) and a key element (5), wherein a separate key is produced for each lock element (1, 2) by means of the key element (5), wherein the lock elements (1, 2) and the key element (5) can be coupled by means of a wireless connection (6), for the purpose of exchanging the keys.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Procedure for one

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The present invention relates to a method for securing a vehicle against theft, an anti-theft system, and a vehicle.

[0006] Anti-theft systems for vehicles, such as bicycles, that have interconnected components are known. For example, it is known to lock and unlock a bicycle component using an input device and a user input. For example, the bicycle component can be a drive unit of an electric bicycle, with the locking preventing operation of the drive unit.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The method according to the invention with the features of claim 1 is distinguished in that, while simplifying the processes for securing a vehicle against theft, a particularly reliable anti-theft protection can be provided at the same time. This is achieved according to the invention by a method for securing a vehicle, preferably an electric bicycle, against theft using an anti-theft system, wherein the anti-theft system comprises at least a first lock element and a second lock element and a key element. In the method, a separate key is generated for each lock element using the key element. The lock elements and the key element are designed to be coupled via a wireless connection.By means of the coupling with the wireless connection, the keys can be exchanged, preferably between the key element and the lock elements, and for example also between the lock elements themselves.

[0009] Locking elements are considered, in particular, devices for mechanically and / or software-based locking and unlocking at least one vehicle component of the vehicle. For example, a wheel of the vehicle can be mechanically locked using a locking element to prevent the vehicle from moving. More preferably, a drive unit of the vehicle can be software-locked using a locking element to prevent operation of the drive unit in the locked state.

[0010] A device is also preferably considered a key component by means of which a user possessing this key component can initiate the locking and unlocking of at least parts of the vehicle using the locking elements. For this purpose, the key is exchanged between the key element and the locking elements via the wireless connection.

[0011] In particular, the lock elements are designed in such a way that they can only be released by exchanging the key with the key component.

[0012] In other words, a method is provided in which multiple locking elements of the anti-theft system can be locked and unlocked using a respective individual key, with the individual keys being generated by the key element. Preferably, the keys can be generated once, for example, upon initial commissioning of the anti-theft system.

[0013] Preferably, a Bluetooth Low Energy connection can be provided as the wireless connection. This enables particularly energy-efficient and cost-effective operation of the anti-theft system.

[0014] Particularly preferably, each lock is configured for mechanical and / or software-based locking and unlocking of at least one vehicle component. Mechanical locking can be implemented, for example, by mechanically locking vehicle components in such a way that movement of these vehicle components and thus movement of the vehicle is prevented. Software-based locking can, for example, prevent the operation of vehicle components, such as a drive unit.

[0015] The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

[0016] Preferably, the locking elements are actuated by exchanging the respective keys from the locking element, wherein actuation of the locking elements locks or unlocks at least one vehicle component of the vehicle. In other words, the key element is configured to actuate the locking elements using the respective keys, in particular separately. For example, the locking elements can each lock or unlock a separate vehicle component. Alternatively, preferably, several locking elements can jointly lock or unlock precisely one vehicle component. This allows the vehicle's anti-theft protection to be implemented in a particularly simple and reliable manner.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the locking elements are locked in response to a locking signal generated by the key element. The key element generates the locking signal in response to a predetermined locking event. A variety of actions or events can be provided as a locking event, based on which the locking is to be triggered, such as a user input. This can provide a particularly high level of operating convenience for a vehicle user.

[0018] The locking event preferably corresponds to the expiration of a predetermined period of time, in particular after the deactivation of a drive unit of the vehicle. This means, for example, that after the vehicle has ended driving operation, during which the drive unit is deactivated, the locking elements are automatically locked after the expiration of the predetermined period of time. For example, the predetermined period of time can be at least 1 second, preferably a maximum of 10 seconds. Alternatively or additionally, the locking event preferably corresponds to the interruption of the coupling between the key element and the locking elements via the wireless connection. This means, for example, if the key element moves away from the locking elements and the coupling of the wireless connection is thereby interrupted, the locking signal is automatically generated. Alternatively or additionally, the locking event preferably corresponds to the deactivation of a drive unit of the vehicle.Further alternatively or additionally, the predetermined locking event preferably corresponds to the locking of at least one additional locking element. This means that the process of locking a first locking element automatically initiates the locking of a second locking element. This enables the locking of all locking elements in a simple and reliable manner.

[0019] Further preferably, each key is generated using the key element with a separate provider device, wherein the key element is connectable to the provider devices via an internet connection. A server is considered to be the provider device, in particular. This means that all keys are generated completely independently of one another. This allows for a high level of security for the anti-theft system, in addition to simple and flexible operation. For example, locking elements from different manufacturers can be combined particularly easily in a common system.

[0020] Preferably, the keys are stored in a data storage device of the key element after they have been generated using the key element. In particular, only a one-time internet connection between the key element and the provider's devices is required to generate the keys, allowing subsequent use of the anti-theft system without an internet connection. This allows for simple and flexible locking and unlocking of the locking elements at any time.

[0021] The key element preferably has a user device with a user application. In particular, a smartphone or the like is considered a user device, wherein, for example, an app or a program can be considered a user application. The exchange of keys, which in particular initiates the locking and / or unlocking of the vehicle component, takes place in response to the detection of a user input by means of the user application. This means that the user can manually lock and unlock the vehicle component using the user application. This makes it possible to provide a particularly simple application and a high level of user convenience for the method. Alternatively or additionally, the exchange of keys can take place in response to a predetermined event.For example, when a predetermined event occurs, such as the expiration of a predetermined period of time or the detection of a user device moving away from the vehicle by at least a predetermined distance, the keys can be automatically swapped. This also allows for particularly simple and flexible operation of the anti-theft system.

[0022] The method further preferably comprises the step of authentication for generating the keys. Authentication is considered, in particular, a verification of the user's access or usage authorization. This means, for example, that the user's authorization to release the locking elements and / or to use the vehicle can be verified using an individual identifier or the like. In particular, the keys are generated only upon successful authentication. In particular, the method prevents the keys from being generated without successful authentication. This allows for a particularly high level of security to be provided.

[0023] Preferably, authentication is performed digitally using an individual user identification. In particular, an individual user identification can be considered a digital element, such as a sequence of numbers or characters, for access control. The individual user identification is particularly preferably a password, which is preferably linked to an individual user account. This allows for particularly simple and reliable authentication.

[0024] Preferably, authentication is performed physically using a predetermined individual identification key. In particular, an identification key for physical authentication is considered to be an identification feature uniquely assigned to the respective lock element. For example, the individual identification key can comprise a QR code and / or a barcode and / or a password and / or a PIN. The identification key can, for example, be configured as a physical element that can preferably be identified using the key element and is assigned to the lock element. This enables particularly simple authentication.

[0025] More preferably, the anti-theft system further comprises a control unit that monitors the coupling by means of the wireless connection between at least two locking elements and / or between the key element and at least one of the locking elements. The control unit generates a theft signal in response to a detected interruption in the coupling. This means that if an interruption in the wireless connection, for example between at least two locking elements, is detected, this can be registered by the control unit in order to generate the theft signal in response. The theft signal can be used in a variety of ways, for example to initiate further actions. Preferably, a theft of the vehicle can be detected in response to a generated theft signal.In other words, if the coupling between the at least two locking elements and / or between the key element and at least one of the locking elements is interrupted, theft or unauthorized movement of the vehicle can be detected. This can provide additional security for the anti-theft system.

[0026] Particularly preferably, an acoustic and / or visual alarm signal and / or a warning message is generated based on the generated theft signal. For example, the alarm signal and / or the warning message can be issued on the vehicle and / or on a separate device. It is particularly advantageous if the warning message is issued via the user device. An alarm signal can be issued, for example, with an output device, which can preferably be arranged on the vehicle, and / or via the user device. This allows the user to be informed immediately and at any time that the vehicle has been stolen or moved without authorization.

[0027] Furthermore, the invention leads to an anti-theft system, comprising at least a first lock element and a second lock element, as well as a key element, and a control unit. The control unit is designed to carry out the described method. Preferably, the first lock element is designed for mounting on the vehicle, wherein the second lock element is designed for mounting on an infrastructure facility. An infrastructure facility can be regarded, in particular, as a stationary element in the vicinity of the vehicle. For example, a bicycle rack or a fence or the like can be regarded as an infrastructure facility. The second lock element can be mounted on the infrastructure facility by the user. If an interruption in the coupling between the two lock elements is detected, unauthorized removal of the vehicle, and thus, for example, theft, can be detected.The anti-theft system is therefore characterized by particularly simple and convenient handling.

[0028] The invention further relates to a vehicle, preferably a bicycle. Particularly preferably, an electric bicycle, comprising the described anti-theft system.

[0029] Short description of the drawings

[0030] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing:

[0031] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic view of a vehicle in which a method for theft protection according to a first embodiment of the invention is carried out,

[0032] Figure 2 is a highly simplified schematic representation of a

[0033] Course of the method according to the preferred embodiment,

[0034] Figure 3 is a simplified schematic view of a vehicle in which an anti-theft method according to a second embodiment of the invention is carried out, and

[0035] Figure 4 is a further simplified schematic view of the vehicle of Figure 3, in which the anti-theft protection method according to the second embodiment of the invention is carried out.

[0036] Embodiments of the invention

[0037] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 is an electric bicycle comprising a drive unit 102, which is configured as an electric motor. The drive unit 102 is arranged in the region of a bottom bracket of the vehicle 100 and is designed to assist the manual pedaling force applied by a rider of the bicycle 100 via a crank drive with a torque generated by an electric motor.

[0038] Furthermore, the vehicle 100 comprises an electrical energy storage device 105, by means of which the drive unit 102 can be supplied with electrical energy. The vehicle 100 further comprises a control unit 7, which is configured to operate the drive unit 102 in a controlled manner.

[0039] In addition, the bicycle 100 comprises an anti-theft system 10, by means of which theft or unauthorized movement of the bicycle is to be prevented and / or detected.

[0040] The anti-theft system 10 comprises two locking elements 1, 2, which are configured to lock and release vehicle components 102, 108 of the vehicle 100.

[0041] In detail, a first locking element 1 is formed as part of the drive unit 102, in particular as part of a control of the drive unit 102. The first locking element 1 is configured to lock and release the drive unit 102 in that the first locking element 1 can prevent or allow operation of the drive unit 102.

[0042] The second lock element 2 is designed as a conventional bicycle lock, which is configured to mechanically prevent the vehicle 100 from moving. As shown in Figure 1, the second lock element 2 can be used, for example, to lock a rear wheel 108 of the vehicle 100 by mechanically blocking the rear wheel 108 relative to a vehicle frame by the second lock element 2. The second lock element 2 can preferably have an actuating device by means of which the second lock element 2 can be controllably actuated into a locked and a released state.

[0043] The anti-theft system 10 further comprises a key element 5, which is designed as a separate device. In the illustrated embodiment, the key element 5 is a user device of a user of the vehicle 100.

[0044] For example, a bicycle component (not shown), such as a bicycle computer, may also function as a key element 5, wherein the bicycle component preferably communicates with the control unit 7.

[0045] The two locking elements 1, 2 can communicate with each other and with the key element 5 via a wireless connection 6. The two locking elements 1, 2 can be coupled with each other and with the key element 5. The wireless connection 6 is a Bluetooth Low Energy connection.

[0046] Particularly preferably, communication between the first lock element 1 and the control unit 7 takes place, for example by means of a CAN connection. The control unit 7 receives the key from the key element 5 via the wireless connection 6.

[0047] The second lock element 2 preferably communicates indirectly with the key element 5 via the control unit 7.

[0048] Preferably, the coupling can be effected via the control unit 7. Alternatively or additionally, communication and coupling can be effected at least partially directly, i.e., not via the control unit 7.

[0049] The implementation of the anti-theft protection method 50 is shown schematically in Figure 2 in a highly simplified manner. In the method 50, individual keys are first generated for each lock element 1, 2 using the key element 5. Authentication occurs in a first step 51. Authentication can be performed digitally and / or physically.

[0050] For example, physical authentication can be performed using a predetermined identification key per lock element 1, 2, which is uniquely assigned to each lock element 1, 2. Preferably, the identification key can comprise a QR code that can be read using the key element 5.

[0051] The digital authentication can be carried out, for example, by means of an individual user identification, which preferably comprises a user name and a password, and which can be entered using the key element 5.

[0052] Subsequently, in a second step 52, the individual keys for each lock element 1, 2 are generated using the key element 5. Each of the two keys is generated on a separate provider device, with which the key element 5 communicates via an internet connection. This not only ensures particularly high security for the anti-theft system 10, but also provides a high degree of flexibility. For example, lock elements 1, 2 from different manufacturers can be easily combined in a common system.

[0053] In a next step 53, the generated keys are stored in a data storage of the key element 5. This allows the keys to be used without an internet connection.

[0054] Subsequently, as shown in simplified form by step 54, the normal operation of the anti-theft system 10 can take place, in which the locking and unlocking of the vehicle components 102, 108 can take place by exchanging the keys between the key element 5 and the lock elements 1, 2.

[0055] The locking elements 1, 2 can be locked together or independently of each other. For example, the locking of one of the two locking elements 1, 2 can be directly linked to the locking of the other locking element 1, 2, thereby enabling a particularly simple design of the anti-theft system 10.

[0056] In particular, the locking elements 1, 2 are locked in response to a predetermined locking event. The locking event can be a user input from a user of the vehicle 100 using the key element 5. Alternatively or additionally, the locking event can be the expiration of a predetermined period of time after deactivation of the drive unit 102, so that the locking elements 1, 2 are automatically locked after the operation of the vehicle 100 has ended. Furthermore, it is possible for the locking event to be a termination of the coupling via the wireless connection 6. This means that if the key element 5, for example, moves so far away from the locking elements 1, 2 that the coupling is terminated, the locking elements 1, 2 are automatically locked.

[0057] Furthermore, the key can be stored on a vehicle component, such as the control unit 7. If this vehicle component is removed without authorization, locking can be initiated, in particular by interrupting the coupling with one of the lock elements 1, 2.

[0058] Figures 3 and 4 show simplified schematic views of a vehicle 100 in which a method according to a second embodiment of the invention is carried out. The second embodiment essentially corresponds to the first embodiment, with the difference of an alternative design of the locking elements 1, 2 and their use.

[0059] In the second embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the two locking elements 1, 2 can be designed as simple transceivers. The first locking element 1 is mounted on the vehicle 100, and the second locking element 2 can be mounted on an infrastructure device 110, which is fixedly arranged in the vicinity of the vehicle 100.

[0060] If the vehicle 100 is parked, the coupling between the two locking elements 1, 2 can be activated, for example, using the key element 5. This is shown schematically in simplified form in Figure 3. The coupling between the two locking elements 1, 2 can be monitored by the control unit 7. If the vehicle 100 is moved away from the infrastructure facility 110, as shown by way of example in Figure 4, this leads to an interruption of the coupling between the two locking elements 1, 2. This interruption is detected by the control unit 7, and in response, the control unit 7 generates a theft signal.

[0061] Based on the generated theft signal, an acoustic and visual alarm signal is then generated, and a message about the termination of the pairing is transmitted to the key element 5. This allows the user to be notified of the unauthorized removal of the vehicle 100.

[0062] In a further preferred embodiment, the two described embodiments can also be combined with each other as desired.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for securing a vehicle (100), in particular an electric bicycle, against theft by means of an anti-theft system (10) which comprises at least a first lock element (1) and a second lock element (2) and a key element (5), - wherein a separate key is generated for each lock element (1, 2) by means of the key element (5), - wherein the lock elements (1, 2) and the key element (5) can be coupled by means of a wireless connection (6) for exchanging the keys.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the locking elements (1, 2) are actuated by exchanging the keys from the key element (5) to lock and release at least one vehicle component (102, 108).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the lock elements (1, 2) are locked in response to a locking signal generated by the key element, and wherein the key element (5) generates the locking signal in response to a predetermined locking event.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined locking event is an expiration of a predetermined period of time, in particular after deactivation of a drive unit (102) of the vehicle (100) and / or an interruption of the coupling by means of the wireless connection and / or a locking of another locking element (1, 2).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the key element (5) generates each key on a separate provider device by means of an Internet connection. The method according to claim 5, wherein the keys are stored in a data memory of the key element (5) after generation. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the key element (5) comprises a user device with a user application, wherein the exchange of keys occurs in response to a user input by means of the user application. The method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of: authentication for generating the keys. The method according to claim 8, wherein the authentication occurs digitally using an individual user identification. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the authentication occurs physically using a predetermined individual identification key.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-theft system (10) further comprises a control unit (7) which monitors the coupling by means of the wireless connection between at least two lock elements (1, 2) and / or between the key element (5) and at least one of the lock elements (1, 2), and wherein the control unit (7) generates a theft signal in response to a detected interruption of the coupling. Method according to claim 11, wherein an acoustic and / or optical alarm signal and / or a warning message is generated based on the generated theft signal. Anti-theft system comprising at least a first lock element (1) and a second lock element (2), a key element (5), and a control unit (7) which is configured to carry out a method (50) according to one of the preceding claims.Anti-theft system according to claim 13, wherein the first lock element (1) is adapted to be mounted on the vehicle (100), and wherein the second. Lock element (2) is configured for mounting on an infrastructure device (110). Vehicle, preferably bicycle, in particular electric bicycle, comprising an anti-theft system (10) according to claim 13 or 14.

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