Vehicle Anti-theft system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle anti-theft system capable of implementing measures for flexibly preventing running-away when a vehicle theft occurs.SOLUTION: A vehicle anti-theft system 2 for preventing running-away during a theft of a vehicle 1 provided with a throttle body 40 which forms a part of a suction passage 50 of an internal combustion engine to adjust an output of the internal combustion engine comprises: the throttle body 40 having a throttle valve 46 driven by a drive circuit 43 to adjust a suction flow rate of the suction passage 50; a communication unit 21 that receives external information from the outside of the vehicle 1; and a control unit 31 that controls the throttle valve 46 via the drive circuit 43 and changes the control of the throttle valve 46 from normal control to ongoing-theft mode control for limiting the output of the internal combustion engine when the communication unit 21 receives the external information containing a running-away preventing instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a vehicle theft prevention system that prevents a stolen vehicle from escaping. [Background technology]

[0002] There are roughly two types of vehicle theft prevention systems. The first type is a start restriction type system that prevents the internal combustion engine from being started unless a genuine key owned by a legitimate user is used, and the second type is a driving restriction type system that restricts the driving of a stolen vehicle if the internal combustion engine is started in some way. The methods of vehicle theft are becoming more sophisticated and advanced every year, and there are cases where thefts break into the control system, start the internal combustion engine without using a genuine key, and then run away.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle anti-theft device of the above-mentioned driving restriction type. When a legitimate user notices that the vehicle has been stolen, the legitimate user transmits a theft notification from a mobile terminal or the like. The theft notification is received by a communication module mounted on the vehicle, and the vehicle control device gradually reduces the upper limit of driving performance while allowing the vehicle to continue driving, eventually bringing the vehicle to a stop. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-232224 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, when a vehicle is stolen, the "operation restriction method" of the control is switched to gradually lower the upper limit of the control. However, simply "lowering the upper limit of the control" may not be enough to prevent escape, as the methods of theft are becoming more sophisticated and advanced every year.

[0006] The objective of the technology disclosed in this specification to solve the above problems is to provide a vehicle theft prevention system that can implement more flexible measures to prevent escape when a vehicle is stolen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the vehicle anti-theft system disclosed in this specification takes the following measures.

[0008] The first means is a vehicle theft prevention system that prevents the theft of a vehicle equipped with a throttle body that forms part of the intake passage of an internal combustion engine and adjusts the output of the internal combustion engine, the vehicle theft prevention system having the throttle body having a throttle valve that is driven by a drive circuit to adjust the intake flow rate of the intake passage, a communication unit that receives external information from outside the vehicle, and a control unit that controls the throttle valve via the drive circuit and, when the communication unit receives the external information including an escape prevention instruction, transitions the control of the throttle valve from normal control to a theft mode control that limits the output of the internal combustion engine.

[0009] According to the first means, when a legitimate user notices that the vehicle has been stolen, the legitimate user transmits external information from a user terminal device or the like, and switches the throttle valve control program itself from normal control to a theft mode control dedicated to dealing with theft. In the theft mode control, various controls for preventing escape are prepared in advance, so that when the vehicle is stolen, measures for preventing escape can be taken more flexibly.

[0010] The second means is a vehicle theft prevention system related to the first means, which has an alarm unit that, when the control unit transitions control of the throttle valve to the theft mode control, alerts the driver of the vehicle with warning information including a notification that the control unit has transitioned to the theft mode control.

[0011] According to the second means, the driver of the stolen vehicle is notified of warning information (including, for example, information that the vehicle has entered the theft mode control mode or that the police have been notified) by the notification unit through audio, visual, etc., thereby discouraging the driver from escaping the crime.

[0012] A third aspect is a vehicle theft prevention system according to the first or second aspect, in which power is supplied to the drive circuit via a fuse, and when the control unit shifts the control of the throttle valve to the theft mode control, the control unit applies an overcurrent to the fuse to melt it and stop the supply of power to the drive circuit, thereby limiting the output of the internal combustion engine.

[0013] According to the third means, the throttle valve opening is fixed at a slow-speed opening by mechanically stopping (by blowing a fuse) the supply of power to the drive circuit that drives the throttle valve, so that the vehicle can only travel at a slow speed (for example, about 6 km / h). This makes the driver of the stolen vehicle give up on escaping. The throttle valve is equipped with a so-called fail-safe function that fixes the throttle valve at a slow-speed opening that allows the driver to reach a dealer at a safe slow speed without stopping the internal combustion engine in the event of an abnormality, such as when the power supply to the drive circuit is stopped.

[0014] A fourth means is a vehicle theft prevention system according to the first or second means, in which power is supplied to the drive circuit via a fuse, and when the control unit shifts control of the throttle valve to the theft mode control and the vehicle is running, the control unit applies an overcurrent to the fuse after a predetermined time has elapsed to melt the fuse and stop the supply of power to the drive circuit, thereby limiting the output of the internal combustion engine.

[0015] When a stolen vehicle is traveling, if the power supply to the drive circuit that drives the throttle valve is suddenly stopped (by blowing a fuse) and the throttle valve opening is fixed to a slow-speed opening, it is possible that the vehicle will not be able to keep up with the flow of surrounding vehicles and an undesirable situation will occur. According to the fourth means, during the grace period until the predetermined time has elapsed, the notification unit issues warning information (including a notice that the vehicle will only be able to travel at a slow speed after the predetermined time), encouraging the vehicle to stop in a safe place and avoiding the occurrence of an undesirable situation. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the throttle valve opening is fixed to a slow-speed opening, making the vehicle only able to travel at a slow speed. This makes the driver of the stolen vehicle give up on trying to escape.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle theft prevention system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, in which power is supplied to the drive circuit via a fuse, and when the control unit shifts control of the throttle valve to the theft mode control and the vehicle is stopped, the control unit applies an overcurrent to the fuse to melt it and stop the supply of power to the drive circuit, thereby limiting the output of the internal combustion engine.

[0017] If the stolen vehicle is stopped, it is believed that no undesirable situation will occur even if the power supply to the drive circuit that drives the throttle valve is suddenly mechanically stopped (by blowing a fuse) and the throttle valve opening is fixed to the slow-travel speed opening. According to the fifth means, if the vehicle is stopped at an intersection or parked, the throttle valve opening is quickly fixed to the slow-travel speed opening so that the vehicle can only travel at a slow speed. This makes the driver of the stolen vehicle give up on trying to escape. Effect of the Invention

[0018] By employing the above-mentioned measures, the vehicle theft prevention system disclosed in this specification can implement measures to more flexibly prevent escape of a vehicle when theft occurs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a vehicle anti-theft system. [Diagram 2] 10 is a message sequence diagram showing an example of message transmission and reception among a user terminal device, a communication device, a control device, and an alarm device. [Diagram 3] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the user terminal device illustrated in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the communication device illustrated in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the control device illustrated in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the notification device shown in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] <<Overall configuration of vehicle anti-theft system 2 (Fig. 1)>> Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a vehicle anti-theft system 2 mounted on a vehicle 1. The vehicle anti-theft system 2 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 31, a throttle body 40, an alarm unit 61, and the like.

[0021] The communication unit 21 is mounted on the communication device 20, and can receive external information from outside the vehicle 1 via the antenna 22, and can transmit various pieces of information to the outside of the vehicle 1 via the antenna 22. The communication device 20 (communication unit 21) is one of the so-called in-vehicle computers, and has a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. In addition, the communication device 20 (communication unit 21), the control device 30 (control unit 31), and the notification device 60 (notification unit 61) are connected to a communication line T (such as a CAN communication cable) in the vehicle 1, and can transmit and receive various pieces of information to and from various devices in the vehicle 1.

[0022] The throttle body 40 forms part of an intake passage 50 of an internal combustion engine mounted on the vehicle 1, and adjusts the output of the internal combustion engine. The throttle body 40 has a throttle valve 46, a throttle opening detection unit 45, a throttle motor 44, a drive circuit 43, a switching unit 42, a fuse 41, etc. The throttle valve 46 is driven via the drive circuit 43 and the throttle motor 44, and adjusts the opening of the intake passage 50 to adjust the intake flow rate.

[0023] The control unit 31 is mounted on the control device 30, and the control device 30 (control unit 31) receives detection signals from an accelerator pedal depression amount detection unit 34 (accelerator pedal depression amount sensor, etc.), a throttle opening detection unit 45 (throttle opening sensor, etc.), an ignition switch detection unit 32 (ignition switch sensor, etc.), a vehicle speed detection unit 33 (vehicle speed sensor, etc.), and outputs a control signal to a drive circuit 43 and a switching signal to a switching unit 42. The control device 30 (control unit 31) is one of so-called in-vehicle computers, and has a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The control device 30 (control unit 31) is also connected to a communication line T in the vehicle 1, and can transmit and receive various information to and from various devices in the vehicle 1. The control device 30 also receives detection signals from various other detection units (intake amount sensor, water temperature sensor, rotation sensor, etc.), and outputs control signals to various actuators (injectors, igniters, etc.), but these are not shown and will not be described.

[0024] The control device 30 (control unit 31) determines a target opening of the throttle valve 46 based on a detection signal from the accelerator pedal depression amount detection unit 34 and a detection signal from the throttle opening detection unit 45. The control device 30 (control unit 31) then outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 43 so as to achieve the target opening. The drive circuit 43 is supplied with power via a terminal B connected to a battery, a fuse 41, and a switching unit 42.

[0025] In normal operation, except when the vehicle is being stolen, the control device 30 (control unit 31) connects the switching unit 42 to the side of the drive circuit 43 as shown by the solid line in Fig. 1, and supplies the power supplied from terminal B to the drive circuit 43 via the fuse 41. When the vehicle is being stolen, the control device 30 (control unit 31) switches the switching unit 42 to the side of the ground circuit as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 1, as will be described later, to cause a short circuit, causing an overcurrent to flow through the fuse 41, which then blows it.

[0026] The notification unit 61 is mounted on the notification device 60, and has a monitor 62 (such as a touch monitor) and an audio output unit 63 (such as a speaker). The notification device 60 (notification unit 61) notifies various states of the vehicle 1, displays map information, and accepts instruction inputs from the user to the air conditioning device in the vehicle, etc. The notification device 60 (notification unit 61) is one of so-called in-vehicle computers, and has a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The notification device 60 (notification unit 61) is also connected to a communication line T in the vehicle 1, and can transmit and receive various information to and from various devices in the vehicle 1.

[0027] The user terminal device 10 is a terminal device such as a smartphone owned by a legitimate user of the vehicle 1, and includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. A predetermined application program (hereinafter, referred to as a predetermined application) is installed in the user terminal device 10, and executes the process shown in FIG. 3 described later. When the legitimate user of the vehicle 1 realizes that the vehicle 1 has been stolen, the legitimate user starts the predetermined application from the user terminal device 10, executes the process shown in FIG. 3, and transmits external information. The external information transmitted from the user terminal device 10 reaches the antenna 22 of the vehicle 1 via a plurality of base stations 11, and is received by the communication device 20. Moreover, the information transmitted from the communication device 20 via the antenna 22 reaches the user terminal device 10 via the antenna 22 and the base station 11, and is received by the user terminal device 10.

[0028] <<Messages sent and received by each device (Fig. 1, Fig. 2)>> 2 shows examples of messages transmitted and received by each of the user terminal device 10, the communication device 20 (communication unit 21), the control device 30 (control unit 31), and the notification device 60 (notification unit 61). Below, an overview of each message shown in FIG. 2 and an overview of the operation of each device will be described.

[0029] For example, a legitimate user of the vehicle 1 installs a predetermined application in advance in the user terminal device 10. When the legitimate user realizes that the vehicle 1 has been stolen, the legitimate user starts the predetermined application at time T1 and transmits external information including an escape prevention instruction (corresponding to "external information (escape prevention instruction)" shown in FIG. 2) from the predetermined application of the user terminal device 10 to the communication device 20 of the vehicle 1 via the base station 11.

[0030] When the communication device 20 receives “external information (escape prevention instruction)” from the user terminal device 10 at time T1, it transmits in-vehicle information including a control transition instruction (corresponding to the “control transition instruction” shown in FIG. 2) to the control device 30 via the communication line T.

[0031] When the control device 30 receives a "control transition instruction" (in-vehicle information including a control transition instruction) from the communication device 20 at time T1, it transitions the control of the opening degree of the throttle valve 46, etc. from normal control to the theft mode control. Then, the control device 30 transmits in-vehicle information (corresponding to the "notification instruction (implementation notice)" shown in FIG. 2) including a notification instruction (implementation notice) that notifies the notification device 60 of the implementation of an output limiting procedure (of the internal combustion engine) described below, via the communication line T.

[0032] When the alarm device 60 receives an "alert instruction (implementation notice)" from the control device 30 after time T1, it outputs warning information (corresponding to the "warning information (implementation notice)" shown in Figure 2) that includes a notice of the implementation of the (internal combustion engine) output limiting measure described below, to warn the driver of the stolen vehicle.

[0033] After time T1, the communication device 20 periodically updates the location information (GPS information indicating the position of the vehicle 1 on the map) and transmits it to the user terminal device 10 via the base station 11 (as will be described later, the location information is also transmitted to the police site).

[0034] When the user terminal device 10 receives the location information from the communication device 20, it displays the location of the vehicle 1 on a map using a predetermined application (the police site also displays the location of the vehicle 1 in the same way).

[0035] When a predetermined time has elapsed from time T1 and time T3 has arrived, the control device 30 implements the output limiting action (in this case, blowing the fuse 41) notified in the "warning information (notification of implementation)". Then, the control device 30 transmits in-vehicle information (corresponding to the "notification instruction (implemented)" shown in FIG. 2) including a notification instruction (implemented) that the output limiting action has been implemented to the notification device 60 via the communication line T.

[0036] When the notification device 60 receives a "notification instruction (implemented)" from the control device 30 after time T3, it outputs warning information (corresponding to "warning information (implemented)" shown in FIG. 2) including the fact that the output limiting procedure described below (in this case, blowing the fuse 41) has been implemented. When the output limiting procedure (in this case, blowing the fuse 41) is implemented, the vehicle 1 can only travel at a slow speed (for example, an evacuation driving speed of about 6 km / h), so the driver of the stolen vehicle 1 gives up on escaping and stops the vehicle 1 at a place where it is safe to get out of the vehicle 1, and abandons the vehicle 1.

[0037] At time T4, the authorized user (and the police) finds the abandoned vehicle 1 based on the position of the vehicle 1 on a map displayed by a predetermined application on the user terminal device 10. The authorized user then transmits external information including a release instruction (corresponding to "external information (release instruction)" shown in FIG. 2) from the predetermined application on the user terminal device 10 to the communication device 20 of the vehicle 1 via the base station 11. The authorized user must then take the vehicle 1 to a dealer or the like to replace the blown fuse 41.

[0038] When the communication device 20 receives the “external information (cancellation instruction)” from the user terminal device 10 at time T4, it transmits in-vehicle information including an instruction to return to normal control (corresponding to the “instruction to return to normal control” shown in FIG. 2) to the control device 30 via the communication line T.

[0039] When the control device 30 receives a "normal control return instruction" (in-vehicle information including a normal control return instruction) from the communication device 20 at time T4, it returns the control of the opening degree of the throttle valve 46, etc. from the theft mode control to normal control. Then, the control device 30 transmits in-vehicle information including an alarm cancellation instruction (corresponding to the "alarm cancellation instruction" shown in FIG. 2) to the alarm device 60 via the communication line T.

[0040] When the notification device 60 receives an "alarm cancellation instruction" (in-vehicle information including an alarm cancellation instruction) from the control device 30 at time T4, it stops outputting the "warning information (implemented)" and returns to normal notification.

[0041] In comparison with the above-mentioned general operation, the processing of the user terminal device 10, the processing of the communication device 20 (communication unit 21), the processing of the control device 30 (control unit 31), and the processing of the notification device 60 (notification unit 61) will be described in detail below in that order.

[0042] <<Processing Procedure of User Terminal Device 10 (FIG. 3)>> Fig. 3 shows an example of a processing procedure of the user terminal device 10 shown in Fig. 2. When a legitimate user who realizes that the vehicle 1 has been stolen starts a predetermined application of the user terminal device 10, the user terminal device 10 advances the processing to step S10 shown in Fig. 3.

[0043] In step S10, the user terminal device 10 displays a screen for user authentication and performs user authentication based on the input information. If the user authentication is OK (Yes), the user terminal device 10 proceeds to step S12, and if the user authentication is NG (No), the user terminal device 10 returns to step S10.

[0044] If the process proceeds to step S12, the user terminal device 10 displays a menu screen of the predetermined application and waits for an instruction from the user, and then proceeds to step S22.

[0045] In step S22, the user terminal device 10 determines whether or not an escape prevention instruction has been selected (input) from the menu screen. If an escape prevention instruction has been selected (input) (Yes), the user terminal device 10 proceeds to step S23, and if an escape prevention instruction has not been selected (input) (No), the user terminal device 10 proceeds to step S32.

[0046] If the processing proceeds to step S23, the user terminal device 10 transmits external information including an escape prevention instruction (corresponding to "external information (escape prevention instruction)" shown in FIG. 2) to the communication device 20 of the vehicle 1 via the base station 11, and proceeds to step S24.

[0047] In step S24, the user terminal device 10 determines whether or not location information including GPS information of the stolen vehicle 1 (corresponding to "location information" shown in FIG. 2) has been received from the communication device 20. If the user terminal device 10 has received the location information (Yes), the process proceeds to step S25. If the user terminal device 10 has not received the location information (No), the process proceeds to step S26. The location information is periodically transmitted from the communication device 20.

[0048] If the process proceeds to step S25, the user terminal device 10 updates and displays the position of the vehicle 1 on the map based on the currently received position information, and then proceeds to step S27.

[0049] If the process proceeds to step S26, the user terminal device 10 displays the position of the vehicle 1 on a map based on the previously received position information, and proceeds to step S27.

[0050] When the process proceeds to step S27, the user terminal device 10 judges whether or not a menu display instruction has been selected (input) by the user. If the menu display instruction has been selected (input) (Yes), the user terminal device 10 returns the process to step S12, and if the menu display instruction has not been selected (input) (No), the user terminal device 10 returns the process to step S24 and continues displaying the vehicle 1 on the map.

[0051] When the process proceeds to step S32, the user terminal device 10 judges whether or not a release instruction has been selected (input) from the menu screen. If the release instruction has been selected (input) (Yes), the user terminal device 10 proceeds to step S33, and if the release instruction has not been selected (input) (No), the user terminal device 10 proceeds to step S42.

[0052] If the processing proceeds to step S33, the user terminal device 10 transmits external information including a release instruction (corresponding to "external information (release instruction)" shown in FIG. 2) to the communication device 20 of the vehicle 1 via the base station 11, and the processing proceeds to step S34.

[0053] In step S34, the user terminal device 10 displays a message that "escape prevention instruction has been cancelled" and proceeds to step S37.

[0054] In step S37, the user terminal device 10 determines whether or not a menu display instruction has been selected (input) by the user. If the menu display instruction has been selected (input) (Yes), the user terminal device 10 returns the process to step S12, and if the menu display instruction has not been selected (input) (No), the user terminal device 10 returns the process to step S34 and continues to display the message that the "escape prevention instruction has been released."

[0055] When the process proceeds to step S42, the user terminal device 10 determines whether or not another instruction (an instruction other than "escape prevention instruction" and "cancel instruction") has been selected (input) from the menu screen. If another instruction (for example, an operation instruction prepared in a predetermined application, such as an instruction to remotely control starting or stopping an internal combustion engine) has been selected (input) (Yes), the user terminal device 10 proceeds to step S43, and if another instruction has not been selected (input) (No), the user terminal device 10 proceeds to step S52.

[0056] If the process proceeds to step S43, a process corresponding to the other process (which is an existing process of the predetermined application, and details are omitted) is carried out, and the process proceeds to step S47.

[0057] In step S47, the user terminal device 10 determines whether or not a menu display instruction has been selected (input) by the user. If the menu display instruction has been selected (input) (Yes), the user terminal device 10 returns the process to step S12, and if the menu display instruction has not been selected (input) (No), the user terminal device 10 returns the process to step S43.

[0058] When the process proceeds to step S52, the user terminal device 10 judges whether or not an application termination instruction has been selected (input) from the menu screen. If an application termination instruction has been selected (input) (Yes), the user terminal device 10 terminates the predetermined application that is performing the process of Fig. 3, and if an application termination instruction has not been selected (input) (No), the process returns to step S12.

[0059] <<Processing procedure of communication device 20 (communication unit 21) (FIG. 4)>> Fig. 4 shows an example of a processing procedure of the communication device 20 (communication unit 21) shown in Fig. 2. The communication device 20 mounted on the vehicle 1 operates regardless of whether the ignition switch is on or off, for example, and starts the processing shown in Fig. 4 at a predetermined time interval (an interval of about several tens of ms to several hundreds of ms) and proceeds to step T10.

[0060] In step T10, the communication device 20 (communication unit 21) determines whether or not external information (escape prevention instruction) (see FIG. 2) has been received from the user terminal device 10. If the communication device 20 has received the external information (escape prevention instruction) (Yes), the process proceeds to step T12, and if the communication device 20 has not received the external information (escape prevention instruction) (No), the process proceeds to step T20.

[0061] When the process proceeds to step T12, the communication device 20 sets the escape prevention flag set in the non-volatile memory to "1" and sets the release flag to "0", and proceeds to step T30. Note that the initial values ​​of the escape prevention flag and the release flag are both set to "0".

[0062] When the process proceeds to step T20, the communication device 20 determines whether or not external information (cancellation instruction) (see FIG. 2) has been received from the user terminal device 10. If the communication device 20 has received the external information (cancellation instruction) (Yes), the process proceeds to step T22, and if the communication device 20 has not received the external information (cancellation instruction) (No), the process proceeds to step T30.

[0063] If the process proceeds to step T22, the communication device 20 sets the escape prevention flag set in the non-volatile memory to "0" and sets the release flag to "1", and then proceeds to step T30.

[0064] When the process proceeds to step T30, the communication device 20 determines whether or not the escape prevention flag is set to "1." If the escape prevention flag is set to "1" (Yes), the communication device 20 proceeds to step T32, and if the escape prevention flag is not set to "1" (No), the communication device 20 proceeds to step T40.

[0065] If the process proceeds to step T32, the communication device 20 transmits in-vehicle information including a control transition instruction for transitioning the control of the throttle valve or the like from normal control to the theft mode control (corresponding to the "control transition instruction" shown in FIG. 2) to the control device 30 via the communication line T. Then, the communication device 20 proceeds to step T34.

[0066] In step T34, the communication device 20 receives location information (GPS information) indicating the location of the vehicle 1, and proceeds to step T36. For example, the communication device 20 acquires the location information (GPS information) received by a navigation system installed in the vehicle 1, or the communication device 20 itself receives the location information (GPS information), thereby acquiring the location information (GPS information).

[0067] In step T36, communication device 20 transmits the acquired location information (corresponding to "location information" shown in FIG. 2) to user terminal device 10 and to a preregistered police site or the like, and proceeds to step T40. The location information transmitted to the police site or the like also includes information that vehicle 1 has been stolen, and characteristics of vehicle 1 (number information, manufacturer name and model (car name), vehicle color, etc.). Transmission to the police site or the like may be omitted.

[0068] When the process proceeds to step T40, the communication device 20 determines whether or not the release flag is set to "1." If the release flag is set to "1" (Yes), the communication device 20 proceeds to step T42, and if the release flag is not set to "1" (No), the communication device 20 ends the process shown in FIG.

[0069] When the process proceeds to step T42, the communication device 20 transmits in-vehicle information including a normal control return instruction for returning the control of the throttle valve, etc. from the theft mode control to normal control (corresponding to the "normal control return instruction" shown in FIG. 2) to the control device 30 via the communication line T. Then, the communication device 20 ends the process shown in FIG. 4.

[0070] <<Processing procedure of the control device 30 (control unit 31) (FIG. 5)>> Fig. 5 shows an example of a processing procedure of the control device 30 (control unit 31) shown in Fig. 2. The control device 30 mounted on the vehicle 1 starts the processing shown in Fig. 5 at a predetermined time interval (an interval of about several tens of ms to several hundreds of ms), for example, and advances the processing to step U10.

[0071] In step U10, the control device 30 (control unit 31) determines whether or not in-vehicle information including a control transition instruction (corresponding to the "control transition instruction" shown in FIG. 2) has been received from the communication device 20. If the control device 30 has received the in-vehicle information (including the control transition instruction) (Yes), the control device 30 proceeds to step U12, and if the control device 30 has not received the in-vehicle information (including the control transition instruction) (No), the control device 30 proceeds to step U20.

[0072] If the process proceeds to step U12, the control device 30 sets the theft mode flag set in the non-volatile memory to "1" and proceeds to step U30. The initial value of the theft mode flag is set to "0".

[0073] If the process proceeds to step U20, the control device 30 determines whether or not in-vehicle information including an instruction to return to normal control (corresponding to the "instruction to return to normal control" shown in FIG. 2) has been received from the communication device 20. If the control device 30 has received in-vehicle information (including an instruction to return to normal control) (Yes), the control device 30 proceeds to step U22, and if the control device 30 has not received in-vehicle information (including an instruction to return to normal control) (No), the control device 30 proceeds to step U30.

[0074] If the process proceeds to step U22, the control device 30 sets the theft mode flag set in the non-volatile memory to "0" and proceeds to step U24.

[0075] In step U24, the control device 30 transmits in-vehicle information including an alarm cancellation instruction (corresponding to the "alarm cancellation instruction" shown in FIG. 2) to the alarm device 60, and the process proceeds to step U30.

[0076] When the process proceeds to step U30, the control device 30 determines whether or not the theft mode flag is set to "1." If the theft mode flag is set to "1" (Yes), the control device 30 proceeds to step U31, and if the theft mode flag is not set to "1" (No), the control device 30 proceeds to step U50. Note that steps U31 to U40 surrounded by dotted lines in Fig. 5 correspond to "theft mode control," and step U50 surrounded by dashed line corresponds to "normal control."

[0077] If the process proceeds to step U31, the control device 30 determines whether or not the vehicle 1 is moving. As shown in Fig. 1, a detection signal is input to the control device 30 from the vehicle speed detection unit 33, and the control device 30 is able to detect the traveling speed of the vehicle 1. If the vehicle 1 is moving (Yes), the control device 30 proceeds to step U32, and if the vehicle 1 is not moving but is stopped (No), the control device 30 proceeds to step U40.

[0078] When the process proceeds to step U32, the control device 30 controls, for example, the throttle valve opening to be equal to or less than a preset upper limit during theft. When the vehicle 1 is traveling, it is preferable to avoid suddenly stopping the internal combustion engine, and to guide the driver of the stolen vehicle 1 to give up on escaping and stop the vehicle in a safe place and abandon it. In the theft mode control, the throttle valve opening is not limited to being equal to or less than the upper limit during theft, and control that makes the driver want to give up on escaping (such as lowering the upper limit of the internal combustion engine rotation speed or the upper limit of the fuel injection amount) may be performed. Then, the control device 30 proceeds to step U33.

[0079] In step U33, the control device 30 determines whether a timer that measures the elapsed time since the theft mode flag changed from "0" to "1" is running. If the timer is running (Yes), the control device 30 proceeds to step U35, and if the timer is not running (No), the control device 30 proceeds to step U34.

[0080] If the process proceeds to step U34, the control device 30 starts a timer, starts measuring the elapsed time since the theft mode flag changed from "0" to "1", and then proceeds to step U35.

[0081] If the process proceeds to step U35, the control device 30 determines whether the time measured by the timer is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, a few seconds to a few minutes. If the time measured by the timer is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (Yes), the control device 30 proceeds to step U37, and if the time measured by the timer is shorter than the predetermined time (No), the control device 30 proceeds to step U36.

[0082] If the processing proceeds to step U36, the control device 30 transmits in-vehicle information (corresponding to the "notification instruction (implementation notice)" shown in Figure 2) including a notification instruction (implementation notice) that is a notice of the implementation of the output limiting procedure for the internal combustion engine to the notification device 60, and then terminates the processing shown in Figure 5.

[0083] When the process proceeds to step U37, the control device 30 implements the previously announced output limiting action, and then proceeds to step U38. As a specific output limiting action, the control device 30 switches the switching unit 42 shown in Fig. 1 from the solid line side (the drive circuit 43 side) to the dotted line side (the ground side), short-circuits the fuse 41 connected to terminal B of the power supply with the ground side, and causes an overcurrent to flow through the fuse 41, causing it to blow.

[0084] By blowing the fuse 41, power is no longer supplied to the drive circuit 43 shown in FIG. 1, and the throttle valve 46 is fixed to a predetermined opening (creep speed opening). The throttle valve 46 is fixed to a creep speed opening that allows the vehicle 1 to reach a dealer or the like at a safe creep speed without stopping the internal combustion engine as a fail-safe function in the event of an abnormality, such as when power is not supplied to the drive circuit 43. The creep speed is a so-called evacuation speed, and is, for example, about 6 km / h. When the opening of the throttle valve 46 is fixed to the creep speed opening, the vehicle 1 can only travel at a speed lower than the creep speed, but since the internal combustion engine does not stop, the hydraulic pressure of the steering, brakes, etc. is functioning normally, and the vehicle 1 can be guided to a safe place and stopped, or can be driven to a dealer or the like at a creep speed.

[0085] In step U38, the control device 30 transmits in-vehicle information including a notification instruction (implemented) that the output limiting procedure for the internal combustion engine has been performed (corresponding to the "notification instruction (implemented)" shown in Figure 2) to the notification device 60, and then ends the processing shown in Figure 5.

[0086] When the process proceeds to step U40, the control device 30 determines whether the ignition switch is ON. As shown in Fig. 1, the control device 30 receives a detection signal from the ignition switch detection unit 32 and can detect whether the ignition switch is ON or OFF. If the ignition switch is ON (Yes), the control device 30 proceeds to step U37, and if the ignition switch is not ON (No), the control device 30 ends the process shown in Fig. 5.

[0087] When the process proceeds to step U50, the control device 30 executes normal control (existing control) to obtain a target opening of the throttle valve 46, and outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 43 so as to achieve the target opening based on a detection signal from the throttle opening detection unit 45. Note that since the normal control is an existing control, details thereof will be omitted. Then, the control device 30 ends the process shown in FIG.

[0088] <<Processing procedure of the notification device 60 (notification unit 61) (FIG. 6)>> Fig. 6 shows an example of a processing procedure of the notification device 60 (notification unit 61) shown in Fig. 2. The notification device 60 mounted on the vehicle 1 starts the processing shown in Fig. 6 at a predetermined time interval (an interval of about several tens of ms to several hundreds of ms), for example, and advances the processing to step V10.

[0089] In step V10, the notification device 60 (notification unit 61) determines whether or not in-vehicle information including a notification instruction that is a notice of the implementation of an output limiting procedure for the internal combustion engine (in this case, blowing of the fuse 41) (corresponding to the "notification instruction (implementation notice)" shown in FIG. 2) has been received from the control device 30. If the notification device 60 has received in-vehicle information including a notification instruction (implementation notice) (Yes), it proceeds to step V12, and if the notification device 60 has not received in-vehicle information including a notification instruction (implementation notice) (No), it proceeds to step V20.

[0090] When the process proceeds to step V12, the notification device 60 sets the notification mode set in the non-volatile memory to "1" and proceeds to step V40. Note that the initial value of the notification mode is set to "0".

[0091] When the process proceeds to step V20, the notification device 60 judges whether or not it has received in-vehicle information (corresponding to "notification instruction (implemented)" shown in FIG. 2) from the control device 30, including a notification instruction that the output limiting procedure for the internal combustion engine (in this case, blowing the fuse 41) has been implemented. If the notification device 60 has received in-vehicle information including a notification instruction (implemented) (Yes), it proceeds to step V22, and if it has not received in-vehicle information including a notification instruction (implemented) (No), it proceeds to step V30.

[0092] If the process proceeds to step V22, the notification device 60 sets the notification mode set in the non-volatile memory to "2" and proceeds to step V40.

[0093] When the process proceeds to step V30, the notification device 60 judges whether or not it has received in-vehicle information including an instruction to turn off the notification (corresponding to the "notification turn off instruction" shown in FIG. 2) from the control device 30. When the notification device 60 has received in-vehicle information including an instruction to turn off the notification (Yes), it proceeds to step V32, and when the notification device 60 has not received in-vehicle information including an instruction to turn off the notification (No), it proceeds to step V40.

[0094] If the process proceeds to step V32, the notification device 60 sets the notification mode set in the non-volatile memory to "0" and proceeds to step V34.

[0095] In step V34, the notification device 60 uses the monitor 62 and the audio output unit 63 shown in FIG. 1 to notify that control has been restored to normal notification, and the process proceeds to step V40.

[0096] When the process proceeds to step V40, the notification device 60 judges whether the notification mode is set to "1." If the notification mode is set to "1" (Yes), the notification device 60 proceeds to step V42, and if the notification mode is not set to "1" (No), the notification device 60 proceeds to step V50.

[0097] When the process proceeds to step V42, the notification device 60 notifies the warning information (implementation notice) using the monitor 62 and the audio output unit 63 shown in Fig. 1, and ends the process shown in Fig. 6. For example, the warning information (implementation notice) is the information shown in (1-1) and (1-2) below. The predetermined time is, for example, a few seconds to a few minutes. (1-1) Information stating, "This vehicle has been stolen. We have reported it to the police, and have contacted the authorized user. We have sent the vehicle's license plate number and other characteristics, as well as its location, to the police. We have also sent the vehicle's location to the authorized user." (1-2) Information stating, "Vehicle control has been shifted to theft mode control. If the specified time has elapsed, output restriction measures will be implemented so that the vehicle can only travel at a slow speed. Please stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately within the specified time."

[0098] When the process proceeds to step V50, the notification device 60 judges whether or not the notification mode is set to "2." If the notification mode is set to "2" (Yes), the notification device 60 proceeds to step V52, and if the notification mode is not set to "2" (No), the notification device 60 proceeds to step V60.

[0099] When the process proceeds to step V52, the notification device 60 notifies the warning information (implemented) using the monitor 62 and the audio output unit 63 shown in Fig. 1, and ends the process shown in Fig. 6. For example, the warning information (implemented) is the information shown in the following (2-1) and (2-2). (2-1) Information stating, "This vehicle has been stolen. We have reported it to the police, and have contacted the authorized user. We have sent the vehicle's license plate number and other characteristics, as well as its location, to the police. We have also sent the vehicle's location to the authorized user." (2-2) Information stating, "Vehicle control has been switched to theft mode control. The specified time has elapsed so output restriction measures have been implemented and the vehicle can only travel at a slow speed. Please stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately."

[0100] When the process proceeds to step V60, the notification device 60 determines whether or not the notification mode is set to "0." If the notification mode is set to "0" (Yes), the notification device 60 proceeds to step V62, and if the notification mode is not set to "0" (No), the process shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0101] When the process proceeds to step V62, the notification device 60 performs normal notification (notifying various states of the vehicle 1, displaying map information, accepting user input of instructions to the air conditioner in the vehicle, etc.) using the monitor 62 and the audio output unit 63 shown in Fig. 1, and ends the process shown in Fig. 6. Note that the normal notification is an existing control, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0102] <<Other>> The vehicle theft prevention system 2 of the technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the configuration, structure, processing procedures, etc. described in this embodiment, and various modifications, additions, and deletions are possible without changing the gist of the technology disclosed in this specification.

[0103] In the description of the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the communication unit 21 is provided in the communication device 20, the control unit 31 is provided in the control device 30, and the notification unit 61 is provided in the notification device 60, but the communication unit 21, the control unit 31, and the notification unit 61 do not necessarily have to be provided in individual devices. For example, one device may include the communication unit 21, the control unit 31, and the notification unit 61.

[0104] In the description of this embodiment, an example has been described in which the communication device 20 transmits location information, etc. to a user terminal device or a police site, etc., when it receives external information (escape prevention instructions), but the transmission of location information, etc. may be omitted.

[0105] In the description of this embodiment, an example has been described in which, when communication device 20 receives external information (escape prevention instruction) as shown in Fig. 2, notification device 60 issues a notification that vehicle control has been shifted from normal control to theft mode control, and, when stolen vehicle 1 is traveling, warning information (implementation notice) including a notice of implementation of output limiting action (in this case, blowing fuse 41) for a predetermined time, but these notifications do not have to be issued. Also, an example has been described in which, when output limiting action (in this case, blowing fuse 41) is implemented, warning information (implementation completed) including a notice that output limiting action has been implemented is issued, but these notifications do not have to be issued.

[0106] In the description of this embodiment, when the communication device 20 receives external information (an instruction to prevent escape), if the stolen vehicle is traveling, a notice of the implementation of the output limiting procedure (in this case, blowing the fuse 41) is issued and the output limiting procedure is implemented after a predetermined time has elapsed. However, if the stolen vehicle is traveling, the upper limit opening of the throttle valve, the upper limit rotation speed of the internal combustion engine, and the upper limit of the fuel injection amount may be gradually reduced to quickly implement the output limiting procedure (in this case, blowing the fuse 41) without waiting for the predetermined time to elapse. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1 vehicle 2. Vehicle anti-theft system 10 User terminal device 11 Base station 20. Communications Equipment 21 Communications Department 22 Antenna 30 Control device 31 Control Unit 32 Ignition switch detector 33 Vehicle speed detection unit 34 Accelerator pedal depression amount detection unit 40 Throttle body 41 Fuse 42 Switching section 43 Drive circuit 44 Throttle motor 45 Throttle opening detector 46 Throttle valve 50 Intake passage 60 Alarm device 61 Notification Department 62 Monitor 63 Audio output section B terminal T communication line

Claims

1. A vehicle theft prevention system for preventing the theft of a vehicle having a throttle body that forms a part of an intake passage of an internal combustion engine and adjusts an output of the internal combustion engine, comprising: the throttle body having a throttle valve that is driven by a drive circuit to adjust the intake air flow rate of the intake passage; A communication unit that receives external information from outside the vehicle; a control unit that controls the throttle valve via the drive circuit and, when the communication unit receives the external information including an escape prevention command, transitions the control of the throttle valve from normal control to a theft mode control that limits output of the internal combustion engine; having Vehicle anti-theft system.

2. 2. The vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 1, a notification unit that notifies a driver of the vehicle of warning information including a notice that the control of the throttle valve has been shifted to the theft mode control when the control unit shifts the control of the throttle valve to the theft mode control, Vehicle anti-theft system.

3. 3. The vehicle theft prevention system according to claim 1, The drive circuit is supplied with power via a fuse, When the control unit shifts the control of the throttle valve to the theft mode control, the control unit applies an overcurrent to the fuse to melt it and stop the supply of power to the drive circuit, thereby limiting the output of the internal combustion engine. Vehicle anti-theft system.

4. 3. The vehicle theft prevention system according to claim 1, The drive circuit is supplied with power via a fuse, when the control of the throttle valve is shifted to the theft mode control and the vehicle is traveling, the control unit applies an overcurrent to the fuse after a predetermined time has elapsed, melting it and stopping the supply of power to the drive circuit, thereby limiting the output of the internal combustion engine. Vehicle anti-theft system.

5. 3. The vehicle theft prevention system according to claim 1, The drive circuit is supplied with power via a fuse, When the control of the throttle valve is shifted to the theft mode control and the vehicle is stopped, the control unit applies an overcurrent to the fuse to melt it and stop the supply of power to the drive circuit, thereby limiting the output of the internal combustion engine. Vehicle anti-theft system.

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