Anti-theft device

Abstract

To provide an anti-theft device for preventing theft of vehicles more efficiently.SOLUTION: An anti-theft device comprises: a setting section 21 for setting password information; a determination section 22 for determining whether or not matching has occurred with the password information set by the setting section 21; a shifting section 23 for shifting from a non-monitoring mode to a monitoring mode, or from a monitoring mode to a non-monitoring mode; and a first control section 30 and a second control section 31 for executing control related to a vehicle. The shifting section 23 shifts from the non-monitoring mode to the monitoring mode, when password information is set by the setting section 21, but, when the determination section 22 determines that matching with the password information set by the setting section 21 has occurred, the shifting section shifts from the monitoring mode to the non-monitoring mode. When a prescribed operation is performed with respect to the vehicle, in a state of being shifted to the monitoring mode, the first control section 30 and the second control section 31 issue a notification that abnormality has arisen, and the notification is stopped when shifting to the non-monitoring mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an anti-theft device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional anti-theft device for a vehicle is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1. In this anti-theft device, when the driver parks the vehicle and leaves it, he turns on the theft monitoring mode ON / OFF switch and then locks the doors. This starts monitoring by the anti-theft device, and when it detects a signal that a door, trunk, hood, etc. is open, it flashes the headlights, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 04-297354 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even with the existence of anti-theft devices such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, vehicle thefts are on the rise.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an anti-theft device that more effectively prevents vehicle theft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following means: Note that the parentheses indicate reference symbols of embodiments to be described later, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0007] The device according to claim 1 (for example, the anti-theft device 1 shown in FIG. 1) comprises: A setting means for setting a secret code (for example, the setting unit 21 shown in FIG. 2 ); a determination means (for example, the determination unit 22 shown in FIG. 2) for determining whether or not the password information set by the setting means (for example, the setting unit 21 shown in FIG. 2) matches the password information; A transition unit (for example, a transition unit 23 shown in FIG. 2) for transitioning from the non-monitoring mode to the monitoring mode or from the monitoring mode to the non-monitoring mode; a control means (for example, a first control unit 30 and a second control unit 31 shown in FIG. 2) for controlling a vehicle (for example, a vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3); The transition means (for example, the transition unit 23 shown in FIG. 2) transitions from the non-monitoring mode to the monitoring mode when the password is set by the setting means (for example, the setting unit 21 shown in FIG. 2), If the determination means (for example, the determination unit 22 shown in FIG. 2) determines that the password matches the password set by the setting means (for example, the setting unit 21 shown in FIG. 2), the monitoring mode is switched to the non-monitoring mode, The control means (for example, the first control unit 30 and the second control unit 31 shown in FIG. 2) When a predetermined operation is performed on the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3) in the monitoring mode, the system notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred. The feature of this system is that when the system is shifted to the non-monitoring mode, the notification is stopped to prevent theft of the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3).

[0008] The device according to claim 2 (for example, the anti-theft device 1 shown in FIG. 1) is the device according to claim 1 (for example, the anti-theft device 1 shown in FIG. 1), further comprising a clearing means (for example, the clearing unit 24 shown in FIG. 2) that clears the password information set by the setting means (for example, the setting unit 21 shown in FIG. 2), The clearing means (e.g., the clearing unit 24 shown in FIG. 2) is characterized in that it clears the secret information set by the setting means (e.g., the setting unit 21 shown in FIG. 2) when the transition means (e.g., the transition unit 23 shown in FIG. 2) transitions from the monitoring mode to the non-monitoring mode.

[0009] In the device according to claim 3 (for example, the anti-theft device 1 shown in FIG. 1), the notification of the occurrence of the abnormality in the device according to claim 1 (for example, the anti-theft device 1 shown in FIG. 1) is an alarm sound, The control means (e.g., the second control unit 31 shown in FIG. 2) is characterized by intermittently issuing the warning sound until the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3) is switched to the non-monitoring mode or the battery power of the vehicle is depleted.

[0010] In the device according to claim 4 (for example, the anti-theft device 1 shown in FIG. 1), the notification of the occurrence of the abnormality in the device according to claim 1 (for example, the anti-theft device 1 shown in FIG. 1) is made by issuing a warning sound and stopping the operation of the engine of the vehicle (for example, the vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3), When the predetermined operation is performed on the vehicle (for example, the vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3) in the monitoring mode, the control means (for example, the first control unit 30 and the second control unit 31 shown in FIG. 2) issues the warning sound and stops the engine operation of the vehicle (for example, the vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3), When the battery is removed from the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3), the warning sound is no longer emitted, but the engine of the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3) continues to be stopped, When the battery is reattached to the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3), the warning sound is emitted and the engine operation of the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3) continues to be stopped.

[0011] The device described in claim 5 (for example, the anti-theft device 1 shown in Figure 1) is characterized in that in the device described in claim 1 (for example, the anti-theft device 1 shown in Figure 1), the secret information can be set by the setting means (for example, the setting unit 21 shown in Figure 2) even when the engine of the vehicle (for example, the vehicle 4 shown in Figure 3) is running during the non-monitoring mode.

[0012] The device according to claim 6 (for example, the anti-theft device 1 shown in FIG. 1) is the device according to claim 1 (for example, the anti-theft device 1 shown in FIG. 1), wherein the notification of the occurrence of the abnormality is made by stopping the operation of the engine of the vehicle (for example, the vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3), The predetermined operation is an operation for moving the vehicle (for example, the vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3), Even if the engine of the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in Figure 3) starts up during the monitoring mode, the specified operation is required to move the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in Figure 3), so when the specified operation is performed on the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in Figure 3), the control means (for example, first control unit 30 shown in Figure 2) stops the engine operation of the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in Figure 3).

[0013] The device according to claim 7 (for example, the anti-theft device 1 shown in FIG. 1) is the device according to claim 1 (for example, the anti-theft device 1 shown in FIG. 1), further comprising input means (for example, the input unit 20 shown in FIG. 2) capable of inputting an ID, The determination means (for example, the determination unit 22 shown in FIG. 2) determines whether or not the ID inputted by the input means (for example, the input unit 20 shown in FIG. 2) matches a pre-stored initial ID; The transition means (e.g., the transition unit 23 shown in FIG. 2) transitions from the monitoring mode to the non-monitoring mode when the determination means (e.g., the determination unit 22 shown in FIG. 2) determines that the ID input by the input means (e.g., the input unit 20 shown in FIG. 2) matches a pre-stored initial ID, The control means (for example, the first control unit 30 and the second control unit 31 shown in FIG. 2) is characterized in that it stops the notification when the mode is shifted to the non-monitoring mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] Next, the effects of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the reference symbols in parentheses are those of the embodiments described below, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0015] According to the invention of claim 1, only the owner of the vehicle who knows the secret code can switch from monitoring mode to non-monitoring mode. Therefore, even if the key of a vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in Fig. 3) is stolen or duplicated, a person attempting to steal the vehicle cannot switch the anti-theft device from monitoring mode to non-monitoring mode or stop the alarm.

[0016] Therefore, according to the present invention, an anti-theft device can be provided that more effectively prevents vehicle theft.

[0017] According to the invention of claim 2, by requiring the user to set a secret code each time, it is possible to reduce the number of cases where the user forgets the secret code and is unable to switch to the non-monitoring mode.

[0018] According to the invention of claim 3, by issuing a warning sound, it is possible to reliably notify the vehicle owner that the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in Figure 3) has been stolen, and by issuing the warning intermittently, it is possible to take into consideration the surrounding area more than when a warning sound is issued continuously.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 4, even if someone attempts to steal a vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3) by removing the battery and stopping the function of the anti-theft device (for example, anti-theft device 1 shown in FIG. 1) of the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3), the engine operation is stopped, so the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3) cannot be stolen. Furthermore, when a battery is attached to operate the engine, the anti-theft device (for example, anti-theft device 1 shown in FIG. 1) of the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3) continues to operate, so the engine operation continues to be stopped and a warning sound is emitted. This makes it possible to prevent theft of the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3).

[0020] According to the invention of claim 5, the owner of the vehicle can set the monitoring mode while the engine is running. This makes it possible to prevent theft even if the owner needs to leave the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in Fig. 3) with the engine running.

[0021] According to the invention of claim 6, even if the owner of the vehicle leaves the vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in Figure 3) cannot be driven by certain operations, thereby preventing theft.

[0022] According to the invention of claim 7, even if the personal identification information is forgotten, the device can be switched to the non-monitoring mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of an anti-theft device according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the anti-theft device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic circuit diagram conceptually showing the lines between the setting device, the main body, and each part of the vehicle of the anti-theft device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic circuit diagram conceptually showing circuits of a setting device, a main body, and each part of a vehicle of the anti-theft device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic circuit diagram conceptually showing circuits of a setting device, a main body, and each part of a vehicle of the anti-theft device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the anti-theft device according to the embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] An embodiment of the anti-theft device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, when directions such as up, down, left, and right are indicated, they refer to up, down, left, and right when viewed from the front of the illustration.

[0025] <Explanation of the anti-theft device> As shown in FIG. 1, the anti-theft device 1 is mainly composed of a setting device 2 and a main body 3.

[0026] <Setting machine explanation> The setting machine 2 shown in FIG. 1 has a housing with a width (horizontal length in the drawing) of, for example, 7 cm, a height (vertical length in the drawing) of, for example, 10 cm, and a thickness of, for example, about 1 cm. As shown in FIG. 1, a red LED lamp 2a1 and a green LED lamp 2a2 are provided side by side on the upper left of the surface of the housing. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, four yellow LED lamps 2b are provided side by side below the red LED lamp 2a1 and green LED lamp 2a2. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, a numeric keypad 2c is provided below the yellow LED lamps 2b.

[0027] The setting machine 2 (see FIG. 1) includes a relay 2e (see FIG. 4) inside the housing.

[0028] <Description of the main unit> 1 has a housing with a width (length from side to side on the drawing) of, for example, 15.6 cm, a height (length from top to bottom on the drawing) of, for example, 15 cm, and a thickness of, for example, about 1.5 cm. This main body 3 (see FIG. 1) has a relay 3b and a relay 3c (see FIG. 5) inside the housing. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 3 is connected to the setting machine 2 by a cable 3a.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, the main body 3 is connected to each part of the vehicle 4, namely, the engine 4b, the battery 4c, the horn 4d, the steering wheel 4e (more specifically, the steering wheel horn button 4e1 shown in Fig. 5), the brake pedal, and the clutch pedal 4f (more specifically, the brake pedal switch 4f1 and the clutch pedal switch 4f2 shown in Fig. 4), by a cable 3d (see Fig. 3) that is separate from the cable 3a (see Figs. 1 and 3) that connects the main body 3 and the setting machine 2. Also, by connecting the main body 3 (see Fig. 3) to each part of the vehicle 4 (see Fig. 3), the setting machine 2 (see Fig. 3) is also connected to each part of the vehicle 4 (see Fig. 3) described above (see Fig. 3) via the cable 3a (see Fig. 3).

[0030] <Wiring and circuits between the anti-theft device and the vehicle> The connections between the setting machine 2, the main body 3, and the various parts of the vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3 will be further described with reference to FIGS.

[0031] 4, a relay 2e provided in the setting machine 2 is connected to the main body 3, a brake pedal switch 4f1, and a clutch pedal switch 4f2. The brake pedal switch 4f1 and the clutch pedal switch 4f2 are provided in parallel with each other.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 4, the setting machine 2 is provided with a battery 2d. The setting machine 2 operates on the power of this battery 2d. On the other hand, the main body 3 is connected to a battery 4c as shown in Fig. 3, and operates on the power of the battery 4c.

[0033] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5, two circuits are connected in parallel to the battery 4c of the vehicle 4 (see Fig. 3). As shown in Fig. 5, one of the two circuits is connected, from the side closest to the positive terminal of the battery 4c, to a relay 3b provided in the main body 3, an engine key switch 4g of the vehicle 4, and the engine 4b. As shown in Fig. 5, the other of the two circuits connected in parallel to the battery 4c is connected, from the side closest to the positive terminal of the battery 4c, to a horn 4d of the vehicle 4, a relay 3c provided in the main body 3, and a steering wheel horn button 4e1. The relay 3c and the steering wheel horn button 4e1 are provided in parallel with each other.

[0034] Here, we will briefly explain the operation of the anti-theft device 1. When the car owner wants to prevent theft of their car, such as when leaving the car, they enter a PIN number using the numeric keypad 2c (see Figure 1). This switches the anti-theft device 1 (see Figure 1) to "monitoring mode" and turns on the relay 2e (see Figure 4).

[0035] During the monitoring mode, when a predetermined operation that indicates theft is suspected, i.e., when the brake pedal or clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is depressed and the brake pedal switch 4f1 or clutch pedal switch 4f2 (see FIG. 4) is turned ON, the anti-theft device 1 inputs a signal to the main body 3 (see FIG. 4). This switches the relay 3b (see FIG. 5) of the main body 3 (see FIG. 1) OFF and the relay 3c (see FIG. 5) ON. This stops the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) and the horn 4d (see FIG. 5) sounding intermittently to notify the user that an abnormality has occurred.

[0036] On the other hand, when the car owner does not need to protect the car from theft, such as when driving, or when they want to stop the alarm, they again use numeric keypad 2c (see Figure 1) to enter a PIN number, etc. This switches anti-theft device 1 (see Figure 1) to "non-monitoring mode" and relay 2e (see Figure 4) turns OFF. Furthermore, relay 3b (see Figure 5) of main body 3 (see Figure 1) turns ON and relay 3c (see Figure 5) turns OFF, and anti-theft device 1 stops the alarm.

[0037] Briefly, the anti-theft device 1 operates as described above.

[0038] <Explanation of the functional configuration of the anti-theft device> Next, the functional configuration of the setting machine 2 (see FIG. 1) and main body 3 (see FIG. 1) of the anti-theft device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The program that realizes these functional configurations is stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown) in the anti-theft device 1 (see FIG. 1), and is executed as appropriate by a CPU (not shown).

[0039] 2, the setting machine 2 has an input unit 20, a setting unit 21, a determination unit 22, a transition unit 23, a clear unit 24, and a storage unit 25. Each component will be described below.

[0040] The memory unit 25 stores a PIN and an initial ID. The PIN is a four-digit number that the car owner inputs using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1). Setting the PIN in the memory unit 25 and clearing it from the memory unit 25 will be described later. On the other hand, the initial ID is a number of a predetermined number of digits that is pre-stored in the memory unit 25 when the anti-theft device 1 is shipped from the factory, for example. This number is always stored in the memory unit 25 and is never cleared.

[0041] The input unit 20 accepts numbers and other data entered by the vehicle owner using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1) and processes the data depending on whether the anti-theft device 1 is in monitoring mode or non-monitoring mode. First, when the anti-theft device 1 is in non-monitoring mode, the input unit 20 determines that the numbers and other data entered by the vehicle owner using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1) is a personal identification number to be set in the storage unit 25 (see FIG. 2). Then, each time the owner enters a digit using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1), the input unit 20 lights up one yellow LED lamp 2b (see FIG. 1) for confirming the input of the personal identification number. When the owner enters the fourth digit and finally enters # on the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1), the input unit 20 turns off all yellow LED lamps 2b (see FIG. 1) for confirming the input of the personal identification number and outputs the four-digit number to the setting unit 21 (see FIG. 2).

[0042] On the other hand, when the anti-theft device 1 is in the monitoring mode, the input unit 20 determines that the numbers or the like entered by the owner using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1) are a personal identification number or initial ID for transitioning from the monitoring mode to the non-monitoring mode. The input unit 20 then temporarily stores the numbers entered by the owner using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1). Finally, when the owner enters # on the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1), the input unit 20 outputs the stored numbers to the determination unit 22 (see FIG. 2).

[0043] The setting unit 21 stores the personal identification number received from the input unit 20 (see FIG. 2) in the storage unit 25 (see FIG. 2), and then outputs to the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2) that the personal identification number has been stored.

[0044] When the determination unit 22 receives numbers input by the owner using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1) from the input unit 20 (see FIG. 2), it determines whether the numbers match the PIN stored in the memory unit 25 (see FIG. 2), and if they match, outputs a match to the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2). On the other hand, if they do not match, the determination unit 22 further determines whether they match the initial ID stored in the memory unit 25 (see FIG. 2), and if they match, outputs a match to the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2).

[0045] When the transition unit 23 receives a signal from the setting unit 21 (see FIG. 2) that the PIN has been stored in the memory unit 25 (see FIG. 2), it transitions from the non-monitoring mode to the monitoring mode. At this time, the transition unit 23 turns on the relay 2e (see FIG. 4) in the setting machine 2. This enables electrical connection between the setting machine 2 and the main body 3. In addition, the red LED lamp 2a1 (see FIG. 1) provided on the setting machine 2 (see FIG. 1) is turned on, and the green LED lamp 2a2 (see FIG. 1) is turned off.

[0046] On the other hand, when the transition unit 23 receives a signal from the determination unit 22 (see FIG. 2) indicating that the numbers entered by the owner match the PIN or initial ID, the transition unit 23 transitions from the monitoring mode to the non-monitoring mode. At this time, the transition unit 23 turns off the relay 2e (see FIG. 4) in the setting machine 2. This cuts off the electrical connection between the setting machine 2 (see FIG. 4) and the main body 3 (see FIG. 4). At this time, the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2) turns off the red LED lamp 2a1 (see FIG. 1) provided on the setting machine 2 (see FIG. 1) and turns on the green LED lamp 2a2 (see FIG. 1). Then, the transition unit 23 outputs to the clear unit 24 (see FIG. 2) that the transition to the non-monitoring mode has occurred.

[0047] When the clearing unit 24 receives a signal from the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2) indicating that the mode has been transitioned to the non-monitoring mode, it clears the personal identification number stored in the storage unit 25 (see FIG. 2).

[0048] The above is the functional configuration of the setting machine 2 (see Fig. 1). On the other hand, the main body 3 has a first control unit 30 and a second control unit 31, as shown in Fig. 2. Each component will be described below.

[0049] When the brake pedal or clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is depressed during the monitoring mode, the first control unit 30 switches control to the engine 4b (see FIGS. 3 and 5). More specifically, when the anti-theft device 1 is in the non-monitoring mode, or when the anti-theft device 1 is in the monitoring mode but the brake pedal or clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is not depressed, the first control unit 30 keeps the relay 3b (see FIG. 5) ON. This enables an electrical connection between the battery 4c (see FIG. 5) and the engine 4b (see FIG. 5), so that when the owner of the car turns on the engine key switch 4g (see FIG. 5), the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) will start.

[0050] On the other hand, when the brake pedal or clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is depressed while the anti-theft device 1 is in the monitoring mode, the brake pedal switch 4f1 or clutch pedal switch 4f2 (see FIG. 4) is turned ON. As a result, if the relay 2e (see FIG. 4) in the setting machine 2 is turned ON, a signal is input to the main body 3 (see FIG. 4), and the first control unit 30 turns OFF the relay 3b (see FIG. 5). As a result, the battery 4c (see FIG. 5) and the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) are electrically disconnected, so that the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) will not start even if the engine key switch 4g (see FIG. 5) is turned ON.

[0051] When the brake pedal or clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is depressed during the monitoring mode, the second control unit 31 switches control to the horn 4d (see FIG. 5). More specifically, first, when the anti-theft device 1 is in the non-monitoring mode, or when the anti-theft device 1 is in the monitoring mode but the brake pedal or clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is not depressed, the second control unit 31 turns off the relay 3c (see FIG. 5). This disconnects the electrical connection between the steering wheel horn button 4e1 (see FIG. 5), the relay 3c (see FIG. 5), and the battery 4c (see FIG. 5), so the horn 4d (see FIG. 5) will not sound unless the car owner presses the steering wheel horn button 4e1 (see FIG. 5).

[0052] On the other hand, when the brake pedal or clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is depressed while the anti-theft device 1 is in the monitoring mode, the brake pedal switch 4f1 or clutch pedal switch 4f2 (see FIG. 4) is turned ON. This electrically connects the setting device 2 (see FIG. 4) and the main body 3 (see FIG. 4), and a signal is input to the main body 3 (see FIG. 4). This causes the second control unit 31 to repeatedly turn on the relay 3c (see FIG. 5) for five seconds and then turn it off for one second. This causes the horn 4d (see FIG. 5) to continue sounding intermittently, repeating the cycle of sounding for five seconds and then stopping for one second.

[0053] <Explanation of the anti-theft device processing> Next, the processing contents of the anti-theft device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0054] First, the setting unit 21 (see FIG. 2) sets a PIN in the storage unit 25 (see FIG. 2) (step S1). More specifically, when the car owner starts inputting using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1), the input unit 20 (see FIG. 2) checks whether the PIN is stored in the storage unit 25 (see FIG. 2). If the PIN is not stored, the anti-theft device 1 determines that it is in the non-monitoring mode. Therefore, the input unit 20 (see FIG. 2) turns on one yellow LED lamp 2b (see FIG. 1) for confirming the input of the PIN each time the owner inputs one digit using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1). Then, when the owner inputs a four-digit number and finally inputs # on the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1), the input unit 20 (see FIG. 2) turns off all yellow LED lamps 2b (see FIG. 1) for confirming the input of the PIN and outputs the four-digit number to the setting unit 21 (see FIG. 2). The setting unit 21 (see Figure 2) stores the four-digit number received from the input unit 20 (see Figure 2) in the memory unit 25 (see Figure 2) and outputs to the transition unit 23 (see Figure 2) that the PIN number has been stored.

[0055] Next, the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2) transitions to the monitoring mode (step S2). More specifically, when the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2) receives a signal from the setting unit 21 (see FIG. 2) indicating that the PIN number has been stored, the transition unit 23 transitions from the non-monitoring mode to the monitoring mode. That is, the transition unit 23 turns on the relay 2e (see FIG. 4) in the housing (see FIG. 1) of the setting machine 2. This enables electrical connection between the setting machine 2 (see FIG. 4) and the main body 3 (see FIG. 4). Furthermore, the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2) turns on the red LED lamp 2a1 (see FIG. 1) provided on the setting machine 2 (see FIG. 1) and turns off the green LED lamp 2a2 (see FIG. 1). The owner can confirm that the monitoring mode is in progress by checking that the red LED lamp 2a1 (see FIG. 1) is on.

[0056] Next, the owner starts the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) using the key (step S3). That is, when the owner operates the key to start the engine, the engine key switch 4g shown in FIG. 5 turns ON, electrically connecting the battery 4c (see FIG. 5) and the engine 4b (see FIG. 5). Here, when the vehicle is in the monitoring mode but the brake pedal or the clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is not depressed, the first control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) turns ON the relay 3b as shown in FIG. 5, thereby enabling the battery 4c (see FIG. 5) and the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) to be electrically connected. Therefore, the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) starts.

[0057] Thus, in monitoring mode, even if the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) is operating, the anti-theft device 1 does not notify the driver that an abnormality has occurred. However, the vehicle cannot be started by simply starting the engine 4b (see FIG. 5), and if the brake pedal or clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is depressed to start the vehicle, the anti-theft device 1 will notify the driver that an abnormality has occurred, as will be described later. Therefore, even if the owner leaves the vehicle with the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) running, the vehicle cannot be moved, thereby preventing theft.

[0058] Furthermore, when the second control unit 31 (see FIG. 2) is in the monitoring mode but the brake pedal or clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is not depressed, it turns off the relay 3c as shown in FIG. 5. This cuts off the electrical connection between the steering wheel horn button 4e1 (see FIG. 5), the relay 3c (see FIG. 5), and the battery 4c (see FIG. 5). Therefore, the horn 4d (see FIG. 5) will not sound unless the steering wheel horn button 4e1 (see FIG. 5) is pressed.

[0059] Alternatively, the owner may first start the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) with the key (step S3), then set the PIN (step S1) and switch to monitoring mode (step S2). This allows the owner to switch to monitoring mode while the engine is running.

[0060] Next, the first control unit 30 and the second control unit 31 wait for depression of the brake or clutch (step S4). More specifically, they wait for a signal indicating that the brake pedal switch 4f1 or the clutch pedal switch 4f2 shown in FIG. 4 has been turned ON when the brake pedal or the clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is depressed.

[0061] Next, the first control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) stops the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) (step S5). More specifically, when the brake pedal or clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is depressed during the monitoring mode, the main body 3 (see FIG. 4) receives a signal indicating that the brake pedal switch 4f1 or the clutch pedal switch 4f2 shown in FIG. 4 has been turned ON. In response to this, the first control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) of the main body 3 (see FIG. 2) turns OFF the relay 3b (see FIG. 5) as a means for notifying that an abnormality has occurred, and electrically disconnects the battery 4c (see FIG. 5) from the engine 4b (see FIG. 5), thereby stopping the engine 4b (see FIG. 5).

[0062] Next, the second control unit 31 (see FIG. 2) sounds the horn 4d (see FIG. 5) (step S6). More specifically, when the brake pedal or clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is depressed during the monitoring mode, the main unit 3 (see FIG. 4) receives a signal indicating that the brake pedal switch 4f1 or the clutch pedal switch 4f2 shown in FIG. 4 has been turned on. In response to this signal, the second control unit 31 (see FIG. 2) of the main unit 3 (see FIG. 2) turns on the relay 3c (see FIG. 5) as a means for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality, and electrically connects the horn 4d (see FIG. 5), the relay 3c (see FIG. 5), and the battery 4c (see FIG. 5), thereby sounding the horn 4d (see FIG. 5). Note that the second control unit 31 (see FIG. 2) repeatedly turns on the relay 3c (see FIG. 5) for five seconds and then turns it off for one second to intermittently sound the warning sound of the horn 4d (see FIG. 5). In this way, the second control unit 31 (see FIG. 2) intermittently sounds the warning sound from the horn 4d (see FIG. 5) until the vehicle is switched to a non-monitoring mode as described below or the vehicle battery 4c (see FIG. 5) runs out of power. This ensures that the owner is notified that the vehicle has been stolen, and by making the warning sound intermittently, consideration can be given to the surrounding area compared to when the horn 4d (see FIG. 5) is sounded continuously.

[0063] Once the brake pedal switch 4f1 or the clutch pedal switch 4f2 shown in FIG. 4 is turned ON, even if the brake pedal or the clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is subsequently released, the first control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) and the second control unit 31 (see FIG. 2) maintain the relay 3b (see FIG. 5) OFF and the relay 3c (see FIG. 5) intermittently ON.

[0064] Furthermore, when the battery 4c (see FIG. 5) is removed from the vehicle, the horn 4d (see FIG. 5) no longer emits a warning sound. However, as described above, the first control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) and the second control unit 31 (see FIG. 2) can maintain the relay 3b (see FIG. 5) OFF and the relay 3c (see FIG. 5) intermittently ON. Therefore, when the battery is reattached, the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) continues to stop operating, and the horn 4d (see FIG. 5) continues to emit a warning sound. In other words, even if an attempt is made to steal the vehicle by removing the battery to stop the function of the vehicle's anti-theft device 1, when the battery is reattached to start the vehicle, the anti-theft device 1 continues to notify that an abnormality has occurred. This makes it possible to prevent vehicle theft.

[0065] Next, when the owner inputs a PIN using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1) to stop the notification, the determination unit 22 (see FIG. 2) checks whether the input PIN matches the set PIN (step S7). More specifically, when the owner of the vehicle starts inputting using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1), the input unit 20 (see FIG. 2) first checks whether the PIN is stored in the memory unit 25 (see FIG. 2). If the PIN is stored, the input unit 20 (see FIG. 2) determines that the numbers, etc., input by the owner using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1) are a PIN or initial ID for transitioning from monitoring mode to non-monitoring mode. Therefore, the input unit 20 temporarily stores the numbers input by the owner using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1). Finally, when the owner inputs # on the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1), the stored numbers are output to the determination unit 22 (see FIG. 2).

[0066] When the determination unit 22 (see FIG. 2) receives from the input unit 20 (see FIG. 2) the number input by the owner using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1), it determines whether or not the number matches the PIN stored in the memory unit 25 (see FIG. 2) by the setting unit 21 (see FIG. 2) in step S1. If they match, it outputs a match to the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2). On the other hand, if they do not match, the determination unit 22 further determines whether they match the initial ID stored in the memory unit 25 (see FIG. 2), and if they match, it outputs a match to the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2). The processes of steps 5 to 7 are repeated until the number matches either the PIN or the initial ID.

[0067] Next, a transition to non-monitoring mode is performed (step S8). More specifically, when the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2) receives a signal from the determination unit 22 (see FIG. 2) that the numbers entered by the owner match the PIN or initial ID, the transition unit 23 transitions from monitoring mode to non-monitoring mode. Note that by transitioning to non-monitoring mode in this way even when the initial ID is entered, it is possible to transition to non-monitoring mode even if the PIN is forgotten.

[0068] When transitioning from the monitoring mode to the non-monitoring mode, the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2) turns off the relay 2e (see FIG. 4) in the housing (see FIG. 1) of the setting machine 2. This cuts off the electrical connection between the setting machine 2 (see FIG. 4) and the main body 3 (see FIG. 4). In addition, the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2) turns off the red LED lamp 2a1 (see FIG. 1) provided on the setting machine 2 (see FIG. 1), and turns on the green LED lamp 2a2 (see FIG. 1). Then, the transition unit 23 outputs a signal indicating that the mode has been transitioned to the non-monitoring mode to the clear unit 24 (see FIG. 2).

[0069] When relay 2e (see FIG. 4) in the housing (see FIG. 1) of setting machine 2 is turned OFF, first control unit 30 turns relay 3b (see FIG. 5) ON, thereby enabling electrical connection between battery 4c (see FIG. 5) and engine 4b (see FIG. 5). Then, second control unit 31 turns relay 3c (see FIG. 5) OFF, cutting off electrical connection between horn 4d (see FIG. 5), relay 3c (see FIG. 5), and battery 4c (see FIG. 5). Therefore, when the non-monitoring mode is entered, the notification stops.

[0070] Finally, the clearing unit 24 (see FIG. 2) clears the set PIN (step S9). More specifically, upon receiving a signal from the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2) indicating that the mode has been switched to the non-monitoring mode, the clearing unit 24 (see FIG. 2) clears the PIN set in the storage unit 25 (see FIG. 2). Note that, since the PIN is cleared each time in this manner, the owner will need to set a PIN each time they switch to the monitoring mode (step S1). By forcing the owner to set the PIN each time in this manner, it is possible to reduce the chance of the owner forgetting the PIN and being unable to switch to the non-monitoring mode.

[0071] According to the present embodiment described above, only the owner of the vehicle who has entered a personal identification number using the numeric keypad 2c (see FIG. 1) to put the anti-theft device 1 into monitoring mode knows the personal identification number. Therefore, only the owner of the vehicle can switch from monitoring mode to non-monitoring mode. Therefore, even if the key of a vehicle (for example, vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3) is stolen or duplicated, a thief attempting to steal the vehicle cannot switch the anti-theft device from monitoring mode into non-monitoring mode, start the engine 4b (see FIG. 5), or stop the intermittent horn 4d (see FIG. 5).

[0072] As described above, according to this embodiment, an anti-theft device can be provided that more effectively prevents vehicle theft.

[0073] <Description of Modifications> The anti-theft device shown in this embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the conceptual circuit diagrams shown in Figures 3 to 5 are also possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims, and may be embodied as a circuit or information processing. For example, in this embodiment, when switching between the monitoring mode and the non-monitoring mode, the transition unit 23 (see Figure 2) turns on or off the relay 2e (see Figure 4), but this is not limited to this. For example, the relay 2e (see Figure 4) may not be provided, and the transition unit 23 (see Figure 2) may be programmed to notify the first control unit 30 (see Figure 2) and the second control unit 31 (see Figure 2) of the mode switch via communication. The first control unit 30 (see Figure 2) and the second control unit 31 (see Figure 2) may store the information that they are in monitoring mode, and when the main body 3 (see Figure 4) receives a signal that the brake pedal or the clutch pedal 4f (see Figure 3) has been depressed, they may turn on or off the relay 3b (see Figure 5) and the relay 3c (see Figure 5).

[0074] In addition, in this embodiment, the first control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) and the second control unit 31 (see FIG. 2) control the operation of the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) and the horn 4d (see FIG. 5) by turning on or off the relay 3b (see FIG. 5) and the relay 3c (see FIG. 5), but this is not limiting. For example, the first control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) and the second control unit 31 (see FIG. 2) may be programmed to directly control the operation of the engine 4b (see FIG. 5) and the horn 4d (see FIG. 5).

[0075] In addition, in this embodiment, the second control unit 31 (see FIG. 2) intermittently sounds a warning sound from the horn 4d (see FIG. 5). In this case, for example, a flicker relay (not shown) may be arranged in series with the relay 3c (see FIG. 5) so that the relay is turned on for 5 seconds and then turned off for 1 second, repeatedly.

[0076] In this embodiment, once the brake pedal switch 4f1 or the clutch pedal switch 4f2 shown in FIG. 4 is turned ON, the first control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) and the second control unit 31 (see FIG. 2) maintain the relay 3b (see FIG. 5) OFF and the relay 3c (see FIG. 5) intermittently ON, even if the brake pedal or the clutch pedal 4f (see FIG. 3) is subsequently released. For example, a keep relay may be used to store the ON / OFF states of the relays 3b (see FIG. 5) and 3c (see FIG. 5) in a nonvolatile memory. Alternatively, when the first control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) turns the relay 3c (see FIG. 5) ON or OFF, the first control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) may store the status of an alarm in a nonvolatile memory (not shown) in the main body 3, and the first control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) and the second control unit 31 (see FIG. 2) may check the nonvolatile memory as needed.

[0077] In this embodiment, the main body 3 and the setting machine 2 are connected by wire using a cable 3a (see FIG. 1), but this may be replaced by a wireless connection using wireless communication technology such as the Bluetooth standard.

[0078] In addition, in this embodiment, the input unit 20, setting unit 21, determination unit 22, transition unit 23, clear unit 24, and memory unit 25 are functional components of the setting machine 2, and the first control unit 30 and the cable 3a connecting the main body 3 and the setting machine 2 are functional components of the main body 3 (see FIG. 2), but this is not limiting. For example, the transition unit 23 (see FIG. 2) may be a functional component on the main body 3 side. In that case, the setting unit 21 and the determination unit 22 may be appropriately configured to output to the transition unit 23 via the cable 3a (see FIG. 1) connecting the main body 3 and the setting machine 2.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body 3 and the setting machine 2 are connected by cable 3a (see FIG. 1), but a terminal device such as the car owner's smartphone may be used as the setting machine 2 (see FIG. 1), and this may be paired and connected to the main body 3 wirelessly, for example, by wireless communication technology conforming to the Bluetooth standard. In this case, among the functional components of the setting machine 2 in this embodiment, only the input unit 20 (see FIG. 2) may be a functional component of the terminal device, and the setting unit 21, determination unit 22, transition unit 23, clear unit 24, and storage unit 25 may be functional components of the main body 3. In this case, the terminal device can operate in the same manner as the input unit 20 in this embodiment by appropriately receiving information from the main body 3 (see FIG. 1) indicating whether the mode is monitoring mode or non-monitoring mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 Anti-theft device 20 Input unit (input means) 21 Setting unit (setting means) 22 Judgment unit (judgment means) 23 Transition section (transition means) 24 Clear section (clearing means) 25 Storage unit (storage means) 30 First control unit (control means) 31 Second control unit (control means) 4 vehicles

Claims

1. a setting means for setting a password; a determination means for determining whether the password information set by the setting means matches the password information; a transition means for transitioning from a non-monitoring mode to a monitoring mode or from a monitoring mode to a non-monitoring mode; a control means for controlling the vehicle; The transition means transitions from the non-monitoring mode to the monitoring mode when the password is set by the setting means, If the determination means determines that the password matches the password set by the setting means, the mode switches from the monitoring mode to the non-monitoring mode, The control means When a predetermined operation is performed on the vehicle while the monitoring mode is in effect, an abnormality is reported, The vehicle theft prevention device stops the notification when the device is switched to the non-monitoring mode.

2. Further, a clearing means for clearing the secret information set by the setting means is provided, 2. The vehicle theft prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the clearing means clears the secret information set by the setting means when the transition means transitions from the monitoring mode to the non-monitoring mode.

3. The notification of the occurrence of the abnormality is an alarm sound, 2. The vehicle anti-theft device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit issues the warning sound intermittently until the vehicle is shifted to the non-monitoring mode or the battery of the vehicle runs out of power.

4. The notification of the occurrence of the abnormality is a warning sound and a stop of the engine operation of the vehicle, the control means, when the predetermined operation is performed on the vehicle in the monitoring mode, issues the warning sound and stops the engine operation of the vehicle; When the battery is removed from the vehicle, the warning sound is no longer emitted, but the engine of the vehicle continues to be stopped; 2. The vehicle theft prevention device according to claim 1, wherein when the battery is reattached to the vehicle, the warning sound is emitted and the engine of the vehicle continues to be stopped.

5. 2. The vehicle theft prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the password can be set by the setting means even when the engine of the vehicle is running during the non-monitoring mode.

6. The notification of the occurrence of the abnormality is a stop of the engine operation of the vehicle, The predetermined operation is an operation for moving the vehicle, 2. The vehicle theft prevention device according to claim 1, wherein even if the engine of the vehicle is running during the monitoring mode, the predetermined operation is required to move the vehicle, and therefore, when the predetermined operation is performed on the vehicle, the control means stops the engine operation of the vehicle.

7. Further, an input means for inputting an ID is provided, the determining means determines whether the ID input by the input means matches an initial ID stored in advance; the transition means transitions from the monitoring mode to the non-monitoring mode when the determination means determines that the ID input by the input means matches an initial ID stored in advance, 2. The vehicle theft prevention device according to claim 1, wherein said control means stops the notification when the device is shifted to the non-monitoring mode.

Images