Theft detection device, theft detection method, and theft detection program

Abstract

To provide a theft detection device, a theft detection method, and a theft detection program that can detect vehicle theft with high accuracy. [Solution] The theft detection device according to the embodiment is a theft detection device that can connect to a portable device capable of starting the vehicle and an in-vehicle device via short-range wireless communication, and has a controller. The controller is installed within a range from the vehicle's parking location that allows for short-range wireless communication, and determines that the vehicle has been stolen when the connection to the in-vehicle device is disconnected while communication with the portable device is established.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a theft detection device, a theft detection method, and a theft detection program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various technologies for preventing vehicle theft have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for suppressing theft by relay attack by performing communication connection among an in-vehicle device, an electronic key, and home equipment. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, when the user is at home, the user operates the home equipment to restrict vehicle startup by the in-vehicle device and the electronic key, so that the vehicle cannot be started even if a relay attack is suffered.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, although it is possible to deal with specific theft methods such as relay attacks, the applicable theft methods are limited, and there is a possibility that it cannot cope when new theft methods are used. For example, in the above technology, although it is an existing theft method, theft cannot be detected when the vehicle is stolen without starting it with a wrecker or the like.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a theft detection device, a theft detection method, and a theft detection program capable of coping with various theft methods and detecting vehicle theft with high accuracy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the theft detection device according to the present invention is a theft detection device that can connect to a portable device capable of starting a vehicle and an in-vehicle device via short-range wireless communication, and has a controller. The controller is installed within a range of the vehicle's parking location that allows communication via short-range wireless communication, and determines that the vehicle has been stolen when the communication connection with the in-vehicle device is disconnected while communication with the portable device is established. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, when a theft detection device installed within the communication range of the parking location and short-range wireless communication, and the connection status of communication between the portable device and the in-vehicle device, a situation in which theft is likely to have occurred is detected, and it is determined that the vehicle has been stolen. In this way, the present invention can accurately detect theft situations that are not limited to theft methods, so it can handle various theft methods and enables highly accurate detection of vehicle theft. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A shows a theft detection system according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows a theft detection system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a theft detection device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of registered device information. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of theft detection processing by the controller. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of theft detection processing by the controller. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the theft detection process performed by the theft detection device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The theft detection device, theft detection method, and theft detection program according to the following embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] Figures 1A and 1B show a theft detection system according to an embodiment. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the theft detection system S includes a theft detection device 1, a portable device 100, and an in-vehicle device 200. The theft detection method is performed by the theft detection device 1.

[0011] The theft detection device 1 is a terminal device installed near the parking location of vehicle C. In this disclosure, the parking location is, for example, a parking lot at home, and the theft detection device 1 is installed at the user's home. The theft detection device 1 is also a device capable of short-range wireless communication. Specifically, the theft detection device 1 is a device capable of short-range wireless communication using a first communication method and a second communication method. The first communication method is, for example, Bluetooth®, and the second communication method is, for example, Wi-Fi®.

[0012] The theft detection device 1 can be placed at any location as long as it is within range of short-range wireless communication using the first and second communication methods relative to the parking location. In other words, the positional relationship between the theft detection device 1 and the parking location only needs to be within range of short-range wireless communication using the first and second communication methods. Therefore, if the parking location is a home parking lot, the theft detection device 1 may be placed in a location other than the home as long as it is within range of short-range wireless communication (e.g., an adjacent house or warehouse). Furthermore, the theft detection device 1 is not limited to a house or warehouse; it may also be buried in the ground of the parking lot. In that case, it is preferable to bury it in a location closer to the parking location, such as directly beneath the parking spot where the vehicle C to be detected is parked. In short, the location of the theft detection device 1 should be close to the parking location, and also in a place that is difficult for thieves to find, or where it would be difficult to remove or destroy if found. Alternatively, if the theft detection device 1 is installed at home, the parking location may be a monthly parking lot or similar located near the home, as long as it is within range of short-range wireless communication. In this case, the theft detection device 1 is not limited to being placed in the home; it may also be installed in a management office near a monthly parking lot or similar location.

[0013] The portable device 100 is an electronic key for activating vehicle C. The portable device 100 is capable of short-range wireless communication using a first communication method. Specifically, the portable device 100 is connected to the theft detection device 1 and the in-vehicle device 200 via the first communication method. The portable device 100 is configured to preferentially connect to the theft detection device 1 when both the theft detection device 1 and the in-vehicle device 200 are within the communication range of the first communication method.

[0014] The in-vehicle device 200 is an electronic device mounted in vehicle C, such as a navigation system or a drive recorder. The in-vehicle device 200 has a communication function that enables short-range wireless communication using a first communication method and a second communication method. The in-vehicle device 200 can perform its communication function by receiving power from the vehicle battery even when vehicle C is not running (ignition off).

[0015] Next, a theft detection method according to an embodiment will be described using FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1A shows a case where the vehicle C is located in a home parking lot, and FIG. 1B shows an example where the vehicle C is stolen without being started by a tow truck or the like.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1A, when the vehicle C is located in a home parking lot, the theft detection device 1 and the in-vehicle device 200 are Wi-fi connected in the theft detection system S. Also, in the case of FIG. 1A, since the user is not driving, the mobile device 100 is placed at home, so the theft detection device 1 and the mobile device 100 are Bluetooth connected.

[0017] That is, in the theft detection method according to the embodiment, when the theft detection device 1 is in a state of being communicatively connected to the mobile device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200, it is determined that the vehicle C has not been stolen.

[0018] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the vehicle C is stolen, since the vehicle C leaves the parking lot, the Wi-fi connection between the theft detection device 1 and the in-vehicle device 200 is released. Also, since the mobile device 100 is placed at home, the Bluetooth connection with the theft detection device 1 is maintained.

[0019] That is, in the theft detection method according to the embodiment, when the theft detection device 1 is in a state where the communication with the mobile device 100 is connected and the communication connection with the in-vehicle device 200 is released, it is determined that the vehicle C has been stolen.

[0020] Thus, for example, when the vehicle C is stolen without being started by a tow truck or the like, although the communication with the mobile device 100 is connected, the communication connection with the in-vehicle device 200 is released. Therefore, in the theft detection method according to the embodiment, when the theft detection device 1 is in a state where the communication with the mobile device 100 is connected and the communication connection with the in-vehicle device 200 is released, it is determined that the vehicle C has been stolen, so that the theft of the vehicle C can be detected with high accuracy.

[0021] In this disclosure, an example is shown in which the theft detection device 1 is connected to the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 using different communication methods; however, they may be connected using the same communication method. Specifically, the theft detection device 1 may be connected to the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 via Bluetooth. Alternatively, the theft detection device 1 may be connected to the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 via Wi-Fi.

[0022] Furthermore, the theft detection device 1 is not limited to being composed of a single terminal device capable of communication using the first and second communication methods, but may also be configured with separate devices communicating using their respective communication methods. In this case, the theft detection device 1 is composed of a Wi-Fi device (router) installed at home and a terminal device with Bluetooth functionality. In this case, the terminal device communicates with the Wi-Fi device and obtains information indicating that the Wi-Fi device and the in-vehicle device 200 are connected via Wi-Fi.

[0023] Next, an example of the configuration of the theft detection device 1 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the theft detection device 1. As shown in Figure 2, the theft detection device 1 comprises a controller 2 and a storage unit 3. The storage unit 3 stores registered device information 31.

[0024] Controller 2 includes a microcomputer with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, and various circuits. Controller 2 executes the entire operation of the theft detection device 1 by having the CPU execute a program stored in ROM, using RAM as a workspace. Controller 2 may be partially or entirely composed of hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0025] The storage unit 3 is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or data flash. Such a storage unit 3 can store information about various programs, etc. The theft detection device 1 may also acquire the above-mentioned programs and various information via other computers or portable recording media connected by a wired or wireless network.

[0026] The registered device information 31 is information about a device registered as being able to communicate with the theft detection device 1. The registered device information 31 is registered, for example, when a user operates the theft detection device 1.

[0027] Figure 3 shows an example of registered device information 31. As shown in Figure 3, registered device information 31 includes information such as "device ID," "device name," and "connection status." "Device ID" is identification information that identifies the device that communicates with the theft detection device 1. "Device name" is information that indicates the name of the device. "Connection status" is information that indicates the status of the communication connection with the theft detection device 1. For example, "connected" indicates that the device is connected to the theft detection device 1 and can communicate, and "disconnected" indicates that the communication connection with the theft detection device 1 has been disconnected.

[0028] Controller 2 determines whether vehicle C has been stolen based on the communication connection status with the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200, respectively. Specifically, if controller 2 is connected to the portable device 100 using the first communication method, Bluetooth, and is connected to the in-vehicle device 200 using the second communication method, Wi-Fi, then controller 2 determines that vehicle C has not been stolen. In other words, controller 2 determines that vehicle C is in its parked location (see Figure 1A).

[0029] On the other hand, if the controller 2 is connected to the portable device 100 and the communication connection with the in-vehicle device 200 is lost, the controller 2 determines that vehicle C has been stolen. In other words, the controller 2 determines that vehicle C is not in the parking location (see Figure 1B).

[0030] Furthermore, if the communication connection between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 is disconnected, the controller 2 can also determine whether or not vehicle C has been stolen based on whether or not the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 reconnected to each other after the communication connection was disconnected. This point will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0031] Figures 4 and 5 show examples of theft detection processing by the controller 2. Figures 4 and 5 show the case where the communication connections between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 to the theft detection device 1 are disconnected.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, suppose the Bluetooth connection with the portable device 100 is disconnected, and the Wi-Fi connection with the in-vehicle device 200 is disconnected, and then a Bluetooth connection is established between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200. When the controller 2 receives a connection notification indicating that a communication connection has been established between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200, it determines that vehicle C has not been stolen. Note that the above connection notification is sent from the in-vehicle device 200, for example, when the in-vehicle device 200 is connected via Wi-Fi by an external Wi-Fi device.

[0033] In other words, as shown in Figure 4, when a communication connection is established between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200, it is determined that the vehicle C is not stolen because the user is driving the vehicle C using the portable device 100.

[0034] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, suppose that after the Bluetooth connection with the portable device 100 is disconnected and the Wi-Fi connection with the in-vehicle device 200 is disconnected, no communication connection between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 is detected within a certain period of time. If no communication connection between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 is detected, the controller 2 determines that vehicle C has been stolen.

[0035] In other words, as shown in Figure 5, if a communication connection is not established between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200, it is determined that the vehicle C was stolen because the user was not driving the vehicle C using the portable device 100, or in other words, because a third party moved the vehicle C without using the portable device 100.

[0036] In this way, the controller 2 can detect the communication connection between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200, and determine with high accuracy whether the user is driving vehicle C (not stolen) or whether a third party has stolen vehicle C.

[0037] In Figure 4, if the controller 2 detects that the communication connection between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 has been disconnected, it determines that the user has parked outside and left vehicle C, i.e., that the vehicle has not been stolen.

[0038] Furthermore, while Figure 4 shows an example where the in-vehicle device 200 sends a connection notification when it connects via Wi-Fi from an external Wi-Fi device, the in-vehicle device 200 may also send the connection notification using a communication function that enables constant communication, such as LTE (Long Term Evolution). In addition, the in-vehicle device 200 may cooperate with a user terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user and send the connection notification via the user terminal.

[0039] Furthermore, if a spare key for the portable device 100 exists, the controller 2 may determine that the vehicle has not been stolen if either the portable device 100 or the spare key is connected to the in-vehicle device 200. In other words, the controller 2 determines that vehicle C has been stolen if neither the portable device 100 nor the spare key is connected to the in-vehicle device 200.

[0040] Similarly, in the situations shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the controller 2 determines that the device has been stolen if the communication connection between the in-vehicle device 200 and the theft detection device 1 is disconnected while both the portable device 100 and the spare key are in communication with the theft detection device 1.

[0041] Furthermore, in Figures 4 and 5, it is preferable that the time difference between the disconnection of the communication connection between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 is less than a threshold. Specifically, the threshold is a value that indicates the time from when the user takes out the portable device 100 until the vehicle C leaves the communication range of the second communication method, and is calculated and set from past driving information, etc.

[0042] As a result, if the above time difference is less than a threshold, controller 2 can determine that the user took the portable device 100 and drove vehicle C, i.e., there was no theft. On the other hand, if the above time difference is greater than or equal to the threshold, controller 2 can determine that a third party moved vehicle C from its parking position without using the portable device 100, i.e., it was stolen. In other words, controller 2 can determine whether or not vehicle C has been stolen with high accuracy by determining whether or not the theft has occurred based on whether or not the above time difference is less than or equal to a threshold. At this time, whether or not the user possesses the portable device 100 (or whether or not the portable device 100 was also stolen by a third party) can be determined by the user terminal being notified of the theft.

[0043] If Controller 2 determines that Vehicle C has been stolen, it will notify an external party that the vehicle has been stolen. For example, if Controller 2 determines that Vehicle C has been stolen, it will notify a pre-registered user terminal that the vehicle has been stolen. In addition, if Controller 2 determines that Vehicle C has been stolen, it will report the theft to the police.

[0044] Next, the processing procedure for the theft detection process performed by the theft detection device 1 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the theft detection process performed by the theft detection device 1. The theft detection process shown in Figure 6 is performed periodically at regular intervals while the theft detection device 1 is powered on.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the controller 2 establishes a communication connection with the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 using short-range wireless communication (step S101). Specifically, the controller 2 is connected to the portable device 100 using Bluetooth, which is the first communication method, and to the in-vehicle device 200 using Wi-Fi, which is the second communication method.

[0046] Next, the controller 2 determines whether the communication connection with the in-vehicle device 200 has been terminated (step S102). If the communication connection with the in-vehicle device 200 has been terminated (step S102: Yes), the controller 2 determines whether the communication connection with the portable device 100 has been terminated (step S103).

[0047] If the communication connection with the portable device 100 is disconnected (step S103: Yes), the controller 2 determines whether or not it has detected a communication connection between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 (step S104).

[0048] If the controller 2 detects a communication connection between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 (step S104: Yes), it determines that vehicle C has not been stolen (step S105) and terminates the process. In other words, if the controller 2 detects that the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 have reconnected to each other after their respective communication connections have been terminated, it determines that vehicle C has not been stolen.

[0049] On the other hand, in step S102, if the controller 2 has not disconnected from the in-vehicle device 200 (step S102: No), it proceeds to step S105 and determines that there was no theft.

[0050] Furthermore, in step S103, if the communication connection with the handheld device 100 has not been terminated (step S103: No), the controller 2 determines that vehicle C has been stolen (step S106) and notifies an external party that vehicle C has been stolen (step S107).

[0051] Furthermore, if the controller 2 does not detect a communication connection between the portable device 100 and the in-vehicle device 200 in step S104 (step S104: No), it proceeds to step S106 and determines that theft has occurred.

[0052] As described above, the theft detection device 1 according to the embodiment is a theft detection device 1 that can connect to a portable device 100 capable of starting the vehicle C and an in-vehicle device 200 via short-range wireless communication, and has a controller 2. The controller 2 is installed within a range from the parking position of the vehicle C that allows for short-range wireless communication, and determines that the vehicle C has been stolen when the communication connection with the in-vehicle device 200 is disconnected while communication with the portable device 100 is established.

[0053] According to this disclosure, the theft detection device 1 determines that vehicle C has been stolen when the communication connection with the in-vehicle device 200 is disconnected while communication with the portable device 100 is maintained. For example, if vehicle C is stolen without being started by a tow truck, the communication connection with the in-vehicle device 200 will be disconnected even though communication with the portable device 100 is maintained, thus enabling the theft to be detected. In other words, the theft detection device 1 can detect the theft of vehicle C with high accuracy.

[0054] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1. Theft detection device 2 Controllers 3 Storage section 31. Registered Device Information 100 handheld devices 200 On-vehicle equipment C Vehicle S Theft Detection System

Claims

1. A theft detection device that can connect to a vehicle-starting portable device and an in-vehicle device via short-range wireless communication, and which has a controller, The aforementioned controller, It is installed within a range where communication is possible using the short-range wireless communication with respect to the parking position of the vehicle, If communication with the aforementioned portable device is established, and the communication connection with the in-vehicle device is disconnected, it is determined that the vehicle has been stolen. Theft detection device.

2. The aforementioned controller, If communication is established between the portable device and the in-vehicle device, it is determined that the vehicle has not been stolen. The theft detection device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned controller, When the communication connection between the portable device and the in-vehicle device is disconnected, if the time difference between the disconnection of the communication connection between the portable device and the in-vehicle device is less than a threshold, it is determined that the vehicle has not been stolen. The theft detection device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned controller, If, after the communication connection between the portable device and the in-vehicle device is disconnected, it is detected that a communication connection has been established between the portable device and the in-vehicle device, it is determined that the vehicle has not been stolen. If, however, no communication connection is detected between the portable device and the in-vehicle device, it is determined that the vehicle has been stolen. The theft detection device according to claim 3.

5. A theft detection method performed by a theft detection device that can connect to a vehicle-starting portable device and an in-vehicle device via short-range wireless communication, The theft detection device is installed within a range of the vehicle's parking location that allows communication via short-range wireless communication. If the communication connection between the theft detection device and the portable device is disconnected while the communication connection between the portable device and the in-vehicle device is established, it is determined that the vehicle has been stolen. Theft detection methods.

6. A theft detection program to be executed by a theft detection device that can connect to a vehicle-starting portable device and an in-vehicle device via short-range wireless communication, The theft detection device is installed within a range of the vehicle's parking location that allows communication via short-range wireless communication. If the communication connection between the theft detection device and the portable device is disconnected while the communication connection between the portable device and the in-vehicle device is established, it is determined that the vehicle has been stolen. Theft detection program.

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