A smart system for preventing smuggling in land transportation

Abstract

This invention relates to an artificial intelligence-based security system developed for vehicles used in road transport. The system detects abnormal situations by analysing data collected through cameras, heat sensors and motion sensors installed inside the vehicle. The artificial intelligence algorithm evaluates events such as unauthorised entry, temperature changes and movement of goods in real time and activates the alarm system when necessary. The invention provides an effective tool for both preventing smuggling activities and ensuring the security of transported goods.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A SMART SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING SMUGGLING IN LAND TRANSPORTATION

[0003] Subject of the Invention:

[0004] This invention relates to a smart system developed to prevent smuggling in road transport, particularly migrant smuggling. It is also a system that provides protection against material theft. The system includes various sensors that control the transported goods and the environment inside the vehicle, as well as artificial intelligence that processes the data obtained from these sensors. This enables the tracking of transported goods and the determination of whether there are any stowaways or live animals inside the vehicle.

[0005] State of the Art:

[0006] Road transport is one of the most widely used methods of freight transport worldwide. It is preferred, particularly in regions with extensive road networks, due to its speed, flexibility, and relatively low cost. Road transport, carried out using various vehicle types such as lorries, trucks, and vans, plays a critical role, especially in inter-city and international trade.

[0007] Security in road transport is of critical importance in terms of protecting public safety. Smuggling activities not only cause trade and economic losses but also pose serious threats to human health and safety.

[0008] The issue of illegal immigration has become a serious human rights and security problem on a global scale. Migrants attempt to travel between countries illegally, hoping for a better life or fleeing war, poverty, and persecution. Road transport has become a frequently used method for illegal migrants to travel. Lorries, trucks and trailers, especially those used for long-distance journeys, offer suitable conditions for such illegal crossings.

[0009] Illegal immigrants attempt to cross borders by hiding in secret compartments of transport vehicles or among cargo. They enter the interior of the trailer by cutting the tarpaulin or breaking the trailer seal, or they enter the compartments between the wheels under the trailer. This situation both endangers the lives of migrants and creates serious legal and financial risks for transport companies. In particular, the transport of illegal immigrants on routes to Europe and other developed countries, presents a serious security and ethical problem in the transport sector.

[0010] Current technologies can only provide limited control over the goods transported by vehicles. There is no control system developed for road vehicles against the possibility of transporting living beings, especially illegal immigrants. This situation leads to an increase in illegal activities. Many of the current systems do not provide effective control without the cooperation of drivers. Current security measures are generally limited to controls that come into play at specific stages of the transport process. However, these controls do not provide continuous monitoring throughout the transport process and cannot detect any living beings that may have entered the vehicle. This makes it particularly difficult to detect illegal immigrants in long-distance transport.

[0011] Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0012] This invention relates to a system for preventing smuggling using various sensors and cameras placed inside and / or on top of vehicles used in road transport. This system enables the automatic continuous monitoring of transported goods with the aid of artificial intelligence and the detection of whether any living being has entered the vehicle. It can also distinguish whether this living being is a human or an animal. Cameras and / or laser sensors and / or motion sensors and / or light sensors and / or temperature sensors can be used to determine whether there is any living being inside the vehicle. Thus, it is possible to detect not only smuggled live animals but also illegal immigrants.

[0013] One objective of the invention is to enhance safety in road freight transport and to enable intervention by detecting potential hazards in advance.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to develop in-vehicle monitoring and control systems to ensure the security of transported goods.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to make transport processes safer and more efficient by detecting abnormal situations, unauthorised access, theft and other illegal activities inside the vehicle.

[0016] The present invention is suitable for use in any type of vehicle used in road transport. Without being limited to the following, vehicles using intelligent systems related to the present invention are described below: Lorries: Vehicles used to transport large-volume loads. The system monitors transported goods and detects unauthorised access using cameras and / or sensors placed inside and / or outside the vehicle.

[0017] Truck: Vehicles used for long-distance transport. Live entries are detected using cameras, heat and / or motion sensors in the loading area.

[0018] Vans: Vehicles used for small and medium-scale transport. Sensors and cameras are also integrated to control the transported goods. Live entries are detected.

[0019] Furthermore, trailers used for freight transport are also important in terms of the installation of the systems covered by the invention. A "trailer" refers to a large trailer or semi-trailer that is usually pulled by a tractor unit and used to transport freight. Trailers can come in various sizes and shapes depending on the type of goods being transported and the transport requirements. They are generally used for the transport of heavy loads, large-volume items, or products requiring specialised transport.

[0020] Trailers are transported on the road by being attached to a tractor unit, and loading and unloading operations can be carried out easily. Some common types of trailers are as follows:

[0021] Semi-Trailer: This type of trailer carries part of the load's weight on the tractor unit. It is one of the most commonly used trailer types.

[0022] Flatbed Trailer: These are trailers with an open platform and are typically used to transport large, heavy or bulky loads.

[0023] Enclosed Trailer: These trailers have a closed body structure that protects the load from external factors. They are used to transport valuable or sensitive products.

[0024] This invention aims to enable transport companies to effectively control the goods being transported independently of the drivers and, in particular, the environment in which the goods are transported (the trailer). Its most important feature is that it is based on a system that instantly detects and alerts to the entry of illegal immigrants and other living beings into the vehicles.

[0025] The current invention offers a smart system to prevent the illegal transport of illegal immigrants in inhumane conditions in road transport, while also contributing to cargo security and preventing the transport of contraband goods by enabling cargo counting. Sensors and cameras installed inside the vehicles also enable the detection and recording of entries into the vehicle and persons hidden inside the vehicle.

[0026] The features of the invention are described below:

[0027] Big Data and Machine Learning: By analysing big data, it detects the routes vehicles follow, suspicious behaviour inside vehicles, and abnormal situations. These systems help predict potential smuggling activities in advance and also help provide data that can support and advise drivers along the way.

[0028] Automatic Warning and Alarm Systems:

[0029] When an abnormal situation, i.e. suspicious or illegal activities, is detected, an alert is quickly sent to the relevant authorities. This system aims to quickly detect smuggling attempts. In an embodiment of the invention, the notification sent to the driver can be audible and / or visual. While an audible alarm module is used for audible alerts, for visual alerts, the necessary warnings, images, and location information are sent to the driver's, authorised teams' and headquarters' mobile phones and computers.

[0030] When an abnormal situation is detected, an instant notification is sent to the driver and the company, and an audible and visual warning is generated in the vehicle. This also acts as a deterrent against illegal immigrants or animals entering or attempting to enter the vehicle. This system enables rapid intervention and operational response.

[0031] In an embodiment of the invention, the alarm system includes at least one audible and visual alarm module and / or at least one warning display that can be connected to the vehicle.

[0032] System Components:

[0033] Sensors: Security cameras and / or other sensors used in loading and unloading areas, warehouses, and garages detect unauthorised entry and unusual movements. Different sensors are used.

[0034] In an embodiment of the invention, the sensors are placed in different locations inside and / or outside the vehicle. Inside and / or outside the vehicle, there is at least one camera and / or at least one laser sensor and / or at least one heat sensor and / or at least one motion sensor and / or at least one light sensor. Cameras: Cameras placed in different areas of the loading bay enable visual monitoring of transported goods. These cameras are high-resolution and have night vision capabilities. The cameras are not monitored by a person. Unauthorised entries and the condition of goods in the images processed by artificial intelligence are automatically detected and reported to the authorities with location information.

[0035] Heat Sensors: These sensors detect abnormal conditions by monitoring temperature changes inside the vehicle. They are primarily used to determine whether there are any living beings inside the vehicle.

[0036] Motion Sensors: These detect any movement in the loading area. These sensors detect changes in the position of transported goods and the movements of any living beings hidden inside the vehicle.

[0037] Control Unit: This unit is a centre that collects and processes data from all sensors and cameras inside the vehicle. Information from all sensors is transmitted to the control unit via cable and / or Wi-Fi. This unit analyses the data and detects abnormal situations. In the event of an abnormal situation, it activates the alarm system and sends instant notifications to alert the driver and the company about the situation. As these instant notifications are transmitted via GSM / GPRS, images, sound, location and even video can be transmitted.

[0038] Data Transmission Module: Ensures that the collected data is instantly transmitted to the company headquarters. This allows the company to continuously monitor the situation inside the vehicle. This monitoring is performed by a GSM / GPRS infrastructure, and when the data flow stops, the data is stored in the internal memory. When the data flow resumes, this data is instantly transmitted to the authorised teams.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention, 24 / 7 monitoring is provided through the battery system and the motion-activated battery system, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention, an artificial intelligence algorithm is used that analyses data from all sensors inside the vehicle via the control unit to detect human presence and / or abnormal movements. The movements referred to as abnormal movements may include all movements occurring inside the vehicle and / or immediately outside the vehicle. The system detects situations such as unauthorised entry into the vehicle, forced opening of the vehicle door, or movement of goods inside the vehicle or loading area. More specifically, the artificial intelligence algorithm identifies whether the creature entering the trailer is an animal or a human. This identification is achieved by the artificial intelligence processing the data obtained from the sensors within the system.

[0041] If the detected living being is a human, at least one photograph obtained via camera is sent by the system to the driver, authorised persons, and the central unit. In addition, an audible warning is generated on telephones. Furthermore, the audible and visual alarm system in the trailer is activated. The purpose of this is to scare off the person attempting to enter the vehicle, i.e. the illegal immigrant or thief.

[0042] If the detected living being is an animal, the photograph obtained via the camera is sent to the driver, authorised persons and the central unit. Furthermore, in both cases, the location information of where the living being entered is reported to the driver, the authorities and the centre.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention, an abnormal situation occurring inside the vehicle may be an increase in temperature. The temperature inside the vehicle is continuously monitored by the temperature / heat sensor in the system. The artificial intelligence algorithm analyses the current temperature inside the vehicle against a predefined temperature value. If the current temperature is higher than the predefined temperature value, the driver, authorised persons, and the centre are alerted about this temperature increase.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the invention, if the GSM / GPRS connection is lost, the photographs and location information are stored. When the connection is reestablished, this information is immediately transmitted to the driver, the authorities, and the centre.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the invention, if preferred, a live connection can be established to the trailer by the authorities or the centre, allowing the situation to be viewed and monitored on a mobile phone. This process can be carried out from anywhere in the world thanks to the GSM / GPRS connection.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the invention, when detecting living beings entering the trailer, in order to protect the confidentiality of goods that may be in the background, the living being is made clearly visible in the transmitted photograph, while the goods are blurred to make them indistinct. In this way, while the detected human or animal is clearly visible, the confidentiality of the goods in the background is effectively protected.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the invention, techniques such as flashes of light and cable cutting used by smugglers to block the system are detected, a warning is given or the system adapts to this situation.

[0048] This invention offers an artificial intelligence-based security system. In the system, data collected through various sensors and cameras placed inside the vehicle is analysed by an advanced artificial intelligence algorithm. Artificial intelligence learns normal operating conditions and can detect abnormal situations based on this data. For example, situations such as temperature changes inside the vehicle, unauthorised entries, or movement of goods are analysed and evaluated by the artificial intelligence in real time. When an abnormal situation is detected, the system automatically activates the alarm system and sends notifications to both the driver and the centre. Artificial intelligence can also examine historical data using big data analytics. It can thus store data on locations of unauthorised entry, collect data for drivers, and provide advice and information regarding their journeys. Compared to traditional methods, this system provides higher accuracy, speed, and efficiency, significantly increasing safety in road transport.

[0049] Below are different applications where the security system in question is used.

[0050] Example Application 1 : A lorry sets off on a specific route equipped with an intelligent system designed to prevent illegal transport. Cameras and heat sensors installed in the lorry's loading area continuously monitor both the goods being transported and the presence of any individuals who may be concealed within the vehicle. Motion sensors detect any abnormal movement inside the vehicle and report it to the control unit, the authorised team, and the driver. An alarm is also activated.

[0051] Example Application 2: A lorry stops at a specific point during long-distance transport. Motion sensors detect the movements of an unauthorised person entering the vehicle, and the alarm system is activated, sending a notification to the driver and the centre. Example Application 3: A lorry is transporting goods such as medicines or food products that require sensitive temperature conditions. Temperature sensors inside the vehicle continuously monitor temperature levels and send data to the control unit. If the temperature exceeds the specified limits, the alarm system sends an instant notification to the driver and the company centre.

[0052] Example Application 4: A distribution lorry makes deliveries to different locations within the city. At each stop, unauthorised entry is monitored via motion sensors and cameras inside the vehicle. If unauthorised movement is detected inside the vehicle, the alarm system is triggered, and a notification is sent to the centre. This application helps prevent theft and unauthorised entry during urban distribution processes.

[0053] Example Application 5: During a long-distance journey, if the system detects movement or an abnormal situation, a notification is sent to the driver, the control centre, and the authorised team.

[0054] If this is human entry, an audible notification is sent and the alarm system is activated inside the vehicle, creating an audible and visual warning. Cameras and sensors inside the vehicle send live images and data to the centre, providing real-time information about the vehicle's status. This application plays a critical role in ensuring security by offering remote monitoring and intervention capabilities.

[0055] Example Application 6: A lorry loads cargo from a specific warehouse and delivers it to destination points. During loading and unloading processes, unauthorised entries and abnormal situations are detected via cameras and sensors. During each loading or unloading operation, the counting and relocation of goods are controlled via sensors. If any shortage or abnormal movement is detected, the system automatically sends an alert. This application can be used to prevent loss of goods and ensure the security of loading and unloading processes.

[0056] Example Application 7: A lorry experiences an accident or other emergency while in transit. Sensors inside the vehicle detect situations such as collisions or rollovers and send a signal to the control unit. The control unit transmits this information to the centre and directs emergency teams. Additionally, cameras inside the vehicle record the situation and transmit live images to the centre. This application enables rapid response and effective management of rescue operations in emergencies. These applications relate to the different areas of use and benefits that the present invention subject to the application can provide. Each application offers smart solutions to different challenges that may be encountered in the transport sector. These applications can be diversified according to the purpose of use of the vehicles in which the invention subject to the application will be incorporated and are not restrictive in terms of protecting the invention.

[0057] The invention is, in general, a security system for integration into vehicles used in land transport, comprising at least one high-resolution camera with night vision capability and / or at least one laser sensor and / or at least one heat sensor and / or at least one motion sensor and / or at least one light sensor, which are placed inside and / or outside the vehicle; a control unit that collects and processes data from all sensors in the vehicle via a connection, analyses the data using an artificial intelligence algorithm to detect abnormal situations such as unauthorised entry, a software module connected to the control unit that activates the alarm system after analysing the collected data and detecting abnormal situations, -a voice and / or visual alarm module that sends alerts to the driver, the predefined authorized personnel and the center and creates audible and visual alarms inside the vehicle when an abnormal situation is detected, and a data transmission module that transmits data from the control unit to the centre via a GSM / GPRS infrastructure.

[0058] The method of operation of the system covered by the present invention is also within the scope of protection of the invention. This method, in its most general form, comprises the following steps:

[0059] • Transmission of data obtained from the sensors to the control unit, analysis of all data by an artificial intelligence algorithm in this control unit by comparing it with previous data,

[0060] • If any abnormal situation arises after the analysis, the warning and alarm system is activated.

[0061] • If the abnormal situation involves unauthorised entry into the vehicle, at least one image obtained via camera is sent to the driver, authorised persons and the central unit, an alert is generated on phones connected to the system, and an audible and visual alarm system is activated, preferably in the rear of the vehicle. • If the abnormal situation involves an animal entering the vehicle, at least one visual image obtained via camera is sent to the driver, authorised persons and the central unit.

[0062] • In any abnormal situation, the location information of where the abnormal situation occurred is reported to the driver, authorised persons, and the central unit.

[0063] Furthermore, a land vehicle incorporating the system covered by the invention is also within the scope of protection of the invention. This vehicle may be an electric vehicle.

[0064] The security levels of vehicles used in land transport are significantly increased with the applications of the present invention. Artificial intelligence-based monitoring and analysis systems instantly detect abnormal situations that may occur inside the vehicle, enabling rapid and effective intervention.

[0065] This system not only prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle or unauthorised passenger transport but also helps ensure the safety of transported goods and passengers. Through advanced data transmission modules, transport management centres can monitor the situation inside the vehicle in real time and intervene immediately when necessary. The present invention due to its features as described hereinbefore, raises safety standards in road transport and makes significant contributions to the sector by increasing operational efficiency.

[0066] Several embodiments of the present invention are found hereinbelow:

[0067] A security system for integration into vehicles used in road transport comprising, a. at least one high-resolution camera with night vision capability and / or at least one laser sensor and / or at least one heat sensor and / or at least one motion sensor and / or at least one light sensor, adapted to be installed inside and / or outside the vehicle, b. a control unit configured to collect and process data from all sensors in the vehicle via a connection, analyse the data using an artificial intelligence algorithm to detect abnormal situations such as unauthorised entry, c. a software module connected to the control unit, configured to activate the alarm system after analysing the collected data and detecting abnormal situations, d. an alert and alarm system configured to provide the driver, predefined authorised personnel, and the centre with audible and / or visual notifications when an abnormal situation is detected, comprising an audible and visual alarm module to simultaneously generate audible and visual alarms within the vehicle, e. a data transmission module that enables data transmission from the control unit to the centre via a GSM / GPRS infrastructure.

[0068] The system, wherein the data transmission is provided via cable and / or Wi-Fi.

[0069] The system wherein the alarm system comprises at least one audible and visual alarm module and / or at least one warning display, that can be connected to the vehicle.

[0070] The system, comprising an internal memory that stores data in cases where the data transmission module cannot perform data transmission.

[0071] The system, wherein it is adapted to being connected to external devices such as telephones and computers.

[0072] A method of operation of a system according to anyone of the preceding claims, comprising the steps, a. the transmission of data obtained from sensors to the control unit, the analysis of all data by an artificial intelligence algorithm in this control unit by comparing it with previous data, b. if any abnormal situation occurs after the analysis, the activation of warning and alarm system, c. if the abnormal situation is unauthorised human entry into the vehicle, sending at least one image obtained via camera to the driver, authorised persons and the central unit, generating a warning on phones connected to the system, and activating the audible and visual alarm system, preferably in the trailer section of the vehicle, d. if the abnormal situation is an animal entering the vehicle, sending at least one visual image obtained via camera to the driver, authorised persons, and the central unit, e. In any abnormal situation, reporting the location information of where the abnormal situation occurred to the driver, authorised personnel, and the central unit. The method, wherein the photographs and location information relating to the abnormal situation is stored in an internal memory in the event of a GSM / GPRS connection failure, and this information is immediately transmitted to the driver, authorised persons and the central unit when the connection is re-established.

[0073] The method, wherein the photograph is transmitted to the relevant units with the person in focus and the goods blurred, in order to ensure the confidentiality of goods transported in the vehicle.

[0074] The method, wherein the warning and alarm system is activated when harmful actions such as light flashes or cable cutting by third parties intended to block the system is detected.

[0075] The method, wherein the driver, authorities and the centre is notified, in the event that the temperature inside the vehicle exceeds a predetermined level.

[0076] A land vehicle incorporating a system according to the embodiments of the present invention. The land vehicle is preferably a lorry, truck, trailer or van and more preferably it is a vehicle powered by an electric motor.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A security system for integration into vehicles used in road transport comprising, a. at least one high-resolution camera with night vision capability and / or at least one laser sensor and / or at least one heat sensor and / or at least one motion sensor and / or at least one light sensor, adapted to be installed inside and / or outside the vehicle, b. a control unit configured to collect and process data from all sensors in the vehicle via a connection, analyse the data using an artificial intelligence algorithm to detect abnormal situations such as unauthorised entry, c. a software module connected to the control unit, configured to activate the alarm system after analysing the collected data and detecting abnormal situations, d. an alert and alarm system configured to provide the driver, predefined authorised personnel, and the centre with audible and / or visual notifications when an abnormal situation is detected, comprising an audible and visual alarm module to simultaneously generate audible and visual alarms within the vehicle, e. a data transmission module that enables data transmission from the control unit to the centre via a GSM / GPRS infrastructure.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the data transmission is provided via cable and / or Wi-Fi.

3. The system according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm system comprises at least one audible and visual alarm module and / or at least one warning display, that can be connected to the vehicle.

4. The system according to anyone of the preceding claims, comprising an internal memory that stores data in cases where the data transmission module cannot perform data transmission.

5. The system according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the system is adapted to being connected to external devices such as telephones and computers.

6. A method of operation of a system according to anyone of the preceding claims, comprising the steps, a. the transmission of data obtained from sensors to the control unit, the analysis of all data by an artificial intelligence algorithm in this control unit by comparing it with previous data, b. if any abnormal situation occurs after the analysis, the activation of warning and alarm system, c. if the abnormal situation is unauthorised human entry into the vehicle, sending at least one image obtained via camera to the driver, authorised persons and the central unit, generating a warning on phones connected to the system, and activating the audible and visual alarm system, preferably in the trailer section of the vehicle, d. if the abnormal situation is an animal entering the vehicle, sending at least one visual image obtained via camera to the driver, authorised persons, and the central unit, e. In any abnormal situation, reporting the location information of where the abnormal situation occurred to the driver, authorised personnel, and the central unit.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the photographs and location information relating to the abnormal situation is stored in an internal memory in the event of a GSM / GPRS connection failure, and this information is immediately transmitted to the driver, authorised persons and the central unit when the connection is re-established.

8. The method according to anyone of claims 6 or 7, wherein the photograph is transmitted to the relevant units with the person in focus and the goods blurred, in order to ensure the confidentiality of goods transported in the vehicle.

9. The method according to anyone of claims 6 to 8 wherein the warning and alarm system is activated when harmful actions such as light flashes or cable cutting by third parties intended to block the system is detected.

10. The method according to anyone of claims 6 to 9, wherein the driver, authorities and the centre is notified, in the event that the temperature inside the vehicle exceeds a predetermined level.11 . A land vehicle incorporating a system according to anyone of claims 1 to 5.

12. The land vehicle according to claim 11 , wherein it is a lorry, truck, or van.

13. The land vehicle according to claims 11 or 12, wherein it is a vehicle powered by an electric motor.