Vehicle theft prevention system and method

Abstract

A vehicle theft prevention system and method are disclosed. The system comprises a set of selected multiple built-in operating buttons (122) and a telematics unit (140). The telematics unit (140) comprises a memory for storing a secret sequence and is configured to passively listen to a vehicle data bus (1 1 5) to capture a validation sequence input by a driver via the buttons (122). The telematics unit (140) validates the captured sequence against the stored secret sequence. In response to a failed validation, an immobilizer control unit (146) is caused to prevent usage of the vehicle. The system operates without actively intervening with the data bus, providing a covert and secure anti-theft solution. The secret sequence stored in the memory may be remotely updated.

Description

[0001] VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION SYSTEM AND METHOD

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] [Para 1] The present invention relates to hidden systems and methods for protecting vehicles from unauthorized intervention / usage of the vehicle, without intervening with data flowing inside the vehicle standard data bus (e.g. "CAN BUS",) or any other Passive Contactless Listener (PCL). The system includes a wired communication coding means, using built-in driver validation means within the vehicle indoor space, for validating the driver. The system passively listens to the vehicle’s data bus in order to verify the drivers’ validity, and upon detecting an unidentified driver trying to ignite the engine, the system blocks the ignition attempt.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] [Para 2] In consideration of continuous improvements in car theft technology, enabling thieves to overcome current anti-theft technology, there is a need in improving current anti-theft technologies.

[0006] [Para 3] Current state of the anti-theft technology requires a wired keypad secret code via a coding device that is physically wired to current art engine starting systems. Current theft techniques including rewiring techniques of bypassing coding devices and / or remote-control key devices, enable car thieves to substantially improve successful car theftattempts. There is therefore a need, and it would be advantageous to provide wireless anti-car theft devices.

[0007] [Para 4] Hence, there is a need for an anti-theft technology that does not provide a vulnerable weak point for thieves to disable the anti-theft device. For example, Russian patent RU2714557 provides a system and method for preventing vehicle theft, wherein the system involves physical intervention in the standard CAN BUS of the vehicle, for which involves irrevocable intervention with commands issued by the processor unit through the CAN BUS.

[0008] [Para 5] There is therefore a need for an anti-theft technology that, among other advantages, neither intervenes, nor interferes with the PCL within the vehicle data bus and thereby does not provide access to the enclosed data bus of the vehicle to hostile activity.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] [Para 6] The present invention relates to systems, devices and methods of protecting a vehicle from theft, utilizing an installed antitheft device, including blocking selected one or more functional organs of the vehicle, which is carried out digitally, by processing data and sending commands to the control panel using vehicle the data BUS of the vehicle, without intervening with the data flow within the data bus we cut standard wiring to prevent vehicle usage. Typically, the device of the present invention is activated / deactivated by utilizing built-in driver validation means including, with no limitations: a camera, a fingerprintrecognition device, or any other built-in means capable of identifying a driver.

[0011] [Para 7] Optionally, a pre-selected ordered set of standard vehicle buttons of the vehicle may be used to validate the driver. Upon detecting unauthorized usage of the vehicle, the system disables activations of the vehicle motor via the vehicle data BUS.

[0012] [Para 8] Typically, the device of the present invention is activated / deactivated by utilizing one or more vehicle built-in driver validation units. Upon detecting an unauthorized usage of the vehicle, the system disables activations of the vehicle motor. The built-in driver validation unit may include, with no limitations: a camera, a fingerprint recognition device, or any other built-in means capable of identifying a driver. The built-in driver validation unit may also include a pre-selected sequence of multiple built-in operating buttons situated inside the vehicle inner space, wherein the pre-selected operating buttons are individually identifiable by the vehicle computer (ECU) over the common vehicle communication bus.

[0013] [Para 9] The anti-theft device carries out a continuous digital blocking of the functional organs of the vehicle, includes a processor, which includes an authorization module, a control module, a blocking module and a computer bus driver, through which the processor receives data on the state of the vehicle for processing and issues the necessary control digital commands to the functional elements of the vehicle when an attempt of unauthorized control of the vehicle is detected, due towhich the vehicle engine stops working or it is impossible to self-start it.

[0014] [Para 10] It should be further appreciated that the system of the present invention neither intervenes, nor interferes with the vehicle communication over the data bus , and thereby, the system of the present invention is safe with regards to cyber-attacks.

[0015] [Para 11] The system of the present invention is adapted to utilize built-in means for identifying the driver, to facilitate turning-on the vehicle’s motor, and does not include any outside display for drivers to activate or to be used with any other external means.

[0016] [Para 12] According to the teachings of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle theft-prevention system, protecting the vehicle from unauthorized intervention or unauthorized usage of the vehicle, the theft prevention system includes:

[0017] at least one selected vehicle built-in means for validating the driver’s legitimacy;

[0018] a telematics unit, having:

[0019] a passive data bus listener;

[0020] at least one built-in driver validation unit; and

[0021] an immobilizer control unit; and

[0022] a specific immobilizer terminal, configured to manage the vehicle start / stop functionality,

[0023] wherein the telematics unit is passively interconnected with the vehicle CAN BUS; and wherein upon failing to validate a driver trying to ignite the vehicle engine via the data bus listener, implying a theftattempt, the immobilizer control unit disables the host vehicle engine.

[0024] [Para 13] Preferably, the immobilizer control unit is configured to disable the host vehicle engine via an interconnecting relay.

[0025] [Para 14] Optionally, the immobilizer control unit is configured to disable the host vehicle engine by software means, bringing the vehicle to an armed state.

[0026] [Para 15] Optionally, the, at least one vehicle built-in means for validating the driver’s legitimacy further includes a sequent set of selected multiple built-in operating buttons.

[0027] [Para 16] Optionally, the set of selected multiple built-in operating buttons is situated on the vehicle steering wheel.

[0028] [Para 17] Optionally, the vehicle theft prevention system is configured to validate the driver identity, using the at list one built-in means for identifying the driver; and wherein upon validation of the driver’s identity, the built-in means for validating the driver sends a safe-to- ignite massage, which safe-to-ignite massage is detected by the vehicle theft prevention system via the data bus listener, allowing the vehicle to move to a disarmed state, facilitating safe ignition of the vehicle motor.

[0029] [Para 18] Preferably, the built-in means for identifying the driver is selected from the group including a built-in vehicle camera, a built-in fingerprint identifying device and a designated OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) smartphone personal identification application.[Para 19] It should be further appreciated that the vehicle theft prevention system does not intervene with inner data bus communication, to thereby preventing cyber-attacks via the vehicle theft prevention system.

[0030] [Para 20] Optionally, the set of a pre-selected sequence of multiple built-in operating buttons may be remotely updated by the provider of the theft prevention system, including re-setting the buttons sequence thereof.

[0031] [Para 21] According to further teachings of the present disclosure there is provided a vehicle theft prevention method for protecting the vehicle from unauthorized intervention / usage of the vehicle, the theft prevention method including the steps of:

[0032] a) providing means for identifying the driver, selected from the group including:

[0033] i. built-in vehicle camera;

[0034] ii. a built-in fingerprint identifying device;

[0035] iii. a designated smartphone personal identification application;

[0036] and

[0037] iv. a pre-selected set of multiple built-in operating buttons situated inside the vehicle inner space, wherein the pre-selected operating buttons are individually identifiable by the vehicle computer (ECU) over the vehicle communication bus, v. providing a telematics unit, having:

[0038] 1. a passive , (data bus)listener;

[0039] 2. a built-in driver validation unit; and3. an immobilizer control unit; and

[0040] vi. a specific immobilizer terminal,

[0041] wherein the telematics unit is passively interconnected with the vehicle , (data bus);

[0042] wherein the immobilizer control unit is configured to disable the host vehicle engine, bringing the vehicle to an armed state; and wherein, upon detecting a theft attempt, the immobilizer control unit disables the host vehicle engine.

[0043] [Para 22] Optionally, the specific immobilizer terminal manages the vehicle start / stop functionality.

[0044] [Para 23] Optionally, the set of a pre-selected sequence of multiple built-in operating buttons may be remotely updated by the provider of the theft prevention system.

[0045] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] [Para 24] The present invention will become fully understood from the detailed description given herein below, and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration and example only and thus not limitative of the present disclosure, and wherein:

[0047] [Para 25] Fig. 1 is a non-limiting example block diagram of a the "Built- in ID validation device / s, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] [Para 26] Figs. 2a and 2b show a non-limiting example of buttons setting and usage of the multiple operating buttons, for setting a secret button combination for locking / unlocking the vehicle,according to variations of the present invention.

[0049] [Para 27] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example usage of a theft prevention method, configured to verify the validity sequence of an entered code sequence, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] [Para 28] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example usage of the theft prevention system, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] [Para 29] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which drawings preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0053] [Para 30] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided, so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0054] [Para 31] An embodiment is an example or implementation of the disclosure. The various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Although various features of the disclosuremay be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the disclosure may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the disclosure may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

[0055] [Para 32] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "some embodiments" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the disclosures. It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purposes only.

[0056] [Para 33] Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as to which the disclosure belongs, unless otherwise defined. The present disclosure can be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

[0057] [Para 34] Reference is made to the drawings. Fig. 1 describes the "Built- in ID validation device / s" when the original means of the car manufacturer communicate with the telematics unit of the system via the ECU. Theft prevention system 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. Theft prevention system 100 is operatively installed in a respective vehicle 110, wherein theft prevention system100 includes at least one vehicle built-in means (160) for validating the driver’s legitimacy.

[0058] [Para 35] The built-in driver validation unit 160 may include, with no limitations: a camera, a fingerprint recognition device, or any other built-in means capable of validating a driver. The built-in driver validation unit may also include a pre-selected sequence of multiple built-in operating buttons (122, see for example Fig. 2) situated inside the vehicle inner space, wherein the pre-selected operating buttons are individually identifiable by the vehicle computer (ECU) over the common vehicle communication bus. The built-in driver validation unit is situated inside the vehicle inner space and does not include any outside display for drivers to activate or to be used with any other external means.

[0059] [Para 36] Upon detecting unauthorized usage of the vehicle, the system disables activations of the vehicle motor via the vehicle ,data bus.

[0060] [Para 37] Optionally, built-in driver validation unit 160 includes an ordered set of pre-selected built-in operating buttons 122 that are situated inside the vehicle inner space of the vehicle, and available to the driver. Here too, upon detecting an unauthorized usage of the vehicle, the system disables activations of the vehicle motor via the vehicle data bus.

[0061] [Para 38] Operating buttons 122 may be located, for example, on the steering wheel 120, the dashboard, the driver’s door, etc. It should be appreciated that operating buttons 122 are individually identifiable by the vehicle 110 computer, that is referred to, herein, as ECU 130. Theftprevention system 100 further includes a telematics unit 140, that is passively connected to the common vehicle communication bus 115.

[0062] [Para 39] It should be appreciated that the system of the present invention neither intervenes nor interferes with the vehicle communication over the data busl l 5. However, the passive data buscontactless listener captures the code of the built-in driver validation unit by way similar to reverse engineering and listens continuously, however passively, to all of the traffic of communication data messages flowing over CAN BUS 115 and when an incorrect code is entered Theft prevention system 100 immobilizes the engine.

[0063] [Para 40] The innovative telematics unit 140 includes a passive data buscontactless-listener 142, a built-in driver validation unit 144, and an immobilizer control unit 146. Theft prevention system 100 further includes a specific immobilizer terminal 150, which is operatively connected to immobilizer control unit 146. Specific immobilizer terminal 150 is configured to disable the host vehicle engine, typically by software means, upon detecting a theft attempt. Optionally, upon detecting a theft attempt, to prevent ignition of the host vehicle engine, theft prevention system 100 disables the vehicle starter. Optionally, to prevent ignition of the host vehicle engine, the built-in immobilizer of host vehicle is disabled. Optionally, to prevent ignition of the host vehicle engine, the vehicle gear shifting mechanism is disabled.

[0064] [Para 41] Reference is also made to Figs. 2a and 2b, which depict a non-limiting example of setting and usage of a pre-selected subset ofmultiple built-in operating buttons 122, to thereby set a secret button combination for locking / unlocking the vehicle, according to variations of the present invention.

[0065] [Para 42] It should be noted that all inner space operating buttons that are accessible to the driver, are referred to as valid operating buttons 122 for setting a secret button combination.

[0066] [Para 43] Theft prevention system 100 includes an optional preselected subset of operating buttons 122, (which may include those on the vehicle steering wheel (120)), and / or all other accessible vehicle inner space operational buttons), and the vehicle engine control unit ECU 130 that can communicate with the preselected subset of operating buttons 122. When the driver presses a button, a specific command is sent to ECU 130, and the ECU 130 transmits the data via data busl 15. Telematics unit 140 is configured to continuously listen to all communications within the vehicle’s data busl 15, via a passive contactless-listener 142. Button-sequence-validation unit 144 of telematics unit 140 parses sequence of pressed buttons in order to validate the sequence of the just entered (pressed) button sequence, with the secret sequence of buttons vehicle code that is stored in the ECU 130 memory. It should be appreciated that the code sequence can be remotely updated by the provider of the theft prevention system 100 (or any other authorized body), including re-setting the buttons sequence thereof.

[0067] [Para 44] It should be further appreciated that ECU 130 controls a tCUT relay 152 based on the state of the immobilizer control unit 146. Relay152 is responsible for controlling vehicle immobilization, while a specific immobilizer terminal 150 manages the vehicle start / stop functionality.

[0068] [Para 45] As shown in Figs. 2a and 2ba non-limiting example 200 of buttons setting and usage of the multiple operating buttons 122, for setting a secret button combination for locking / unlocking the vehicle, is shown. Fig. 2b is an enlarged view of example region 202. This specific non-limiting example region 202 contains multiple operating buttons 122a-f from which region, is sub set of selected buttons are used to set up a confidential sequential group of 4 selected buttons: button 122a is selected to be the 1stof the sequence of 4 buttons, button 122b is selected to be the 2nd, button 122c is selected to be the 3rd, and button 122d is selected to be the 4thone. It should be noted that in this specific non-limiting example, buttons 122e-f do not participate in the secret sequence, as also applied to all other buttons available to the driver.

[0069] [Para 46] Since the four preselected buttons are integral buttons of the vehicle, a thief breaking into the vehicle has no idea which of the multiple buttons have been selected and in which order and there is no outside display for drivers to activate or to be used with any other external means. He cannot know if and how the vehicle is protected. Furthermore, he doesn’t know how to disconnect or bypass the hidden immobilizer, as there are no wires to cut.

[0070] [Para 47] In variations of the present invention, the random button activation sequence is configured via an OTA (Over-the-Air) commandor via BT.

[0071] [Para 48] The following is a non-limiting example of an arming process of the vehicle:

[0072] ■ The ignition is turned OFF.

[0073] ■ After X seconds, the immobilizer arms.

[0074] ■ The tCUT relay is activated, to thereby bring theft-prevention system 100 to an armed state.

[0075] ■ Once the tCUT relay is armed, the vehicle is immobilized.

[0076] [Para 49] Reference is also made to Fig. 3 that schematically illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example usage of theft prevention method 300, using theft prevention system 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. Method 300 includes the following steps:

[0077] ■ The driver enters the vehicle (step 301 ).

[0078] ■ The driver enters a valid button sequence (step 310), the tCUT relay is disarmed, and the vehicle is ready to operate.

[0079] ■ The immobilizer enters the disarmed state (step 320), deactivating the tCUT relay (step 330).

[0080] ■ Upon entering an invalid button sequence, the system remains immobilized.

[0081] [Para 50] Optionally, additional means for identifying and / or validating the driver’s identity may be used to identify and / or validate the driver's identity, in particular, original manufacturer built-in identification means. For example, with no limitations:

[0082] ■ usage of a driver's fingerprint.

[0083] ■ usage of a built-in vehicle camera capable of identifying the driver.■ An identification validation application.

[0084] Such devices are then utilized to allow ignition of the engine, without interfering with any other data traffic on the vehicle’s data bus.

[0085] [Para 51] Reference is also made to Fig. 4 that schematically illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example usage of a theft prevention method 400, using theft prevention system 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. Method 400 includes the following steps:

[0086] [Para 52] Vehicle theft prevention process (example scenario)-.

[0087] A thief breaks into the vehicle (step 401).

[0088] ■ The thief attempts to start or drive the vehicle remains armed (step 410).

[0089] ■ Since the vehicle does not enter into a drive mode, and thereby, the vehicle remains in the armed state, and does not enter drive mode (step 420).

[0090] ■ The system activates an alert (step 430).

[0091] ■ the thief is unable to operate the vehicle.

[0092] [Para 53] In another example scenario, the vehicle includes the built-in means to identify the driver, wherein built-in means for identifying the driver 160, as schematically illustrated in Fig.l . Upon a driver entering the vehicle and activating the built-in means to identify the driver, the built in means for identifying the driver validates the drivers identity:

[0093] ■ upon a positive identification, the built-in means 160 for identifying the driver sends a safe-to-ignite massage, which safe-to-ignite massage is detected by vehicle theft prevention system 100 viapassive contactless-listener 142, allowing the vehicle to move to a disarmed state, facilitating safe ignition of the vehicle motor; and ■ while not detecting safe-to-ignite massage, the vehicle remains in an armed state.

[0094] [Para 54] It should be appreciated that the built-in means for identifying the driver may include a camera, a fingerprint recognition device, or any other built-in means capable of identifying a driver. It should be further appreciated that, being built-in devices, they can be detectable by passive contactless-listener 142.

[0095] [Para 55] The invention being thus described in terms of several embodiments and examples, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art.

Claims

What is claimed:1 . A vehicle theft prevention system, comprising:• a set of selected multiple built-in operating buttons (122) of a vehicle for a driver to input a validation sequence; characterized by• a telematics unit (140) comprising a memory for storing a secret sequence corresponding to a required sequence of actuations of said set of selected multiple built-in operating buttons; wherein the telematics unit (140) is configured to:• passively listen to a vehicle data bus (e.g. Can bus), or any other contactless listener (115) to capture the validation sequence input by the driver via the built-in operating buttons (122);• validate the captured validation sequence against the secret sequence stored in the memory;• in response to a failed validation, cause an immobilizer control unit (146) to prevent usage of the vehicle; and• receive a remote update to the secret sequence stored in the memory from a provider of the theft prevention system.

2. The vehicle theft prevention system of claim 1 , wherein the telematics unit (140) is configured to receive the remote update via an Over-the-Air, OTA, command or a Bluetooth, BT, command.

3. The vehicle theft prevention system of claim 1 or 2, wherein said set of selected multiple built-in operating buttons (122) is situated on a vehicle steering wheel (120).

4. The vehicle theft prevention system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein preventing usage of the vehicle comprises disabling at least one of a vehicle starter, a built-in immobilizer of the vehicle, or a vehicle gear shifting mechanism.

5. The vehicle theft prevention system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the remote update re-sets the secret sequence stored in the memory.

6. The vehicle theft prevention system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the immobilizer control unit (146) is configured to disable a host vehicle engine via an interconnecting relay (152).

7. The vehicle theft prevention system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the immobilizer control unit (146) is configured to disable a host vehicle engine by software means, thereby bringing the vehicle to an armed state.

8. The vehicle theft prevention system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising no external display for the driver to input the validation sequence.

9. A method for managing a vehicle theft prevention system, the method comprising:• storing a secret sequence in a memory of a telematics unit (140), the secret sequence corresponding to a required sequence of actuations of a set of selected multiple built-in operating buttons• passively listening, by the telematics unit (140), to a vehicle data bus (115) to capture a validation sequence input by a driver using the built-in operating buttons (122);• validating, by the telematics unit (140), the captured validation sequence against the secret sequence stored in the memory;• in response to a failed validation, preventing usage of the vehicle; and• remotely updating the secret sequence stored in the memory by sending a command from a provider of the theft prevention system to the telematics unit (140).

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of remotely updating is performed by sending an Over-the-Air, OTA, command or a Bluetooth, BT, command to the telematics unit (140).11 . The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the validation sequence is input via the set of selected multiple built-in operating buttons (122) situated on a vehicle steering wheel (120).

12. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the step of preventing usage of the vehicle comprises disabling at least one of a vehicle starter, a built-in immobilizer of the vehicle, or a vehicle gear shifting mechanism.

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