Car Theft Detection via Vehicle-Token Location Mismatch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current car theft tracking systems are inadequate in accurately detecting theft and monitoring the location of vehicles, especially when the token device is not available or is distant from the vehicle, leading to potential false alarms and inefficiencies in alerting the user.

Innovation Solution

A car theft detection system utilizing a network server that monitors vehicle usage and location through satellite navigation, cellular networks, or WLAN, and compares the vehicle's location with the token device's location, sending a warning if a mismatch is detected, with features like token expiry time adjustment and direct communication between the car and token device to enhance accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the system continuously monitors token device location to detect theft, then theft detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft detection accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic location monitoring instead of continuous monitoring. The server sends location requests at predetermined intervals, and the token device responds periodically with its location data. This periodic action maintains adequate theft detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the token expiry time parameter based on conditions. When the token device is distant from the vehicle or not available, the expiry time is extended, allowing the system to tolerate longer periods without location updates. This parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between detection accuracy and energy consumption by adapting to different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the system sends frequent location requests to the token device, then location accuracy is improved, but the system reliability deteriorates when the token device is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on token device availability. When the token device responds to location requests, the system obtains accurate location data. When the token device is unavailable (does not respond), the system extends the token expiry time and continues operation with previous location data, preventing system failure and maintaining reliability despite the loss of fresh location accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a buffer mechanism by extending the token expiry time when the token device is unavailable. This beforehand cushioning allows the system to tolerate periods without location updates without failing, maintaining reliability by having a fallback mechanism that prevents complete system shutdown or error states when location data cannot be freshly obtained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the system extends token expiry time when token device is distant, then system availability is improved, but location monitoring precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidlocation monitoring precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the token expiry time parameter based on the distance between the token device and the vehicle. When the token device is distant, the expiry time is extended to maintain system availability. When the token device is close, the expiry time is shortened to improve location monitoring precision. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting to different spatial conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively detects car theft by accurately comparing vehicle and token device locations, reducing false alarms and ensuring timely alerts, thereby enhancing vehicle security and user notification.

Implementation Method 1

A current geographical location of the car is detected, for example by using a satellite navigation system of the car or of a tracking equipment of the car that is capable of receiving and processing satellite location signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSatellite navigation:

Implementation Method 2

A car identifier and location information indicative of a location of the car is sent from the car to the network server over a wireless connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3127095B1Car theft tracking system and method
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP3127095B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3127095B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3127095B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The current specification discloses a method, system and de- vices for detecting a theft of a car. A use of the car and a current location of the car are detected. A car identifier and location information indicative of a location of the car is sent to a network server over a wireless connection. A to- ken device is determined that is associated with the car identifier and a location request is sent from the network server to the token device. Location information indicative of a current location of the token device is derived and the received location of the car is compared with the derived lo- cation of the token device. If a position mismatch between the location of the car and the location of the token device is detected, a warning message is sent to a pre-determined device.