Vehicle Anti-Theft Signalling via Short-Range Frequency Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-theft systems for motor vehicles face interference from devices that disturb GSM signals, preventing the transmission of alarm signals during theft, which can block the communication of the vehicle's location.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a short-range transmission/receiver unit that operates outside mobile phone frequencies, allowing the alarm signal to be transmitted via short-range communication protocols like Bluetooth or WiFi, ensuring the signal can be sent even when GSM signals are disrupted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GSM transmission/receiver is used for alarm signal transmission, then long-range communication capability is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to signal interference and blocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealarm signal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidGSM signal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication function into two distinct transmission/receiver systems: a GSM-based system for long-range communication and a short-range system (Bluetooth/WiFi) for reliable local communication. This segmentation allows each system to operate independently on different frequency bands, so when GSM signals are interfered with, the short-range system can still transmit alarm signals reliably to nearby devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the communication parameter by switching between different frequency bands and communication protocols. When GSM frequencies are disrupted, the system transitions to short-range communication protocols operating on different frequencies, thereby maintaining alarm signal transmission capability despite changes in the electromagnetic environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a single communication system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability under interference conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission/receiver system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional transmission/receiver system where the control unit can manage multiple communication protocols (GSM, Bluetooth, WiFi) through a single architectural framework. The system universally handles different communication types, selecting the appropriate protocol based on availability and conditions, thereby achieving high reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages communication between the sensor unit, alarm unit, and multiple transmission/receiver systems. It mediates the selection and coordination of different communication protocols, simplifying the complexity by providing a centralized control layer that handles protocol switching and message routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If short-range transmission/receiver unit is added, then resistance to signal interference is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interference resistanceVSAvoidtransmission/receiver system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission/receiver functionality into distinct modules: a GSM transmission/receiver for long-range communication and a short-range transmission/receiver unit for local communication. This segmentation allows the short-range unit to be added specifically to address interference resistance without completely redesigning the entire communication system, thereby managing complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2303647B1Signalling system and method for Anti-theft systems for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2013.04.10 META SYSTEM SPA
  • EP2303647B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The signalling apparatus for anti-theft systems of motor vehicles or the like comprises an operating and control unit installable on a motor vehicle and associable with at least a detection device of the theft of or undesired access into the motor vehicle and radio wave communication means associated with the operating and control unit and suitable for sending an alarm signal towards a remote control unit in case of detected theft or undesired access. The communication means comprise at least a short-range transmission/receiver unit. The signalling method for anti-theft systems of motor vehicles or the like comprises the phases of: detection of the theft of or undesired access into a motor vehicle; sending of an alarm signal towards a remote control unit, by means of a transmission/receiver system operating with mobile phone protocols; checking the connection between the transmission/receiver system and the remote control unit. In case of absence of connection between the transmission/receiver system and the remote control unit, the sending phase comprises the transmission of the alarm signal by means of a short-range transmission/receiver unit.