EP4121325A1

EP4121325A1 - A vehicular anti-theft system

Info

Publication number: EP4121325A1
Application number: EP21719999.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Vasu AJAY KUMAR; Balaganesh Selvarajan
Original assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-15
Filing date: 2021-03-12
Publication date: 2023-01-25
Also published as: CN115210117B; CO2022012970A2; CN115210117A; WO2021186463A1

Abstract

The present subject matter relates generally to a vehicular anti-theft system (100) to track the location of the vehicle in order to actuate locking and unlocking function through a vehicle control unit after a GSM/GPRS device (109) receives the information of cell tower located near the current location of the vehicle and the information of cell tower received is then compared by a microcontroller (111) with a database available in a cloud server (113) or a user system supporting a mobile application (112) or a web browser (301).

Description

A VEHICULAR ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a vehicle. The present subject matter specifically but not exclusively, relates to a vehicular anti-theft system for a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Anti-theft devices in a vehicle generally consist of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) devices for tracking the stolen vehicle and a cellular system is used for sending the location information to the owner. Further, a GPS (Global Positioning System) is used as a device for identifying location of the vehicle, for tracking the vehicle and also as a part of a security system for the vehicle.

[0003] Anti-theft devices in the vehicle have to monitor sensors for detecting theft scenarios like lift, tampering, removal of components of vehicle, towing etc. Additionally, they need to transmit data to user. Present systems use GNSS systems and implement various technologies like Assisted GPS, Dead reckoning etc. for improving accuracy.

[0004] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the present subject matter depicting architecture with a GSM/GPRS systems and a control system as a separate unit installed on a vehicle. [0007] Fig. 2 illustrates architecture of the present subject matter where a

GSM/GPRS system and a control system are integrated as a single unit. [0008] Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present subject matter where the mobile application can be replaced by a web application in a user system.

[0009] Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the present subject matter where an external storage device is used to store the information of the cell towers. [00010] Fig. 5 illustrates an accelerometer sensor and a vehicle interface connected to vehicular anti -theft system to provide alert functionalities.

[00011] Fig. 6 illustrates a method of vehicle location detection when the vehicle is located within a predetermined distance from user system.

[00012] Fig. 7 illustrates a method of vehicle location detection and locking mechanism when the vehicle is located at a distance with a cell radius of one more cell tower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00013] Global Navigation satellite system (GNSS) devices provide high accuracy for detecting the position but there are also disadvantages associated with GNSS when the Global positioning system (GPS) signal is weak and when location is susceptible to zero visibility which causes GPS signal to drop e.g. in a tunnel, underground etc.

[00014] Further, anti-theft devices generally comprise of one or more sensors for sensing and detecting any change and the information is sent from several components of the vehicle to the processor which leads to increase in the computation functions which may lead to decrease in the reliability of the device. GNSS system is implemented with various other technologies like Assisted GPS, Dead reckoning etc. for improving accuracy. Such hybrid positioning technologies involve additional hardware and are complex. Moreover, the cost of such systems is also high. It will be beneficial if the objectives of the hybrid positioning technologies can be achieved with reduced number of parts.

[00015] Also, there are system which are provided to monitor the vehicle position and finding out the current location which includes mobile vehicular device via short range communication. First is to receive the user request and determining the location and providing the navigation route to the present location of the vehicle to the user who sends the request. But there is no system to deter an unauthorised person from changing the location of the vehicle when located at a distance which is not accessible to the user. [00016] Hence, the object of the present subject matter is to provide an improved vehicular anti-theft system for a vehicle which is directed to overcome the problems as set forth above and obviate the lacunae.

[00017] Another embodiment of the present subject matter is to provide a vehicular anti-theft system to detect the location of the vehicle from any remote location. The vehicle location can be detected by using a mobile application which communicates a GSM/GPRS system installed in the vehicle and a control system to identify and communicate the information of the cell towers located in the surrounding area to be sent to the mobile application for a user.

[00018] Yet another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a method for finding the vehicle when it is nearby through a visible or audible indication. The subject matter also provides the method for finding a vehicle located in a remote place and also method for tracking the vehicle.

[00019] Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides method for alert notification in case of theft of the vehicle or immobilizing the vehicle from any remote location as per the user’s instruction and authentication.

[00020] Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a vehicular system to track the vehicle by utilizing the surrounding cell tower information and the received information of the surrounding cell towers are compared with the local database to find for similar information and sent to the mobile application through the GSM/GPRS system through SMS.

[00021] Fig.l represents a block diagram of the vehicular anti-theft system (100) for a vehicle depicting an architecture utilized in the present subject matter where the GSM/GPRS system (102) and a control system (101) are separate and are provided as an individual unit that can be interfaced in order to establish communication between the GSM/GPRS system (102) and the control system (101). The power management system (105) is responsible for providing driving power to the vehicle. The power management system (105) also provides power to the vehicular anti -theft system (100). The modular approach helps in easy replacement of power management system (105), controller system (101) and GSM / GPRS system (102). A power unit (not shown) such as a battery or an engine is responsible for providing driving power.

[00022] The architecture of the vehicular anti -theft system (100) comprises of a GSM/GPRS system (102) and a control system (101), functioning together in order to communicate with a mobile application (112) and a cloud server (113) The GSM / GPRS system (102) comprises of a GSM / GPRS device (109) with an identification system (108) and an integrated antenna (107). The identification system (108) is embedded with an identifier to enable storing identification of the user of the vehicle like a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. The control system (101) comprises of a microcontroller (111), a voltage level translator (110) and a first voltage regulator (114). The GSM / GPRS device (109) has a second voltage regulator (106) to regulate voltage as per its specification. The first voltage regulator (114) connected in control system also regulates voltage as per its specification for proper functioning of microcontroller (111). There is a power management system (105) which is responsible for switching between Main power supply (103) and backup voltage source (104). The power management system (105) is capable of under voltage and over voltage detection to switch between main power supply (103) and backup power supply (104).

[00023] The GSM / GPRS device (109) has a firmware which is a host controller interface (HCI). The GSM / GPRS device (109) is integrated with the antenna (107) in the GSM / GPRS system (102). The GSM / GPRS system (102) has a serial communication interface (130) for communicating with the microcontroller (111). Since the voltage levels of the control system (101) and the GSM / GPRS system (102) are different, a voltage level translator (110) is incorporated to match the voltage levels of the serial communication interface (130). The software configuration of the microcontroller (111) is such that it can automatically match the baud rate with the GSM / GPRS device (109) and start communication seamlessly. A software unit of the microcontroller (111) verifies whether commands sent from the microcontroller (111) are received properly.

[00024] Mobile application (112) can be stored in a user system like a mobile phone or any other personal digital assistant (PDA) or a handset. The mobile application (112) installed in the handset can communicate with the anti -theft device which has a GSM / GPRS system directly through Call, SMS, Packet Data Protocol (PDP) message. The Mobile application (112) can also communicate with the cloud server (113) through any of the PDP messages. Generally, HTTP based communication is used.

[00025] Cloud server (113) holds the necessary database to address the queries of either the mobile application (112) or the GSM / GPRS system (102). In another embodiment, it can additionally carry out a predefined routine or a computation necessary at the user end.

[00026] In order to find the vehicle when located nearby then an input button is pressed in order to provide in the mobile application (112) or the input can be provided by giving a voice command to find the vehicle. After giving a user request such as a call/SMS (short message service)/PDP (packet data protocol) message is initiated from the mobile application (112). Then the GSM/GPRS system (102) informs the microcontroller (111) about the incoming call from the user’s mobile application (112) and then the microcontroller (111) verifies if the user is authentic or not and after the authentication process is successful either or both the turn signal lamp, a visual indication, and/or a hom, an audio indication gets activated with the help of a driver circuit provided in the vehicle.

[00027] When the vehicle is not located nearby or not within the range of signal sent by the user then the location of the vehicle is enabled by indirect communication between GSM/GPRS device (109) and the mobile communication which is achieved by utilizing the information of cell tower. In order to initiate the communication between the GSM/GPRS device (109) and the mobile application (112), the input button provided in the mobile application (112) is used or a voice command is provided by the user of the mobile application (112). The GSM/GSRM device (109) in the GSM/GPRS system (102) informs the microcontroller (111) about the incoming call/SMS/PDP message and the dialler number which is then identified by the microcontroller (111).

[00028] After successful authentication of the mobile application by using the dialler’s number the microcontroller queries the GSM/GPRS device (109) for the cell towers located in the surroundings. The information related to the surrounding cell towers are collected and sent to the GSM/GPRS device (109) and the collected data is sent to the microcontroller (111) which is compared to the data stored in the cloud server (113). If the data received from the cell tower gets matched with the data in stored in the cloud server (113) then an SMS/PDP message is sent to the mobile application (112) and displayed to the user. The mobile application (112) decodes the message sent by the GSM/GPRS device (109) and the coordinates of the location where the vehicle is located to the nearest cell tower gets displayed on a map.

[00029] When the database of the cell tower information is cloud server then the controller after authenticating the request from the mobile application (112) of the user, the GSM/GPRS device (109) gathers the information of the surrounding cell tower information and the collected information regarding the surrounding cell towers is then send to the handheld device of the user which is installed with the mobile application (112). The mobile application (112) then sends the information regarding the surrounding cell towers to the cloud sever (113) and the cloud server (113) sends the coordinates on the map which gets displayed in the user’s handheld set installed with the mobile application (112).

[00030] When the database of the cell tower information is the user’s handheld device in which the mobile application (112) is installed. The microcontroller

(111), after the identification and authentication of the user’s mobile application

(112), requests the GSM/GPRS device (109) for the information of the surrounding cell towers. The GSM/GPRS device (109) returns the information regarding surrounding cell towers to the mobile device (handheld device with installed mobile application (112)) of the owner. Mobile application (112) compares the information received from the GSM/GPRS device (109) with the local database and if a match is found, it displays the coordinates on the map.

[00031] In another embodiment the controller identifies the user of the mobile application (112) from which call/SMS/PDP message is received. After the user gets identified and authenticated then the controller requests the GSM/GPRS device (109) for the information related to the surrounding cell towers. The GSM/GPRS device (109) also received the coordinate information which is then sent to the mobile device and the coordinate gets displayed on the map.

[00032] Similarly, in order to get the location details of the vehicle then the tracking mode is chosen in the mobile application which allows continuous tracking of the vehicle for the current location. The input button provided in the mobile application is used or a voice command is provided by the user of the mobile application. The GSM/GSRM device (109) in the GSM/GPRS system informs the microcontroller about the incoming call/SMS/PDP message and the dialler number which is then identified by the microcontroller (111). The tracking of the vehicle can also be done when the mobile application installed in the hand set acts as a database. The microcontroller (111), after the identification and authentication of the user/mobile application (112) for the tracking of the vehicle, requests the GSM/GPRS device (109) for the surrounding cell tower information. After receiving the cell tower information, the microcontroller (111) compares it with the information stored in the cloud server (113) and if a match is found then an SMS/PDP message is sent to the mobile application (112) stored in the user’s handheld device or personal digital assistant (PDA). The microcontroller (111) keeps on repeating the same process. The microcontroller (111) stops sending the messages regarding the updated location after the user gives a command to microcontroller (111) to stop sending the tracking information.

[00033] After successful authentication of the mobile application by using the dialler’s number the microcontroller (111) queries the GSM/GPRS device (109) for the cell towers located in the surroundings. The information related to the surrounding cell towers are collected and sent to the GSM/GPRS device (109) and the collected data is sent to the controller which is compared to the data stored in the cloud server (113). If the data received from the cell tower gets matched with the data in stored in the cloud server then an SMS/PDP message is sent to the mobile application and displayed to the user on the handheld device which runs on the mobile application (112). The mobile application (112) decodes the message sent by the GSM/GPRS device (109) and the coordinates of the location where the vehicle is located to the nearest cell tower gets displayed on a map. In order to give continuous location of the vehicle, the microcontroller (111) (connected to a vehicular control unit) repeats the process after a predetermined time which may be pre-programmed or set by the user. The data sent to the mobile application (112) is stopped after the microcontroller (111) received the information from the mobile application (112) to stop the process.

[00034] When the vehicle is under unauthorized access the present subject matter can be used to immobilize the vehicle. The input button corresponding to immobilizing the vehicle is provided in the mobile application is used or a voice command is provided by the user of the mobile application. The GSM/GSRM device (109) in the GSM/GPRS system informs the microcontroller (111) about the incoming call/SMS/PDP message and the dialler number which is then identified by the controller and after successful authentication of the user, microcontroller (111) performs a security check process based on the vehicle data and the current status of the vehicle. The condition to turn OFF the vehicle is that speed should be low preferably 5 Kilometre per hour or less and if the speed criteria is met, the vehicle gets turned OFF and the supply to a vehicle control unit such as a TCI (Transistor control unit) preventing further use of vehicle. The vehicle control unit is also connected to one more sensors in order to receive parameters related to the vehicle such as speed sensor. Also if the owner wants to again restart the vehicle the controller mobilises the vehicle when a call/SMS/PDP message reaches the GSM/GPRS device (109) from owner which contains the message to mobilise the vehicle. [00035] In another embodiment of the present subject matter where the GSM/GPRS system (102) and a control system (101) can be additionally combined together as a single unit (refer fig. 2 to Fig. 5). Fig. 2 depicts an architecture of the present subject matter with a provision of integrating a GPS system (201) has been provided. With the provision, GPS system (201) can be integrated as a separate unit which receives power from the present configuration involving main power supply (103), a backup voltage source (104) and a power management system (105). The GPS system (201) can communicate with the microcontroller (111) through serial communication. With this configuration, the accuracy of the anti-theft system can be increased. Once GPS system (201) is integrated, a firmware update over the air to the controller can be made to integrate modes of operation which uses GPS systems (201).

[00036] Fig.3 depicts another embodiment of the present subject matter where the mobile application (112) is replaced by a web application (301) which runs on a browser and can do all functionalities of the mobile application (112). Hence, a personal computer with an internet facility can be used to find and track the vehicle and can be immobilized.

[00037] Fig.4 depicts another embodiment of the present subject matter where an external storage device (401) is used to store the information of the cell towers. The data stored in the external storage device (401) can be updated either when the system is functioning or by removing the external storage device (401) and updating the data stored in the external storage device (401) with new data.

[00038] Fig.5depicts another embodiment of the present subject matter where an accelerometer sensor (501) and vehicle interface (502) has been connected to vehicular anti-theft system (100) to provide alert functionalities. The accelerometer sensor (501) is a 9-axis accelerometer used for finding direction and orientation of the vehicle accurately. Vehicle interface (502) provides the vehicular anti -theft system (100) with vehicle data such as speed sensor value from speed sensor, battery voltage from battery, Fuel level, Ignition ON/OFF status and other parameters from Controlled Area Network (CAN) communication and Side stand switch status from a side stand. Vehicle lift and fall are detected using the accelerometer. The controller intimates the user when vehicle lift is detected. The intimation can be through SMS/Call/PDP message. The accelerometer sensor is also used alongside the positioning technology to assist during scenarios with poor signal strength by the method of dead reckoning. When a fall is detected during vehicle running condition, an alert message is sent to the server. The alert message contains the time stamp and location of the vehicle. The server then initiates emergency calls to the nearest hospital and shares the location and time stamp of the vehicle where it fell. Since the location and time stamp are shared to an emergency response unit e.g. a hospital, emergency service or a close associate can reach for help faster. When vehicle is being towed under ignition OFF condition, user receives an alert message when the vehicle is moved beyond a particular threshold distance set by the user. An algorithm runs on the server which monitors the distance between location of user and vehicle. The algorithm also has a parameter which decides the type of fence that needs to employed such that it considers user movement, perimeter around vehicle, shape of perimeter, etc.

[00039] When the vehicle battery is removed, the user receives an alert message/call/PDP message. When battery is removed for a specified interval of time, user starts receiving a call. This call can be initiated from the GSM/GPRS system in the vehicle or from the cloud server (113). The default condition is restored when battery is connected again.

[00040] The vehicle data is sent to the server at particular intervals of time which is decided by the user. The fields in the data set are classified into instantaneous and cumulative. Any of the fields can be configured as instantaneous and cumulative. Fields which are configured as instantaneous are sampled at the instant when dataset is to be transferred. Fields which are configured as cumulative are accumulated over the period of the interval and sent to the server. With the help of data received at the server end, user receives behaviour analysis reports in the mobile application. The behaviour analysis includes information like sudden acceleration, sudden braking etc. The instantaneous mileage as well as mileage over different periods of time are calculated with the help of vehicle data received at the server end. User is also provided with relation between driving pattern and mileage.

[00041] Fig. 6 illustrates the method of vehicle location detection when the vehicle is located within a predetermined distance from the user system. In step 601 the user sends a request from a user system such as a handheld device supporting a mobile application (112) or a web browser (301). In step 602 the user request is sent to the microcontroller (111) through a GSM/GPRS device (109) equipped with an antenna (107). In step 603, the microcontroller (111) checks for authentication of the user. After authentication is done successfully then in step 604, the microcontroller (111) actuates the turn signal lamp and/or hom through a vehicle control unit.

[00042] Fig. 7 illustrates the method of vehicle location detection and locking mechanism when the vehicle is located within a cell radius of any of the cell tower near vehicle. In step 702 the user sends a request from a user system such as a handheld device supporting a mobile application (112) or a web browser (301). In step 703 the user request is sent to the microcontroller (111) through a GSM/GPRS device (109) equipped with an antenna (107). In step 704, the microcontroller (111) checks for authentication of the user. When the vehicle is within the cell radius of one or more cell tower, then in step 706, the GSM/GPRS (109) device receives one or more cell tower data when the vehicle is located within a cell radius of any of the closest cell tower. The database stored in the cloud server (113) or the user system is compared with the user request. When the information of the user request matches with the data in step 706a then in step 707 speed of the vehicle is checked and if the speed of the vehicle is less than a predetermined speed (predetermined speed can be set by the user) then vehicle control unit such as a TCI (transistor control ignition), Indirect-Direct injection system, Capacitive discharge ignition (CDI) in case of combustion engine and Engine control unit (ECU), Battery control unit (BCU) in case hybrid or electric vehicle, gets actuated to disconnect a power unit of the vehicle in step 708 and when the speed is greater than predetermined speed then, in step 709, no action is taken. But when the speed of the vehicle again reaches below predetermined speed then the vehicle power unit gets disconnected. [00043] Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A vehicular anti -theft system (100) comprising: a GSM/GPRS system (102) configured to communicate with a control system (101) and to communicate with a user system to receive or send a user request; a cloud server (113) configured to store an information of one or more cell towers; a GSM/GPRS device (109) in said GSM/GPRS system (102) electrically connected to an antenna (107); a microcontroller (111) electrically connected to one or more vehicle control unit provided in said vehicle, said one or more vehicle control unit is configured to one or more sensor provided in said vehicle; an identification system (108) configured for securing an identifier; a power management system (105) to drive said vehicle electrically connected to said vehicular anti -theft system (100); and a power unit capable of driving said vehicle; said GSM/GPRS device (109) configured to send a request signal to said one or more cell tower information in order to transfer said one or more cell tower information to said microcontroller (111); and said microcontroller (111) instructs one or more action to be performed by said one or more vehicle control unit in said vehicle after receiving a user request from said user system after checking one more input from said one or more sensor installed in said vehicle.

2. The vehicular anti -theft system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller (111) activates said vehicle control unit to initiate at least one immobilisation action of said vehicle when speed of said vehicle is less than a predetermined value.

3. The vehicular anti-theft system (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said vehicle control unit is a TCI (transistor control ignition), an Indirect- Direct injection system (IDI), a Capacitive discharge ignition (CDI), an Engine control unit (ECU) and a Battery control unit (BCU).

4. The vehicular anti -theft system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more sensor is an accelerometer sensor (501) or a speed sensor.

5. The vehicular anti -theft system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a vehicle interface (502) provides said vehicular anti-theft system (100) with vehicle data from a at least one of the speed sensor, a battery, a side stand switch status and Controlled area network (CAN) interface.

6. A method of a vehicle detection system through a vehicular anti -theft system (100) comprising steps of: providing a user request from a user system; informing a microcontroller (111) said user request by a GSM/GPRS device (109); verifying & authenticating a user sending said input request; and actuating an indication device provided in said vehicle through a vehicle control unit.

7. The method of a vehicle detection system through a vehicular anti-theft system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said indication device is actuated when said vehicle is located within a predetermined distance from said user system.

8. A method of a vehicle locking through a vehicular anti -theft system (100) comprising steps of: sending a user request from a user system; informing a microcontroller (111) about said user request by a GSM/GPRS device (109); verifying a user sending said user request; receiving data of one or more cell tower by said GSM/GPRS device (109) when said vehicle located within a cell radius of said one or more cell tower; matching & authenticating a user request with a data stored in said user or a cloud server (113);

; and actuating one or more vehicle control unit to disconnect a power unit from said vehicle.

9. The method of vehicle locking through a vehicular anti -theft system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said vehicle control unit is actuated when a speed of said vehicle is less than a predetermined speed.

10. The method of vehicle locking through a vehicular anti -theft system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said one or more cell tower data is received when said vehicle is located within a cell radius of said one or more cell tower.