JP2006155061A - Vehicle security system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle security system which is made to surely prevent vehicle theft, theft from a vehicle, etc. from occurring. <P>SOLUTION: The vehicle security system having a radio wave transmission means (6) installed at outside of the vehicle and an onboard radio terminal (5) equipped in the vehicle is made to sense the vehicle theft and the theft from the vehicle, etc. based on the received electric field strength level when the onboard radio terminal (5) receiving a radio wave emitted by the radio wave transmitting means (6). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle security system having radio wave transmission means installed outside a vehicle and an in-vehicle wireless terminal installed in the vehicle.

  In recent years, the number of vehicle theft and vandalism has increased rapidly, but most of them are damage that occurred despite being locked. Recently, various vehicle security products have been proposed or put into practical use. Typical examples include a shock sensor that detects vibrations of the vehicle body, a tilt sensor that detects fluctuations in the inclination of the vehicle body, a position search information system that informs the location of the stolen vehicle using GPS or the like.

  However, all of the above-described conventional vehicle security systems are effective after the onset of the vehicle or the crime of theft of the vehicle is started.

  Further, for example, Patent Document 1 below describes an example of a vehicle theft reporting device that performs a reporting process when a vehicle is stolen. This is because the vehicle position at the time of parking is detected in advance, and then the vehicle position is determined when it is detected that the terminal has changed from the wireless communication area to the outside of the wireless communication area and has returned to the wireless communication area. If the position of the vehicle has changed, a notification process is performed on the emergency call destination.

JP 2003-291784 A

  Countermeasures such as shock sensors and tilt sensors are effective against vehicle theft and vandalism, which have been increasing in recent years, but these are all effective after the crime has begun. . The same applies to the position information system, which is effective in specifying the position after the vehicle theft, but cannot detect the crime in advance. In addition, the vehicle theft reporting device described in Patent Document 1 performs a reporting process after the vehicle is moved, and cannot be a preventive measure against theft. In addition, this device is primarily intended to reduce vehicle battery consumption, and does not take into account the prevention of theft.

  As a conventional technique, there is a method of installing a security camera in a parking lot in addition to the above, but this is not a realistic solution for a user who wants to minimize initial investment as much as possible.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and the object of the present invention is to prevent crimes such as vehicle theft and vandalism in advance. It is to provide a vehicle security system.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of a vehicle security system according to the present invention includes radio wave transmission means installed outside a vehicle and an in-vehicle wireless terminal installed in the vehicle, wherein the radio wave transmission means is Based on the received electric field strength level when the in-vehicle wireless terminal receives the emitted radio wave, a crime such as vehicle theft or vandalism is detected.

  In addition, a second aspect of the vehicle security system according to the present invention includes an in-vehicle wireless terminal deployed in a vehicle, and a base station for performing wireless communication with the in-vehicle wireless terminal, from the base station Based on the received electric field strength level when the radio wave is received by the in-vehicle wireless terminal, a crime such as a vehicle theft or an on-vehicle vandalism is detected.

  In a preferred specific mode, a crime such as vehicle theft or vandalism is detected based on a change in the received electric field strength level of the in-vehicle wireless terminal that occurs when the vehicle or its surroundings change. The

  In a more specific preferred aspect, a crime such as vehicle theft or vandalism is detected based on a change in the received electric field strength level of the in-vehicle wireless terminal that occurs when a person or an object approaches the vehicle. The

  In another preferred aspect, the frequency band of the radio wave emitted by the radio wave transmitting means or the frequency band used for radio communication between the base station and the in-vehicle wireless terminal is selectively used, and the characteristics of each frequency band are used. Thus, the accuracy and reliability of the vehicle security are improved.

  In another preferred aspect, the vehicle security terminal is provided with antennas at different parts of the vehicle to improve the accuracy and reliability of vehicle security.

  In still another preferred embodiment, the radio wave transmitting means or the antenna of the base station is provided at a plurality of locations, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of vehicle security.

  The vehicle security system according to the present invention preferably includes input means for starting and ending the security mode.

  In addition, the vehicle security system according to the present invention is preferably configured such that when a crime such as vehicle theft or vandalism is detected, the fact that the base station or the vehicle is owned by the vehicle-mounted wireless terminal or other vehicle-mounted reporting device. Report to the person.

  Furthermore, the vehicle security system according to the present invention is preferably configured to activate an in-vehicle or external alarm device such as a buzzer when a crime such as vehicle theft or vandalism is detected.

  According to the present invention, a crime such as vehicle theft or vandalism is detected by utilizing the characteristic that the electric field strength level received by the in-vehicle wireless terminal changes when the vehicle or its surroundings change. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent vehicle theft and vandalism.

  In addition, by taking into account the positional relationship between the radio wave transmission means or the antennas of the base station and the in-vehicle wireless terminal and the directivity characteristics, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of a person or an object to the vehicle. It is possible to prevent the roughening and the like more surely.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall flow of an embodiment of a vehicle security system according to the present invention, which will be described below with reference to this flowchart.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle security system of the present embodiment has a base station 2 (access point) installed in a parking lot such as a home garage or a monthly parking lot, and an in-vehicle wireless terminal on the vehicle 1 side. 5 is assumed to be deployed. The communication means is not particularly limited as long as it is wireless such as DSRC, wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and mobile phone.

  First, after parking and stopping the vehicle 1 (step 301), the owner of the vehicle 1 operates to put the vehicle 1 into the security mode (step 302). For example, user authentication and security mode start operations are performed by an input (control) device 3 installed in the base station 2. If it succeeds, the base station 2 transmits a message to that effect to the vehicle 1 (in-vehicle wireless terminal 5) (step 201), and when the in-vehicle wireless terminal 5 receives it, the vehicle side starts preparations for entering the security mode. (Step 101). Specifically, the received electric field strength level at that time is set as a reference level, and a threshold value is set based on the reference level (step 102).

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the time variation of the received electric field strength level of the in-vehicle wireless terminal 5. If the base station 2 emits a certain level of radio waves, the in-vehicle wireless terminal can be used if the vehicle 1 is moving. Although the electric field strength level received by 5 continues to fluctuate according to the distance from the base station 2, the level remains constant when the vehicle 1 is stationary. Conversely, while the received electric field strength level matches the reference level, it can be determined that the state of the vehicle 1 or its surroundings has not changed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the determination level is set to the level of the reference level ± α, and this is set as the threshold value. At this time, the security level can be adjusted according to the magnitude of α. For example, by setting α small, it is possible to make the sensitivity of security sensitive. However, on the other hand, the possibility of misjudgment also increases, so it is preferable to be able to adjust according to circumstances.

  When the setting of the threshold is completed, this is notified to the base station 2 and the preparation for the security mode is completed (steps 103 and 202). Next, the base station 2 transmits a radio wave having a constant output to the in-vehicle wireless terminal 5 (step 203). In consideration of the efficiency of use of radio waves, it is preferable to transmit at regular intervals rather than constantly transmitting, but in that case, the in-vehicle wireless terminal 5 needs to cope with it. For example, the in-vehicle wireless terminal 5 only has to observe the received electric field strength level at that time only when a reception level higher than a certain level is input (step 104). The in-vehicle wireless terminal 5 does not change the vehicle 1 (movement, inclination, vibration, etc.) or its surroundings (approach of a person or object, etc.) when the observed received electric field strength level is within the threshold. And the observation of the received electric field strength level in step 104 is continued. On the other hand, if the threshold value is exceeded, it is determined that the vehicle 1 is abnormal (step 106), and that fact is transmitted to the base station 2 (step 107). At the same time, it is also effective for crime prevention to activate an alarm device (such as a buzzer) on or outside the vehicle (step 108). The base station 2 that has received the abnormality information reports the fact to the owner (for example, to the mobile phone 4) or the crime prevention center. If the vehicle 1 is provided with a reporting device (such as a mobile phone function), the reporting device may report directly to the owner (for example, the mobile phone 4) without going through the base station 2. . By doing so, it is possible to prevent vandalism and vehicle theft in advance (steps 107, 204, 205, 303).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the received electric field strength level of the in-vehicle wireless terminal 5 is changed when the vehicle 1 (movement, inclination, vibration, etc.) or the surrounding condition changes (approach of a person or an object, etc.). It uses the characteristic of fluctuating. Next, the fluctuation of the level will be described.

  Now, as shown in FIG. 4A, the antenna of the in-vehicle wireless terminal 5 is on the dashboard of the vehicle 1 and has a strong directional characteristic 5a in a direction inclined 45 ° forward from the sky direction. . Here, assuming that the vehicle 1 is towed by somebody, the vehicle 1 tilts as shown in FIG. When the vehicle 1 is tilted, the positional relationship between the directivity 5a and the base station 2 changes, and the received electric field strength level of the in-vehicle wireless terminal 5 changes. Furthermore, since the distance between the antennas fluctuates during the wrecker movement, the received electric field strength level fluctuates. Therefore, by setting the threshold value at a level that assumes this fluctuation, vehicle theft can be prevented in a sure manner.

  FIGS. 5A, 5 </ b> B, and 5 </ b> C show a state in which the vehicle 1 is aimed at roughing the vehicle by somebody. When a person approaches the vehicle 1, the human body or object has a characteristic of reflecting or absorbing radio waves, and thereby the received electric field strength level of the in-vehicle wireless terminal 5 varies. By setting the threshold value to a level that assumes this variation, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from being roughed and the vehicle being stolen. Furthermore, even when the bonnet 11 or the door 12 is opened, the reception electric field strength level fluctuates due to interference, reflection, and absorption of the radio wave propagation path, so that it is possible to prevent crimes. .

  FIG. 6 shows the change over time of the received electric field strength level monitored by the in-vehicle wireless terminal 5. As described above, it can be determined that there is no abnormality in the vehicle 1 or its surroundings during the period A in which the received electric field intensity level substantially matches the reference level. Next, in the period B in which the received electric field strength level starts to fluctuate, it indicates that the state of the vehicle 1 or its surroundings has changed, but it is also considered to be the influence of changes in weather, animals such as birds, and traffic of ordinary people. As long as the threshold value of the received electric field strength level is within the preset threshold value, it is not determined as abnormal. On the other hand, the threshold value should be set to a level that allows such fluctuations. When the received electric field strength level exceeds the set threshold (C period), it is determined that the vehicle 1 is abnormal and the above-described operation is started.

  In addition, in the said embodiment, although the position of an antenna is handled as on the dashboard of the vehicle 1, the installation position of an antenna is not limited on a dashboard. For example, in car breaking, there is a concern about disconnection of the battery cable. For example, by installing a vehicle-side antenna in a bumper near the battery, the detection rate can be increased. Furthermore, in order to prevent the door from being opened, an antenna may be installed near the door. In addition, since the base station 2 does not have to be a single location, the accuracy of its security can be improved by providing it at several locations such as the front, rear, and side, or by adjusting the directivity characteristics of the antenna of the base station 2 or the in-vehicle wireless terminal 5. It is also possible to further improve the reliability.

  In addition, it is also effective for the present invention to change the frequency band used for wireless communication to make maximum use of the characteristics of the frequency band. For example, if the frequency band is high, the distance attenuation of radio waves also increases, so that it is easy to detect a change in the position of the vehicle 1. In addition, when the frequency band is high, there is a strong tendency for the radio waves to go straight without wrapping around. Therefore, when an obstacle such as a human body or an object blocks the radio waves, the detection becomes easy. On the other hand, if the frequency band is low, it is difficult to be affected by rainfall or the like, so that the possibility of malfunction due to changes in weather or the like can be kept low. By properly using the frequency band in this way, it is possible to further improve the accuracy and reliability of security.

  In the embodiment, the security mode can be started by an operation from the input (control) device 3 in order to prevent the vehicle owner himself from being erroneously recognized as a criminal when getting off the vehicle. Therefore, conversely, when the vehicle owner himself / herself gets on the vehicle, erroneous recognition can be avoided by first getting on the vehicle after canceling the security mode with the input (control) device 3. This method is an example of a security mode start and end method. Any method may be used as long as the erroneous recognition can be allowed or prevented.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the overall flow of another embodiment of the vehicle security system according to the present invention, which will be described below with reference to this flowchart.

  The vehicle security system of the present embodiment includes a base station 2 that transmits and receives radio waves (wireless communication), whereas the vehicle security system shown in FIG. 1 simply transmits radio waves instead of the base station 2. A roadside transmission device 6 is provided as a means for transmitting radio waves. The roadside transmission device 6 is installed in a parking lot such as a home garage or a monthly parking lot, and an in-vehicle wireless terminal 5 is provided on the vehicle 1 side. It is assumed that it is deployed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the roadside starting device 6 always transmits radio waves (step 601), and transmission / reception (wireless communication) between the base station 2 and the in-vehicle wireless terminal 5 in the vehicle security system shown in FIG. There are no steps (steps 201 to 205 and 103), but the other steps, namely steps 301 to 303, steps 101, 102, and 104 to 108, are basically abbreviated as shown in FIG. The same is done.

  In this case, in step 302, for example, the locking device 7 provided in the vehicle 1 replaces the input (control) device 3 in the one shown in FIG. That is, the security mode is started with the vehicle locking as a trigger, and the security mode is ended by releasing (unlocking) the vehicle locking. In step 107, if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the vehicle 1, an on-board or outside alarm device (buzzer or the like) is activated (step 108), and a notification that the vehicle 1 is provided to that effect. The device (cell phone function) reports directly to the owner (for example, to the cell phone 4) without going through the base station 2. Also in this way, it is possible to prevent the car from being tampered with and the vehicle theft in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

The figure which shows the whole flow of one Embodiment of the vehicle security system which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows the structural example of embodiment shown by FIG. The figure which shows an example of the time change of the received electric field strength level of a vehicle-mounted radio | wireless terminal when a vehicle moves-stops. The figure used for description when a vehicle is towed. The figure used for explanation when being targeted by vandalism. The figure which shows the time change of the received electric field strength level which a vehicle-mounted radio | wireless terminal monitors. The figure which shows the whole flow of other embodiment of the vehicle security system which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle 2 ... Base station 3 ... Input (control) apparatus (input means)
4 ... Vehicle owner's mobile phone 5 ... In-vehicle wireless terminal 5a ... In-vehicle wireless terminal antenna directivity 6 ... Roadside transmission device (radio wave transmission means)
7 ... Vehicle locking device (input means)

Claims (10)

A vehicle security system having radio wave transmission means installed outside a vehicle and an in-vehicle wireless terminal installed in the vehicle,
A vehicle security system that detects a crime such as vehicle theft or vandalism based on a received electric field strength level when the in-vehicle wireless terminal receives a radio wave emitted by the radio wave transmitting means. A vehicle security system having an in-vehicle wireless terminal deployed in a vehicle and a base station for performing wireless communication with the in-vehicle wireless terminal,
A vehicle security system characterized in that a crime such as vehicle theft or vandalism is detected on the basis of a received electric field strength level when a radio wave from the base station is received by the in-vehicle wireless terminal.   A crime such as vehicle theft or vandalism is detected based on a change in the received electric field strength level of the in-vehicle wireless terminal that occurs when the vehicle or its surroundings change. The vehicle security system according to claim 1 or 2.   A crime such as vehicle theft or vandalism is detected based on a change in the received electric field strength level of the in-vehicle wireless terminal that occurs when a person or an object approaches the vehicle. Item 3. The vehicle security system according to Item 1 or 2.   The frequency band of the radio wave emitted by the radio wave transmitting means or the frequency band used for the wireless communication between the base station and the in-vehicle wireless terminal is selectively used. By utilizing the characteristics of each frequency band, The vehicle security system according to claim 1, wherein accuracy and reliability are improved.   3. The vehicle security system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle security system improves accuracy and reliability of the vehicle security by providing antennas of the in-vehicle wireless terminals at different parts of the vehicle, respectively.   3. The vehicle security system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radio wave transmission means or the antenna of the base station is provided at a plurality of locations to improve the accuracy and reliability of vehicle security.   The vehicle security system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising input means for starting and ending the security mode.   3. When a crime such as vehicle theft or vandalism is detected, the fact is reported from the in-vehicle wireless terminal or other in-vehicle reporting device to the base station or the vehicle owner. Vehicle security system as described in.   The vehicle security system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when a crime such as vehicle theft or vandalism is detected, an in-vehicle or external alarm device such as a buzzer is activated.

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