RU2186697C1 - Communication and control system for protection of vehicle from unauthorized use - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: alarm systems. SUBSTANCE: electronic devices to provide control and safety on the road riding comfort are installed on vehicle. These devices are connected to local network and are coupled with WEB-server mounted on vehicle which is compatible with browser programs for browsing information in Internet. Web- server is connected to stationary or movable radio service network. Operating stations are furnished with computer terminals with modes for local connected with movable radio service net work and with browser programs for browsing Internet messages. Central server of information center is coupled with movable radio service network, and internet exchange server, with provider's Internet center. At least one of devices in local network of vehicle is made for interlocking vehicle units. Both User and vehicle are furnished, respectively, with carried remote identification unit and with vehicle mounted information readout unit for identification. Operating stations are furnished with local connection modems for exchange of information with modem carried by vehicle. EFFECT: reduced possibility of unauthorized use. 7 cl, 1 dwg

Description

 The invention relates to techniques for protecting vehicles (TS) from unauthorized use.

 Car anti-theft devices are widely known that signal an unauthorized entry into a guarded vehicle of an attacker and block the engine of a stolen vehicle. An example of such a device is an automobile anti-theft device containing a central control unit connected through a cable on-board network, sensors for unauthorized use of the car, alarm signaling units and nodes for blocking the doors and functional organs of the car, a mode setting unit associated with the starting input of the central control unit, whose signal input is connected to the outputs of sensors and blocking nodes, and the outputs to the control inputs of sensors, alarm nodes and node blocking (SU 1544613 A1, B 60 R 25/04, 23.02.1990).

 A fundamental drawback of such devices is the ability of an attacker to identify the nodes of blocking the functional organs of the vehicle for their replacement and subsequent hijacking of the vehicle. Blocking nodes, as a rule, are identified visually - by the presence of excess wires connected to them. Masking of excess wires (by combining a group of wires into a cable similar to a single wire) does not cause any difficulties for the hijacker: cables replacing several wires are easily detected by thickness. That is, such devices protect the vehicle only from inexperienced hijackers. An experienced "professional" can hijack a vehicle 3-4 minutes after the start of a visual inspection of the power supply network.

 Known anti-theft device for a vehicle containing a processor unit for processing incoming information and command synthesis, the first input of which is connected to the power bus through the ignition switch, and for the possibility of requesting and reading the unlock code, the first output and second input of the specified unit are connected, respectively, with the input and output a mode setting unit, which includes an electronic tag and a receiver connected by a radio channel, a second output of a processor unit for processing incoming information and synthesizing commands through a channel the language is connected to the inputs of the blocks of the functional units of the TS, each of which has a relay group connected by contact groups to the functional body of the TS and a sequentially connected matching unit with a communication channel and a decoder, while the voltage inputs of each block of the functional blocks of the TS are connected to the first input of the processor unit processing incoming information and command synthesis (RU 2090395 C1, 60 R 25/00, 09/20/1997).

 In this device, the hijacker does not have the ability to visually determine the location of the blocking nodes of the vehicle’s functional organs (with the aim of replacing them and subsequent hijacking of the vehicle). However, a simple contact dialing with the ignition on and off allows the hijacker to separate the blocking units of the vehicle’s functional organs from the control units of the functional organs. Of course, the time required to check the closing or opening of the relay contacts when turning the ignition on and off is significantly longer than with visual identification, but theft (without using towing) remains possible. At the same time, the likelihood of theft increases when it comes to expensive foreign cars, since the most experienced and technically equipped hijackers are interested in this category of cars.

 In recent years, various types of computer networks and devices have been widely used in automotive electronics, especially in expensive models of foreign cars, including with the ability to access external global communication and data networks.

 So, in the patent US 6148253 from 11/14/2000, G 06 F 7/00 describes a control system for vehicles containing a server serving the driver and passenger located in the front seats of the car, and a server serving passengers located in the rear seats of the car, servers through modems and wearable phones have access to the public switched telephone network and to the Internet. This allows remote diagnostics and tuning of various functional organs and units of the car using remote computer terminals and information centers. The presence on board the vehicle of a server similar to the Internet server and compatible with standard browser programs for working on the Internet allows you to control the settings of various functional organs and units of the vehicle from a long distance, for example, from the user's home computer or from the installer’s workstation in the service center using standard programs .

 Connection with a device on which the browser program is installed can be achieved by connecting to any of the communication networks and transmitting data from a fixed or land mobile radio service, for example, to a cellular mobile communication network. With the help of modern Internet technologies, the impact on the numerous organs that ensure driving, the safety of its movement and comfortable conditions for the driver and passengers can be more reliable, visual and convenient.

 A common drawback of such systems is the lack of technical means of protection against theft, seizure, theft and other types of unauthorized exposure to vehicles that would allow to fully use the opportunities provided by modern Internet technologies.

 The noted drawback is also characteristic of the system according to the patent US 5732074 from 03.24.1998, H 04 M 11/00, selected as a prototype of the invention.

 The specified system of mobile communications and vehicle control contains a number of electronic devices installed on the vehicle, designed to control the vehicle, ensure the safety of its movement and create comfortable conditions for the user in the vehicle cabin. Each of the mentioned electronic means is connected to the local area network of the vehicle and through a single control bus it is connected to the on-board WEB server, similar to Internet servers and compatible with standard browser programs for viewing information on the Internet, which is connected via a serialization block to the controller and a format converter is connected to a communication and data transmission network of a fixed or land mobile radio service, as well as workstations located outside the vehicle, each of which contains a computer terminal equipped with a global connection modem with a fixed or land mobile radio service data and communications network and a browser program for viewing Internet messages, and an information center containing a central server connected via the first modem to a fixed or land mobile radio service data and communications network , and the gateway server connected to the central server and, via the second modem, to the ISP.

 Possessing wide functionality for the remote control of the functional organs and nodes of the vehicle using external computer terminals and information centers, standard communication networks and data transmission of fixed and mobile radio services and modern Internet technologies, the prototype system is practically not able to withstand attempts to unauthorized use of the vehicle ( hijacking, seizing, theft). This is due to the use of a wired (cable) on-board network in it for connecting electronic devices to the on-board server, as well as to the absence of secretly installed units for blocking the vehicle’s functional organs as part of these electronic devices.

 The objective of the invention is to remedy this drawback, namely reducing the likelihood of unauthorized use of the vehicle while maintaining the inherent capabilities of the prototype for remote control of the functional organs and components of the vehicle in order to ensure traffic safety and comfort for the user.

 The problem is solved in that in the known system containing a number of electronic devices installed on the vehicle, designed to control the vehicle, ensure the safety of its movement and comfortable conditions for the user of the vehicle, each of which is connected to the local network of communication and data transmission of the vehicle and through a single bus the control is connected to the on-board WEB server, similar to Internet servers and compatible with standard browser programs (for viewing information on the Internet), which, through a series-connected unit, The controller, format converter and converter are connected to a fixed-land or land mobile radio service communication and data network, as well as workstations located outside the vehicle, each of which contains a computer terminal equipped with a global connection modem to a fixed or land-based mobile radio service and a data network a browser program for viewing Internet messages, and an information center containing a central server connected via a first modem to a communication and data network an fixed or land mobile radio service and an interworking server connected to a central server and, via a second modem, to an Internet service provider center, at least one of the electronic devices connected to the vehicle’s local communication and data network is configured to block one or several functional organs of the vehicle, for which purpose a series-connected decoder, three inputs a memory element and a relay whose output is connected with a TS functional blocking device, a delay element and a motion sensor, the outputs of which are connected, respectively, to the second and third inputs of the memory element, while the user of the vehicle and the vehicle are equipped with a wearable remote user identification unit, respectively and a portable information reading unit to identify the user whose output is connected to the on-board WEB server, and a local connection modem has been included in at least one of the workstations, connecting connected to a computer terminal and providing, in accordance with the specified protocol, data exchange with a portable local connection modem installed on the vehicle and connected to the on-board WEB server.

 The following particular essential features of the invention contribute to the solution of the problem.

 As a wearable remote user identification unit, either a transponder, or a tag, or a key fob, or a combination of these devices are used.

 The wearable remote user identification unit is configured to connect locally to the on-board WEB server using Blutooth, HomeRF, or IEEE 802.11 technologies.

 Microchips that implement the above technologies are used as a local connection modem installed in the workstation and a portable local connection modem installed on the vehicle.

 Personal computers of the type PC, Lap Top, PDA or cell phone are used as the computer terminal of the workstation and / or wearable remote user identification unit.

 One or more workstations are installed in the centers of technical maintenance and / or pre-sale inspection of the vehicle.

 The on-board WEB server is configured to create pages in HTML or WML for the user and installers of technical service centers or pre-sale preparation of vehicles.

 The invention is illustrated in the drawing, which used the following notation: 1 - electronic device; 2 - n-th electronic device - a blocking unit of the functional organs of the vehicle; 3 - wearable remote user identification unit; 4 - portable unit for reading information to identify the user; 5 - on-board WEB server; 6 - delay element; 7- decoder; 8 - memory element; 9 - motion sensor; 10 - relay; 11- workstation; 12 - information center; 13 - coordination unit; 14 - controller; 15 - format converter; 16 - communication network and data transmission of a fixed or land mobile radio service; 17 - a computer terminal equipped with a global connection modem and a browser program; 18 - local connection modem; 19 - transportable local connection modem; 20 - ISP Internet center; 21 - central server; 22 - gateway server; 23 - the first modem; 24 - the second modem.

 At least one of the n electronic devices 1 installed on the vehicle provides a block 2 for blocking one or more functional organs of the vehicle (ignition system, fuel pump, doors, etc.).

 The security function provided by the system in question is that the protected vehicle can be used for its intended purpose - for movement (without towing) - only by the owner of the vehicle or its authorized person, for example, a driver, hereinafter referred to as users. As a rule, this is not the only security function provided by anti-theft devices, however, consideration of other security functions is beyond the scope of this application.

 In order to be able to use the vehicle, the user must have a portable unit 3 for remote user identification. This may be, for example, one of the devices that are widely used in electronic vehicle protection systems, the so-called electronic tag.

When the block 3 is executed in the form of an active keyfob equipped with a power source, the transportable information reading unit 4 for user identification includes a request signal generator. The key fob 3 is equipped with a node for the formation of an identification code intended for its transmission over the air to the mobile unit 4,
When block 3 is executed in the form of a passive keyfob equipped with an antenna for receiving pumping frequency signals, as well as an identification code generation unit, the transportable block 4, in addition to the identification code receiving circuit, includes a pump generator.

 When block 3 is executed in the form of a passive transponder card with a digital memory in which an identification code is fixed, the transported unit is equipped with a signal generator with a circuit in inductive coupling with the inductive circuit of the transponder card. In this case, the transponder card creates a variable load for block 4, changing in accordance with the code recorded in the digital memory of the transponder card. The demodulator, which is part of the mobile unit 4, captures the change in the load of the generator, and thus in the mobile unit 4 the code from the digital memory of the transponder card 3 is fixed.

 The memory element 8 can be in the simplest case performed on a D-trigger with actuation on the leading edge of the clock pulse, the NAND element and the amplifier.

 The motion sensor 9 is a standard unit of electrical equipment of the vehicle. It determines the presence of vehicle movement and generates an output signal at its output only when the vehicle is moving. In the technical implementation of the claimed system as a motion sensor 9, a standard ADXL202 chip manufactured by Analog Devices, Inc., (USA) was used.

 The remaining elements that make up the claimed system are standard, described in the technical literature and do not need special explanations.

 The design of the node 2 blocking the functional organs of the vehicle must coincide with the design of the standard nodes of the control of the functional organs of the vehicle (for example, standard automotive relays). In this case, the delay element 6 and the motion sensor 9, which do not require constructs with large dimensions and weight for their execution, may well be included in the standard control unit of the vehicle’s functional unit. Such a construction allows not to connect any “extra” wires to the blocking node of the vehicle’s 2 functional organs (except for power wires and wires, contact groups), and therefore a visual determination of the block 2 of the vehicle’s functional organs by the presence of “extra” wires (compared to the corresponding node management of the functional organs of the vehicle) becomes impossible.

 The system under consideration works as follows. The wearable unit 3 of remote user identification by the signals of the portable unit 4 of reading information for remote identification of the user issues a special unlock code to block 4. This code is demodulated in block 4 and transmitted to the WEB server 5, which performs the functions of a processor unit for processing incoming information and synthesizing commands. The signals from block 4, which cause block 3 to issue a special unlock code, are generated at the request of WEB server 5. After the special unlock code is sent to WEB server 5, it compares the incoming special unlock code with valid codes. In the general case, there may exist a whole set of valid codes corresponding to different users of the vehicle, each of which has its own electronic tag 3 with a unique special unlock code. If the received special unlock code coincides with one of the valid codes, the WEB server 5 issues through the common bus of the local communication and data network of the vehicle, combining the inputs of all electronic devices 1, including the node 2 of the blocking of the functional bodies of the vehicle, the local unlock code (in general case other than a special unlock code for electronic tags 3).

As a shared LAN bus, either a radio channel or a frequency channel for transmitting information via power wires are used. In both cases, there are no special wires of the cable network, as in the prototype, and it is impossible to detect nodes 2 blocking the vehicle’s functional organs by the presence of "extra" wires, the features and operation of the communication channel through the power wires are described in detail in RF patent 2090395 B 60 R 25/00 from 06/17/96. Specific products operating on this principle are presented in the Geolink Electronics catalog of Automotive Security Systems. 2001-2002.
After a short pause after turning on the ignition, a local unlock code is received from the WEB server from the WEB server (unless, of course, the ignition was turned on by the vehicle owner with an electronic tag 3).

 Consider the operation of the node 2 blocking the functional organs of the vehicle after turning on the ignition and applying power to the node 2 blocking the functional organs of the vehicle.

 When connecting power to the node 2 blocking the functional organs of the vehicle in this node is powered by each element included in it. The power is supplied, in addition, to the input of the delay element 6. The duration of the delay of the signal by the delay element 6 (for this case, the duration of maintaining a constant zero signal at the output of the delay element 6 after turning on the ignition) is sufficient for the local unlock code, demodulation, transmission to enter the common bus this code to the decoder 7 and the operation of this decoder if the local unlock code matches the memorized decoder 7 reference local unlock code. That is, if the user turns on the ignition, then during the delay time of the signal by the delay element 6, the vehicle owner is identified (by the presence of an electronic tag 3) and the decoder 7 generates an output signal at its output.

 At the end of the delay time, for which the delay element 6 is configured, the memory element 8 fixes who turned on the ignition - the user (at the end of the delay time at the output of decoder 7 there is an enable signal) or the hijacker (at the end of the delay time there is no enable signal at the output of the decoder 7).

 If the ignition is turned on by the hijacker, then the output signal of the memory element 8 is determined by the output signals of the motion sensor 9.

 If the vehicle does not move, then at the output of the memory element 8 there is a switching signal of the relay 10. However, as soon as the vehicle is in motion, at the output of the memory element 8 there is no switching signal of the relay 10.

 Normally open contacts of the relay 10 are opened, and normally closed contacts are closed. This means that a lock is triggered. Further movement of the stolen vehicle becomes impossible.

 Node 2 blocking the functional organs of the vehicle in appearance coincide with the corresponding nodes of the control of the functional organs. However, when the ignition is switched on, standard control units of the vehicle’s functional organs always close normally open relay contacts and always open normally closed relay contacts. An experienced hijacker - if he has the time - will surely check whether this condition for the operation of the control units of the functional bodies of the vehicle is met. If this condition is not met, the hijacker will conclude that the control unit of the vehicle’s functional body has been replaced with some blocking unit of the vehicle’s functional body. Further, the hijacker will replace the corresponding control unit of the vehicle’s functional body - and hijacking of the vehicle will become possible. However, the considered node 2 blocking the functional body of the vehicle does not give the hijacker such an opportunity.

 Consider this point in more detail. If the power supply is not connected to the blocking unit 2 of the vehicle’s functional unit (the ignition switch is open), then the power to the memory element 8 is not started. Thus, at its output, a signal cannot be formed that acts on the winding of the relay 10 to switch its contacts. That is, with the ignition switch open, the normally closed contacts of the relay 10 remain closed, and the normally open contacts remain open. After ignition is switched on in the absence of vehicle movement, a stable zero signal is maintained at the output of the motion sensor 9. It leads to the operation of relay 10. Thus, if there is no movement of the vehicle, then when the ignition is switched on in node 2 of the blocking of the functional organs of the vehicle, normally open contacts of relay 10 are closed or normally closed contacts are opened. This means that the hijacker will not be able to find and replace the nodes 2 blocking the functional organs of the vehicle.

 Thus, the proposed technical solution significantly reduces the possibility of unauthorized use of the vehicle. At the same time, the convenience of mounting the nodes of blocking the functional organs of the vehicle in a protected vehicle is ensured.

 The key node of the claimed system is the on-board WEB server 5.

 On the one hand, it plays the role of a processor unit for processing incoming information and synthesizing commands for controlling the anti-theft system of the vehicle, as well as others in the security and anti-theft systems that are widely used in practice (Patents RU 2160196 from 06/21/2000, 60 R 25/00, RU 2159191 from 05.16.2000, B 60 R 25/00, etc.), and on the other hand, it provides the ability to flexibly control the configuration and installation of the functional nodes of the vehicle using Internet technologies, cellular mobile communications and wireless communications over short distances (Bluetooth technology , IEEE 802.11 et al .). The global connection of the WEB server 5 with the remote workstations 11 and information centers 12 is provided through the sequentially connected matching unit 13, the controller 14 and the format converter 15 by connecting to a standard cellular network 16 a fixed or land mobile radio service.

 Workstations 11 contain a computer terminal 17 equipped with a modem for accessing a standard cellular network 16 of a fixed or land mobile radio service and communication, and a standard browser program for viewing Internet messages, as well as a local connection modem 18, which provides a transportable modem 19 installed on the vehicle local connection, communication with the on-board WEB server 5.

 Depending on the remoteness of the workstation 11 from the vehicle and the specific type of computer terminal 17, a global and / or local connection of the workstation 11 to the WEB server 5 can be provided, or only a global connection via the fixed or land mobile radio services network and the Internet 16. A local connection can be either wired or wireless, for example, radio communication over a short (up to 10 m) distance using Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11 standards.

 As a computer terminal 17 can be used: a personal computer (PC) and wearable computer devices such as LapTop or PDA, on which a standard WWW browser program is installed, as well as other personal use items.

 The role of the computer terminal 17 can be performed, in particular, by a special cell phone using a WAP browser, currently commercially available from Ericsson, Siemens, and others.

 The global connection of the on-board WEB server 5 with the information center 12 can be carried out directly via the Internet (as a rule, the provider center 20 is used for this), through a standard network 16 of fixed or land mobile radio services, or using both of these networks. To this end, the information center 12, along with the central server 21, which stores the necessary information for exchanging data with the on-board WEB server 5 of the TS, includes a gateway server 22 connected to the central server 21.

 The data exchange of the central server 21 with the network 16 of a fixed or land mobile radio service is carried out through the first modem 23, and the connection of the server 22 gateway with the provider center 20 through the second modem 24.

 Using the markup language HTML or WML, the on-board WEB server 5 can provide pages for viewing all the states of automotive electronic devices to both the user of the vehicle and persons authorized by it, for example, employees of technological service stations, personnel performing pre-sale preparation of the vehicle. Using the standard protocol of interaction with the WEB server 5, it is possible to control the modes and settings of both security alarm systems and anti-theft devices of the vehicle, as well as various functional bodies and nodes of the vehicle, providing the ability to effectively control the vehicle, increasing the safety of its movement and creating comfortable conditions for the user to stay in vehicle interior (adjusting the temperature in the cabin, controlling the sound volume of the audio system, etc.).

 Moreover, if the prototype system is focused only on creating comfortable conditions for the driver and passengers, the claimed system solves the whole range of tasks to ensure comfort and safety during operation and maintenance of the vehicle.

 The technology implemented in the claimed system provides the ability to manage the settings of various electronic devices of the TS without the use of additional (non-standard) programs, since the software used in it is available on computers of all kinds.

 At the same time, virtually unlimited access to any information sources is provided. So, on the central server 21 can be stored timetables of trains and flights of aircraft, maps, terrain maps, optimal routes, including taking into account the current transport situation in the city (www.autocompass.ru). information about the distribution network, the sights of the city, etc.

 Thus, the combination of the essential features of the prototype and the newly introduced features allows us to solve the problem by using the high potential of new information technologies in the traditional field of automotive electronics.

Claims (7)

 1. A communication and control system to protect the vehicle from unauthorized use, containing a number of electronic devices installed on the vehicle that provide control of the vehicle, its safety and comfortable conditions for the user, each of which is connected to the vehicle’s local area network and through a single control bus it is connected to the on-board WEB server, similar to Internet servers and compatible with standard browser programs for inspection of information on the Internet, which is connected via a serialization unit, controller and format converter to a fixed-land or land mobile radio service communication and data network, as well as workstations located outside the vehicle, each of which contains a computer terminal equipped with a global connection modem with a fixed or land mobile radio service communications and data network and a browser program for viewing Internet messages, as well as information the center containing a central server connected via a first modem to a communication network and data transmission network of a fixed or land mobile radio service, and a gateway server connected to a central server and through a second modem to an Internet service provider, characterized in that at least one of the electronic devices connected to the local communication network and data transmission of the vehicle is configured to block one or more functional nodes of the vehicle why, in the aforementioned electronic device, hereinafter referred to as the vehicle functional unit locking unit, a decoder, a three-input memory element and a relay are connected in series, the output of which is connected to the vehicle functional unit being blocked, a delay element and a motion sensor, the outputs of which are connected respectively to the second and third inputs of the memory element, while the user of the vehicle and the vehicle are equipped respectively with a wearable block of dis user identification and a portable information reader for user identification connected to the on-board WEB server, and at least one of the workstations has a local connection modem that provides, in accordance with the specified protocol, data exchange with a portable local connection modem installed on vehicle and connected to the on-board WEB server.  2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that either a transponder, or a tag, or a key fob, or a combination of these devices are used as a wearable remote user identification unit.  3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the wearable remote user identification units is configured to connect locally to the on-board WEB server using Blutooth, HomeRF, or IEEE 802.11 technologies.  4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that as the modem of the local connection installed in the workstation, and the modem of the local connection installed on the vehicle, microchips are used that implement the technologies specified in paragraph 3.  5. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that personal computers such as PC, Lap Top, PDA or cell phone are used as the computer terminal of the workstation and / or wearable remote user identification unit.  6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more workstations are installed in the centers of technical maintenance and / or pre-sale inspection of vehicles.  7. The system according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the on-board WEB server is configured to create pages in HTML or WML for the user and installers of service centers or pre-sale vehicles.