WO2016157120A2 - Vehicle security system and method - Google Patents

Vehicle security system and method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016157120A2
WO2016157120A2 PCT/IB2016/051838 IB2016051838W WO2016157120A2 WO 2016157120 A2 WO2016157120 A2 WO 2016157120A2 IB 2016051838 W IB2016051838 W IB 2016051838W WO 2016157120 A2 WO2016157120 A2 WO 2016157120A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
tracking unit
interference
communication
signal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2016/051838
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2016157120A3 (en
Inventor
Xarion COMORETTO
Alessandro MINETTI
Original Assignee
Comoretto Xarion
Minetti Alessandro
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Comoretto Xarion, Minetti Alessandro filed Critical Comoretto Xarion
Publication of WO2016157120A2 publication Critical patent/WO2016157120A2/en
Publication of WO2016157120A3 publication Critical patent/WO2016157120A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B29/00—Checking or monitoring of signalling or alarm systems; Prevention or correction of operating errors, e.g. preventing unauthorised operation
    • G08B29/02—Monitoring continuously signalling or alarm systems
    • G08B29/04—Monitoring of the detection circuits
    • G08B29/046—Monitoring of the detection circuits prevention of tampering with detection circuits
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/10—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device
    • B60R25/102—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
    • B60R25/1025—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner preventing jamming or interference of said signal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/30—Detection related to theft or to other events relevant to anti-theft systems

Definitions

  • a vehicle security system comprising:
  • the interference with the tracking unit includes any one or more of:
  • the first receiver 1 2.1 detects interference with the tracking unit 14 by detecting a disruption in its communication 24 and/or 26 with the tracking unit 14. It is envisaged that such disruption in communication could emerge as a result of any one or more of the removal of the tracking unit 14 from the vehicle 16, damaging of the tracking unit 14, and disconnection of the tracking unit 14 from the vehicle 16.
  • the interference signal 28 could be in the form of a spoofing signal.
  • a spoofing signal is the broadcasting of a signal that contains false information for intentional reception by the tracking unit 14.
  • the spoofing signal misleads the tracking unit 14 by imitating the signal(s) normally broadcasted by the terrestrial communication system 34 and/or satellite communication system 30.
  • the device 22 also includes a power supply 42 for supplying the device 22 and possibly the tracking unit 14 as well, with power.
  • the interference includes any one or more of removal of the tracking unit from the vehicle; damaging of the tracking unit; disconnection of the tracking unit from the vehicle; and an interference signal that deliberately attempts to interfere with communication between the tracking unit and a wireless electronic communication system.
  • the interference signal could be in the form of any one or both of a jamming signal and a spoofing signal.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

This invention relates to a vehicle security system 10 and method 100 for a vehicle 16. The system 10 comprises detecting means in the form of at least one receiver 12 for detecting interference with a vehicle location tracking unit 14 which is fitted to the vehicle 16, and a controller 18 being in communication with the at least one receiver 12. The controller 18 is configured to activate at least one security function 20 of the vehicle 16 in response to a detected interference.

Description

VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a vehicle security system and method. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a vehicle security system and method for vehicles fitted with a location tracking unit.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Vehicle location tracking units are well known in the art and many vehicles, these days, are fitted with such tracking units so as to remotely track the vehicle's location, in real time, via a wireless electronic communication system. The tracking unit is generally hidden somewhere in the vehicle where it is difficult to locate.
In the event that a vehicle is stolen, the tracking unit is usually the first thing thieves search for in order to remove or deactivate the tracking unit. When removed or deactivated, it is not possible for the tracking unit to communicate the location of the vehicle to the communication system, making it impossible to track the vehicle's location remotely. This significantly reduces the likelihood that the stolen vehicle could be located and recovered.
More recently, it is also known for thieves to make use of devices that deliberately interfere with the communication between the tracking unit and communication system. Such interference also makes it impossible to track the vehicle's location remotely. Signal interference devices are readily available and the use thereof is on the increase.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle security system and method that will, at least partially, alleviate the abovementioned problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle security system comprising:
- detecting means for detecting interference with a vehicle location tracking unit which is fitted to a vehicle; and
- a controller, being in communication with the detecting means, and configured to activate a security function of the vehicle in response to a detected interference. According to an example embodiment of the invention, the detection means may be in the form of a receiver that is in communication with the tracking unit and detects interference by detecting a disruption in its communication with the tracking unit.
There is provided for the disruption in communication to emerge as a result of any one or more of: - removal of the tracking unit from the vehicle;
- damaging of the tracking unit; and
- disconnection of the tracking unit from the vehicle. The communication may include any one or both of a signal being transmitted between the receiver and tracking unit, and a power supply to the tracking unit.
According to a further example embodiment of the invention, the detection means may be a receiver being enabled to detect interference by detecting an interference signal that deliberately attempts to interfere with communication between the tracking unit and a wireless electronic communication system.
The interference signal may be in the form of any one or both of a jamming signal and a spoofing signal.
There is also provided for the security function to include any one or both of:
- an alert indicative that the vehicle has been subjected to a suspicious activity; and
- a vehicle performance inhibitor.
The alert may include any one or both of:
- a siren;
- a horn; and
- at least one or more lights. The vehicle performance inhibitor may include any one or more of:
- immobilisation of the vehicle;
- limiting of vehicle speed; and
- limiting rotation speed of vehicle's crankshaft.
The at least one or more lights may include the hazard warning lights, headlights and/or an in cabin light.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle security method including the steps of:
- detecting interference with a vehicle location tracking unit which is fitted to a vehicle; and
- activating a security function of the vehicle.
There is provided for the interference with the tracking unit to include any one or more of:
- removal of the tracking unit from the vehicle;
- damaging of the tracking unit;
- disconnection of the tracking unit from the vehicle; and
- an interference signal that deliberately attempts to interfere with communication between the tracking unit and a wireless electronic communication system.
The interference signal may be in the form of any one or both of a jamming signal and a spoofing signal. There is also provided for the security function to include any one or both of:
- an alert indicative that the vehicle has been subjected to a suspicious activity; and
- a vehicle performance inhibitor.
The alert may include any one or both of:
- a siren;
- a horn; and
- at least one or more lights.
The vehicle performance inhibitor may include any one or more of:
- immobilisation of the vehicle;
- limiting of vehicle speed; and
- limiting rotation speed of vehicle's crankshaft.
The at least one or more lights may include the hazard warning lights, headlights and/or an in cabin light.
These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of a non-limiting example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a security system according to the invention; and
Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of a vehicle security method according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the figures, a vehicle security system according to the invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10 in figure 1 and a vehicle security method according to the invention is generally designated by reference numeral 100 in figure 2.
The system 10 comprises detecting means in the form of at least one receiver 12 for detecting interference with a vehicle location tracking unit 14 which is fitted to a vehicle 16, and a controller 18 being in communication with the at least one receiver 12. The at least one receiver 1 2 could be, include or be in communication with at least one sensor (not shown). The controller 18 is configured to activate at least one security function 20 of the vehicle 16 in response to a detected interference. Typically, the at least one receiver 12 and controller 18 would form part of a security device 22 which would be fitted to the vehicle 16.
The at least one receiver 1 2 includes a first receiver 1 2.1 , being first detection means, which is in communication with the tracking unit 14. Such communication could include, but not limited to, the tracking unit 14 transmitting a signal 24, commonly referred to as a beaconing or pinging signal. The signal 24 could be transmitted at predetermined time intervals or upon a received request. Alternatively, or in addition, the device 22 could supply the tracking unit 14 with power 26 wherein the communication could include the power supply 26 to the tracking unit 14.
The first receiver 1 2.1 detects interference with the tracking unit 14 by detecting a disruption in its communication 24 and/or 26 with the tracking unit 14. It is envisaged that such disruption in communication could emerge as a result of any one or more of the removal of the tracking unit 14 from the vehicle 16, damaging of the tracking unit 14, and disconnection of the tracking unit 14 from the vehicle 16.
According to this example embodiment, the at least one receiver 12 includes a second receiver 1 2.2, being second detection means, which is enabled to detect interference with the tracking unit 14 by detecting an interference signal 28 that deliberately attempts to interfere with communication between the tracking unit 14 and a wireless electronic communication system, being a satellite communication system 30. The interference signal 28 is emitted by a signal interference emitting device 32, generally being a portable device operated by a criminal.
According to this example embodiment, the at least one receiver 12 includes a transceiver 12.3, being third detection means, which is enabled to detect interference with the tracking unit 14 by detecting the interference signal 28 that deliberately attempts to interfere with communication between the tracking unit 14 and a wireless electronic communication system, being a terrestrial communication system 34. It should be appreciated that, the interference signal 28 could deliberately attempt to interfere with terrestrial communication 36 between the tracking unit 14 and the terrestrial communication system 34 and/or satellite communication 38 between the tracking unit 14 and the satellite communication system 30. The satellite communication 38 generally provides location and time information to the tracking unit 14, in order for it to determine its and thus the vehicle's 16 exact location on earth, and the terrestrial communication 36 permits the tracking unit 14 to communicate its location to a remote monitoring station (not shown). The terrestrial communication system 34 includes one or more base stations and the satellite communication system 30 includes one or more satellites.
The interference signal 28 could be in the form of a jamming signal. According to this invention, it should be understood that a jamming signal is the broadcasting of a signal that deliberately impairs the usefulness of a specific segment of the radio spectrum (frequency). In this instance, the jamming signal would impair the usefulness of the segment of the radio spectrum generally being used for the respective communications 36 and 38. Depending on the radio spectrum the jamming signal is broadcasting, it is impossible for the tracking unit 14 to calculate its location since it can't receive communication 38 from the satellite communication system 30 and/or it is impossible for the tracking unit 14 to communicate 36 the location of the vehicle 16 to the terrestrial communication system 34 via one or more base stations, in which case the vehicle 16 can't be remotely located.
Alternatively, or in addition, the interference signal 28 could be in the form of a spoofing signal. According to this invention, it should be understood that a spoofing signal is the broadcasting of a signal that contains false information for intentional reception by the tracking unit 14. The spoofing signal misleads the tracking unit 14 by imitating the signal(s) normally broadcasted by the terrestrial communication system 34 and/or satellite communication system 30.
The second receiver 1 2.2 is further enabled to receive the satellite communication 38 from the satellite communication system 30 and to provide received satellite location information to the controller 18.
Furthermore, the transceiver 1 2.3 is also enabled to communicate 40 with the terrestrial communication system 34. The communication 40 received by the transceiver 12.3 could include base station location information which is provided to the controller 18. From the received base station location information, the controller 18 is able to calculate, typically by means of triangulation, a rough estimate of the location of the device 22. The satellite location information generally provides the controller with more accurate location information and, as such, is preferred over base station location information.
From the location input information that is received by the system 1 0 and communicated to the controller 18, it is able to establish whether such received location input information is from the satellite communication 38, or from the (spoofed) interference signal 28 by detecting an abrupt jump in location in a short space of time, in which case the location input information would be from the interference signal 28. If the intention is to spoof the satellite communication 38, the interference signal 28 will contain location information that represents a false location.
Also, from the location input information that is communicated to the controller 1 8, it is able to establish whether such received location input information is from the satellite communication 38 , or from the (spoofed) interference signal 28 by detecting an improbable discrepancy between the location input information it receives from the satellite communication 38 and from the terrestrial communication 40. If there is an improbable discrepancy, the location input information would be from the interference signal 28.
When either of the receivers 12.1 and 12.2, or the transceiver 1 2.3 detects interference with the tracking unit 14, the controller 18 activates the at least one security function 20. The at least one security function 20 includes an alert indicative that the vehicle has been, or is, subjected to a suspicious or criminal activity, and/or a vehicle performance inhibitor. The alert includes any one or more of the vehicle's siren 20.1 , horn 20.2 and one or more lights 20.3. The one or more lights 20.3 could be the hazard warning lights, headlights and/or at least one in cabin light. The vehicle performance inhibitor, which is generally regulated by a performance inhibiting unit(s) 20.4 fitted to the vehicle 1 6, could include any one or more of immobilisation of the vehicle 1 6, limiting of vehicle speed, and limiting rotation speed of the crankshaft (not shown) of the vehicle 1 6. Last mentioned performance inhibitors are well known in the art as such, and their specific operations do not form part of the invention, other than their activation. For example, activation of the performance inhibiting device 20.4, functioning as an immobilisation device, could include disconnection of the vehicle's ignition, disconnection of vehicle fuel pump power, and/or the like. The controller 18 is thus able to communicate directly or indirectly with and selectively activate any one or more of the components 20.1 to 20.4.
The device 22 also includes a power supply 42 for supplying the device 22 and possibly the tracking unit 14 as well, with power.
The method 1 00 includes the steps of providing a vehicle fitted with a vehicle location tracking unit 102, detecting interference with the tracking unit 1 04 and activating at least one security function of the vehicle 106. If no interference is detected, no action is taken 108 and the status quo remains.
As stated above, the interference includes any one or more of removal of the tracking unit from the vehicle; damaging of the tracking unit; disconnection of the tracking unit from the vehicle; and an interference signal that deliberately attempts to interfere with communication between the tracking unit and a wireless electronic communication system. The interference signal could be in the form of any one or both of a jamming signal and a spoofing signal.
As is also stated above, the at least one security function includes an alert indicative that the vehicle has been, or is, subjected to a suspicious or criminal activity, and/or a vehicle performance inhibitor. The alert includes any one or more of the vehicle's siren, horn, and one or more lights. The one or more lights could be the hazard warning lights, headlights and/or at least one in cabin light. The vehicle performance inhibitor includes any one or more of immobilisation of the vehicle, limiting of vehicle speed, and limiting rotation speed of the crankshaft of the vehicle.
In use, the device 22 of the system 1 0 which has been fitted to the vehicle 16 will detect interference with the tracking unit 14. In response to such detection, the device 22 will initiate at least one or more security functions 20 associated with the vehicle 16. Once the at least one or more security functions 20 have taken effect, it will remain in effect until an authorised user is able to reset the system 1 0, and/or there is no more interference.
It is to be understood that, in the event that the device is interfered with including its removal from the vehicle 1 6, disconnection from the vehicle 1 6, and/or being damaged any one or more of the security functions 20 will be activated. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein and that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. For example, the tracking unit 14 could form part of the device 22. Also, the performance inhibiting unit 20.4 could also form part of the device 22. Further, instead of communication channels 36 and 40 being bi-directional, they could be one way communication channels in their respective simplest forms (in which case the transceiver 12.3 would be a transmitter). Still further, the functions of any one or more of the receivers 12.1 and 12.2 and transceiver 12.3 could be combined into one or more receivers and/or transceivers, or could be separated into a plurality of receivers and/or transceivers. The description is presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention.

Claims

1 . A vehicle security system comprising:
detecting means for detecting interference with a vehicle location tracking unit which is fitted to a vehicle; and
a controller, being in communication with the detecting means, and configured to activate a security function of the vehicle in response to a detected interference.
2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the detection means is in the form of a receiver that is in communication with the tracking unit and detects interference by detecting a disruption in its communication with the tracking unit.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the disruption in communication emerges as a result of any one or more of:
removal of the tracking unit from the vehicle;
damaging of the tracking unit; and
disconnection of the tracking unit from the vehicle.
4. The system according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the communication includes any one or both of a signal being transmitted between the receiver and tracking unit, and a power supply to the tracking unit.
5. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the detection means is a receiver being enabled to detect interference by detecting an interference signal that deliberately attempts to interfere with communication between the tracking unit and a wireless electronic communication system.
6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the interference signal is in the form of any one or both of a jamming signal and a spoofing signal.
7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security function includes any one or both of:
an alert indicative that the vehicle has been subjected to a suspicious activity; and
a vehicle performance inhibitor.
8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the alert includes any one or both of:
a siren;
a horn; and
at least one or more lights.
9. The system according to claim 7, the vehicle performance inhibitor includes any one or more of:
immobilisation of the vehicle;
limiting of vehicle speed; and
limiting rotation speed of vehicle's crankshaft.
10. A vehicle security method including the steps of:
detecting interference with a vehicle location tracking unit which is fitted to a vehicle; and
activating a security function of the vehicle.
1 1 . The method according to claim 1 0, wherein interference with the tracking unit includes any one or more of:
removal of the tracking unit from the vehicle;
damaging of the tracking unit;
disconnection of the tracking unit from the vehicle; and
an interference signal that deliberately attempts to interfere with communication between the tracking unit and a wireless electronic communication system.
12. The method according to claim 1 1 , wherein the interference signal is in the form of any one or both of a jamming signal and a spoofing signal.
13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the security function includes any one or both of:
- an alert indicative that the vehicle has been subjected to a suspicious activity; and
- a vehicle performance inhibitor.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the alert includes any one or both of:
a siren;
a horn; and
at least one or more lights.
15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the vehicle performance inhibitor includes any one or more of:
immobilisation of the vehicle;
limiting of vehicle speed; and
limiting rotation speed of vehicle's crankshaft.
16. The vehicle security system according to claim 1 , substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
17. The vehicle security method according to claim 10, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
PCT/IB2016/051838 2015-03-31 2016-03-31 Vehicle security system and method WO2016157120A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA201502228 2015-03-31
ZA2015/02228 2015-03-31

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016157120A2 true WO2016157120A2 (en) 2016-10-06
WO2016157120A3 WO2016157120A3 (en) 2016-11-03

Family

ID=56741150

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2016/051838 WO2016157120A2 (en) 2015-03-31 2016-03-31 Vehicle security system and method

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2016157120A2 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2305285B (en) * 1995-09-13 2000-01-19 Rover Group A vehicle security system
US8611847B2 (en) * 2009-12-21 2013-12-17 Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. Apparatus and method for detecting communication interference
US20110151834A1 (en) * 2009-12-21 2011-06-23 Harsha Dabholkar Apparatus And Method For Determining An Invalid Base Station
US9035756B2 (en) * 2013-03-14 2015-05-19 Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc. Methods and systems related to remote tamper detection

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2016157120A3 (en) 2016-11-03

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