Description:ANTI THEFT UNIT FOR A VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to system and method for an anti-theft for a vehicle. More particularly, but not exclusively to a 5 system and method of a combined anti-theft unit for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The advent of automotive technology has brought about various conveniences, but it has also led to an increase in vehicle thefts. Traditional anti-theft systems have become insufficient in combating sophisticated theft 10 methods. Consequently, there is a pressing need for more advanced anti-theft solutions that can effectively protect vehicles from unauthorized access and theft.
[0003] Conventional anti-theft systems often rely solely on immobilizers or alarms triggered by forced entry. However, these methods are becoming 15 increasingly ineffective against advanced theft techniques such as relay attacks and keyless theft.
[0004] Conventional anti-theft systems lack comprehensive detection capabilities. This leaves vehicles vulnerable to alternative access methods or tampering, such as towing or hot-wiring. 20
[0005] While some conventional anti-theft systems may include GPS tracking, they often have limited functionality or rely on external services for tracking, making them susceptible to signal jamming or disruption.
[0006] Existing systems may lack robust remote control and monitoring features, hindering owners' ability to activate or deactivate anti-theft 25 measures remotely and receive timely alerts in case of suspicious activity.
[0007] Integrating anti-theft measures seamlessly with other vehicle systems, such as the prime mover, communication devices, and external servers, is often challenging and prone to compatibility issues.
3
[0008] Effective anti-theft solutions must strike a balance between providing robust security measures and ensuring convenience for vehicle owners. Overly complex systems or frequent false alarms can lead to user frustration and disuse.
[0009] Conventional solutions include immobilizers that are electronic 5 security devices fitted to vehicles to prevent the engine from starting unless the correct key is present. But these methods are susceptible to relay attacks which amplify the signal from a key fob inside a house to unlock and start the vehicle without the key's physical presence. Also, immobilizers relying on traditional keys are susceptible to cloning, where thieves duplicate the key's 10 electronic code to gain unauthorized access.
[00010] Conventional methods such as alarms are designed to alert owners and bystanders of unauthorized entry or attempted theft. However, they have drawbacks of triggering alarms by minor disturbances like wind or passing vehicles can lead to desensitization and ignored alerts, reducing their 15 effectiveness. Also, alarms may be bypassed with tools.
[00011] Another conventional method is GPS Tracking Systems where the tracking systems allow owners to monitor the vehicle's location remotely. But use of signal jammers to block GPS signals, prevents owners from tracking the vehicle's location. GPS trackers rely on the vehicle's power supply, 20 making them susceptible to tampering or removal by disconnecting the power source.
[00012] Another conventional method is remote keyless entry systems, which allow owners to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely using a key fob. These methods are also prone relay attacks by exploiting the radio signals 25 between the key fob and the vehicle to gain unauthorized access, bypassing the security measures. Some remote keyless entry systems lack robust authentication mechanisms, making them vulnerable to hacking or interception of the wireless signals.
[00013] Yet another conventional method is the steering wheel locks and 30 wheel clamps where physical deterrents aim to immobilize the vehicle and
4
discourage theft. But applying and removing steering wheel locks or wheel clamps can be time-consuming and inconvenient for vehicle owners. These mechanical locks can be easily overcome with modern tools. [00014] In summary, while conventional methods like immobilizers, alarms, GPS tracking systems, remote keyless entry systems, and physical deterrents 5 provide some level of protection, they often have shortcomings that modern thieves can exploit. These shortcomings include vulnerability to relay attacks, signal jamming, false alarms, lack of authentication, and limited effectiveness against determined thieves.
[00015] Thus, there is a need in the art for a method and a system for an anti-10 theft device for a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and other problems of known art.
[00016] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, 15 as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00017] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present invention 20 is an anti-theft unit for a vehicle, the anti-theft unit comprises of at least one control, a plurality of sensors, at least one communication unit and at least one prime mover control module. The at least one control unit configured to communicate and process signal from a plurality of devices. The plurality of sensors communicatively coupled to the control unit. In an embodiment the 25 plurality of sensors being configured to detect a motion of the vehicle. The at least one alarm unit configured to generate an alert signal upon receiving a predefined signal from the at least one control unit. The at least one communication unit configured to provide location attributes of the vehicle. In an embodiment the at least one communication unit is in communication 30
5
with the at least one control unit. The at least one prime mover control module. [00018] In an embodiment the prime mover control module being configured to selectively enable or disable a prime mover of the vehicle upon command signals from at least one control unit. 5
[00019] In an embodiment the plurality of devices comprises of signal transmitter, a communication device, and a server.
[00020] In an embodiment plurality of sensors being at least one of a gyroscope sensor and at least one vibration.
[00021] In an embodiment the at least one control unit being in 10 communication with the plurality of devices through wireless communication.
[00022] According to the embodiments presented here, the present disclosure outlines a method for an anti-theft unit in a vehicle. This method involves the control unit receiving at least one of a signal from a signal transmitter for a 15 predefined duration or a command from a server to activate an anti-theft mode. Upon activation by the control unit, the anti-theft mode is engaged for the vehicle. The control unit further receives signals from a plurality of sensors regarding the vehicle's motion. Upon detecting motion in the anti-theft mode, the control unit sends a signal to activate either an alarm unit or 20 a prime mover control module. If no command is received from a server and a signal is detected for a predefined duration from a signal transmitter, the control unit disables the anti-theft mode.
[00023] In an embodiment the anti-theft mode is predefined to detect at least one of a vibration, pitch, roll and yaw of the vehicle. 25
[00024] In an embodiment the first predefined duration and the second predefined duration from a signal transmitter being greater than 3 seconds.
[00025] In an embodiment the command from the server being configured to enable and disable the anti-theft mode remotely.
6
[00026] In an embodiment the command from the server is configured to override the signal from the signal transmitter.
[00027] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 5
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00028] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of an anti-theft unit for a vehicle along with the accompanying diagrams. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and 10 components.
[00029] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates an environment diagram for an anti-theft unit for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00030] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates flowchart for an anti-theft unit for 15 enabling anti-theft function for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00031] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates flowchart of anti-theft function for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00032] Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates flowchart of information flow in an 20 anti-theft unit with server command for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00033] Figure 5 exemplarily illustrates flowchart of anti-theft function with server command for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 25
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00034] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers
7
are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary 5 only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. [00035] An objective of the present subject matter is to develop an anti-theft unit that offers comprehensive protection by integrating multiple sensors capable of detecting various types of unauthorized vehicle movements, such as towing, tampering, or forced entry. 10
[00036] Another objective of the present subject matter is to enable real-time monitoring of the vehicle's status and prompt alerting mechanisms to notify owners of any suspicious activities or attempted thefts.
[00037] Another objective of the present subject matter is to establish seamless communication between the control unit and various devices, 15 including sensors, alarm units, communication units, and servers, to ensure efficient data exchange and coordination.
[00038] Another objective of the present subject matter is to enable remote control and management functionalities, allowing owners to activate or deactivate anti-theft measures, track the vehicle's location, and override 20 signals remotely via a server.
[00039] Another objective of the present subject matter is to implement a prime mover control module to selectively enable or disable the vehicle's prime mover in response to command signals, providing an additional layer of security against theft or unauthorized usage. 25
[00040] Another objective of the present subject matter is to design the anti-theft unit to be user-friendly, ensuring ease of operation and configuration for vehicle owners while maintaining robust security measures.
[00041] Another objective of the present subject matter is to ensure the reliability and durability of the anti-theft unit under various environmental 30 conditions and potential tampering attempts to guarantee its effectiveness over time.
8
[00042] In view of the above, the claimed limitations as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed limitations enable the above solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies.
[00043] The present subject matter is described using a method and system 5 for anti-theft unit which is used in a vehicle, whereas the claimed subject matter can be used in any other type of application employing above-mentioned system and method, with required changes and without deviating from the scope of invention. Further, it is intended that the disclosure and examples given herein be considered as exemplary only. 10
[00044] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean 15 “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[00045] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present 20 invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the 25 present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00046] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates an environment diagram for an anti-theft unit (100) for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present 30 disclosure. The anti-theft unit (100) comprises of plurality of sensors (102),
9
at least one communication unit (104), at least one prime mover control module (106), at least one control unit (108), at least one battery (110) and at least one alarm unit (112). The at least one control unit (108) configured to communicate and process signal from a plurality of devices. In an embodiment the plurality of devices comprises of signal transmitter (114), a 5 communication device (118), and a server (116). The plurality of sensors (102)communicatively coupled to the control unit (108). In an embodimentthe plurality of sensors (102) being configured to detect a motion of thevehicle. In an embodiment the plurality of sensors (102) being at least one ofa gyroscope sensor and at least one vibration. The at least one communication 10 unit (104) is in communication with the at least one control unit (108.The prime mover control module (106) is configured to selectively enable or disable a prime mover of the vehicle upon command signals from at least one control unit (108). The at least one control unit (108) being in communication with the plurality of devices through wireless communication. The wireless 15 communication may include at least ones of but not limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Cellular network communication, LoRa communication and Satellite communication. In an embodiment the battery (110) is provided as an internal battery for the functioning of the control module (106), the at least one control unit (108) and the at least one alarm unit (112). The at least 20 one alarm unit (112) configured to generate an alert signal upon receiving a predefined signal from the at least one control unit (108), the alert may include audible alarms (e.g., sirens), visual alerts (e.g., flashing lights), and notifications to the owner via SMS, email, or push notification. The at least one communication unit (104) configured to provide location attributes of the 25 vehicle. The location attributes provided by the communication unit (104) may include information such as the vehicle's geographical coordinates such as latitude and longitude) its current address or location description, and its altitude above sea level. These attributes enable precise tracking and localization of the vehicle in real-time. In an embodiment the communication 30 unit (104) may also be configured to provide other relevant data which may include a vehicle speed, a direction of motion, and a timestamp.
10
[00047] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates flowchart for an anti-theft unit (100) for enabling anti-theft function for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method starts at 200 and proceeds to 202 where the vehicle will be in an ignition OFF state, the method then proceeds to 204 where the control unit (108) checks for the availability of a 5 signal transmitter (114). The step then proceeds to 206 where the control unit receives signal from the transmitter and at step the control unit (108) checks whether the signal from the signal transmitter (114) is detected for a predefined time duration. At step 208 If the control unit (108) detects the signal from the predetermined duration, then the anti-theft unit will initiate its 10 anti-theft function at step 210. The step then proceeds to 212.
[00048] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates flowchart of anti-theft function for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The process moves from step 212 to step 300 where the control unit receives signal from the sensors. The step then proceeds to 302 where control unit detects 15 whether there is any motion on the vehicle. In an embodiment the motion may include at least one of a vibration, pitch, roll and yaw of the vehicle. The step then proceeds to 304 where the control unit upon detection of a motion on the vehicle based on the signal from the plurality of sensors (102) will activate an alarm unit (112) and immobilize vehicle. If there is no motion detected at 20 step 302 the step flows back to step 300. The step 304 proceeds to step 306 where the control unit checks for signal from signal transmitter (114). The step proceeds to 310 from step 306 where if the signal detected by the control unit (108) is greater than a second predefined value. In an embodiment the second predefined duration is in a range of 2 seconds to 4 seconds. At step 25 312 once the control unit (108) detects the signal from the signal transmitter for a second predefined duration then the anti-theft function will be disabled, and the vehicle will be mobilized. The method ends at step 314.
[00049] Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates flowchart of information flow in an anti-theft unit with server command for a vehicle in accordance with an 30 embodiment of the present disclosure. The figure 4 depicts the information flow in the system when the vehicle is part of a fleet and how a user operating
11
the vehicle can interact with the anti-theft unit of the vehicle. The figure also depicts the fleet owners’ control over the anti-theft unit. For a user of fleet vehicle, the method of anti-theft unit starts at step 400 and proceeds to 402 where the vehicle ignition is in OFF state and then the step proceeds to step 404 where the control unit (108) detects for a signal from a signal transmitter 5 (114). The step then proceeds to step 406 where if the control unit detects a signal from the signal transmitter for a first predefined duration. If there is an intervention form the fleet owner then a simultaneous process happens, this process starts at 408 where a fleet owner provides a command signal to a server (116) so as to mobilize or immobilize the vehicle. The step then 10 proceeds to 410 where the server communicates the command signal from the fleet owner to the control unit (108) of the vehicle. The step 406 and 410 will proceed to step 412. [00050] Figure 5 exemplarily illustrates flowchart of anti-theft function with server command for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the 15 present disclosure. At step 412 the control unit (108) may detect at least one of a command signal from server (116) and a signal from a signal transmitter (114). The step then proceeds to 500 where the control unit verifies whether the signal is from a server (116) or a signal transmitter (114). The step then proceeds to step 502 where the control unit (108) determines whether there is 20 any immobilization command from the server (116). If there is an immobilization command from the server then the step will proceed to step 508 where the vehicle will be immobilized. If there is no immobilization signal from the server or if there is a mobilization signal from the server then the step 502 will proceed to step 504 where the control unit detects a signal 25 from a signal transmitter. The step then proceeds to step 506 where the control unit (108) detects whether the signal from the signal transmitter (114) is detected for a second predefined duration. If the control unit (108) determines this second predefined duration for the signal from signal transmitter (114), then the step will proceed to step 512 where the vehicle will be mobilized. 30 The step from 508 and 512 will move towards 51o where the process ends.
12
[00051] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, 5 may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[00052] The present disclosure provide an advantage of integrating multiple sensors capable of detecting various types of unauthorized vehicle movements, such as towing, tampering, or forced entry, the invention provides comprehensive protection against theft. 10
[00053] The present disclosure provide an advantage to receive and process signals from a plurality of devices enables real-time monitoring of the vehicle's status. Prompt alerting mechanisms notify owners or authorities of any suspicious activities or attempted thefts, allowing for swift intervention.
[00054] The present disclosure provide an advantage of wireless 15 communication capabilities between the control unit and various devices ensure efficient data exchange and coordination, facilitating seamless integration and operation of the anti-theft system.
[00055] The present disclosure provide an advantage of remote control and management functionalities allow owners to activate or deactivate anti-theft 20 measures, track the vehicle's location, and override signals remotely via a server. This enables convenient and effective management of the system from anywhere.
[00056] The present disclosure provide an advantage of a prime mover control module enables selective enablement or disablement of the vehicle's 25 engine upon command signals. This feature provides an additional layer of security against theft or unauthorized usage.
[00057] The present disclosure provide an advantage of ease of operation and configuration for vehicle owners while maintaining robust security measures. Intuitive interfaces and remote-control options enhance user experience and 30 usability.
13
[00058] The present disclosure provide an advantage of reliable and durable under various environmental conditions and potential tampering attempts. Its effectiveness over time ensures prolonged protection against theft and unauthorized access.
[00059] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical 5 advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the configuration itself as the 10 claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[00060] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention. 15
[00061] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application 20 based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00062] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 25 The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[00063] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that 30 various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted without
14
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include 5 all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. , Claims:We Claim:
1.An anti-theft unit (100) for a vehicle, the anti-theft unit (100)comprising:5
at least one control unit (108) configured to communicate and process signal from a plurality of devices;
a plurality of sensors (102) communicatively coupled to the control unit (108), wherein the plurality of sensors (102) being configured to detect a motion of the vehicle; 10
at least one alarm unit (112) configured to generate an alert signal upon receiving a predefined signal from the at least one control unit (108);
at least one communication unit (104) configured to provide location attributes of the vehicle, 15
wherein the at least one communication unit (104) is in communication with the at least one control unit (108);
at least one prime mover control module (106), wherein the prime mover control module (106) being configured to selectively enable or disable a prime mover of the vehicle upon 20 command signals from at least one control unit (108);
2.The anti-theft unit (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe plurality of devices comprises of signal transmitter (114), acommunication device (118), and a server (116).
3.The anti-theft unit (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein25 plurality of sensors (102) being at least one of a gyroscope sensor andat least one vibration;
4.The anti-theft unit (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe at least one control unit (108) being in communication with theplurality of devices through wireless communication.30
5.A method of anti-theft unit (100) in a vehicle, the method comprising:
16
receiving by the control unit (108) at least one of a signal from a signal transmitter (114) for a first predefined duration and a command from a server (116) to enable an anti-theft mode;
enabling by the control unit (108) the anti-theft mode for a vehicle; 5
receiving by the control unit (108) a plurality of signals relating to motion of the vehicle from a plurality of sensors (102);
Sending signal by the control unit (108) to initiate operation to at least one of an alarm unit (112) and at least one prime mover 10 control module (106) upon detection of a motion in anti-theft mode;
disabling by the control unit (108) the anti-theft mode, if no command from a server (116) is available and upon detection of a signal for a second predefined duration from a signal 15 transmitter (114);
6.The method of anti-theft unit (100) in a vehicle as claimed in claim 5,wherein the anti-theft mode is predefined to detect at least one of avibration, pitch, roll and yaw of the vehicle.
7.The method of anti-theft unit (100) in a vehicle as claimed in claim20 5, wherein the first predefined duration and the second predefinedduration from a signal transmitter (114) being greater than 3 seconds.
8.The method of anti-theft unit (100) in a vehicle as claimed in claim 5,wherein the command from the server (116) being configured toenable and disable the anti-theft mode remotely.25
9.The method of anti-theft unit (100) in a vehicle as claimed in claim 5,wherein the command from the server (116) is configured to overridethe signal from the signal transmitter (114).