WO2016128788A1 - Intelligent car steering wheel security system - Google Patents

Intelligent car steering wheel security system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016128788A1
WO2016128788A1 PCT/IB2015/050982 IB2015050982W WO2016128788A1 WO 2016128788 A1 WO2016128788 A1 WO 2016128788A1 IB 2015050982 W IB2015050982 W IB 2015050982W WO 2016128788 A1 WO2016128788 A1 WO 2016128788A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
steering wheel
hand
vehicle
touch sensitive
touched area
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2015/050982
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Chia Liang TAN
Wee Chong GAN
Kong Woei ONG
Original Assignee
Continental Automotive Gmbh
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 Continental Automotive Gmbh filed Critical Continental Automotive Gmbh
Priority to PCT/IB2015/050982 priority Critical patent/WO2016128788A1/en
Priority to CN201580073891.6A priority patent/CN107207029A/en
Publication of WO2016128788A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016128788A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B60R25/01—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
    • B60R25/02—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the steering mechanism
    • 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
    • B60R25/20—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off
    • B60R25/25—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off using biometry

Definitions

  • the present application relates to a vehicle with a system for preventing unauthorised operation of the vehicle.
  • a vehicle with a touch sensitive steering wheel that prevents unauthorised users from operating the ve- hicle .
  • Such systems include car alarm system, steering-wheel lock, gearbox lock, and vehicle tracking system.
  • JP 4183439 Al and JP 5345569 disclose detection and analysis of touching of a motor-vehicle steering wheel.
  • JP 4183439 Al discloses collection of an electrocardiogram by means of electrodes mounted on the steering wheel. By analysis of the electrocardiogram, tiredness or dozing of the driver can be detected.
  • JP 5345569 discloses a measurement of a pressure force from driver on the steering wheel of a vehicle. This is done for obtaining data from the steering wheel before the driver rotates the steering wheel in order to improve responsiveness the vehicle.
  • the vehicle security device refers to a device for protecting a vehicle from being used by unauthorised persons .
  • Examples of the vehicle include a car, a bus, and a truck.
  • the vehicle is used for transporting people and goods .
  • the vehicle has two or more wheels, which can be two, three, or four.
  • the authorised persons refer to designated users, such as a vehicle owner or a car dealer.
  • the processing module includes a steering wheel touch sensitive area port, a steering wheel lock control port, and a computing processor.
  • the steering wheel touch sensitive area port is adapted for connecting to one or more touch sensitive areas of a steering wheel of the vehicle.
  • the steering wheel is used for turning wheels of the vehicle while the steering wheel touch sensitive area can be provided on or in the steering wheel.
  • the touch sensitive area is provided as a touch pad with thin soft cushion.
  • the steering wheel touch sensitive area port is used for receiving a touched area pattern data from the steering wheel touch sensitive area.
  • one or two hands of a user are placed on respective parts of the steering wheel.
  • the user is usually a driver of the vehicle.
  • the hands touch parts of the steering wheel.
  • the touched parts are characterised in that they have specific positions.
  • the hands also have specific sizes that are characteristic of the user. In other words, different people can have different hand sizes and they can place their hands on different parts of the steering wheel.
  • the touch sensitive areas generate touched area pattern data, which corresponds to positions and sizes of the user hands on the steering wheel.
  • the touch sensitive areas later transmit the hand touched area pattern data to the steering wheel touch sensitive area port, wherein the hand touched area pattern data later acts as a signal for unlocking the steering wheel.
  • the steering wheel lock control port is adapted for connecting to a steering wheel lock of the vehicle.
  • the steering wheel lock is used for locking the car steering wheel.
  • the steering wheel is usually attached to steering wheel column that is attached to the steering wheel lock.
  • the steering wheel lock can lock the steering wheel column such that the steering wheel cannot move.
  • the processor is electrically connected to the steering wheel touch sensitive area port and to the steering wheel lock control port.
  • the processor is equipped with a pattern recognition algorithm.
  • the algorithm provides instructions to the processor for directing the processor to receive the touched area pattern data from the steering wheel touch sensitive area port.
  • the instructions then direct the processor to compare the touched area pattern data with a previously stored predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
  • the processor When a match between the hand touched area pattern data and the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected, the processor generates a steering wheel unlocking signal. In effect, the user provides an approved hand touched area pattern data, thereby allowing the processor to generate a steering wheel unlocking signal. The processor later transmits the unlocking signal to the steering wheel lock control port.
  • the steering wheel lock control port then outputs the steering wheel unlocking signal to the steering wheel lock for actuating the steering wheel lock to an unlocked position.
  • the above processor advantageously allows the security device to provide a means for identifying an authorized user.
  • the user can hold a predetermined area of the steering wheel for identifying the user.
  • the means also uses an individualised hand size of the user for identifying the user. By these ways, the processor identifies the authorized user.
  • the vehicle security device prevents an intruder from using the vehicle.
  • An intruder would need to have hand sizes that are the same or similar to hand sizes of the authorized user. Furthermore, this intruder would have to guess correctly the authorized user hand steering wheel unlocking positions. This thereby makes it difficult for the intruder to pretend to be the authorized user.
  • This application also provides a security device for protecting a vehicle from unauthorised use.
  • the security device includes one or more touch sensitive areas, a steering wheel lock, and the processing module as described above.
  • the steering wheel touch sensitive area is used for placing on or in the steering wheel and it is adapted for detecting one or more hand touches of a user of the steering wheel, who is often a driver of the vehicle.
  • the steering wheel touch sensi- tive area then generates hand touched area pattern data according to the user hand touches.
  • the hand touched area pat tern data includes position data and size data of the user hand touches on the steering wheel.
  • the processing module has a steering wheel touch sensitive area port and a steering wheel lock control port.
  • the steering wheel touch sensitive area port is connected to the steering wheel touch sensitive area while the steering wheel lock control port is connected to the steering wheel lock.
  • the processing module is adapted for receiving the touched area pattern data from the steering wheel touch sensitive area.
  • the processing module later compares the touched area pattern data with a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern. When a match between the touched area pattern data and the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected, the processing module sends a steering wheel unlocking signal to the steering wheel lock for unlocking the steering wheel.
  • the touch sensitive area is often laid on all outer surface sections of the steering wheel of the vehicle. This arrangement allows the touch sensitive area to detect all areas of the steering wheel that are touched by the user hand.
  • Each touch sensitive area can have a plurality of touch sensitive sensors for easier implementation.
  • the sensors are used for detecting touches of driver hands.
  • the touch sensitive sensors are located at predetermined positions of the steering wheel . Every touch sensor can have one or more capacitive elements for a low cost implementation.
  • Each capacitive element has a predetermined capacitance value that changes when fingers or palms of a driver are placed near the respective capacitive elements while the capacitance value of the other capacitive elements that are positioned further away from the fingers or palm of the driver remains unchanged.
  • the positions of the ca pacitive elements and their corresponding capacitance values are then used for generating the above-mentioned hand touched area pattern data.
  • This application also provides a vehicle with a steering whee and the above-mentioned security device.
  • the security device includes one or more steering wheel touch sensitive area, a steering wheel lock, and a processing module .
  • the steering wheel touch sensitive area which is provided with the steering wheel, is adapted for detecting one or more hand touches of a user on the steering wheel.
  • the steering wheel touch sensitive area then generates hand touched area pattern data according to the above user hand touches on the steering wheel .
  • the processing module is connected to the steering wheel lock
  • the processing module is adapted for receiving the hand touched area pattern data from the steering wheel touch sensi tive area.
  • the processing module sends an unlocking signal fo unlocking the steering wheel when a match between the hand touched area pattern data and a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected.
  • the vehicle includes an ignition switch, which is adapted for transmitting a steering wheel lock signal to the processing module when it is actuated to an off-position.
  • the processing module then activates a device for locking the steering wheel in accordance with the received steering wheel lock signal.
  • the vehicle can also include a human machine interface device for prompting a user to unlock the steering wheel lock by holding the steering wheel in a particular manner that acts to activate the unlocking of the steering wheel.
  • This prompting provides an intuitively human machine interface.
  • the human machine interface device can include a display screen, such as a touch screen, for showing a message with instructions for a user to unlock the steering wheel lock by providing the required touching of the steering wheel.
  • a display screen such as a touch screen
  • the human machine interface device can include a voice prompt device such as a speaker for providing a verbal message to inform the user to provide the required steering wheel touches.
  • a voice prompt device such as a speaker for providing a verbal message to inform the user to provide the required steering wheel touches.
  • the application provides a security network module that comprises the above-mentioned vehicle and a computer server.
  • the computer server is intended for sending a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern to a security device of the vehicle. This sending allows a user who owns two or more vehicles to share essentially the same steering wheel activation pattern .
  • the computer server can be provided by a cloud service provid- er , which provides access to computing resources over the In- ternet.
  • the computer server is connected with the vehicle with a wireless communication means that uses radio electromagnetic waves .
  • the security device of the vehicle can wirelessly sends a hand touched area pattern data or a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern to the computer server for storing.
  • the computer server later sends the stored predetermined steering wheel activation pattern to the vehicle, upon receiving a request from a security device of another vehicle.
  • the storing of the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern provides a benefit of sharing the predetermined steer- ing wheel activation pattern with several vehicles of the same owner .
  • the security network module can include a mobile hand phone that is equipped with a software application.
  • the software application allows the mobile phone to receive a hand touched area pattern data from the computer server through a wireless means that uses radio electromagnetic waves. A user can later select one of the received hand touched area pattern data to serve as a steering wheel activation pattern.
  • the computer server and the mobile hand phone can encrypt data for secure transfer of data.
  • the encryption converts the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern into an unreadable form. Unauthorized users, who do not possess its encryption key, can neither interpret easily nor alter the encrypted steering wheel activation pattern.
  • This application also provides a method for operating the security device of the vehicle .
  • the method includes a step of holding particular parts of the steering wheel of the vehicle by hands of the user.
  • the steering wheel then generates a hand touched area pattern data according to the touches of the user.
  • the hand touched area pattern data comprises a position data and a size data of the user hands .
  • the processor then receives the hand touched area pattern data from the steering wheel.
  • the processor later retrieves a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern from a memory module of the security device and it compares the received hand touched area pattern data with the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
  • the processor sends a signal to the a steering wheel lock to actuate the steering wheel lock from a locked position to an unlocked position.
  • the method can include a step of prompting the user to hold the steering wheel with a human machine interface device
  • this application aims to enhance a security system of a vehicle.
  • the security system uses pattern recognition.
  • the enhanced security system includes a COntrol unit with a pattern recognition mechanism for a steering wheel that is coupled to a steering wheel lock.
  • the control unit acts as a processing module.
  • the steering wheel has a circular capacitive touch pad that can cover 360 degrees, in other words, all sections of the steering wheel.
  • the capacitive touch pad senses and recognizes areas of the touch steering wheel, which are touched by a user .
  • the control unit has pattern recognition algorithms for calculating and recording patterns of the user touched areas .
  • the pattern recognition algorithms can perform machine learning, which learn from the steering wheel touched area pattern data.
  • the pattern recognition algorithms can also perform data mining, which analyses the data for relationships.
  • the control unit then uses this touched area pattern data for identification of the user.
  • the control unit later actuates the steering wheel lock to a locked position or an unlocked position according to the user touched area pattern data.
  • the activation can occur when an ignition of the vehicle is turned on .
  • control unit identify the user by first checking for a stored predetermined steering wheel activation pattern .
  • control unit If the control unit detects a default predetermined steering wheel activation pattern or does not detect the stored predetermined steering wheel activation pattern, the control unit then prompts the user to hold the steering wheel for producing a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
  • the prompt comprises a step of giving instructions via a voice prompt, a cluster display, or a human machine interface (HMI) screen.
  • An example of the instruction is "please hold the capacitive touch steering wheel for three seconds to store your steering wheel touch pattern as your steering wheel activation pattern" .
  • control unit later prompts the user to hold the steering wheel to generate a user hand touched area pat- tern .
  • the control unit afterward compares the stored user hand touched area pattern with the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
  • control unit acts to unlock the steering wheel lock.
  • control unit also stores the er hand touched area pattern in a remote security-protected server that provides a cloud service, which refers to a resource that is provided over the Internet.
  • the control unit can also store the user hand touched area pattern in the server via telematics, which refers to longdistance transmission of computerized information.
  • the server acts as a connector between the vehicle security system and a predetermined user smart phone, which is registered with an authorised agency, for remote access of the user hand touched area pattern.
  • the server sends the user hand touched area pattern to the predetermined user smart phone.
  • the user can then use the predetermined user smart phone to view and modify the user hand touched area pattern.
  • the user can also select the user hand touched area pattern as a default steering wheel unlocking pattern.
  • This security system does not need additional devices, which can be costly. Each user often has a distinct pattern of using the steering wheel, which is then used by the security system for preventing easy break in of the vehicle. In other words, this security system provides a rather high level of security, thereby minimizing risk of theft of vehicle.
  • the touch pad not only recognises a user touch, but also recognises a user fingerprint or a user hand palm for greater security.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a network of devices that include a vehicle security system
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the vehicle security system of the network of Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a steering wheel with a touch pad of the vehicle security system of Fig. 2,
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a diagram showing a touch pad and a control unit of the steering wheel of the vehicle security system of Fig. 2,
  • Fig. 5 illustrates a hand that overlays the touch pad of the steering wheel of the vehicle security system of Fig. 2,
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a hand touched area pattern of the hand overlaying the touch pad of the steering wheel of Fig. 5,
  • Fig. 7 illustrates a first example of hand touched areas of a user on the steering wheel of the vehicle security system of Fig. 2
  • Fig. 8 illustrates a corresponding user hand touched area pattern of the steering wheel of Fig. 7,
  • Fig. 9 illustrates a second example of hand touched areas of the user on the steering wheel of the vehicle security system of Fig. 2,
  • Fig. 10 illustrates a corresponding user hand touched area pattern of the steering wheel of Fig. 9,
  • Fig. 11 illustrates a third example of hand touched areas of the user on the steering wheel of the vehicle security system of Fig. 2,
  • Fig. 12 illustrates a corresponding user hand touched area pattern of the steering wheel of Fig. 11,
  • Fig. 13 illustrates a flow chart of operating the vehicle security system of Fig. 2,
  • Fig. 14 illustrates a flow chart for generating a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern for unlocking the steering wheel of the flow chart of Fig. 13,
  • Fig. 15 illustrates a flow chart of a method for operating the steering wheel of the flow chart of Fig. 13, and
  • Fig. 16 illustrates a screen display of a user smart phone of the network of Fig. 1
  • Fig. 1 shows an overview of a network 1 of devices that are communicatively connected to each other.
  • the devices include a vehicle with a security system 2 and with a touch screen 4, a remote computer server 5, and a smart phone 7.
  • the vehicle security system 2 is electrically connected to the touch screen 4.
  • the vehicle security system 2 is communicatively connected to the remote computer server 5 through a wireless communication means that uses radio electromagnetic waves .
  • the computer server 5 is communicatively also connected to the smart phone 7 via another wireless communication means.
  • the vehicle security system 2 includes a steering wheel 8, a steering wheel column with a lock 20, a control unit 11, and an ignition switch 13.
  • the steering wheel 8 is fixed to the steering wheel column.
  • the lock 20 is mechanically attached to the steering wheel column and is electrically connected to the control unit 11 via wires.
  • the control unit 11 is also connected to the ign tion switch 13.
  • the steering wheel 8 includes a steering wheel ring 12 with a driver touch pad 15 that is provided on an outer surface of the steering wheel ring 12, as better seen in Fig. 3.
  • the touch pad 15 includes a plurality of capacitive touch sensitive elements 23, as shown in Fig. 4.
  • the touch sensitive element is also called capacitive element.
  • the touch sensitive elements 23 are arranged in a predetermined grid pattern and are placed inside the touch pad 15.
  • the touch sensitive elements 23 are electrically coupled to the control unit 11.
  • the control unit 11 is als electrically connected to the touch screen 4 via wires a is communicatively connected the remote computer server via a wireless communication means .
  • the control unit 11 includes a processing unit 25 with a memory module 27, a steering wheel touch pad port 28, a steering wheel lock control port 29, and a communication module 30.
  • the steering wheel touch pad port 28 is also called a steering wheel touch sensitive area port.
  • the processing unit 25 is electrically connected with the memory module 27, with the steering wheel touch pad port 28, with the steering wheel lock control port 29, and with the communication module 30.
  • the steering wheel touch pad port 28 is electrically connected to the touch pad 15 while the steering wheel lock control port 29 is electrically connected to the steering wheel lock 20.
  • the processing unit 25 includes a digital microprocessor.
  • the memory module 27 refers to a nonvolatile memory, which keeps its contents even if electrical power to the memory module 27 is lost. Examples of the nonvolatile memory include Read-Only Memory (ROM) and flash memory.
  • the communication module 30 is connected to the remote computer server 5 via a wireless communication means that uses cellular network signals .
  • the smart phone 7 refers to a mobile phone with a computing device .
  • a driver turns on the ignition switch 13 that acts to activate or connect a car battery to a main electrical system, thereby providing electricity to devices of the vehicle such as the processing unit 25, the steering wheel lock 20, and the touch screen . Hands of the driver then grip an outer surface of the steering wheel ring 12.
  • the touch pad 15 is used for receiving touches of fingers and palms of the hands of the driver.
  • the driver can place and grip different parts of the steering wheel ring outer surface, wherein the fingers and palms of the hands touch these parts .
  • touched parts have a pattern of touched areas, which is illustrated in Fig. 6. Parts of the fingers that touch the touch pad 15 are shown as thick lines 36 in Fig. 6. Other parts of the fingers placed over the touch pad 15 are shown as thin lines 37 in Fig. 6.
  • Each touched area has a particular position. Moreover, each touched area also has a particular size.
  • the touched area size is related to a unique hand size and to unique knuckle positions of the driver hand. Furthermore, the driver can grip the touch pad 15 with a certain unique pressure. This hence results in a unique touched area size.
  • touch sensitive elements 23 they are used for detecting the positions and the sizes of these touched areas .
  • the touch sensitive elements 23 have a predetermined capacitance value.
  • these fingers and palms of the driver grip the touch pad 15, these fingers and palms change the predetermined capacitance value of the touch sensitive elements 23, which are located near these fingers and these palms.
  • the predetermined capacitance value of the other touch sensitive elements 23, which are positioned further away from the touched areas remains unchanged.
  • the touch sensitive elements 23 act to transmit these capacitance measurements to the control unit 11.
  • Figs. 7 and 8 show an example of a touched area pattern. Figs. 7 and 8 depict a touched area pattern 17a.
  • the driver places his left hand at a left area 33a that is located at a ten o'clock driving position of the steering wheel ring 12.
  • the driver also places his right hand at a right area 35a that is located at a two o'clock driving position of the steering wheel ring 12.
  • the left area 33a has a first left size while the right area 35a has a first right size.
  • the left area 33a at the ten o' clock driving position with the first left size and the right area 35a at the two o'clock driving position with the first right size form a first touched area pattern 17a.
  • Figs. 9 and 10 show another example of a touched area pattern.
  • Figs. 9 and 10 depict a touched area pattern 17b.
  • This touched area pattern 17b differs from the touched area pattern 17a of Figs. 7 and 8, in which both touched area patterns 17a and 17b have different touched area positions.
  • the driver places his left hand at a left area 33b that is located at an eight o'clock driving position of the steering wheel ring 12.
  • the driver also places his right hand at a right area 35b that is located at a four o' clock driving position of the steering wheel ring 12.
  • the left area 33b has a second left size while the right area 35b has a second right size.
  • the left area 33b at the eight o'clock driving position with the second left size and the right area 35b at the four o' clock driving position with the second right size form another touched area pattern 17b.
  • Figs. 11 and 12 show a further example of a touched area pattern.
  • Figs. 11 and 12 depict a touched area pattern 17c.
  • This touched area pattern 17c differs from the touched area pattern 17b of Figs. 9 and 10 in that both touched area patterns 17b and 17c have different touched area sizes.
  • the driver places his left hand at a left area 33c that is located at an eight o'clock driving position of the steering wheel ring 12.
  • the driver also places his right hand at a right area 35c that is located at a four o' clock driving position of the steering wheel ring 12.
  • the left area 33c has a third left size while the right area 35c has a third right size.
  • the third left size of the left area 33c differs from the second left size of the left area 33b of Figs. 9 and 10.
  • the third right size of the right area 35c differs from the second right size of the left area 35b of Figs. 9 and 10.
  • the left area 33c at the eight ⁇ ' clock driving position with the third left size and the rig ⁇ .t area 35c at the four o'clock driving position with the third right size form a further touched area pattern 17c.
  • the steering wheel lock 20 provides two positions, namely a locked position and an unlocked position.
  • the steering wheel lock 20 In the locked position, the steering wheel lock 20 essentially fixes the car steering wheel 8 such that the steering wheel 8 cannot move.
  • the steering wheel lock 20 In the unlocked position, the steering wheel lock 20 essentially releases the car steering wheel 8 such that the steering wheel 8 can rotate about its vertical axis.
  • the steering wheel lock 20 is set to the locked position after the ignition switch 13 is turned off.
  • the memory module 27 is used for storing a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
  • the predetermined steeri wheel activation pattern corresponds to characteristics of driver of the vehicle .
  • the vehicle can have several drivers and the memory module 27 can store several predetermined steering wheel activation patterns, wherein each predetermined steering wheel activation pattern corresponds to one driver.
  • Each driv- er can also have one or more than one predetermined steering wheel activation pattern for easier use.
  • the memory module 27 also stores a program with a pattern recognition algorithm that provides instructions for operating the processing unit 25.
  • the processing unit 25 operates according to instructions from the stored program with the pattern recognition algorithm.
  • the processing unit 25 acts to obtain a touched area data from the touch sensitive elements 23 of the steering wheel ring 12 to form a touched area pattern 17.
  • the processing unit 25 also acts to retrieve a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern from the memory module 27. e processing unit 25 then compares the touched area pattern with the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
  • the processing unit 25 When a match between the touched area pattern 17 and the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected, the processing unit 25 generates a steering wheel unlocking signal for actuating the steering wheel lock 20 to the unlocked position. The processing unit 25 later transmits the steering wheel unlocking signal to the steering wheel lock control port 29.
  • the processing unit 25 can select a touched area pattern 17 serve as a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
  • the processing unit 25 then stores the selected predetermine steering wheel activation pattern in the memory module 27.
  • the processing unit 25 encrypts the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern before storing it in the memory module 27 for protecting it against unauthorized modification.
  • the processing unit 25 also decrypts the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern after retrieving it from the memory module 27.
  • the encryption converts the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern into an unreadable form. Unauthorized users, who do not possess its encryption key, can neither interpret easily nor alter the encrypted steering wheel activation pattern .
  • the steering wheel touch pad port 28 is used for receiving a touched area pattern 17 from the touch pad 15.
  • the steering wheel lock control port 29 is intended for out- putting the steering wheel unlocking signal to the steering wheel lock 20 for unlocking the steering wheel 8.
  • the communication module 30 allows exchanges of data between the processing unit 25 and the computer server 5.
  • the data may be encrypted before transmission for protecting it against unauthorized modification.
  • the touch screen 4 acts to display data or information and to receive touches from a user, wherein the touches acts to provide user inputs or instructions.
  • the smart phone 7 is equipped with software applications for exchanging data with the computer server 5.
  • the software applications also encrypt the data and later decrypt the encrypted data before using it
  • the smart phone 7 enables displaying data to a user as shown in Fig. 16 and receiving inputs or instructions from the user.
  • the computer server 5 acts to receive data from processing unit 25 and data from the smart phone 7.
  • the data includes the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
  • the computer server 5 also acts to store the received data.
  • the computer server 5 is also equipped with software applications for encrypting data and later decrypting the encrypted data before using it
  • Fig. 13 shows a sequence diagram or flow chart 100 of a method of operating the security system 2 of the vehicle.
  • the flow chart 100 includes two flow charts, namely a flow chart 200 for a method for generating a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern for unlocking the steering wheel 8 and a flow chart 300 for a method for operating the steering wheel 8.
  • the flow chart 200 is also shown in more detail in Fig. 14 while the flow chart 300 is also shown in more detail in Fig. 15.
  • Fig. 14 shows the flow chart 200 of a method of generating a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern for unlocking the steering wheel 8.
  • the vehicle security system 2 includes a default steering wheel activation pattern, which is provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle security system 2.
  • a user can generate an individualized steering wheel activation pattern to replace the default steering wheel activation pattern.
  • Examples of the user include an authorized car dealer and a vehicle owner.
  • the user can also generate a new individualized steering wheel activation pattern to replace an existing individualized steering wheel activation pattern.
  • the flow chart 200 includes a step 202 of a user turning on an ignition switch 13 of the vehicle.
  • the touch screen 4 later displays a message for prompting the user to hold the steering wheel 8, in a step 204.
  • the touch sensitive elements 23 of the touch pad 15 then detect the touched areas on the steering wheel 8 and sends touched area data for forming a user hand touched area pattern 17 to the processing unit 25, in a step 206.
  • the processing unit 25 afterward stores the user hand touched area pattern 17 in the memory module 27, in a step 208.
  • the processing unit 25 also sends the user hand touched area pattern 17 to the computer server 5, in a step 212.
  • the computer server 5 later sends the user hand touched area pattern 17 to the smart phone 7 of a car owner for viewing, in a step 214.
  • the car owner modifies the user hand touched area pattern 17, if needed, and may later set or select the shown user hand touched area pattern 17 as a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern, in a step 216.
  • Fig. 15 shows a flow chart 300 of a method of operating the steering wheel 8 of the vehicle.
  • the flow chart 300 includes a step 301 of turning off an ignition switch 13 of the vehicle to stop the engine of the vehicle when the vehicle arrives at its destination.
  • the processing unit 25 then actuates the steering wheel lock 20 to the locked position, thereby preventing the steering wheel 8 from moving, in a step 302.
  • a driver afterward turns on an ignition switch 13 to drive the vehicle, in a step 303.
  • the touch screen 4 later displays a message for prompting the driver to hold and touch the steering wheel 8 in a manner for unlocking the steering wheel 8, in a step 304.
  • the touch sensitive elements 23 of the touch pad 15 then detect the touched areas on the steering wheel 8 and sends touched area data, which forms a user hand touched area pattern 17, to the processing unit 25, in a step 306.
  • the processing unit 25 afterward retrieves a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern from the memory module 27, in a step 308.
  • the pattern recognition algorithms provide instructions to the processing unit 25 for comparing the re- ceived user hand touched area pattern 17 with the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern, in a step 310.
  • the processing unit then actuates the steering wheel lock 20 to an unlocked position, thereby allowing the steering wheel 8 to be moved by the driver, in a step 312.
  • step 304 is performed again.
  • the processing unit 25 then sends a notification of the mismatch to a computer server 5, in a step 316.
  • the computer server 5 later sends the received mismatch notification to the smart phone 7 of the car owner, in a step 318.
  • the car owner then takes appropriate actions, in a step 320.
  • the vehicle security system 2 provides several advantages.
  • the vehicle security system 2 provides a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern that corresponds to the driver.
  • the driver can select any area along the steering wheel for holding while the individualised hand size of the driver generates a distinctive touched area size.
  • These distinguishing features allow generation of the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern that is characteristic of the driver.
  • the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is encrypted. This encryption protects it against unauthorized modification, thereby enhancing the vehicle security.
  • An intruder cannot easily feign the authorized driver.
  • the intruder would need to have hand sizes that are same as the driver hand sizes. Furthermore, the intruder would have to guess correctly the steering wheel unlocking positions .
  • the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern can also be changed regularly.
  • the driver hand size can be kept a secret.
  • the number of attempts to unlock the steering wheel can be limited.
  • This vehicle security system 2 is simple while allowing the user to learn its operation in a short time.
  • vehicle security system 2 can also be used for selecting different functions of the vehicle that is appropriate to the driver. Examples of the functions include en- tertainment system setting, seat setting, engine setting, and rear and side mirror setting.
  • vehicle security system 2 In a general sense, different implementations of the vehicle security system 2 are possible.
  • the touch pad 15 can be implemented using a resistive film.
  • the fingers touch the touch pad 15, the fingers change resistance of film, wherein the resistance change is used to detect positions of the fingers on the touch pad 15.
  • the touch pad 15 can also be implemented using infrared image sensors .
  • the touch screen 4 is a form of a human machine interface device. Examples of other human machine interface devices include a voice prompt device, a cluster display or an interactive touch screen.
  • a processing module for a vehicle security device comprising
  • a steering wheel touch sensitive area port a steering wheel touch sensitive area port
  • a steering wheel lock control port a steering wheel lock control port
  • a processor being connected to the steering wheel touch sensitive area port and to the steering wheel lock control port, the processor being adapted for
  • the touched area pattern data comprises hand position data and hand size data
  • a security device for protecting a vehicle from unauthorised use comprising
  • the steering wheel touch sensitive area being adapted for detecting at least one hand touch and for generating hand touched area pattern data according to the hand touch, the hand touched area pattern data comprising hand position data and hand size data,
  • the steering wheel lock control port is connected to the steering wheel lock, and wherein
  • the processing module is adapted for
  • the touch sensitive area is provided on outer surface sections of a steering whee1 of the vehicle.
  • the security device according to item 2 or 3, wherein the touch sensitive area comprises a plurality of touch sensors .
  • the touch sensor comprises at least one capacitive element .
  • a vehicle comprising
  • the security device comprising
  • the steering wheel touch sensitive area being adapted for detecting at least one hand touch and for generating hand touched area pattern data according to the hand touch
  • a processing module being connected to the steering wheel lock, the processing module being adapted for unlocking the steering wheel lock when a match between the hand touched area pattern data and a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected.
  • the vehicle according to item 6 further comprising an ignition switch being adapted for transmitting a steering wheel lock signal to the steering wheel lock when the ignition switch is actuated to an off-position.
  • the vehicle according to item 6 or 7 further comprising a human machine interface device for prompting a user to hold the steering wheel.
  • a human machine interface device for prompting a user to hold the steering wheel.
  • the human machine interface device comprises a display screen .
  • the vehicle according to item 8 wherein
  • the human machine interface device comprises a voice prompt device.
  • a security network module comprising
  • a vehicle according to one of the items 6 to 10 and a computer server for sending a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern to the vehicle.
  • the security network module according to item 11 further comprising
  • a mobile hand phone for receiving a predetermined steer- ing wheel activation pattern from the computer server for a user to review the predetermined steering wheel activa- tion pattern.
  • the security network module according to item 11 or 12, wherein
  • the computer server is adapted for encrypting the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
  • a method for operating a vehicle security device comprising
  • a touched area pattern data which comprises position data and size data of at least one driver hand on a steering wheel of a vehicle

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

The application provides a processing module for a vehicle security device. The processing module includes a steering whee touch sensitive area port, a steering wheel lock control port and a processor. The processor is connected to the steering wheel touch sensitive area port and to the steering wheel lock control port. The processor is adapted for receiving touched area pattern data from the steering wheel touch sensitive are port. The touched area pattern data comprises hand position data and hand size data. The processor then compares the touched area pattern data with a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern. When a match between the touched area pat tern data and the predetermined steering wheel activation pat tern is detected, the processor generates a steering wheel unlocking signal for unlocking the steering wheel lock.

Description

INTELLIGENT CAR STEERING WHEEL SECURITY SYSTEM
The present application relates to a vehicle with a system for preventing unauthorised operation of the vehicle. In particu- lar, it relates to a vehicle with a touch sensitive steering wheel that prevents unauthorised users from operating the ve- hicle .
Numerous types of systems for protecting vehicles against theft or unauthorised use are presently available. Such systems include car alarm system, steering-wheel lock, gearbox lock, and vehicle tracking system.
JP 4183439 Al and JP 5345569 disclose detection and analysis of touching of a motor-vehicle steering wheel.
JP 4183439 Al discloses collection of an electrocardiogram by means of electrodes mounted on the steering wheel. By analysis of the electrocardiogram, tiredness or dozing of the driver can be detected.
JP 5345569 discloses a measurement of a pressure force from driver on the steering wheel of a vehicle. This is done for obtaining data from the steering wheel before the driver rotates the steering wheel in order to improve responsiveness the vehicle.
It is an object of this application to provide an improved device for protection of a vehicle against theft.
This application provides a processing module for a vehicle security device. The vehicle security device refers to a device for protecting a vehicle from being used by unauthorised persons . Examples of the vehicle include a car, a bus, and a truck. The vehicle is used for transporting people and goods . The vehicle has two or more wheels, which can be two, three, or four. The authorised persons refer to designated users, such as a vehicle owner or a car dealer.
The processing module includes a steering wheel touch sensitive area port, a steering wheel lock control port, and a computing processor.
The steering wheel touch sensitive area port is adapted for connecting to one or more touch sensitive areas of a steering wheel of the vehicle. The steering wheel is used for turning wheels of the vehicle while the steering wheel touch sensitive area can be provided on or in the steering wheel. In one implementation, the touch sensitive area is provided as a touch pad with thin soft cushion.
The steering wheel touch sensitive area port is used for receiving a touched area pattern data from the steering wheel touch sensitive area.
In use, one or two hands of a user are placed on respective parts of the steering wheel. The user is usually a driver of the vehicle. The hands touch parts of the steering wheel.
These touched parts are characterised in that they have specific positions. The hands also have specific sizes that are characteristic of the user. In other words, different people can have different hand sizes and they can place their hands on different parts of the steering wheel. The touch sensitive areas generate touched area pattern data, which corresponds to positions and sizes of the user hands on the steering wheel. The touch sensitive areas later transmit the hand touched area pattern data to the steering wheel touch sensitive area port, wherein the hand touched area pattern data later acts as a signal for unlocking the steering wheel.
The steering wheel lock control port is adapted for connecting to a steering wheel lock of the vehicle. The steering wheel lock is used for locking the car steering wheel. The steering wheel is usually attached to steering wheel column that is attached to the steering wheel lock. The steering wheel lock can lock the steering wheel column such that the steering wheel cannot move.
The processor is electrically connected to the steering wheel touch sensitive area port and to the steering wheel lock control port.
The processor is equipped with a pattern recognition algorithm. The algorithm provides instructions to the processor for directing the processor to receive the touched area pattern data from the steering wheel touch sensitive area port.
The instructions then direct the processor to compare the touched area pattern data with a previously stored predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
When a match between the hand touched area pattern data and the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected, the processor generates a steering wheel unlocking signal. In effect, the user provides an approved hand touched area pattern data, thereby allowing the processor to generate a steering wheel unlocking signal. The processor later transmits the unlocking signal to the steering wheel lock control port.
The steering wheel lock control port then outputs the steering wheel unlocking signal to the steering wheel lock for actuating the steering wheel lock to an unlocked position.
The above processor advantageously allows the security device to provide a means for identifying an authorized user. The user can hold a predetermined area of the steering wheel for identifying the user. The means also uses an individualised hand size of the user for identifying the user. By these ways, the processor identifies the authorized user.
The vehicle security device prevents an intruder from using the vehicle. An intruder would need to have hand sizes that are the same or similar to hand sizes of the authorized user. Furthermore, this intruder would have to guess correctly the authorized user hand steering wheel unlocking positions. This thereby makes it difficult for the intruder to pretend to be the authorized user.
This application also provides a security device for protecting a vehicle from unauthorised use.
The security device includes one or more touch sensitive areas, a steering wheel lock, and the processing module as described above.
The steering wheel touch sensitive area is used for placing on or in the steering wheel and it is adapted for detecting one or more hand touches of a user of the steering wheel, who is often a driver of the vehicle. The steering wheel touch sensi- tive area then generates hand touched area pattern data according to the user hand touches. The hand touched area pat tern data includes position data and size data of the user hand touches on the steering wheel.
The processing module has a steering wheel touch sensitive area port and a steering wheel lock control port. The steering wheel touch sensitive area port is connected to the steering wheel touch sensitive area while the steering wheel lock control port is connected to the steering wheel lock.
The processing module is adapted for receiving the touched area pattern data from the steering wheel touch sensitive area. The processing module later compares the touched area pattern data with a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern. When a match between the touched area pattern data and the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected, the processing module sends a steering wheel unlocking signal to the steering wheel lock for unlocking the steering wheel.
Several implementations of the security device are possible.
The touch sensitive area is often laid on all outer surface sections of the steering wheel of the vehicle. This arrangement allows the touch sensitive area to detect all areas of the steering wheel that are touched by the user hand.
Each touch sensitive area can have a plurality of touch sensitive sensors for easier implementation. The sensors are used for detecting touches of driver hands. The touch sensitive sensors are located at predetermined positions of the steering wheel . Every touch sensor can have one or more capacitive elements for a low cost implementation. Each capacitive element has a predetermined capacitance value that changes when fingers or palms of a driver are placed near the respective capacitive elements while the capacitance value of the other capacitive elements that are positioned further away from the fingers or palm of the driver remains unchanged. The positions of the ca pacitive elements and their corresponding capacitance values are then used for generating the above-mentioned hand touched area pattern data.
This application also provides a vehicle with a steering whee and the above-mentioned security device.
The security device includes one or more steering wheel touch sensitive area, a steering wheel lock, and a processing module .
The steering wheel touch sensitive area, which is provided with the steering wheel, is adapted for detecting one or more hand touches of a user on the steering wheel. The steering wheel touch sensitive area then generates hand touched area pattern data according to the above user hand touches on the steering wheel .
The processing module is connected to the steering wheel lock The processing module is adapted for receiving the hand touched area pattern data from the steering wheel touch sensi tive area. The processing module sends an unlocking signal fo unlocking the steering wheel when a match between the hand touched area pattern data and a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected. In one aspect of the application, the vehicle includes an ignition switch, which is adapted for transmitting a steering wheel lock signal to the processing module when it is actuated to an off-position. The processing module then activates a device for locking the steering wheel in accordance with the received steering wheel lock signal.
The vehicle can also include a human machine interface device for prompting a user to unlock the steering wheel lock by holding the steering wheel in a particular manner that acts to activate the unlocking of the steering wheel. This prompting provides an intuitively human machine interface.
The human machine interface device can include a display screen, such as a touch screen, for showing a message with instructions for a user to unlock the steering wheel lock by providing the required touching of the steering wheel.
Alternatively, the human machine interface device can include a voice prompt device such as a speaker for providing a verbal message to inform the user to provide the required steering wheel touches.
The application provides a security network module that comprises the above-mentioned vehicle and a computer server.
The computer server is intended for sending a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern to a security device of the vehicle. This sending allows a user who owns two or more vehicles to share essentially the same steering wheel activation pattern .
The computer server can be provided by a cloud service provid- er , which provides access to computing resources over the In- ternet. The computer server is connected with the vehicle with a wireless communication means that uses radio electromagnetic waves .
In one implementation, the security device of the vehicle can wirelessly sends a hand touched area pattern data or a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern to the computer server for storing. The computer server later sends the stored predetermined steering wheel activation pattern to the vehicle, upon receiving a request from a security device of another vehicle.
The storing of the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern provides a benefit of sharing the predetermined steer- ing wheel activation pattern with several vehicles of the same owner .
The security network module can include a mobile hand phone that is equipped with a software application. The software application allows the mobile phone to receive a hand touched area pattern data from the computer server through a wireless means that uses radio electromagnetic waves. A user can later select one of the received hand touched area pattern data to serve as a steering wheel activation pattern.
For providing a higher level of security, the computer server and the mobile hand phone can encrypt data for secure transfer of data. The encryption converts the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern into an unreadable form. Unauthorized users, who do not possess its encryption key, can neither interpret easily nor alter the encrypted steering wheel activation pattern. This application also provides a method for operating the security device of the vehicle .
The method includes a step of holding particular parts of the steering wheel of the vehicle by hands of the user.
The steering wheel then generates a hand touched area pattern data according to the touches of the user. The hand touched area pattern data comprises a position data and a size data of the user hands .
The processor then receives the hand touched area pattern data from the steering wheel.
The processor later retrieves a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern from a memory module of the security device and it compares the received hand touched area pattern data with the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
When a match between the hand touched area pattern data and the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected, the processor sends a signal to the a steering wheel lock to actuate the steering wheel lock from a locked position to an unlocked position.
The method can include a step of prompting the user to hold the steering wheel with a human machine interface device
In summary, this application aims to enhance a security system of a vehicle. The security system uses pattern recognition.
The enhanced security system includes a COntrol unit with a pattern recognition mechanism for a steering wheel that is coupled to a steering wheel lock. The control unit acts as a processing module.
The steering wheel has a circular capacitive touch pad that can cover 360 degrees, in other words, all sections of the steering wheel. The capacitive touch pad senses and recognizes areas of the touch steering wheel, which are touched by a user .
The control unit has pattern recognition algorithms for calculating and recording patterns of the user touched areas . The pattern recognition algorithms can perform machine learning, which learn from the steering wheel touched area pattern data. The pattern recognition algorithms can also perform data mining, which analyses the data for relationships.
The control unit then uses this touched area pattern data for identification of the user. The control unit later actuates the steering wheel lock to a locked position or an unlocked position according to the user touched area pattern data. The activation can occur when an ignition of the vehicle is turned on .
In particular, the control unit identify the user by first checking for a stored predetermined steering wheel activation pattern .
If the control unit detects a default predetermined steering wheel activation pattern or does not detect the stored predetermined steering wheel activation pattern, the control unit then prompts the user to hold the steering wheel for producing a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern. The prompt comprises a step of giving instructions via a voice prompt, a cluster display, or a human machine interface (HMI) screen. An example of the instruction is "please hold the capacitive touch steering wheel for three seconds to store your steering wheel touch pattern as your steering wheel activation pattern" .
If the stored predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected, the control unit later prompts the user to hold the steering wheel to generate a user hand touched area pat- tern .
The control unit afterward compares the stored user hand touched area pattern with the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
If a match between these two patterns is found or detected, then the control unit acts to unlock the steering wheel lock.
For additional functions, the control unit also stores the er hand touched area pattern in a remote security-protected server that provides a cloud service, which refers to a resource that is provided over the Internet.
The control unit can also store the user hand touched area pattern in the server via telematics, which refers to longdistance transmission of computerized information.
The server acts as a connector between the vehicle security system and a predetermined user smart phone, which is registered with an authorised agency, for remote access of the user hand touched area pattern.
In particular, the server sends the user hand touched area pattern to the predetermined user smart phone. The user can then use the predetermined user smart phone to view and modify the user hand touched area pattern. The user can also select the user hand touched area pattern as a default steering wheel unlocking pattern.
This security system does not need additional devices, which can be costly. Each user often has a distinct pattern of using the steering wheel, which is then used by the security system for preventing easy break in of the vehicle. In other words, this security system provides a rather high level of security, thereby minimizing risk of theft of vehicle.
In a general sense, the touch pad, not only recognises a user touch, but also recognises a user fingerprint or a user hand palm for greater security.
Fig. 1 illustrates a network of devices that include a vehicle security system,
Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the vehicle security system of the network of Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 illustrates a steering wheel with a touch pad of the vehicle security system of Fig. 2,
Fig. 4 illustrates a diagram showing a touch pad and a control unit of the steering wheel of the vehicle security system of Fig. 2,
Fig. 5 illustrates a hand that overlays the touch pad of the steering wheel of the vehicle security system of Fig. 2,
Fig. 6 illustrates a hand touched area pattern of the hand overlaying the touch pad of the steering wheel of Fig. 5,
Fig. 7 illustrates a first example of hand touched areas of a user on the steering wheel of the vehicle security system of Fig. 2, Fig. 8 illustrates a corresponding user hand touched area pattern of the steering wheel of Fig. 7,
Fig. 9 illustrates a second example of hand touched areas of the user on the steering wheel of the vehicle security system of Fig. 2,
Fig. 10 illustrates a corresponding user hand touched area pattern of the steering wheel of Fig. 9,
Fig. 11 illustrates a third example of hand touched areas of the user on the steering wheel of the vehicle security system of Fig. 2,
Fig. 12 illustrates a corresponding user hand touched area pattern of the steering wheel of Fig. 11,
Fig. 13 illustrates a flow chart of operating the vehicle security system of Fig. 2,
Fig. 14 illustrates a flow chart for generating a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern for unlocking the steering wheel of the flow chart of Fig. 13,
Fig. 15 illustrates a flow chart of a method for operating the steering wheel of the flow chart of Fig. 13, and
Fig. 16 illustrates a screen display of a user smart phone of the network of Fig. 1
In the following description, details are provided to describe embodiments of the application. It shall be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such details .
Some parts of the embodiment have similar parts. The similar parts may have the same names or similar part numbers. The description of one similar part also applies by reference to another similar parts, where appropriate, thereby reducing repetition of text without limiting the disclosure. Fig. 1 shows an overview of a network 1 of devices that are communicatively connected to each other.
The devices include a vehicle with a security system 2 and with a touch screen 4, a remote computer server 5, and a smart phone 7.
The vehicle security system 2 is electrically connected to the touch screen 4. The vehicle security system 2 is communicatively connected to the remote computer server 5 through a wireless communication means that uses radio electromagnetic waves . The computer server 5 is communicatively also connected to the smart phone 7 via another wireless communication means.
Referring to Fig. 2, the vehicle security system 2 includes a steering wheel 8, a steering wheel column with a lock 20, a control unit 11, and an ignition switch 13.
The steering wheel 8 is fixed to the steering wheel column. The lock 20 is mechanically attached to the steering wheel column and is electrically connected to the control unit 11 via wires. The control unit 11 is also connected to the ign tion switch 13.
The steering wheel 8 includes a steering wheel ring 12 with a driver touch pad 15 that is provided on an outer surface of the steering wheel ring 12, as better seen in Fig. 3.
The touch pad 15 includes a plurality of capacitive touch sensitive elements 23, as shown in Fig. 4. The touch sensitive element is also called capacitive element. The touch sensitive elements 23 are arranged in a predetermined grid pattern and are placed inside the touch pad 15. The touch sensitive elements 23 are electrically coupled to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 is als electrically connected to the touch screen 4 via wires a is communicatively connected the remote computer server via a wireless communication means .
The control unit 11 includes a processing unit 25 with a memory module 27, a steering wheel touch pad port 28, a steering wheel lock control port 29, and a communication module 30. The steering wheel touch pad port 28 is also called a steering wheel touch sensitive area port.
The processing unit 25 is electrically connected with the memory module 27, with the steering wheel touch pad port 28, with the steering wheel lock control port 29, and with the communication module 30.
The steering wheel touch pad port 28 is electrically connected to the touch pad 15 while the steering wheel lock control port 29 is electrically connected to the steering wheel lock 20.
In one implementation, the processing unit 25 includes a digital microprocessor. The memory module 27 refers to a nonvolatile memory, which keeps its contents even if electrical power to the memory module 27 is lost. Examples of the nonvolatile memory include Read-Only Memory (ROM) and flash memory.
The communication module 30 is connected to the remote computer server 5 via a wireless communication means that uses cellular network signals .
The smart phone 7 refers to a mobile phone with a computing device . In use, a driver turns on the ignition switch 13 that acts to activate or connect a car battery to a main electrical system, thereby providing electricity to devices of the vehicle such as the processing unit 25, the steering wheel lock 20, and the touch screen . Hands of the driver then grip an outer surface of the steering wheel ring 12.
The touch pad 15 is used for receiving touches of fingers and palms of the hands of the driver.
The driver can place and grip different parts of the steering wheel ring outer surface, wherein the fingers and palms of the hands touch these parts .
These touched parts have a pattern of touched areas, which is illustrated in Fig. 6. Parts of the fingers that touch the touch pad 15 are shown as thick lines 36 in Fig. 6. Other parts of the fingers placed over the touch pad 15 are shown as thin lines 37 in Fig. 6.
Each touched area has a particular position. Moreover, each touched area also has a particular size. The touched area size is related to a unique hand size and to unique knuckle positions of the driver hand. Furthermore, the driver can grip the touch pad 15 with a certain unique pressure. This hence results in a unique touched area size.
Referring to the touch sensitive elements 23, they are used for detecting the positions and the sizes of these touched areas .
In particular, when the fingers and the palms of the hands of the driver touch the touch pad 15, these fingers and these palms are also near the touch sensitive elements 23, as illustrated in Fig. 5.
The touch sensitive elements 23 have a predetermined capacitance value. When the fingers and the palms of the driver grip the touch pad 15, these fingers and palms change the predetermined capacitance value of the touch sensitive elements 23, which are located near these fingers and these palms. On the other hand, the predetermined capacitance value of the other touch sensitive elements 23, which are positioned further away from the touched areas remains unchanged.
The touch sensitive elements 23 act to transmit these capacitance measurements to the control unit 11.
Figs. 7 and 8 show an example of a touched area pattern. Figs. 7 and 8 depict a touched area pattern 17a.
As seen in Fig. 7, the driver places his left hand at a left area 33a that is located at a ten o'clock driving position of the steering wheel ring 12. The driver also places his right hand at a right area 35a that is located at a two o'clock driving position of the steering wheel ring 12.
As seen in Fig. 8, the left area 33a has a first left size while the right area 35a has a first right size. The left area 33a at the ten o' clock driving position with the first left size and the right area 35a at the two o'clock driving position with the first right size form a first touched area pattern 17a.
Similarly, Figs. 9 and 10 show another example of a touched area pattern. Figs. 9 and 10 depict a touched area pattern 17b. This touched area pattern 17b differs from the touched area pattern 17a of Figs. 7 and 8, in which both touched area patterns 17a and 17b have different touched area positions.
As seen in Fig. 9, the driver places his left hand at a left area 33b that is located at an eight o'clock driving position of the steering wheel ring 12. The driver also places his right hand at a right area 35b that is located at a four o' clock driving position of the steering wheel ring 12. These touched area positions are different from the touched area positions of Fig. 7.
As seen in Fig. 10, the left area 33b has a second left size while the right area 35b has a second right size. The left area 33b at the eight o'clock driving position with the second left size and the right area 35b at the four o' clock driving position with the second right size form another touched area pattern 17b.
Figs. 11 and 12 show a further example of a touched area pattern. Figs. 11 and 12 depict a touched area pattern 17c.
This touched area pattern 17c differs from the touched area pattern 17b of Figs. 9 and 10 in that both touched area patterns 17b and 17c have different touched area sizes.
As seen in Fig. 11, the driver places his left hand at a left area 33c that is located at an eight o'clock driving position of the steering wheel ring 12. The driver also places his right hand at a right area 35c that is located at a four o' clock driving position of the steering wheel ring 12.
As seen in Fig. 12, the left area 33c has a third left size while the right area 35c has a third right size. The third left size of the left area 33c differs from the second left size of the left area 33b of Figs. 9 and 10. Similarly, the third right size of the right area 35c differs from the second right size of the left area 35b of Figs. 9 and 10.
The left area 33c at the eight < ' clock driving position with the third left size and the rig^ .t area 35c at the four o'clock driving position with the third right size form a further touched area pattern 17c.
Referring to the steering wheel lock 20, it provides two positions, namely a locked position and an unlocked position.
In the locked position, the steering wheel lock 20 essentially fixes the car steering wheel 8 such that the steering wheel 8 cannot move.
In the unlocked position, the steering wheel lock 20 essentially releases the car steering wheel 8 such that the steering wheel 8 can rotate about its vertical axis.
The steering wheel lock 20 is set to the locked position after the ignition switch 13 is turned off.
The memory module 27 is used for storing a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern. The predetermined steeri wheel activation pattern corresponds to characteristics of driver of the vehicle .
In a general sense, the vehicle can have several drivers and the memory module 27 can store several predetermined steering wheel activation patterns, wherein each predetermined steering wheel activation pattern corresponds to one driver. Each driv- er can also have one or more than one predetermined steering wheel activation pattern for easier use.
The memory module 27 also stores a program with a pattern recognition algorithm that provides instructions for operating the processing unit 25.
The processing unit 25 operates according to instructions from the stored program with the pattern recognition algorithm.
The processing unit 25 acts to obtain a touched area data from the touch sensitive elements 23 of the steering wheel ring 12 to form a touched area pattern 17.
The processing unit 25 also acts to retrieve a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern from the memory module 27. e processing unit 25 then compares the touched area pattern with the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
When a match between the touched area pattern 17 and the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected, the processing unit 25 generates a steering wheel unlocking signal for actuating the steering wheel lock 20 to the unlocked position. The processing unit 25 later transmits the steering wheel unlocking signal to the steering wheel lock control port 29.
The processing unit 25 can select a touched area pattern 17 serve as a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern. The processing unit 25 then stores the selected predetermine steering wheel activation pattern in the memory module 27. Furthermore, the processing unit 25 encrypts the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern before storing it in the memory module 27 for protecting it against unauthorized modification. The processing unit 25 also decrypts the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern after retrieving it from the memory module 27.
The encryption converts the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern into an unreadable form. Unauthorized users, who do not possess its encryption key, can neither interpret easily nor alter the encrypted steering wheel activation pattern .
The steering wheel touch pad port 28 is used for receiving a touched area pattern 17 from the touch pad 15.
The steering wheel lock control port 29 is intended for out- putting the steering wheel unlocking signal to the steering wheel lock 20 for unlocking the steering wheel 8.
The communication module 30 allows exchanges of data between the processing unit 25 and the computer server 5. The data may be encrypted before transmission for protecting it against unauthorized modification.
The touch screen 4 acts to display data or information and to receive touches from a user, wherein the touches acts to provide user inputs or instructions.
The smart phone 7 is equipped with software applications for exchanging data with the computer server 5. The software applications also encrypt the data and later decrypt the encrypted data before using it The smart phone 7 enables displaying data to a user as shown in Fig. 16 and receiving inputs or instructions from the user.
The computer server 5 acts to receive data from processing unit 25 and data from the smart phone 7. The data includes the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern. The computer server 5 also acts to store the received data.
The computer server 5 is also equipped with software applications for encrypting data and later decrypting the encrypted data before using it
Different methods of operating the security system 2 of a vehicle are possible.
Fig. 13 shows a sequence diagram or flow chart 100 of a method of operating the security system 2 of the vehicle.
The flow chart 100 includes two flow charts, namely a flow chart 200 for a method for generating a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern for unlocking the steering wheel 8 and a flow chart 300 for a method for operating the steering wheel 8.
The flow chart 200 is also shown in more detail in Fig. 14 while the flow chart 300 is also shown in more detail in Fig. 15.
Fig. 14 shows the flow chart 200 of a method of generating a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern for unlocking the steering wheel 8. When the vehicle is new, the vehicle security system 2 includes a default steering wheel activation pattern, which is provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle security system 2.
Subsequently, a user can generate an individualized steering wheel activation pattern to replace the default steering wheel activation pattern. Examples of the user include an authorized car dealer and a vehicle owner.
The user can also generate a new individualized steering wheel activation pattern to replace an existing individualized steering wheel activation pattern.
The flow chart 200 includes a step 202 of a user turning on an ignition switch 13 of the vehicle.
The touch screen 4 later displays a message for prompting the user to hold the steering wheel 8, in a step 204.
The touch sensitive elements 23 of the touch pad 15 then detect the touched areas on the steering wheel 8 and sends touched area data for forming a user hand touched area pattern 17 to the processing unit 25, in a step 206.
The processing unit 25 afterward stores the user hand touched area pattern 17 in the memory module 27, in a step 208.
The processing unit 25 also sends the user hand touched area pattern 17 to the computer server 5, in a step 212.
The computer server 5 later sends the user hand touched area pattern 17 to the smart phone 7 of a car owner for viewing, in a step 214. The car owner then modifies the user hand touched area pattern 17, if needed, and may later set or select the shown user hand touched area pattern 17 as a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern, in a step 216.
Fig. 15 shows a flow chart 300 of a method of operating the steering wheel 8 of the vehicle.
The flow chart 300 includes a step 301 of turning off an ignition switch 13 of the vehicle to stop the engine of the vehicle when the vehicle arrives at its destination.
The processing unit 25 then actuates the steering wheel lock 20 to the locked position, thereby preventing the steering wheel 8 from moving, in a step 302.
A driver afterward turns on an ignition switch 13 to drive the vehicle, in a step 303.
The touch screen 4 later displays a message for prompting the driver to hold and touch the steering wheel 8 in a manner for unlocking the steering wheel 8, in a step 304.
The touch sensitive elements 23 of the touch pad 15 then detect the touched areas on the steering wheel 8 and sends touched area data, which forms a user hand touched area pattern 17, to the processing unit 25, in a step 306.
The processing unit 25 afterward retrieves a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern from the memory module 27, in a step 308.
Following this, the pattern recognition algorithms provide instructions to the processing unit 25 for comparing the re- ceived user hand touched area pattern 17 with the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern, in a step 310.
If the user hand touched area pattern 17 matches the retrieved predetermined steering wheel activation pattern, the processing unit then actuates the steering wheel lock 20 to an unlocked position, thereby allowing the steering wheel 8 to be moved by the driver, in a step 312.
If the user hand touched area pattern 17 does not match the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern, and the mismatch occurs less than 3 times consecutively, the step 304 is performed again.
If the mismatch occurs more than 3 times consecutively, the processing unit 25 then sends a notification of the mismatch to a computer server 5, in a step 316.
The computer server 5 later sends the received mismatch notification to the smart phone 7 of the car owner, in a step 318.
The car owner then takes appropriate actions, in a step 320.
The vehicle security system 2 provides several advantages.
The vehicle security system 2 provides a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern that corresponds to the driver. The driver can select any area along the steering wheel for holding while the individualised hand size of the driver generates a distinctive touched area size. These distinguishing features allow generation of the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern that is characteristic of the driver. Furthermore, the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is encrypted. This encryption protects it against unauthorized modification, thereby enhancing the vehicle security.
An intruder cannot easily feign the authorized driver. The intruder would need to have hand sizes that are same as the driver hand sizes. Furthermore, the intruder would have to guess correctly the steering wheel unlocking positions .
For additional security, the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern can also be changed regularly. The driver hand size can be kept a secret. The number of attempts to unlock the steering wheel can be limited.
The design of this vehicle security system 2 is simple while allowing the user to learn its operation in a short time.
Furthermore, the vehicle security system 2 can also be used for selecting different functions of the vehicle that is appropriate to the driver. Examples of the functions include en- tertainment system setting, seat setting, engine setting, and rear and side mirror setting.
In a general sense, different implementations of the vehicle security system 2 are possible.
Instead of implementing the touch pad 15 using the capacitive touch sensitive elements 23, the touch pad 15 can be implemented using a resistive film. When the fingers touch the touch pad 15, the fingers change resistance of film, wherein the resistance change is used to detect positions of the fingers on the touch pad 15. The touch pad 15 can also be implemented using infrared image sensors . The touch screen 4 is a form of a human machine interface device. Examples of other human machine interface devices include a voice prompt device, a cluster display or an interactive touch screen.
The embodiments can also be described with the following lists of features or elements being organized into an item list. The respective combinations of features, which are disclosed in the item list, are regarded as independent subject matter, respectively, that can also be combined with other features of the application.
1. A processing module for a vehicle security device, the processing module comprising
a steering wheel touch sensitive area port, a steering wheel lock control port, and
a processor being connected to the steering wheel touch sensitive area port and to the steering wheel lock control port, the processor being adapted for
receiving touched area pattern data from the steering wheel touch sensitive area port, wherein the touched area pattern data comprises hand position data and hand size data,
comparing the touched area pattern data with a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern, and
generating a steering wheel unlocking signal when a match between the touched area pattern data and the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected,
wherein the steering wheel control port is adapted for outputting the steering wheel unlocking signal. A security device for protecting a vehicle from unauthorised use, the security device comprising
at least one steering wheel touch sensitive area, the steering wheel touch sensitive area being adapted for detecting at least one hand touch and for generating hand touched area pattern data according to the hand touch, the hand touched area pattern data comprising hand position data and hand size data,
a steering wheel lock, and
a processing module according to item 1, wherein the steering wheel touch sensitive area port is connected to the steering wheel touch sensitive area, wherein
the steering wheel lock control port is connected to the steering wheel lock, and wherein
the processing module is adapted for
receiving the touched area pattern data from the steering wheel touch sensitive area, and sending a steering wheel unlocking signal when a match between the touched area pattern data and a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected.
The security device according to item 2, wherein
the touch sensitive area is provided on outer surface sections of a steering whee1 of the vehicle.
The security device according to item 2 or 3, wherein the touch sensitive area comprises a plurality of touch sensors .
The security device according to item 4, wherein
the touch sensor comprises at least one capacitive element . A vehicle comprising
a steering wheel,
a security device according to one of the items 2 to 5, the security device comprising
at least one steering wheel touch sensitive area being provided on the steering wheel, the steering wheel touch sensitive area being adapted for detecting at least one hand touch and for generating hand touched area pattern data according to the hand touch,
a steering wheel lock, and
a processing module being connected to the steering wheel lock, the processing module being adapted for unlocking the steering wheel lock when a match between the hand touched area pattern data and a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected. The vehicle according to item 6 further comprising an ignition switch being adapted for transmitting a steering wheel lock signal to the steering wheel lock when the ignition switch is actuated to an off-position.
The vehicle according to item 6 or 7 further comprising a human machine interface device for prompting a user to hold the steering wheel. The vehicle according to item 8, wherein
the human machine interface device comprises a display screen . The vehicle according to item 8, wherein
the human machine interface device comprises a voice prompt device. A security network module comprising
a vehicle according to one of the items 6 to 10 and a computer server for sending a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern to the vehicle.
The security network module according to item 11 further comprising
a mobile hand phone for receiving a predetermined steer- ing wheel activation pattern from the computer server for a user to review the predetermined steering wheel activa- tion pattern. The security network module according to item 11 or 12, wherein
the computer server is adapted for encrypting the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
A method for operating a vehicle security device comprising
receiving a touched area pattern data, which comprises position data and size data of at least one driver hand on a steering wheel of a vehicle,
comparing the touched area pattern data with a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern, and
when a match between the touched area pattern data and the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected, actuating a steering wheel lock from a locked position to an unlocked position. The method according to item 14 further comprising prompting a user to hold the steering wheel. Although the above description contains much specificity, thi should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but merely providing illustration of the foreseeable em bodiments . The above-stated advantages of the embodiments should not be construed especially as limiting the scope of the embodiments but merely to explain possible achievements i the described embodiments are put into practice. Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the claims and their equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
REFERENCE NUMBERS
1 network
2 vehicle security system
4 touch screen
5 computer server
7 smart phone
8 car steering wheel
11 control unit
12 car steering wheel ring
13 ignition switch
15 touch pad
17 user hand touched area pattern
17a user hand touched area pattern
17b user hand touched area pattern
17c user hand touched area pattern
20 steering wheel lock
23 touch sensitive elements
25 processing unit
27 memory module
28 steering wheel touch pad port
29 steering wheel lock control port
30 communication module
33a left touched area
33b left touched area
33c left touched area
35a right touched area
35b right touched area
35c right touched area
36 thick lines
37 thin lines
100 flow chart
200 flow chart
202 step W
204 step
206 step
208 step
212 step
214 step
216 step
300 flow chart
301 step
302 step
303 step
304 step
306 step
308 step
310 step
312 step
316 step
318 step
320 step

Claims

1. A processing module for a vehicle security device, the processing module comprising
a steering wheel touch sensitive area port, a steering wheel lock control port, and
a processor being connected to the steering wheel touch sensitive area port and to the steering wheel loc control port, the processor being adapted for
receiving touched area pattern data from the steering wheel touch sensitive area port, wherein the touched area pattern data compris hand position data and hand size data,
comparing the touched area pattern data with predetermined steering wheel activation pat- generating a steering wheel unloeking signal when a match between the touched area pattern data and the predetermined steering wheel acti- vation pattern is detected,
wherein the steering wheel control port is adapted for outputting the steering wheel unlocking signal .
A security device for protecting a vehicle from unauthor- ised use, the security device comprising
at least one steering wheel touch sensitive area, the steering wheel touch sensitive area being adapted for detecting at least one hand touch and for generating hand touched area pattern data according to the hand touch, the hand touched area pattern data comprising hand posi- tion data and hand size data,
a steering wheel lock, and a processing module according to claim 1, wherein the steering wheel touch sensitive area port is connected to the steering wheel touch sensitive area, wherein the steering wheel lock control port is connected to the steering wheel lock, and wherein
the processing module is adapted for
receiving the touched area pattern data from the steering wheel touch sensitive area, and sending a steering wheel unlocking signal when a match between the touched area pattern data and a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected.
The security device according to claim 2, wherein the touch sensitive area is provided on outer surface sections of a steering whee1 of the vehicle.
The security device according to claim 2, wherein the touch sensitive area comprises a plurality of touch sensors .
The security device according to claim 4, wherein the touch sensor comprises at least one capacitive element .
A vehicle comprising
a steering wheel,
a security device according to claim 2, the security device comprising
at least one steering wheel touch sensitive area being provided on the steering wheel, the steering wheel touch sensitive area being adapted for detecting at least one hand touch and for generating hand touched area pattern data according to the hand touch, a steering wheel lock, and
a processing module being connected to the steering wheel lock, the processing module being adapted for unlocking the steering wheel lock when a match between the hand touched area pattern data and a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected.
7. The vehicle according to claim 6 further comprising
an ignition switch being adapted for transmitting a steering wheel lock signal to the steering wheel lock when the ignition switch is actuated to an off-position.
The vehicle according to claim 6 further comprising a human machine interface device for prompting a user to hold the steering wheel.
9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein
the human machine interface device comprises a display screen .
10. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein
the human machine interface device comprises a voice prompt device.
11. A security network module comprising
a vehicle according to claim 6 and
a computer server for sending a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern to the vehicle.
The security network module according to claim 11 furthe comprising a mobile hand phone for receiving a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern from the computer server for a user to review the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
The security network module according to claim 11, wherein
the computer server is adapted for encrypting the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern.
A method for operating a vehicle security device comprising
receiving a touched area pattern data, which comprises position data and size data of at least one driver hand on a steering wheel of a vehicle,
comparing the touched area pattern data with a predetermined steering wheel activation pattern, and
when a match between the touched area pattern data and the predetermined steering wheel activation pattern is detected, actuating a steering wheel lock from a locked position to an unlocked position.
15. The method according to claim 14 further comprising
prompting a user to hold the steering wheel.
PCT/IB2015/050982 2015-02-10 2015-02-10 Intelligent car steering wheel security system WO2016128788A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2015/050982 WO2016128788A1 (en) 2015-02-10 2015-02-10 Intelligent car steering wheel security system
CN201580073891.6A CN107207029A (en) 2015-02-10 2015-02-10 Intelligent automobile steering wheel security system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2015/050982 WO2016128788A1 (en) 2015-02-10 2015-02-10 Intelligent car steering wheel security system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016128788A1 true WO2016128788A1 (en) 2016-08-18

Family

ID=56615540

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2015/050982 WO2016128788A1 (en) 2015-02-10 2015-02-10 Intelligent car steering wheel security system

Country Status (2)

Country Link
CN (1) CN107207029A (en)
WO (1) WO2016128788A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102016119846A1 (en) * 2016-10-18 2018-04-19 Preh Gmbh Man-machine interface comprising a steering wheel and a fingerprint sensor attached thereto

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR102504471B1 (en) * 2018-01-05 2023-02-28 현대자동차주식회사 Steering wheel and control method thereof
CN111404535A (en) * 2020-03-20 2020-07-10 宁波吉利汽车研究开发有限公司 Steering wheel switch control system of vehicle and control method thereof
DE102021110299A1 (en) * 2021-04-22 2022-10-27 Preh Gmbh Adaptive capacitive touch sensing steering wheel, associated assembly and motor vehicle

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060285725A1 (en) * 2001-05-16 2006-12-21 Michael Recce Authorized personnel biometric detection system preventing unauthorized use of aircraft and other potentially dangerous instruments
US20110133919A1 (en) * 2009-12-07 2011-06-09 The Inventioneers Steering wheel hand position sensing device
KR20140079186A (en) * 2012-12-18 2014-06-26 현대오트론 주식회사 System for reinforcement of the vehicle security and control of driver's convenient devices using a fingerprint
KR20140112190A (en) * 2013-03-13 2014-09-23 주식회사 한라홀딩스 Apparatus and method for preventing robbery of vehicle
US20140300458A1 (en) * 2009-11-13 2014-10-09 William Bennett Steering wheel cover driver safety system

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN2265323Y (en) * 1996-05-22 1997-10-22 杨良池 Control circuit for vehicle theft-proof device
CN201901110U (en) * 2010-10-21 2011-07-20 罗甘 Vehicle steering wheel lock equipped with protective sleeve and protective sleeve thereof
CN103010157B (en) * 2013-01-07 2015-06-10 重庆集诚汽车电子有限责任公司 Control method of electronic steering column lock
CN203698209U (en) * 2013-12-13 2014-07-09 深圳市航盛电子股份有限公司 Vehicle security alarm system
CN204124101U (en) * 2014-09-16 2015-01-28 陕西科技大学 A kind of remotely monitoring car in real time device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060285725A1 (en) * 2001-05-16 2006-12-21 Michael Recce Authorized personnel biometric detection system preventing unauthorized use of aircraft and other potentially dangerous instruments
US20140300458A1 (en) * 2009-11-13 2014-10-09 William Bennett Steering wheel cover driver safety system
US20110133919A1 (en) * 2009-12-07 2011-06-09 The Inventioneers Steering wheel hand position sensing device
KR20140079186A (en) * 2012-12-18 2014-06-26 현대오트론 주식회사 System for reinforcement of the vehicle security and control of driver's convenient devices using a fingerprint
KR20140112190A (en) * 2013-03-13 2014-09-23 주식회사 한라홀딩스 Apparatus and method for preventing robbery of vehicle

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102016119846A1 (en) * 2016-10-18 2018-04-19 Preh Gmbh Man-machine interface comprising a steering wheel and a fingerprint sensor attached thereto

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN107207029A (en) 2017-09-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11440504B2 (en) Systems for operating a vehicle and associated methods
US9031237B2 (en) Method and apparatus for protecting private data on a vehicle
CN105745665B (en) The vehicle data management of the safety of privacy with enhancing
US11263329B2 (en) Method, computer-readable medium, system and vehicle comprising the system for providing a data record of a vehicle to a third party
WO2016128788A1 (en) Intelligent car steering wheel security system
CN104008582A (en) Methodology for emergency transfer of keys for vehicle equipped with biometric access and start
KR20170075986A (en) Smart key system applied double security and double security method for vehicle using the same
WO2020174544A1 (en) Vehicle, vehicle onboard device, and management method
JP5879451B1 (en) System and method for managing vehicles
US20200353893A1 (en) Secure temporary access for portions of remotely operable vehicles
US10169612B2 (en) Method for executing a safety-critical function of a computing unit in a cyber-physical system
CN101344974A (en) Control system and method, fixed radio communication device and method, and portable radio communication device and method
US11958562B2 (en) Open-cabin vehicle and portable terminal
JP5393717B2 (en) Electronic key device
CN114511949A (en) Biometric authentication type vehicle start with paired sensor and key intrusion detection
JP2009037468A (en) Vehicle detection system and method
JP7069893B2 (en) Information processing equipment for vehicles, information processing systems for vehicles, information processing programs for vehicles, and information processing methods for vehicles.
JP2004136793A (en) Theft monitoring system
KR20150019125A (en) Authentication apparatus based onfg motion
JP4814672B2 (en) Electronic device theft prevention device, method and program
US11760309B2 (en) Vehicle and control method thereof
TW201402378A (en) System and method for controlling an automobile
US20140304807A1 (en) Method to activate and restrict control of a device
JP2024001959A (en) Registration system and registration method of vehicular electronic key, vehicle control device
JP2005126054A (en) Theft prevention system, theft prevention device and power source control device for the system, transportation equipment provided with the theft prevention system, and theft prevention method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 15881874

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 15881874

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1