Vehicle communication method using cellular communication protocol

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for "Cellular Base Station Independent V2X Cellular Communication Synchronization and Initialization." A cellular vehicle-to-anything (C-V2X) [including V2V] communication system obtains positioning and time data from one or more GNSS signals and retrieves cellular synchronization information (including but not limited to 3GPP MIP and / or SIB) from a pre-loaded database and uses the information to establish a C-V2V connection with another vehicle. Synchronization can be repeated after expiration of a time period. The time period can be selected according to the positioning and speed of the vehicle. Other sources of time data can be used when GNSS signals are not available, such as an internal quartz clock or timing from a cellular base station.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle-to-vehicle communication using cellular communication protocols. BACKGROUND

[0002] Modern vehicles have many conveniences and safety features. Sensors such as radar, ultrasound, and cameras enable vehicle controllers to identify obstacles and potential collisions. One possible application of these features is to enable sharing of information and informing vehicles of each other's presence in conjunction with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.

[0003] There are many wireless protocols for performing V2V communication such as WI-FI, DSRC (digital short range communications), Bluetooth, etc. Cellular communication offers many benefits such as longer range and higher bandwidth, but has not been widely accepted.

[0004] The systems and methods disclosed herein provide an improved approach for V2X cellular communication. Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) protocols include V2V, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), vehicle-to-internet (V2I), etc. In the present invention, V2X and V2V are used interchangeably. SUMMARY

[0005] In an aspect of the invention, a method is performed by a vehicle computer, and the method includes: (a) receiving a signal from a global navigation satellite system; (b) extracting a time and a position from the signal; (c) retrieving communication parameters associated with the position from a pre-loaded database stored in the vehicle computer, the pre-loaded database not being received from any cellular base station; and (d) initiating communication with another vehicle in accordance with the communication parameters.

[0006] In some embodiments, the communication parameters include a communication frequency. The communication parameters include Master Information Blocks (MIBs) and System Information Blocks (SIBs) in accordance with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The communication parameters include C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything) synchronization preconfigured parameters.

[0007] In some embodiments, (d) includes allocating communication resources among a plurality of vehicles in accordance with the communication parameters.

[0008] In some embodiments, the vehicle computer includes: a cellular vehicle-to-vehicle (C-V2V) component, the C-V2V component including a first cellular antenna; and a cellular data communication component, the cellular data communication component including a second cellular antenna, the C-V2V component being separate from the cellular data communication component. In such embodiments, the method includes performing (a) through (d) by the C-V2V component.

[0009] In some embodiments, (a) through (d) are performed without accessing subscriber identification information of the cellular data communication component.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: (e) starting a timer; and (f) repeating (a) through (f) after expiration of the timer.

[0011] In some embodiments, starting the timer comprises: determining a location and speed of a vehicle housing the vehicle computer; determining a traversal time to exit a geographic area associated with the communication parameter; and starting the timer to count down from the traversal time.

[0012] A vehicle implementing the above method is also disclosed and claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] In order to facilitate an understanding of the advantages of the present application, reference is made to the detailed description of specific embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of this application and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, the application being described and explained more fully and completely herein is with additional features and details by use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] Figures 1A-1D is a schematic block diagram of a communication system for implementing cellular V2V communication according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] Figure 2 is a process flow diagram of a method for synchronizing a cellular V2V communication system according to an embodiment of the present application; and

[0016] Figure 3 is a process flow diagram of an alternative method for synchronizing a cellular V2V communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Cellular V2V (C-V2V) communication system synchronization is performed in various ways according to Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards. However, as explained below, they do not meet the requirements of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Therefore, vehicles implementing 3GPP synchronization will not be permitted on U.S. roads.

[0018] In one implementation, 3GPP C-V2V communication regulations provide signaling from a base station (eNB) for initial communication system synchronization, including clock synchronization. This is not a viable solution for the following reasons:

[0019] 1. 3GPP base stations provide clock synchronization with a 0.2 ppm (parts per million) clock drift error. Given the NHTSA requirement, the clock drift should be within 0.1 ppm, thus requiring an alternative solution.

[0020] 2. NHTSA requires time synchronization from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals rather than other sources. Therefore, synchronization of base stations is not permitted in NHTSA compliant vehicles.

[0021] 3. Another implementation of 3GPP C-V2V specifies the use of signaling from GNSS and the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) / USIM (Universal SIM) / eSIM of the cellular modem for initial communication synchronization, including clock synchronization. However, the use of SIM / USIM for system synchronization is not the best solution because the SIM / USIM is a separate device that needs to have a direct data path, access mechanism, and processing method in the C-V2V system. In the case of cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) systems, the SIM / USIM can be separated from the main telematics control unit (TCU) in some way, such as in the form of a standalone unit, sub-board, or integrated hardware. There is no 3GPP modem signal available for initial synchronization in such implementations. Furthermore, all of these implementations must include information exchange between hardware and software. This increases the hardware and software design and implementation costs for manufacturers. Due to security reasons, even integrated C-V2X and TCU designs can not permit sharing of SIM / USIM information.

[0022] 4. The SIM / USIM contains the identity of the user (driver). Continuous access to the SIM / USIM can raise security issues and can lead to driver anonymity violations.

[0023] 5. In yet another implementation, initial synchronization of the C-V2V communication system is achieved by using pre-configured modem core information until the 3GPP base station signal is available. This solution has the same inherent problems as the other options described above.

[0024] Therefore, all of the above options in the 3GPP standard are expensive for manufacturers and still do not meet the NHTSA requirements for clock synchronization and privacy protection. The systems and methods disclosed herein implement C-V2V communication in a way that overcomes all of the above shortcomings.

[0025] Reference Figure 1A A vehicle communication system 100a for use in accordance with the methods described herein can have some or all of the illustrated components. The communication system 100a can be part of a TCU (Telematics Control Unit) of a vehicle. The system 100a can include an application processor 102 that performs one or more mobile communication functions, such as voice calling, web browsing, retrieving navigation information, sharing diagnostic information, etc.

[0026] The application processor 102 performs wireless communication through a cellular modem 104 coupled to a cellular radio frequency front end (RFFE) 106, which is coupled to an antenna 108. The cellular modem 104 and RFFE 106 can implement any cellular communication protocol known in the art, such as 3G (3rdgeneration), 4G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G, etc.

[0027] The cellular modem 104 can include or access a SIM (subscriber identity module) 110 and a ROM (read only memory) 112. The SIM 110 can encode an identifier of a subscriber and can additionally include sensitive information, such as mobile payment information and contacts. As is known in the art, the SIM 110 can be used to authenticate a subscriber in order to gain access to a cellular communication network.

[0028] V2V communication has inherent risks, as it is routinely performed with unverified systems. Additionally, operators charge for communication over cellular networks, such that frequent V2V communication will result in a significant charge to the subscriber. Additionally, some operators can charge a fee to a vendor who wishes to implement a service that requires access to the SIM 110.

[0029] Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the communication system 100a can also include a separate cellular vehicle-to-vehicle (C-V2V) system 114 that performs V2V communication according to a cellular protocol independently of the cellular modem 104 and without requiring authentication of the SIM.

[0030] The C-V2V system 114 can include a separate application processor 116 that implements V2V functionality. Such functionality can include exchanging information about vehicle positioning, potential obstacles, or other information necessary to implement any V2V functionality known in the art.

[0031] The application processor 116 can also implement a geo-location based synchronization module 118 (hereinafter “synchronization module 118”) that enables cellular communication between vehicles without communication with a cellular base station, as described below with respect to Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0032] The synchronization module 118 can communicate with a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) module 120 having a corresponding antenna 122. The GNSS module 120 receives signals from one or more satellite navigation systems, such as some or all of the following: Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS (Russian satellite navigation system), and Galileo (European satellite navigation system), BDS (Beidou Navigation Satellite System, China). As known in the art, these signals can be resolved to determine the position of the receiver with high precision as well as the current time.

[0033] A separate C-V2V modem 124 and C-V2V RFFE 126 are coupled to a separate antenna 128. The modem 124 and RFFE 126 can communicate according to any cellular communication protocol known in the art, such as 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, etc. The synchronization module 118 can use the modem 124 and RFFE 126 to communicate in order to implement one or both of the methods described below for V2V communication without using a cellular base station.

[0034] The synchronization module can access a RAM (random access memory) 130 storing a geo-positioning-based synchronization database 132. As described in detail below, the database 132 stores data sufficient to set up cellular communication channels between vehicles throughout a geographic region, such as a country, continent, or globally. The database 132 defines cellular regions and communication parameters for these regions, such as frequencies, frequency ranges, or frequency ranges for particular regions. The database can define master information blocks (MIBs) and system information blocks (SIBs) according to the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The cellular regions can be defined as a center position and a radius from the center position, or as one or more positions defining a perimeter of the cellular region. As known in the art of cellular communication, the cellular regions can overlap each other, but are preferably arranged so that frequencies used within adjacent cellular regions do not overlap each other.

[0035] The geo-positioning-based synchronization database 132 can be pre-loaded in the chipset of the communication system 100a, 100b at the time of manufacture or as a firmware update. However, the database 132 need not communicate with a cellular base station to be used or updated at any time. In this way, the use of the cellular modem 104 and its corresponding SIM 110 is avoided.

[0036] As evident in Figure 1A the operation of the application processor 116 bypasses the cellular modem 104 and does not require access to the SIM 110 or any other communication with the cellular base station of the operator.

[0037] Figure 1BAn alternative embodiment 100b of a communication system is shown. In the shown embodiment, the functions of the application processors 102, 116 and modems 104, 124 are implemented by a single integrated module 134. In such an embodiment, the synchronization module 118 and C-V2V modem 124 can exist as separate circuits or processes from other cellular communications using the SIM 110 using cellular RFFE 106 and antenna 108.

[0038] Figure 1C An alternative implementation is shown that can be used for either of the communication systems 100a, 100b. A timer module 136 is included in the synchronization module 118. The timer module 136 invokes re-synchronization based on GNSS signals upon expiration of a timer to account for movement of the vehicle in which the communication system 100a, 100b is housed. An example method for synchronization using the timer module 136 is described below with respect to Figure 3 An example method for synchronization using the timer module 136 is described below with respect to

[0039] Reference is made to Figure 1D In some embodiments, an on-board navigation system 138 detects GNSS signals and provides positioning and time information for use in accordance with the methods disclosed herein. Such methods can be used using either the communication system 100a or 100b. In such embodiments, the GNSS module 120 and antenna 122 can be omitted or can be retained to provide redundancy.

[0040] Figure 2 An example method 200 for synchronization is shown that can be performed using the embodiments of 100a or 100b. The method 200 can be performed by Figure 1A the separate application processor 116 of Figure 1B the integrated module 134 of The method 200 can be performed using signals received from the GNSS module 120 and through the C-V2V RFFE 126 and C-V2V modem 124 from the C-V2V antenna 128.

[0041] The method 200 can include evaluating 202 whether the vehicle communication system supports C-V2V communication, and evaluating 204 whether GNSS signals are available from one or more satellites of one or more GNSS systems. If the result of either of these evaluations 202, 204 is negative, the method 200 ends. If the result of both of these evaluations is positive, the method continues at step 206, where a position and time are derived from one or more GNSS signals from one or more satellites of a GNSS system. As is known in the art, signals from multiple satellites can be required to obtain a position. However, time can be obtained from a signal from a single satellite, which can be sufficient in some cases. For example, a position can be derived using dead reckoning with an inertial measurement unit (accelerometer, compass, etc.) or using a GNSS receiver from another component of the vehicle, such as a navigation system.

[0042] The method 200 can then include extracting 208 synchronization information from the geo-position based synchronization database 132 for the position determined at step 206. In particular, the cell area including the position can be determined and the corresponding entry for the cell area in the database 132 can be extracted. As described above, this entry can include frequencies, frequency ranges, or frequency ranges for specific areas. The entry can include a master information block (MIB) and possibly a secondary information block (SIB) according to the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), as well as other system and time synchronization parameters.

[0043] The method 200 then includes synchronizing 210 the communication system 100a, 100b for C-V2V communication with another vehicle. This can include using the time measured from the time obtained at step 206 as a time stamp for the communication, thus enabling two vehicles using C-V2V communication to use clocks that are synchronized within an acceptable error level by virtue of the synchronization with the GNSS signals. The synchronization 210 can be performed in both the time domain and the frequency domain.

[0044] Likewise, the step 210 can include negotiating frequency allocation between the vehicles according to the frequencies available for the cell area. For example, frequencies and times can be negotiated between two or more vehicles in a cell area according to the PC5 cellular communication protocol.

[0045] Upon successful completion of the step 210, the communication system 100a, 100b can then proceed to V2V communication to implement any V2V functionality known in the art, such as sharing vehicle positions, sharing positions of potential obstacles, or information about other potential hazards or basic safety message (BSM) related information.

[0046] Figure 3An alternative method 300 for synchronization that can be performed using embodiments of 100a or 100b is shown. Method 300 can include performing synchronization according to steps 202 through 210 in the same manner as method 200.

[0047] Method 300 can also include determining 302 the speed and position of the vehicle, such as by using the position information from the GNSS signal to determine the position, rate of change of position (speed), and direction of movement. The speed can also be obtained from a compass and vehicle speed sensor of the vehicle's drivetrain.

[0048] Method 300 can then include determining 304 an estimated time of traversal of the cell area from step 208. Since the cell areas overlap, this estimated time need not be precise. For example, given the speed and position of the vehicle and assuming a straight trajectory, the time to reach the boundary of the cell area can be calculated. This can or can not take into account the actual road within the cell area.

[0049] Method 300 can then include starting 306 a timer that counts down from the time of traversal. When the timer is found 308 to have expired, method 300 continues at step 206.

[0050] If the timer does not expire and the vehicle is found 310 to have stopped, then method 300 ends, since further synchronization and access to the synchronization database 132 can no longer be needed.

[0051] Various additions and changes to the above-described methods can be implemented.

[0052] For example, the communication system 100a, 100b can periodically update the cellular base station synchronization parameters from the cellular base station V2V signals extracted from signaling from another vehicle or directly from the base station.

[0053] In cases where the position is extracted from a non-GNSS source or GNSS is not available, the primary source of synchronization can be the cellular base station signal received directly or extracted from another vehicle or relay entity that can be using the cellular base station signal.

[0054] In cases where GNSS is available and base station signals are also available, the base station information can be used in conjunction with the above-described embodiments.

[0055] In the above-described cases where base station signals are used for synchronization, cellular communication between vehicles can still be performed directly, rather than by way of a base station.

[0056] In another embodiment, a time synchronization signal can be derived from the vehicle's on-board navigation and mapping system 138, such as using the GNSS receiver of the on-board navigation system 138. Thus, the positioning from the on-board navigation system 138 can be used to identify the cell area in the database 132. In such embodiments, time information can also be received from the on-board navigation system 138.

[0057] In another embodiment, a separate clock in the vehicle, including but not limited to a quartz clock, is used for initial timing, synchronization, and time keeping during C-V2X communications.

[0058] In another embodiment, time information from some or all of GNSS signals, direct or relayed information from base stations, vehicle navigation system 138, and clocks can be combined and mixed to increase the availability of C-V2V (or V2X) services to vehicles. Specifically, synchronization can be performed using any of these methods available, with GNSS signals being the preferred method and used whenever available.

[0059] In the above disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific implementations in which the disclosure can be practiced. It is to be understood that other implementations can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc. indicate that the embodiment described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0060] Implementations of the systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein can include or utilize special or general purpose computers, including computer hardware such as one or more processors and system memory, as discussed herein. Implementations within the scope of the present disclosure can also include physical media and other computer- readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions are computer storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, implementations of the present disclosure can comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media: computer storage media (devices) and transmission media.

[0061] Computer storage media (devices) include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, solid state drives ("SSDs") (e.g., based on RAM), Flash memory, phase- change memory ("PCM"), other types of memory, other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

[0062] Implementations of the apparatuses, systems and methods disclosed herein can communicate over a computer network. A "network" is defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices, 3GPP entities, computer clouds, etc. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmissions media can include a network and / or data links which can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0063] Computer-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which, when executed at a processor, cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. The computer executable instructions can be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or acts described above. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure can be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including in-built vehicle computers, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, various storage devices, and the like. The disclosure can also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0065] Furthermore, the functionality described herein can be performed, in appropriate circumstances, by one or more of hardware, software, firmware, digital component, or analog component. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and processes described herein. Certain terminology is used throughout the present description and the claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, components can be referred to by different names in different contexts. In this document, no intention or implication is made to intend any such differentiation of components.

[0066] It should be noted that the sensor embodiments discussed above can include computer hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof to perform at least a portion of their functions. For example, a sensor can include computer code configured to be executed in one or more processors, and can include hardware logic / circuitry controlled by the computer code. These example devices are provided herein for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be limiting. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in other types of devices, as will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

[0067] At least some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a computer program product that includes such logic stored on any computer-usable medium (e.g., in the form of software). Such software, when executed in one or more data processing devices, causes the devices to operate as described herein.

[0068] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. The foregoing description is presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of the aforementioned alternative implementations can be used in any combination desired to form additional hybrid implementations of the disclosure.

[0069] According to the present invention, a method comprises, by a computer: (a) receiving a signal from a global navigation satellite system; (b) extracting a time and a position from the signal; (c) retrieving a communication parameter associated with the position from a pre-loaded database stored in the vehicle computer, the pre-loaded database not being received from any cellular base station; and (d) initiating a communication with another vehicle according to the communication parameter.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the communication parameter comprises a communication frequency.

[0071] According to embodiments, the communication parameters comprise a Master Information Block (MIB) and a System Information Block (SIB) according to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0072] According to embodiments, the communication parameters comprise C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything) synchronization preconfigured parameters.

[0073] According to embodiments, (d) comprises allocating communication resources among a plurality of vehicles according to the communication parameters.

[0074] According to embodiments, the vehicle computer comprises a cellular vehicle-to-vehicle (C-V2V) component comprising a first cellular antenna, and a cellular data communication component comprising a second cellular antenna, the C-V2V component being separate from the cellular data communication component; the method comprising performing (a) to (d) by the C-V2V component.

[0075] According to embodiments, the above invention features further comprise performing (a) to (d) without accessing subscriber identification information of the cellular data communication component.

[0076] According to embodiments, the above invention features further comprise (e) starting a timer; and (f) repeating (a) to (f) after expiration of the timer.

[0077] According to embodiments, starting the timer comprises determining a position and a speed of a vehicle housing the vehicle computer; determining a time to traverse a geographic area associated with the communication parameters; and starting the timer to count down from the time to traverse.

[0078] According to the invention, there is provided a vehicle having a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication system programmed to: (a) receive a signal from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS); (b) extract a time and a position from the signal; (c) retrieve communication parameters associated with the position from a pre-loaded database stored in the vehicle computer, the pre-loaded database not being received from any cellular base station, the communication parameters comprising a communication frequency; and (d) initiate and maintain communication with another vehicle according to the communication parameters independent of any cellular base station.

[0079] According to embodiments, the communication parameters comprise a Master Information Block (MIB) and a System Information Block (SIB) according to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0080] According to embodiments, the communication parameters comprise C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything) synchronization preconfigured parameters.

[0081] According to embodiments, the V2V communication system is further programmed to perform (d) by allocating communication resources among the plurality of vehicles according to the communication parameters.

[0082] According to embodiments, the V2V communication system comprises a cellular vehicle-to-vehicle (C-V2V) component comprising a first cellular antenna, and a cellular data communication component comprising a second cellular antenna, the C-V2V component being separate from the cellular data communication component, the C-V2V component being programmed to perform (a) to (d).

[0083] According to embodiments, the C-V2V component is further programmed to perform (a) to (d) without accessing subscriber identification information of the cellular data communication component.

[0084] According to embodiments, the V2V system is further programmed to: (e) start a timer; and (f) repeat (a) to (f) after expiration of the timer.

[0085] According to embodiments, the V2V system is further programmed to start the timer by: determining a position and a speed of a vehicle hosting the vehicle computer; determining a cross-time to exit a geographical area associated with the communication parameters; and starting the timer to count down from the cross-time.

[0086] According to embodiments, the V2V communication system is further programmed to prevent repeating (a) to (f) in response to detecting that the vehicle is stopped.

[0087] According to embodiments, the V2V communication system is further enabled to receive the time and the position from an on-board navigation system of the vehicle.

[0088] According to embodiments, the V2V communication system is further programmed to obtain the time from an internal clock of the vehicle in absence of the signal from the GNSS.

Claims

1. A vehicle communication method using a cellular communication protocol, the method comprising: via a vehicle computer: (a) Receiving signals from a global navigation satellite system; (b) Extracting time and location from the signal; (c) Retrieve communication parameters associated with the location from a pre-loaded database stored in the vehicle computer, the pre-loaded database not received from any cellular base station, the communication parameters including communication frequencies; as well as (d) Initiate communication with another vehicle according to the communication parameters; The vehicle computer includes: A cellular vehicle-to-vehicle (C-V2V) component, the C-V2V component including a first cellular antenna; as well as A cellular data communication component, the cellular data communication component including a second cellular antenna, the C-V2V component being spaced apart from the cellular data communication component; The method includes (a) to (d) being performed by the C-V2V component.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication parameters include parameters pre-configured for C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle to the Outside World) synchronization according to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Master Information Block (MIB) and System Information Block (SIB).

3. The method of claim 1, wherein (d) includes allocating communication resources among a plurality of vehicles according to the communication parameters.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing (a) to (d) without accessing subscriber identification information of the cellular data communication component.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: (e) Start the timer; as well as (f) After the timer expires, repeat (a) to (f).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein starting the timer comprises: Determine the location and speed of the vehicle housing the vehicle computer; Determine the travel time to leave the geographic area associated with the communication parameters; as well as Start the timer to count down from the time travel period.

7. A vehicle including a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication system, the V2V communication system being programmed to: (a) Receiving signals from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS); (b) Extracting time and location from the signal; (c) Retrieve communication parameters associated with the location from a pre-loaded database stored in the vehicle computer, the pre-loaded database not received from any cellular base station, the communication parameters including communication frequencies; as well as (d) Initiate and maintain communication with another vehicle based on the communication parameters independent of any cellular base station; The V2V communication system mentioned above includes: A cellular vehicle-to-vehicle (C-V2V) component, the C-V2V component including a first cellular antenna; as well as A cellular data communication component, the cellular data communication component including a second cellular antenna, the C-V2V component being spaced apart from the cellular data communication component, the C-V2V component being programmed to perform (a) to (d).

8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the communication parameters include the Master Information Block (MIB) and System Information Block (SIB) according to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including parameters pre-configured for C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle to the Outside World) synchronization.

9. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the V2V communication system is further programmed to perform (d) by allocating communication resources among a plurality of vehicles according to the communication parameters.

10. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the C-V2V component is further programmed to perform (a) to (d) without accessing the subscriber identification information of the cellular data communication component.

11. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the V2V communication system is further programmed to: (e) Determine the location and speed of the vehicle housing the vehicle computer; (f) Determine the time of departure from the geographic area associated with the communication parameters; (g) Start the timer; and (h) After the timer expires, repeat (a) to (h); The V2V communication system is also programmed to prevent repetition of (a) to (f) in response to detecting that the vehicle has stopped.

12. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the V2V communication system is further enabled to receive the time and the location from the vehicle's onboard navigation system.

13. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the V2V communication system is further programmed to obtain the time from the vehicle’s internal clock in the absence of the signal from the GNSS.

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