Vehicle Camera Signal Strength Indicator

By installing hardware modules of processors and memory on the vehicle, determining the transmission quality based on the signal strength of the wireless camera and sending feedback, the problem of difficulty for drivers to adjust the camera position to ensure sufficient signal strength is solved, and the stability of video transmission is achieved. Monitoring and feedback.

CN109862539BActive Publication Date: 2025-02-14FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN201811253258.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2017-11-01
Filing Date
2018-10-25
Publication Date
2025-02-14
Estimated Expiration
2038-10-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In wireless camera applications, it is difficult for the driver to adjust the camera position to ensure sufficient signal strength, especially if the infotainment system does not provide a signal strength indicator.

Method used

By installing a hardware module on the vehicle, the module includes a processor and memory for determining a metric of transmission quality based on the signal strength of the wireless camera and sending the metric to the mobile device to provide feedback about the position of the wireless camera placed.

Benefits of technology

Real-time monitoring and feedback on the signal strength of wireless cameras is achieved, helping drivers to adjust camera positions more easily and ensure the stability of video transmission.

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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for a vehicle camera signal strength indicator are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a first communication module, a second communication module, and a hardware module having a processor and a memory. The first communication module is communicatively coupled to a wireless camera. The second communication module is communicatively coupled to a mobile device. The second communication module is different from the first communication module. The hardware module (i) determines a measure of transmission quality based on a signal strength from the wireless camera, and (ii) sends the measure of transmission quality to the mobile device to provide feedback on placement of the wireless camera on the vehicle.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cameras attached to vehicles, and more particularly to vehicle camera signal strength indicators. Background Art

[0002] Wireless cameras are becoming more common in automotive applications. These wireless cameras assist with trailer backing, monitoring cargo in trailers or other enclosed areas, and assist with off-road operations. Since these cameras connect wirelessly rather than hard-wired to the vehicle, the camera needs to be placed in a location where the signal strength between the camera and the vehicle antenna is sufficient to transmit video. Adjusting the camera without convenient feedback is unpleasant. The driver must place the camera and then move to the cabin of the vehicle to determine if the camera is operational in the placed location. In some scenarios, when the infotainment system does not provide a signal strength indicator, the user is left with the difficult operation of not knowing if the sign indicates that the signal is lost. Summary of the invention

[0003] The appended claims define the present application. This disclosure summarizes aspects of the embodiments and should not be used to limit the claims. Other implementations according to the technology described herein are contemplated, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon studying the following drawings and detailed description, and these implementations are intended to fall within the scope of the present application.

[0004] An example embodiment for a vehicle camera signal strength indicator is disclosed. The example vehicle includes a first communication module, a second communication module, and a hardware module having a processor and a memory. The first communication module is communicatively coupled to a wireless camera. The second communication module is communicatively coupled to a mobile device. The second communication module is different from the first communication module. The hardware module (i) determines a measure of transmission quality based on a signal strength from the wireless camera, and (ii) sends the measure of transmission quality to the mobile device to provide feedback about placement of the wireless camera on the vehicle.

[0005] The example system includes a wireless camera that can be attached to different locations on a vehicle. The example system also includes a mobile device that provides feedback to a user about the current location of the wireless camera based on a measure of transmission quality received from the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle (i) is communicatively coupled to the wireless camera via a first communication module, (ii) is communicatively coupled to the mobile device via a second communication module different from the first communication module; (iii) determines the measure of transmission quality based on a signal strength from the wireless camera, and (iv) sends the measure of transmission quality to the mobile device based on the signal strength. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the embodiments shown in the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and related elements may be omitted, or in some cases the scale may be exaggerated in order to emphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features described herein. In addition, as is known in the art, the system components may be arranged in different ways. In addition, in the drawings, the same reference numerals represent corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0007] Figure 1 A system operating in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 An example interface on a mobile device is shown.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Block diagram of the electronic components of a vehicle.

[0010] Figure 4 is Figure 2 A flow chart of a method for providing a vehicle camera signal strength indicator on a mobile device, which can be performed by Figure 3 electronic components to achieve this. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] While the present invention may be embodied in various forms, certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described below, with it being understood that this disclosure is to be considered illustrative of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.

[0012] Wireless cameras for installation in vehicles may be convenient because the driver does not need to modify the vehicle to operate the camera. Wireless cameras communicate with the vehicle through a wireless communication module (e.g., Bluetooth The wireless camera and the wireless communication module are communicatively connected to the vehicle (e.g., wireless LAN module, etc.). For operation, the signal strength between the wireless camera and the wireless communication module is sufficient to provide sufficient bandwidth to transmit the video from the camera to the wireless communication module. The signal strength depends on the path between the wireless communication module and the camera determined by the placement of the camera. For example, the signal strength may vary with the change of the position on the vehicle because the signal experiences different interferences at different positions. As an example, when the wireless camera is placed on a trailer to capture images behind the trailer (e.g., instead of a viewing camera blocked by the trailer, etc.), the signal strength may vary with the change of the position. As another example, when the camera is placed on the side of the vehicle to record the vehicle operation, the metal body of the vehicle may cause different degrees of interference. Traditionally, the signal strength between the wireless communication module and the wireless camera is displayed on the infotainment system. However, in this case, to check whether the camera is in a position where the signal strength is sufficient, the driver must place the camera, return to the car to check the signal strength, and then repeat the steps until the placement is correct. In some scenarios, the infotainment system does not provide a signal strength indicator, so the driver does not know whether the signal between the wireless communication module and the camera is sufficient to transmit video during operation.

[0013] As described below, the vehicle provides a signal strength indicator to an application executing on a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, smart watch, etc.). The vehicle's wireless communication module pairs with the wireless camera using a process as indicated in the wireless protocol used by both the vehicle and the wireless camera. The vehicle and the wireless camera use (e.g.) Low power consumption, The vehicle and the driver's mobile device are paired using different wireless communication modules using a process as indicated in the wireless protocol used by both the vehicle and the mobile device. The vehicle determines the signal strength between the camera and the vehicle. In some examples, the signal strength is included in the messages exchanged by the vehicle and the camera. The signal strength can be transmitted as a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a transmission strength (RX), or a received channel power indicator (RCPI).

[0014] The vehicle determines whether the signal strength is sufficient for operation by using a metric indicative of the quality of the transmission. In some examples, the vehicle compares the power ratio represented by the signal strength to a signal strength threshold. In some such examples, the signal strength threshold is an amount (e.g., 20 decibel-milliwatts (dBm), etc.) above a minimum signal strength for transmitting video (e.g., -92 dBm). For example, the signal strength threshold may be -72 dBm. Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the vehicle may analyze packet transmission data (e.g., packet error rate (PER), bit error rate (BER), etc.) of the transmission from the camera. For example, when the PER is less than 5x10-4 , the transmission quality may be sufficient.

[0015] The vehicle transmits an indicator of transmission quality to the mobile device. In some examples, the indicator of transmission quality is one of a plurality of predetermined categories describing transmission quality. For example, the indicator of transmission quality can be a number corresponding to a scale, wherein each number represents a subjective descriptor of a measure of quality (e.g., "excellent", "good", "satisfactory", "poor", and "very poor", etc.). In some examples, the vehicle also transmits video received via another wireless communication module to the mobile device.

[0016] Figure 1 A system 100 is shown that operates in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In the example shown, the system includes a wireless camera 102, a mobile device 104 (e.g., a smart phone, a smart watch, etc.), a vehicle 106, and a trailer 108. The wireless camera 102 is a camera that captures video images for display on a display of the vehicle 106. In some examples, the wireless camera 102 includes a microphone for capturing sound. Additionally, in some examples, the wireless camera 102 may include an infrared light emitting diode (LED) to facilitate capturing images when the area surrounding the vehicle 106 is dark. The wireless camera 102 includes a mount for physically coupling the wireless camera 102 to different locations on the trailer 108. The mobile device 104 is any electronic device that is capable of (a) communicatively coupling to the vehicle 106 via a wireless connection, and (b) providing visual feedback, auditory feedback, and / or tactile feedback based on messages received from the vehicle 106. For example, the mobile device 104 may be a device that executes a vehicle interface application (such as etc.) smartphones.

[0017] The vehicle 106 may be a standard gasoline-powered vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, and / or any other type of vehicle that enables mobility. The vehicle 106 includes portions related to mobility, such as a powertrain having an engine, a transmission, a suspension, a drive shaft, and / or wheels, etc. The vehicle 106 may be non-autonomous, semi-autonomous (e.g., some conventional motor functions are controlled by the vehicle 106), or autonomous (e.g., motor functions are controlled by the vehicle 106 without direct driver input). In the example shown, the vehicle 106 includes a first wireless communication module 110 and a second wireless communication module 112 and an infotainment head unit (IHU) 114.

[0018] The first wireless communication module 110 and the second wireless communication module 112 include hardware (e.g., processor, memory, storage device, antenna, etc.) and software for controlling a wireless network interface for communicating with the wireless camera 102 and the mobile device 104. The first wireless communication module 110 and the second wireless communication module 112 include a wireless communication interface for a personal area network (e.g., Low power consumption, The first wireless communication module 110 and the second wireless communication module 112 determine the signal strength (e.g., RSSI, RX, RCPI, etc.) of the signal between the first wireless communication module 110 and the second wireless communication module 112 and the corresponding device (e.g., the wireless camera 102, etc.). In the illustrated example, the first wireless communication module 110 and the second wireless communication module 112 are separate hardware modules. Alternatively, in some examples, the first wireless communication module 110 and the second wireless communication module 112 are combined into the same structure, while being able to communicate with the wireless camera 102 and the mobile device 104 at the same time.

[0019] The infotainment head unit 114 provides an interface between the vehicle 106 and the user. The infotainment head unit 114 includes digital interfaces and / or analog interfaces (e.g., input devices and output devices) for receiving input from the user and displaying information. The input devices may include, for example, control knobs, instrument panels, digital cameras for image capture and / or visual command recognition, touch screens, audio input devices (e.g., cabin microphones), buttons, or touch pads. The output devices may include instrument cluster outputs (e.g., dials, lighting devices), actuators, heads-up displays, center console displays (e.g., liquid crystal displays (“LCDs”), organic light emitting diode (“OLED”) displays, flat panel displays, solid-state displays, etc.), and / or speakers. In the example shown, the infotainment head unit 114 includes hardware (e.g., a processor or controller, memory, storage devices, etc.) and devices for an infotainment system (such as of and MyFord of of In addition, the infotainment head unit 114 displays the infotainment system on, for example, a center console display. In the example shown, the infotainment head unit 114 includes a connection monitor 116. Although the example shown includes the connection monitor 116 as part of the infotainment head unit 114, in other examples, the connection monitor 116 may be incorporated into a separate hardware module such as a dedicated image processing module or a communication gateway module.

[0020] The connection monitor 116 monitors the signal strength between the wireless camera 102 and the first wireless communication module 110 to facilitate the user to position the wireless camera without viewing the display of the infotainment head unit 114. The connection monitor 116 determines the signal strength between the wireless camera 102 and the first wireless communication module 110 and sends an indicator of the transmission quality to the mobile device 104. In some examples, the connection monitor 116 also sends the video received from the wireless camera 102 to the mobile device 104.

[0021] The connection monitor 116 determines whether the signal strength is sufficient to operate the wireless camera 102 by using one or more metrics indicative of the quality of the transmission. In some examples, the connection monitor 116 compares the power ratio represented by the signal strength to a signal strength threshold. In some such examples, the signal strength threshold is an amount above the minimum signal strength to maintain the transmission of the video (e.g., 20 dBm, etc.). For example, the minimum signal strength to maintain the transmission of the video may be -92 dBm. In such an example, the signal strength threshold may be -72 dBm. Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the connection monitor 116 analyzes packet transmission data (e.g., packet error rate (PER), bit error rate (BER), etc.) of the transmission from the camera. In such an example, the connection monitor 116 compares the PER / BER to an error rate threshold. For example, the error rate threshold may be 5 x 10 -4 .

[0022] The measure of transmission quality is based on (i) a comparison of signal strength to a signal strength threshold and / or (ii) a comparison of PER / BER to an error rate threshold. In some examples, the connection monitor 116 determines an indicator of transmission quality using one of a plurality of predetermined categories that quantifiably describe or subjectively describe the transmission quality. For example, the indicator of transmission quality may be a number corresponding to a scale, wherein each number represents a subjective descriptor of a measure of quality (e.g., "excellent," "good," "satisfactory," "poor," and "very poor," etc.). The connection monitor 116 classifies the signal quality with reference to the corresponding threshold. For example, each category may represent the number of dBm differences from a signal strength threshold. For example, a first category may be for a signal strength below a signal strength threshold, a second category may be for a signal strength between a signal strength threshold and 5 dBm above the threshold, and a third category may be for a signal strength above the threshold by more than 5 dBm. As another example, each category may represent a frequency of packet errors or bit errors. For example, a first category may be for a frequency of packet errors or bit errors above an error rate threshold, a second category may be for a frequency of packet errors or bit errors between an error rate threshold and 2 x 10 below the threshold. -4 The third category may be for packet errors or bit errors with a frequency below a threshold of less than 2 x 10 -4The connection monitor 116 transmits the measure of the transmission quality to the mobile device 104 via the second wireless communication module 112. In some examples, the connection monitor 116 also sends the signal strength to the mobile device 104.

[0023] Figure 2 An example interface 200 on a mobile device 104 is shown for transmitting a measure of transmission quality. In the example shown, the interface 200 includes a visual representation 202 of a measure of transmission quality. For example, the visual representation 202 can be a segmented graph, where each segment represents a measure of transmission quality (e.g., one segment for each category associated with the measure of transmission quality, etc.). In addition, in some examples, the visual representation 202 is color-coded so that a larger category of the measure of transmission quality is associated with green and a smaller category of the measure of transmission quality is associated with red. In this way, the user can intuitively understand the current category of the measure of transmission quality at a glance. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the category of the measure of transmission quality is associated with a sound mode and / or a tactile mode. For example, a category representing low signal strength can be associated with a higher pitch noise, and a category representing high signal strength can be associated with a lower pitch noise. As another example, a category representing low signal strength can be associated with less frequent vibrations, and a category representing high signal strength can be associated with more frequent vibrations. In such examples, the user may be able to determine when the signal strength is sufficient (e.g., at least meets a threshold) without viewing the screen of the mobile device 104. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the interface 200 includes a display 204 of video captured by the wireless camera 102 and relayed by the connection monitor 116. In some examples, the interface 200 presents a display 204 of video captured by the wireless camera 102 with a visual representation 202 of a metric of transmission quality overlaid on the display 204.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of an electronic component 300 of a vehicle 106 of FIG. 1 . In the example shown, the electronic component 300 includes the first and second wireless communication modules 110 and 112 , an infotainment head unit 114 , and a vehicle data bus 302 .

[0025] The infotainment head unit 114 includes a processor or controller 304 and a memory 306. In the example shown, the infotainment head unit 114 is configured to include a connection monitor 116. Alternatively, in some examples, the connection monitor 116 is incorporated into another hardware module having a processor and a memory (e.g., a dedicated image processing module, a communication gateway module, etc.). The processor or controller 304 can be any suitable processing device or group of processing devices, such as but not limited to: a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The memory 306 can be a volatile memory (e.g., RAM, which can include non-volatile RAM, magnetic RAM, ferroelectric RAM, and any other suitable form); a non-volatile memory (e.g., disk memory, flash memory, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), non-volatile solid-state memory, etc.), an unchangeable memory (e.g., EPROM), a read-only memory, and / or a mass storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, etc.). In some examples, memory 306 includes multiple types of memory, particularly volatile memory and non-volatile memory.

[0026] The memory 306 is a computer-readable medium on which one or more instruction sets, such as software for operating the methods of the present disclosure, may be embedded. The instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logics described herein. In certain embodiments, the instructions may reside completely or at least partially within any one or more of the memory 306, the computer-readable medium, and / or within the processor 304 during the execution of the instructions.

[0027] The terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "tangible computer-readable medium" should be understood to include a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized database or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers storing one or more instruction sets. The terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "tangible computer-readable medium" also include any tangible medium that can store, encode, or carry an instruction set for execution by a processor or cause a system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. As used herein, the term "tangible computer-readable medium" is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device and / or storage disk, and does not include propagating signals.

[0028] The vehicle data bus 302 communicatively couples the first wireless communication module 110 and the second wireless communication module 112 and the infotainment head unit 114. In some examples, the vehicle data bus 302 includes one or more data buses. The vehicle data bus 302 may be configured in accordance with a controller area network (CAN) bus protocol as defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO) 11898-1, a media oriented system transport (MOST) bus protocol, a CAN flexible data (CAN-FD) bus protocol (ISO 11898-7), and a K-line bus protocol (ISO 9141 and ISO 14230-1), and / or Ethernet. TM It is implemented by bus protocol IEEE 802.3 (since 2002) and others.

[0029] Figure 4 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 A flow chart of a method for providing a vehicle camera signal strength indicator on a mobile device 104, which can be performed by Figure 3 The method is implemented by the electronic component 300 of the wireless camera 102. Initially, at box 402, the connection monitor 116 waits until the wireless camera 102 is paired with the first wireless communication module 110. At box 404, the connection monitor 116 determines the signal strength between the wireless camera 102 and the first wireless communication module 110. At box 406, the connection monitor 116 determines one or more metrics of transmission quality based on the signal strength. At box 408, the connection monitor 116 sends the metrics of transmission quality and, in some examples, the video from the wireless camera 102 to the mobile device 104 via the second wireless communication module 112. At box 410, the connection monitor 116 determines whether the signal strength from the wireless camera 102 meets a corresponding threshold (e.g., a signal strength threshold, an error rate threshold, etc.). When the signal strength meets the corresponding threshold, the method continues to box 412. Otherwise, when the signal strength from the wireless camera 102 does not meet the corresponding threshold, the method returns to box 404. At block 412 , the connection monitor 116 sends an alert to the mobile device 104 to cause the mobile device 104 to provide an audible alert, a visual alert, and / or a tactile alert to the user.

[0030] Figure 4 The flowchart represents a memory (such as Figure 3 306) in a memory, the machine-readable instructions comprising one or more programs, which when executed by a processor (such as Figure 3 When the processor 304 executes, the infotainment host unit 114 implements Figure 1 and Figure 3 The example connection monitor 116. In addition, although reference Figure 4The flowchart shown in describes an example program, but many other methods of implementing the example connection monitor 116 may be used instead. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and / or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined.

[0031] In this application, the use of transitional conjunctions is intended to include conjunctions. The use of definite or indefinite articles is not intended to indicate cardinality. Specifically, reference to "the" object or "one and a" object is intended to also represent one of a possible plurality of such objects. In addition, the conjunction "or" can be used to convey simultaneous features rather than mutually exclusive alternatives. In other words, the conjunction "or" should be understood to include "and / or". As used herein, the terms "module" and "unit" refer to hardware having circuits that are typically combined with sensors to provide communication, control and / or monitoring capabilities. "Modules" and "units" may also include firmware executed on the circuit. The term "includes" is inclusive and has the same scope as "includes" and "contains".

[0032] The above embodiments, particularly any "preferred" embodiments, are examples of possible implementations and are intended only to provide a clear understanding of the principles of the present invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the technology described herein. All modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and are protected by the appended claims.

[0033] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle having: a first communication module that is communicatively coupled to a wireless camera; a second, different communication module that is communicatively coupled to a mobile device; and a hardware module having a processor and a memory for: determining a measure of transmission quality based on signal strength from the wireless camera; and sending the measure of transmission quality to the mobile device to provide feedback regarding placement of the wireless camera on the vehicle.

[0034] According to one embodiment, in order to determine a measure of transmission quality, a hardware module is configured to compare a signal strength with a threshold value.

[0035] According to one embodiment, to determine the measure of transmission quality, a hardware module is configured to classify the signal strength using a category indicative of subjective signal quality based on how close the signal strength is to a threshold.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the signal strength is one of a received signal strength indicator, a transmission strength, or a received channel power indicator.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the signal strength is one of a packet error rate or a bit error rate.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the hardware module is used to: compare the signal strength with a threshold; and when the signal strength meets the threshold, send an alert to the mobile device so that the mobile device provides the alert to the user.

[0039] According to one embodiment, a hardware module is used to transmit video received from a wireless camera to a mobile device for display on the mobile device.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the measure of transmission quality causes the mobile device to display a visual indicator of signal quality based on the category of the measure of transmission quality.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the measure of transmission quality causes the mobile device to provide a sound, the pitch of the sound being based on the category of the measure of transmission quality.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the measure of transmission quality causes the mobile device to provide a vibration, the frequency of the vibration being based on the category of the measure of transmission quality.

[0043] According to the present invention, a system is provided, the system having a wireless camera attachable to different locations on a vehicle; the vehicle is used to: communicatively couple to the wireless camera via a first communication module; communicatively couple to a mobile device via a second communication module different from the first communication module; determine a measure of transmission quality based on signal strength from the wireless camera; send the measure of transmission quality to the mobile device based on the signal strength; and the mobile device is used to provide feedback to a user about the current location of the wireless camera based on the measure of transmission quality received from the vehicle.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the mobile device is configured to display a visual indicator of signal quality based on a category of a measure of transmission quality.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the mobile device is configured to provide a sound, the pitch of the sound being based on a category of the measure of transmission quality.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the mobile device is configured to provide a vibration, the frequency of the vibration being based on the category of the measure of transmission quality.

[0047] According to one embodiment, to determine the measure of transmission quality, the vehicle is configured to classify the signal strength using a category indicative of subjective signal quality based on how close the signal strength is to a threshold.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a first communication module communicatively coupled to the wireless camera; a second communication module communicatively coupled to the mobile device and different from the first communication module; as well as A connection monitor having a processor and a memory for: determining a measure of transmission quality based on signal strength from the wireless camera; The measure of the transmission quality is sent to the mobile device to provide feedback regarding the placement of the wireless camera on the vehicle. 2 . The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein to determine the measure of the transmission quality, the connection monitor is configured to compare the signal strength with a threshold value.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein to determine the measure of transmission quality, the connection monitor is operable to classify the signal strength using a category indicative of subjective signal quality based on how close the signal strength is to the threshold.

4. The vehicle of claim 2 or 3, wherein the signal strength is one of a received signal strength indicator, a transmission strength, or a received channel power indicator.

5. The vehicle of claim 2 or 3, wherein the signal strength is one of a packet error rate or a bit error rate.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection monitor is used to: comparing the signal strength to a threshold; and When the signal strength meets the threshold, an alert is sent to the mobile device so that the mobile device provides the alert to a user.

7. The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection monitor is used to transmit the video received from the wireless camera to the mobile device for display on the mobile device.

8. The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein the measure of transmission quality causes the mobile device to display a visual indicator of signal quality based on a category of the measure of transmission quality.

9. The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein the measure of transmission quality causes the mobile device to provide a sound, the pitch of the sound being based on the category of the measure of transmission quality.

10. The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein the measure of transmission quality causes the mobile device to provide a vibration, the frequency of the vibration being based on the category of the measure of transmission quality.

11. A vehicle camera signal strength indication system, comprising: a wireless camera that can be attached to various locations on the vehicle; The vehicle is used for: communicatively coupled to the wireless camera via a first communication module; communicatively coupling to a mobile device via a second communication module different from the first communication module; determining a measure of transmission quality based on signal strength from the wireless camera; sending a measure of the transmission quality to the mobile device based on the signal strength; as well as The mobile device is used to provide feedback to a user regarding the current location of the wireless camera based on the measure of the transmission quality received from the vehicle.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the mobile device is configured to display a visual indicator of signal quality based on the category of the measure of transmission quality.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the mobile device is configured to provide a sound, the pitch of the sound being based on the category of the measure of transmission quality.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the mobile device is configured to provide a vibration, the frequency of the vibration being based on the category of the measure of transmission quality.

15. The system of claim 11, 12, 13 or 14, wherein to determine the measure of transmission quality, the vehicle is configured to classify the signal strength using a category indicative of subjective signal quality based on how close the signal strength is to a threshold.

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