Communication device, vehicle and control method thereof

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a communication device, a vehicle, and a control method thereof. A vehicle includes a location recognition device that recognizes a location of the vehicle, a first antenna including an antenna body, a first feeder connected to the antenna body, and a second feeder including a phase delay device connected to the antenna body, a first wireless transceiver connected to the first antenna to provide a communication signal to the first antenna through at least one of the first feeder and the second feeder, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the first wireless transceiver to provide the communication signal to the first antenna through the first feeder in a first communication mode, control the first wireless transceiver to provide the communication signal to the first antenna through both the first feeder and the second feeder in a second communication mode, and switch to the second communication mode if the vehicle approaches a toll station while operating in the first communication mode.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to an antenna device and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a communication device capable of receiving a plurality of polarization waves, a vehicle, and a control method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a vehicle refers to a means of transportation that travels on a road or a track using fossil fuel, electricity, or the like as a power source.

[0003] In recent years, vehicles not only transport goods and people, but also generally include audio devices and video devices so that a driver can listen to music and watch videos while driving. Vehicles are also widely equipped with navigation devices that display a route to a destination to be reached by a driver.

[0004] In recent years, the demand for vehicles to communicate with external devices (other vehicles, traffic infrastructure, or communication infrastructure) is increasing. For example, a vehicle can perform vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V communication) with other vehicles, communicate with traffic infrastructure such as a traffic signal (vehicle-to-infrastructure, V2I communication), or communicate with communication infrastructure such as a base station. In addition, a vehicle can perform communication for payment of a road usage fee at a toll booth or the like.

[0005] As such, in a vehicle that communicates with various external devices, a plurality of antennas are respectively installed according to a communication target and a communication purpose. Therefore, the number of antennas increases, but it is difficult to install many antennas in the limited space of a vehicle. SUMMARY

[0006] Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a communication device capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of polarization waves having the same or similar frequencies, a vehicle, and a control method thereof.

[0007] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a communication device mounted to a vehicle includes a first antenna, a first wireless transceiver electrically connected to the first antenna to provide a communication signal to the first antenna through at least one of a first feed line and a second feed line, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the first wireless transceiver to provide the communication signal to the first antenna through the first feed line in a first communication mode. The controller is further configured to control the first wireless transceiver to provide the communication signal to the first antenna through both the first feed line and the second feed line in a second communication mode. The communication signal through the second feed line has a phase delay of about 90 degrees from the communication signal through the first feed line.

[0008] The first antenna can be configured to transmit linearly polarized waves in response to being provided with a communication signal through the first feed line. The first antenna can also be configured to transmit circularly polarized waves in response to being provided with a communication signal through both the first feed line and the second feed line.

[0009] The vehicle can further include a position recognition device configured to recognize a position of the vehicle. The controller can be configured to control the first wireless transceiver such that the first antenna transmits linearly polarized waves in the first communication mode. The controller can also be configured to control the first wireless transceiver such that the first antenna transmits circularly polarized waves in the second communication mode when it is recognized based on the position of the vehicle that the vehicle is approaching a predetermined position.

[0010] The first wireless transceiver can include a first communication processor configured to output a communication signal, a splitting circuit configured to split the communication signal into two communication signals having the same power, a first switch configured to connect the first communication processor to either the splitting circuit or the first feed line, a second switch configured to connect or block an output of the splitting circuit to the first feed line, and a third switch configured to connect or block an output of the splitting circuit to the second feed line.

[0011] The controller can be configured to control the first wireless transceiver to connect the first communication processor to the first feed line and to block a connection between the output of the splitting circuit and the first feed line and the second feed line in the first communication mode. The controller can also be configured to control the first wireless transceiver to connect the first communication processor to the splitting circuit and to connect the output of the splitting circuit to the first feed line and the second feed line in the second communication mode.

[0012] The communication device can further include a second antenna and a second wireless transceiver electrically connected to the second antenna. The controller can be configured to control the second wireless transceiver to provide a communication signal to the second antenna.

[0013] The second wireless transceiver can include a second communication processor configured to output a communication signal, an amplifier configured to amplify the communication signal, a fourth switch configured to connect the second communication processor to either the amplifier or the second antenna, and a fifth switch configured to connect the second antenna to either the amplifier or the second communication processor.

[0014] The controller can be configured to control the second wireless transceiver to directly connect the second communication processor to the second antenna in the first communication mode. The controller can also be configured to control the second wireless transceiver to connect the second communication processor to the second antenna through the amplifier in the second communication mode.

[0015] The controller can be configured to communicate in the first communication mode with spatial diversity through the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0016] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle includes a location recognition device configured to recognize a location of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a first antenna including an antenna body, a first feed line connected to the antenna body, and a second feed line including a phase delay device connected to the antenna body. The vehicle further includes a first wireless transceiver electrically connected to the first antenna to provide a communication signal to the first antenna through at least one of the first feed line and the second feed line. The vehicle further includes a controller configured to control the first wireless transceiver to provide the communication signal to the first antenna through the first feed line in a first communication mode. The controller is further configured to control the first wireless transceiver to provide the communication signal to the first antenna through both the first feed line and the second feed line in a second communication mode. The controller is further configured to switch to the second communication mode if the vehicle approaches a tollgate while operating in the first communication mode.

[0017] The first antenna can be configured to emit linearly polarized waves in response to being provided with the communication signal through the first feed line. The first antenna can be further configured to emit circularly polarized waves in response to being provided with the communication signal through both the first feed line and the second feed line.

[0018] The first wireless transceiver can include a first communication processor configured to output the communication signal, a separation circuit configured to separate the communication signal into two communication signals having the same power, a first switch configured to connect the first communication processor to either the separation circuit or the first feed line, a second switch configured to connect or block the output of the separation circuit to the first feed line, and a third switch configured to connect or block the output of the separation circuit to the second feed line.

[0019] The controller can be configured to control the first wireless transceiver to connect the first communication processor to the first feed line and block the connection between the output of the separation circuit and the first feed line and the second feed line in the first communication mode. The controller can be further configured to control the first wireless transceiver to connect the first communication processor to the separation circuit and connect the output of the separation circuit to the first feed line and the second feed line in the second communication mode.

[0020] The vehicle can further include a second antenna and a second wireless transceiver electrically connected to the second antenna. The controller can be configured to control the second wireless transceiver to provide a communication signal to the second antenna.

[0021] The second wireless transceiver can include a second communication processor configured to output a communication signal, an amplifier configured to amplify the communication signal, a fourth switch configured to connect the second communication processor to any one of the amplifier and the second antenna, and a fifth switch configured to connect the second antenna to any one of the amplifier and the second communication processor.

[0022] The controller can be configured to, in the first communication mode, control the second wireless transceiver to directly connect the second communication processor to the second antenna. The controller can be further configured to, in the second communication mode, control the second wireless transceiver to connect the second communication processor to the second antenna through the amplifier.

[0023] The controller can be configured to, in the first communication mode, communicate using spatial diversity through the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0024] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a control method of a vehicle including a first antenna and a second antenna includes, in a first communication mode, communicating with other vehicles by transmitting linearly polarized waves through the first antenna and the second antenna. The control method further includes switching from the first communication mode to a second communication mode in response to the vehicle approaching a predetermined location. The control method further includes, in the second communication mode, communicating with other devices by transmitting circularly polarized waves through the first antenna and communicating with other vehicles by transmitting linearly polarized waves through the second antenna.

[0025] Transmitting linearly polarized waves through the first antenna in the first communication mode can include providing a first communication signal to the first antenna. Transmitting circularly polarized waves through the first antenna in the second communication mode can include providing the first communication signal and a second communication signal that is phase-delayed by 90 degrees from the first communication signal to the first antenna.

[0026] Transmitting linearly polarized waves through the second antenna in the first communication mode can include providing a third communication signal to the second antenna. Transmitting linearly polarized waves through the second antenna in the second communication mode can include providing a fourth communication signal obtained by amplifying the third communication signal to the second antenna. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] These and / or other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 A vehicle according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 2 An example of a communication system according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 3An example of a first antenna included in a vehicle according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0031] Figure 4 An example of a communication operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 5 An example of a communication system according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0033] Figure 6A And Figure 6B An example of a beam pattern of a communication system according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0034] Figure 7 An example of a communication operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, the working principles and embodiments of the present disclosure are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. When components, devices, elements, etc. of the present disclosure are described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the components, devices, or elements should be regarded as "configured to" satisfy the purpose or perform the operation or function in this document.

[0036] Figure 1 A vehicle according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0037] The vehicle 1 can include a vehicle body 10 forming the appearance of the vehicle 1 and accommodating a driver and / or luggage, a chassis including components of the vehicle 1 other than the vehicle body, and electronic components for protecting and providing convenience to the driver.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1 , the vehicle 1 can include a hood 11, a front fender 12, a roof panel 13, a door 14, a trunk lid 15, a quarter panel 16, etc. To secure the driver's field of view, a front window 17 is provided at the front of the vehicle body 10, a side window 18 is provided at the side of the vehicle body 10, and a rear window 19 is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 10.

[0039] The first antenna 20 is installed on the front window 17, and the second antenna 30 is installed on the roof panel 13.

[0040] The second antenna 30 can communicate with various devices such as other vehicles, traffic infrastructure, and communication infrastructure (vehicle-to-everything communication, V2X communication, hereinafter referred to as "V2X communication").

[0041] The first antenna 20 can perform V2X communication together with the second antenna 30, or can perform communication for paying a road usage fee at a toll booth (hereinafter referred to as "Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) communication"). For example, when the vehicle 1 passes through a toll booth, the first antenna 20 can wirelessly transmit and receive a communication signal with a gate-type RF transmission / reception system installed in the toll booth.

[0042] As such, the first antenna 20 can selectively perform V2X communication and ETC communication.

[0043] V2X communication and ETC communication are similar in many ways. For example, V2X communication uses a communication signal of a 5.9 GHz band, and ETC communication also uses a communication signal of a 5.9 GHz band. In addition, V2X communication communicates when there is a request in the waiting, and ETC communication also communicates when there is a request in the waiting.

[0044] However, V2X communication can use a "linear polarization", and ETC communication can use a "circular polarization". Linear polarization and circular polarization can be classified according to the change in the wavelength vibration direction. As is well known, electromagnetic waves used in wireless communication have a wave characteristic, and in particular, are known as a transverse wave that vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the wave propagation direction. In nature, electromagnetic waves can vibrate in countless directions perpendicular to the wave propagation direction.

[0045] Polarization can mean electromagnetic waves that vibrate only in a specific direction. In addition, linear polarization can mean electromagnetic waves whose wave vibration direction does not change. Circular polarization can mean electromagnetic waves whose wave vibration direction rotates. In general, it is known that if two linear polarizations with a phase difference of 90 degrees are mixed, a circular polarization is generated.

[0046] Therefore, V2X communication and ETC communication have different types of polarizations, but have many similarities in the frequency used.

[0047] The first antenna 20 can use such similarities between V2X communication and ETC communication to selectively perform V2X communication and ETC communication.

[0048] Further, when the first antenna 20 performs V2X communication, the first antenna 20 can provide spatial diversity together with the second antenna 30. Diversity refers to a communication method of improving communication performance by utilizing a plurality of signals transmitted through a plurality of different independent paths to prevent a decrease in reception performance due to fading. In particular, spatial diversity refers to a communication method of improving communication performance by utilizing a plurality of signals received through a plurality of antennas sufficiently spaced apart.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1 , the first antenna 20 is mounted on the front window 17 of the vehicle 1, and the second antenna 30 is mounted on the rear of the roof panel 13 of the vehicle 1. Accordingly, the first antenna 20 is disposed to be sufficiently spaced apart from the second antenna 30, and can provide spatial diversity together with the second antenna 30.

[0050] Figure 2 An example of a communication system according to an embodiment is illustrated. Figure 3 An example of a first antenna included in a vehicle according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0051] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the vehicle 1 includes a first antenna 20, a second antenna 30, and a communication system 100. The communication system 100 includes a first wireless transceiver 120, a second wireless transceiver 130, and a controller 110.

[0052] The vehicle 1 can perform V2X communication and ETC communication. For example, the vehicle 1 can simultaneously perform V2X communication and ETC communication, or can selectively perform V2X communication and ETC communication.

[0053] The first antenna 20 can selectively transmit and receive linearly polarized waves and circularly polarized waves.

[0054] The first antenna 20 can have a shape of a patch antenna as shown in Figure 3 .

[0055] The first antenna 20 can include a dielectric layer 22 and a conductor layer 21. The dielectric layer 22 can be composed of a dielectric that does not conduct electricity, and the conductor layer 21 can be composed of a conductor that conducts electricity.

[0056] Due to an AC voltage applied to the conductor layer 21 or an AC current supplied to the conductor layer 21, etc., the dielectric layer 22 can generate an AC electric field (an electric field whose direction and magnitude change over time) and an AC magnetic field (a magnetic field whose direction and magnitude change over time). The AC electric field and the AC magnetic field can represent electromagnetic waves that form radio signals.

[0057] The conductor layer 21 can include a substantially rectangular antenna body 21a, a first feeding line 21b and a second feeding line 21c for providing a signal to the antenna body 21a.

[0058] In the antenna body 21a, electromagnetic waves generated due to resonance of a communication signal can be emitted into free space, or electromagnetic waves acquired from free space can be converted into a communication signal through resonance. In the antenna body 21a, a communication signal can be transmitted or received. Figure 3 In the antenna body 21a, electromagnetic waves generated due to resonance of a communication signal can be emitted into free space, or electromagnetic waves acquired from free space can be converted into a communication signal. In the antenna body 21a, a communication signal can be transmitted or received. Figure 3 The antenna body 21a can have various shapes according to the frequency of a communication signal and a communication purpose.

[0059] The first feeding line 21b and the second feeding line 21c can respectively provide the antenna body 21a with a communication signal to be emitted into free space, or can transmit a radio signal received by the antenna body 21a from free space to the first wireless transceiver 120.

[0060] In particular, the first feeding line 21b and the second feeding line 21c can provide the antenna body 21a with communication signals of different phases. As Figure 3 indicated, the second feeding line 21c can include a phase delay device 21d that delays the phase of a communication signal provided from the first wireless transceiver 120 by about 90 degrees. Accordingly, the first feeding line 21b can transmit a communication signal provided from the first wireless transceiver 120 to the antenna body 21a as it is. The second feeding line 21c can delay the phase of a communication signal provided from the first wireless transceiver 120 by 90 degrees and then transmit it to the antenna body 21a.

[0061] In this way, a communication signal is provided to the antenna body 21a through the first feeding line 21b and the second feeding line 21c. The phase of a communication signal provided through the second feeding line 21c can be delayed by about 90 degrees compared to the phase of a communication signal provided through the first feeding line 21b.

[0062] Due to the above-described structure of the first antenna 20, in the antenna body 21a, a communication signal without phase delay and a communication signal with a 90-degree phase delay are mixed, and a circularly polarized wave can be emitted into free space. In addition, in the antenna body 21a, a circularly polarized wave received from free space can be separated into a communication signal without phase delay and a communication signal with a 90-degree phase delay.

[0063] In this way, the first antenna 20 can transmit and receive a circularly polarized wave to perform ETC communication.

[0064] As described above, the first antenna 20 can also transmit and receive a linearly polarized wave to perform V2X communication.

[0065] To transmit a line polarized wave, a communication signal can be provided to the antenna body 21a through only one of the first and second feed lines 21b and 21c. For example, a communication signal having a smaller signal delay can be provided to the antenna body 21a through the first feed line 21b. The first feed line 21b can transmit a communication signal provided from the first wireless transceiver 120 to the antenna body 21a, and the antenna body 21a can emit a line polarized wave based on the communication signal into a free space. In addition, a line polarized wave collected by the antenna body 21a can be converted into a communication signal and transmitted to the first wireless transceiver 120 through the first feed line 21b.

[0066] The second feed line 21c can be separated or isolated from the antenna body 21a to minimize signal noise.

[0067] As such, a switch circuit capable of separating or isolating the second feed line 21c from the antenna body 21a can be provided so that the first antenna 20 can provide smooth V2X communication.

[0068] The first wireless transceiver 120 includes a first communication processor 121 and a first switch circuit 122.

[0069] The first wireless transceiver 120 can modulate a communication data acquired from the controller 110 into a communication signal using a carrier signal, and can transmit the communication signal to the first antenna 20 through the first switch circuit 122. In addition, the first wireless transceiver 120 can provide the first antenna 20 with a communication signal for V2X communication in the first communication mode, and can provide the first antenna 20 with a communication signal having no phase delay and a communication signal having a 90-degree phase delay for ETC communication in the second communication mode.

[0070] The first communication processor 121 can receive a communication data from the controller 110 and can modulate the communication data using a carrier signal. For example, the first communication processor 121 can modulate the communication data in various modulation methods such as frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, or coding modulation. The first communication processor 121 can also provide a communication signal modulated according to the communication data to the first switch circuit 122. In addition, the first communication processor 121 can demodulate a communication signal received through the first antenna 20 using a carrier signal.

[0071] In addition, the first communication processor 121 can provide a mode control signal for controlling the operation of the first switch circuit 122 to the first switch circuit 122 according to a communication mode (the first communication mode or the second communication mode) selected by the controller 110.

[0072] The first switch circuit 122 includes a separation circuit 123 and a plurality of switches 124, 125, and 126.

[0073] The first switch circuit 122 can be connected to the first feeder 21b and the second feeder 21c of the first antenna 20. The first switch circuit 122 connects the first communication processor 121 to the first feeder 21b in the first communication mode, and can connect the first communication processor 121 to the first feeder 21b and the second feeder 21c in the second communication mode.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 1, the first switch circuit 122 includes a first switch 124, a second switch 125, a third switch 126, and a split circuit 123. Figure 3

[0075] The first switch 124 can be a three-contact switch including one input terminal 124a and two output terminals 124b and 124c. The input terminal 124a of the first switch 124 can be connected to the first communication processor 121 and the first output terminal 124b can be connected to the first feeder 21b. Also, the second output terminal 124c can be connected to the split circuit 123.

[0076] The first switch 124 can output a communication signal input through the first input terminal 124a to the first output terminal 124b or the second output terminal 124c according to the control of the first communication processor 121.

[0077] The split circuit 123 can split an input communication signal into two identical communication signals. In other words, the communication signal can be split by the split circuit 123 into two communication signals having half the power of the original communication signal.

[0078] The second switch 125 can be disposed between the split circuit 123 and the first feeder 21b and can allow or block the transmission of a communication signal between the split circuit 123 and the first feeder 21b. The third switch 126 can be disposed between the split circuit 123 and the second feeder 21c and can allow or block the transmission of a communication signal between the split circuit 123 and the second feeder 21c.

[0079] According to the control of the first communication processor 121, the second switch 125 and the third switch 126 can be simultaneously opened (turned off) or closed (turned on).

[0080] In the first communication mode (V2X communication), the first switch 124 connects the first communication processor 121 to the first feeder 21b. The second switch 125 and the third switch 126 can be opened (turned off) to isolate the second feeder 21c from the system. Since a communication signal is provided through the first feeder 21b, the first antenna 20 can emit linearly polarized waves into free space.

[0081] ​In the second communication mode (V2X communication and ETC communication), the first switch 124 connects the first communication processor 121 to the separation circuit 123. The second switch 125 and the third switch 126 can be closed (turned on) to supply a communication signal to the first feeder 21b and the second feeder 21c. Since a communication signal is supplied through the first feeder 21b and the second feeder 21c, the first antenna 20 can emit a circularly polarized wave into a free space.

[0082] The second antenna 30 can perform V2X communication. In the first communication mode (V2X communication), the second antenna 30 can provide spatial diversity together with the first antenna 20.

[0083] The second wireless transceiver 130 includes a second communication processor 131 that modulates communication data received from the controller 110 into a communication signal using a carrier signal. The second wireless transceiver 130 can transmit the modulated communication signal to the second antenna 30. In addition, the second communication processor 131 can demodulate a communication signal received through the second antenna 30 using a carrier signal.

[0084] Even during the second communication mode in which the first antenna 20 and the first wireless transceiver 120 perform ETC communication, the second antenna 30 and the second wireless transceiver 130 can perform V2X communication.

[0085] The controller 110 is electrically connected to the first wireless transceiver 120 and the second wireless transceiver 130, and can transmit communication data for wireless communication to the first wireless transceiver 120 and the second wireless transceiver 130.

[0086] The controller 110 can select either one of the first communication mode for V2X communication and the second communication mode for ETC communication according to a position of the vehicle 1 or the like. For example, the controller 110 can acquire position information of the vehicle 1 from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver installed in the vehicle 1 or from a navigation device installed in the vehicle 1. The controller 110 can identify whether the vehicle 1 approaches a tollgate for payment of a road usage fee based on the position of the vehicle 1. For example, the controller 110 can pre-store a position of the tollgate and can identify whether the vehicle 1 approaches the tollgate based on a change in distance between the vehicle 1 and the tollgate.

[0087] The controller 110 can basically operate in the first communication mode for V2X communication, and can switch to the second communication mode for ETC communication in response to the vehicle 1 approaching the tollgate. In addition, when operating in the second communication mode, the controller 110 can switch to the first communication mode for V2X communication in response to the vehicle 1 moving away from the tollgate.

[0088] The controller 110 can select either of the first communication mode and the second communication mode for ETC communication based on whether a trigger signal for payment of a road usage fee is received. The controller 110 can receive a trigger signal (or a call signal) transmitted from a tollgate while approaching the tollgate and can switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode in response to the trigger signal. In addition, if the trigger signal is stopped being received during operation in the second communication mode, the controller 110 can switch from the second communication mode to the first communication mode. The controller 110 can also provide a communication control signal indicating the selected communication mode to the first wireless transceiver 120.

[0089] The controller 110 can transmit communication data for V2X communication to both the first wireless transceiver 120 and the second wireless transceiver 130 during the first communication mode. The controller 110 can also transmit communication data for V2X communication to the second wireless transceiver 130 during the second communication mode and can transmit communication data for ETC communication to the first wireless transceiver 120.

[0090] The controller 110 can include a plurality of semiconductor devices and can be called, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU) in various ways. The controller 110 includes a processor 111, a memory 112, and a CAN transceiver 113. The processor 111, the memory 112, and the CAN transceiver 113 can be implemented as separate semiconductor devices, or can be implemented as a single semiconductor device. The controller 110 can include a plurality of processors and / or a plurality of memories.

[0091] The CAN transceiver 113 can receive location information of the vehicle 1 from a navigation device or a GNSS receiver through a vehicle communication network.

[0092] The memory 112 can store programs and data for communication with external devices. For example, the memory 112 can store programs and data for selecting a communication mode of the communication system 100 according to a location of the vehicle 1.

[0093] The memory 112 can include volatile memories such as static random access memory (S-RAM) and dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) and non-volatile memories such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and flash memory. The memory 112 can include one semiconductor device or can include a plurality of semiconductor devices.

[0094] The processor 111 can select a communication mode of the communication system 100 according to programs and data provided from the memory 112 and can transmit communication data for communication with external devices to the first wireless transceiver 120 and the second wireless transceiver 130.

[0095] The processor 111 can include an arithmetic circuit, a storage circuit, and a control circuit. The processor 111 can include one semiconductor device or can include a plurality of semiconductor devices. Also, the processor 111 can include one core or a plurality of cores in one semiconductor device. Such a processor 111 can be called in various ways, for example, a micro processing unit (MPU).

[0096] As described above, the communication system 100 of the vehicle 1 can simultaneously or selectively perform V2X communication or ETC communication according to the position of the vehicle 1. For example, the communication system 100 can substantially transmit and receive radio signals for V2X communication with other vehicles through the first antenna 20 and the second antenna 30. In response to the vehicle 1 approaching a tollgate, the communication system 100 communicates with the tollgate through the first antenna 20 to perform ETC communication and can transmit and receive radio signals between other vehicles through the second antenna 30 to perform V2X communication.

[0097] Figure 4 An example of a communication operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0098] Referring to Figure 4 A communication operation 1000 of the vehicle 1 is described.

[0099] The vehicle 1 performs V2X communication through the first antenna 20 and the second antenna 30 (1010). The communication system 100 can transmit and receive radio signals between other vehicles, communication infrastructure, or traffic infrastructure through the first antenna 20 and the second antenna 30. In other words, the communication system 100 operates in a first communication mode. In the first communication mode, the communication system 100 controls the first switch 124 to connect the first communication processor 121 with the first feeder 21b of the first antenna 20, and can disconnect (turn off) the second switch 125 and the third switch 126. In the first communication mode, the first antenna 20 can communicate with external devices through linearly polarized waves.

[0100] The vehicle 1 judges a position (1020). The communication system 100 can acquire information about the position of the vehicle 1 from a GNSS receiver or a navigation device installed in the vehicle 1 and identify the position of the vehicle 1.

[0101] The vehicle 1 judges whether to approach a tollgate (1030). The communication system 100 can judge whether the vehicle 1 approaches a tollgate to pay a road usage fee based on the position of the vehicle 1.

[0102] If the vehicle 1 does not approach a tollgate (NO in 1030), the communication system 100 continues V2X communication through the first antenna 20 and the second antenna 30 and continues to monitor the position of the vehicle 1.

[0103] If it is determined that the vehicle 1 is approaching the tollgate (YES in 1030), the vehicle 1 performs ETC communication through the first antenna 20 (1040) and performs V2X communication through the second antenna 30 (1050). If it is determined that the vehicle 1 is approaching the tollgate, the communication system 100 can switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode and perform wireless communication with the tollgate according to the ETC communication method. The communication system 100 can perform ETC communication through the first antenna 20 and perform V2X communication through the second antenna 30. In the second communication mode, the communication system 100 controls the first switch 124 to connect the first communication processor 121 with the isolation circuit 123, and can close (turn on) the second switch 125 and the third switch 126. In the second communication mode, the first antenna 20 can communicate with an external device through a circularly polarized wave.

[0104] The vehicle 1 determines whether it is moving away from the tollgate (1060). The communication system 100 can determine whether the vehicle 1 is moving away from the tollgate based on a change in the position of the vehicle 1.

[0105] If the vehicle 1 is not moving away from the tollgate (NO in 1060), the communication system 100 can continue to perform ETC communication through the first antenna 20 and V2X communication through the second antenna 30.

[0106] If it is determined that the vehicle is moving away from the tollgate (YES in 1060), the vehicle 1 performs V2X communication through the first antenna 20 and the second antenna 30 (1070).

[0107] If it is determined that the vehicle 1 is moving away from the tollgate, the communication system 100 can return from the second communication mode to the first communication mode. The communication system 100 can perform V2X communication through the first antenna 20 and the second antenna 30.

[0108] As described above, the communication system 100 can utilize one antenna to communicate in different ways according to the position of the vehicle 1. The communication system 100 can provide a signal to the first antenna 20 so that the first antenna 20 transmits and receives linearly polarized waves, or can provide a signal to the first antenna 20 so that the first antenna 20 transmits and receives circularly polarized waves.

[0109] Figure 5 An example of a communication system according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 6A and Figure 6B An example of a beam pattern of a communication system according to an embodiment is shown.

[0110] As Figure 5 shown, the vehicle 1 includes a first antenna 20, a second antenna 30, and a communication system 100. The communication system 100 includes a first wireless transceiver 120, a second wireless transceiver 130, and a controller 110.

[0111] The communication system 100 can operate in a first communication mode for V2X communication and a second communication mode for V2X communication and ETC communication.

[0112] In the first communication mode, the communication system 100 can communicate with an external device through the first antenna 20 and the second antenna 30. In the second communication mode, the communication system 100 can communicate with a tollgate through the first antenna 20 and communicate with an external device through the second antenna 30. In this way, in the first communication mode, the first antenna 20 provides spatial diversity for V2X communication together with the second antenna 30. On the other hand, since the first antenna 20 is used for ETC communication in the second communication mode, V2X communication performance can be degraded in the second communication mode. To prevent this, the communication system 100 can improve V2X communication performance through the second antenna 30 in the second communication mode.

[0113] The first wireless transceiver 120 includes a first communication processor 121 and a first switch circuit 122 (124, 125, and 126), as shown in Figure 2 .

[0114] The second wireless transceiver 130 includes a second communication processor 131, an amplifier 132, and a second switch circuit 133 (133a and 133b).

[0115] The amplifier 132 can amplify a transmission signal provided from the second communication processor 131 to the second antenna 30, and can amplify a reception signal provided from the second antenna 30 to the second communication processor 131. In other words, the amplifier 132 can be a bidirectional amplifier.

[0116] The second switch circuit 133 can allow amplification of a communication signal by the amplifier 132 or can prevent amplification of a communication signal by the amplifier 132. The second switch circuit 133 includes a fourth switch 133a and a fifth switch 133b disposed at both ends of the amplifier 132. Each of the fourth switch 133a and the fifth switch 133b can be a three-contact switch including one input terminal and two output terminals.

[0117] According to the operation of the fourth switch 133a and the fifth switch 133b, the second switch circuit 133 can pass a radio signal through the amplifier 132 or bypass the amplifier 132.

[0118] The second communication processor 131 can modulate communication data received from the controller 110 into a communication signal using a carrier signal, and can demodulate a communication signal received through the second antenna 30 using a carrier signal.

[0119] The second communication processor 131 can control the second switch circuit 133 so that the radio signal bypasses the amplifier 132 in the first communication mode. In the first communication mode, as shown in FIG. 2A, both the first antenna 20 and the second antenna 30 can perform V2X communication. In particular, the second antenna 30 can provide a first beam pattern BP1 for V2X communication. In this case, the beam pattern can indicate a range in which a radio signal having a predetermined power can be received near the antenna. Figure 6A

[0120] In addition, the second communication processor 131 can control the second switch circuit 133 so that the radio signal passes through the amplifier 132 in the second communication mode. In the second communication mode, as shown in FIG. 2B, only the second antenna 30 can perform V2X communication. In particular, the second antenna 30 can provide a second beam pattern BP2 for V2X communication. In this case, the second beam pattern BP2 can cover a wider range than the first beam pattern BP1. In other words, compared to the first communication mode, in the second communication mode, the second antenna 30 can transmit a radio signal to a farther distance, and can provide improved communication quality. Figure 6B

[0121] Figure 7 An example of a communication operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment is shown.

[0122] Referring to Figure 7 , a communication operation 1100 of the vehicle 1 is described.

[0123] The vehicle 1 performs V2X communication through the first antenna 20 and the second antenna 30 (1110), judges a location (1120), and judges whether the vehicle 1 approaches a tollgate (1130). If it is judged to approach the tollgate (Yes in 1130), the vehicle 1 performs ETC communication through the first antenna 20 (1140). The operations 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 can be the same as the operations 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040 shown in Figure 4

[0124] The vehicle 1 amplifies a V2X communication signal (1145) and performs V2X communication through the second antenna 30 (1150).

[0125] The controller 110 of the communication system 100 can control the second wireless transceiver 130 to amplify a V2X communication signal provided to the second antenna 30. The second wireless transceiver 130 can control the second switch circuit 133 so that the V2X communication signal passes through the amplifier 132 according to the control of the controller 110. The V2X communication signal is amplified by the amplifier 132 and V2X communication performance can be improved.

[0126] ​​​The vehicle 1 judges whether it is moving away from the tollgate (1160), and if it judges that it is moving away from the tollgate (1160, Yes), the amplification of the V2X communication signal is stopped (1165), and the V2X communication is performed through the first antenna 20 and the second antenna 30 (1170).

[0127] The operation 1160 can be the same as the operation 1060 illustrated in FIG. 10. Figure 4

[0128] Since spatial diversity is provided by the first antenna 20 and the second antenna 30 when the vehicle 1 is moving away from the tollgate, sufficient communication performance can be provided without amplifying the V2X communication signal. Based on the above reason, the controller 110 of the communication system 100 can control the second wireless transceiver 130 to stop amplifying the V2X communication signal provided to the second antenna 30. The second wireless transceiver 130 can control the second switch circuit 133 so that the V2X communication signal bypasses the amplifier 132 according to the control of the controller 110.

[0129] As described above, the communication system 100 of the vehicle 1 can simultaneously or selectively perform the V2X communication using the first antenna 20 and the second antenna 30 or the ETC communication using the first antenna 20 according to the position of the vehicle 1. In order to prevent the communication performance of the V2X communication from being reduced during the ETC communication using the first antenna 20, the communication system 100 can amplify the V2X communication signal.

[0130] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of polarized waves having the same or similar frequencies, a vehicle, and a control method thereof can be provided.

[0131] As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that the present disclosure can be practiced in different forms without changing the technical idea or essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Such different forms should fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.​

Claims

1. A communication device mounted to a vehicle, comprising: a first antenna; a first radio transceiver electrically connected to the first antenna to supply a communication signal to the first antenna through at least one of a first feeder line and a second feeder line; and a controller configured to: in a first communication mode, control the first radio transceiver to supply a communication signal to the first antenna through the first feeder line, and in a second communication mode, control the first radio transceiver to supply a communication signal to the first antenna through both the first feeder line and the second feeder line, wherein the communication signal through the second feeder line has a phase delay of about 90 degrees from the communication signal through the first feeder line, wherein the communication device further comprises a second antenna and a second radio transceiver electrically connected to the second antenna, wherein the second radio transceiver comprises: a second communication processor to output a communication signal; an amplifier to amplify the communication signal; a fourth switch to connect the second communication processor to either of the amplifier and the second antenna; and a fifth switch to connect the second antenna to either of the amplifier and the second communication processor.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first antenna is configured to: emit a linear polarized wave in response to being supplied with a communication signal through the first feeder line, and emit a circular polarized wave in response to being supplied with a communication signal through both the first feeder line and the second feeder line.

3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle further comprises a position recognition device to recognize a position of the vehicle, the controller is configured to: in the first communication mode, control the first radio transceiver so that the first antenna emits the linear polarized wave, and based on the position of the vehicle, when it is recognized that the vehicle is approaching a predetermined position, in the second communication mode, control the first radio transceiver so that the first antenna emits the circular polarized wave.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first radio transceiver comprises: a first communication processor to output a communication signal; a splitting circuit to split a communication signal into two communication signals having the same power; a first switch to connect the first communication processor to either of the splitting circuit and the first feeder line; a second switch to connect or block an output of the splitting circuit to the first feeder line; and a third switch to connect or block an output of the splitting circuit to the second feeder line.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to: in the first communication mode, control the first radio transceiver to connect the first communication processor to the first feeder line and to block a connection between the output of the splitting circuit and the first feeder line and the second feeder line, and in the second communication mode, control the first radio transceiver to connect the first communication processor to the splitting circuit and to connect the output of the splitting circuit to the first feeder line and the second feeder line.

6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein ​ The controller controls the second wireless transceiver to provide a communication signal to the second antenna. 7.The communication device of claim 1, wherein, the controller is configured to: in the first communication mode, control the second wireless transceiver to directly connect the second communication processor with the second antenna; and in the second communication mode, control the second wireless transceiver to connect the second communication processor to the second antenna through the amplifier. 8.The communication device of claim 1, wherein, in the first communication mode, the controller communicates using spatial diversity through the first antenna and the second antenna. 9.A vehicle comprising: a location recognition device that recognizes a location of the vehicle; a first antenna including an antenna body, a first feed line connected to the antenna body, and a second feed line including a phase delay device connected to the antenna body; a first wireless transceiver electrically connected to the first antenna to provide a communication signal to the first antenna through at least one of the first feed line and the second feed line; and a controller configured to: in a first communication mode, control the first wireless transceiver to provide a communication signal to the first antenna through the first feed line, in a second communication mode, control the first wireless transceiver to provide a communication signal to the first antenna through both the first feed line and the second feed line, and if the vehicle approaches a toll station while operating in the first communication mode, switch to the second communication mode, wherein the vehicle further comprises a second antenna and a second wireless transceiver electrically connected to the second antenna, wherein the second wireless transceiver comprises: a second communication processor that outputs a communication signal; an amplifier that amplifies the communication signal; a fourth switch that connects the second communication processor to either the amplifier or the second antenna; and a fifth switch that connects the second antenna to either the amplifier or the second communication processor. 10.The vehicle of claim 9, wherein, the first antenna is configured to: emit linear polarized waves in response to being provided a communication signal through the first feed line, and emit circular polarized waves in response to being provided a communication signal through both the first feed line and the second feed line. 11.The vehicle of claim 9, wherein, the first wireless transceiver comprises: a first communication processor that outputs a communication signal; a splitting circuit that splits a communication signal into two communication signals having the same power; a first switch that connects the first communication processor to either the splitting circuit or the first feed line; a second switch that connects or blocks an output of the splitting circuit to the first feed line; and a third switch that connects or blocks an output of the splitting circuit to the second feed line. 12.The vehicle of claim 11, wherein, the controller is configured to: in the first communication mode, controlling the first wireless transceiver to connect the first communication processor to the first feeder and to prevent connection of an output of the splitting circuit to the first feeder and the second feeder, and in the second communication mode, controlling the first wireless transceiver to connect the first communication processor to the splitting circuit and to connect an output of the splitting circuit to the first feeder and the second feeder.

13. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the controller controls the second wireless transceiver to provide a communication signal to the second antenna.

14. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to: in the first communication mode, control the second wireless transceiver to directly connect the second communication processor to the second antenna; and in the second communication mode, control the second wireless transceiver to connect the second communication processor to the second antenna through the amplifier.

15. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein in the first communication mode, the controller communicates using spatial diversity through the first antenna and the second antenna.

16. A control method for a vehicle including a first antenna and a second antenna, comprising: in a first communication mode, communicating with other vehicles through the first antenna and the second antenna by transmitting linearly polarized waves; in response to the vehicle being in proximity to a predetermined location, switching from the first communication mode to a second communication mode; and in the second communication mode, communicating with other devices through the first antenna by transmitting circularly polarized waves and communicating with the other vehicles through the second antenna by transmitting the linearly polarized waves, wherein transmitting the linearly polarized waves through the second antenna in the first communication mode includes providing a third communication signal to the second antenna, transmitting the linearly polarized waves through the second antenna in the second communication mode includes providing a fourth communication signal obtained by amplifying the third communication signal to the second antenna.

17. The control method of claim 16, wherein transmitting the linearly polarized waves through the first antenna in the first communication mode includes providing a first communication signal to the first antenna, transmitting the circularly polarized waves through the first antenna in the second communication mode includes providing the first communication signal and a second communication signal that is phase delayed by 90 degrees from the first communication signal to the first antenna. ​

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