Remote Information Processing Verification System and Method Using Wireless Cable Shielding

Abstract

A telematics verification system for testing vehicle telematics systems includes: a conductive ground plane adapted to be positioned under the vehicle when testing the vehicle telematics system using the telematics verification system; a conductive cover adapted to be positioned on the outer surface of the vehicle and above and around the vehicle antenna when testing the vehicle telematics system using the telematics verification system; a downlink antenna adapted to be arranged inside the conductive cover, wherein the downlink antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit downlink signals within the conductive cover, wherein the downlink signals are wirelessly receivable by the vehicle antenna; and an uplink antenna adapted to be arranged inside the conductive cover, wherein the uplink antenna is configured to wirelessly receive uplink signals within the conductive cover, wherein the uplink signals are wirelessly receivable by the vehicle antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the automotive field. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a telematics verification system for testing vehicle telematics systems. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle telematics is a relatively broad field, encompassing telecommunications and informatics for road vehicle applications. Other illustrative applications include cellular technology and wireless local area networks (WLANs).

[0003] Generally, telematics systems need to be tested to evaluate their communication links before they are released to the market. Testing the communication links of vehicle telematics systems requires a controlled environment with little or no radio interference. Traditionally, this can be achieved by testing the telematics system before it is installed in the vehicle or by removing it from the vehicle and placing it in a shielded environment. However, in this case, the telematics system is isolated from the vehicle's other electronic systems, thus failing to provide a true testing environment for the telematics system.

[0004] Another traditional option is to place the vehicle (including the telematics system) in a shielded or anechoic chamber. However, the implementation of such a shielded or anechoic chamber is very costly.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a simple and inexpensive testing system for testing vehicle telematics systems that provides a realistic and effective testing environment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a telematics verification system for testing vehicle telematics systems. This telematics verification system offers a simple and inexpensive method for verifying vehicle telematics systems, enabling testing under more realistic conditions compared to placing the vehicle in a shielded or anechoic chamber.

[0007] In one illustrative embodiment, this disclosure provides an electromagnetically shielded enclosure or box adapted to cover an antenna of a vehicle telematics unit used for testing a vehicle telematics system while the vehicle is being operated. The downlink antenna of the telematics verification system can be arranged within the electromagnetically shielded enclosure, thereby enabling wireless transmission of downlink signals within the enclosure.

[0008] Advantageously, the electromagnetic shielding compartment can be arranged on the exterior surface of the vehicle to cover the vehicle's antenna. Therefore, the vehicle can operate on a test bench, in a climate chamber, or in real-world environments, such as urban, suburban, or more remote rural environments, while simultaneously testing the telematics system within the electromagnetic shielding compartment.

[0009] Furthermore, to also provide uplink connectivity, an uplink antenna is provided and adapted to be disposed within an electromagnetically shielded compartment. The uplink antenna is adapted to receive uplink signals transmitted by the vehicle's antenna. In other words, embodiments of this disclosure provide a complete test of a two-way communication system in a real-world environment, such as when operating the vehicle on a road or at a test facility.

[0010] Therefore, in a first aspect, a telematics verification system for testing a vehicle telematics system is provided, the telematics verification system comprising: an electromagnetic shielding compartment adapted to cover the vehicle antenna when the vehicle is being tested using the telematics verification system while the vehicle is being operated.

[0011] The remote information processing verification system also includes a downlink antenna array adapted to be arranged in an electromagnetically shielded compartment. The downlink antenna array is configured to wirelessly transmit downlink signals within the electromagnetically shielded compartment, wherein the signal indicating the downlink signal is wirelessly receivable by the vehicle antenna.

[0012] In addition, the telematics verification system includes an uplink antenna adapted to be arranged in an electromagnetically shielded compartment, the uplink antenna being adapted to wirelessly receive uplink signals transmitted by the vehicle antenna.

[0013] Advantageously, the electromagnetic shielding compartment is adapted to remain mounted on the vehicle for testing the vehicle's telematics system using a telematics verification system while the vehicle is being operated. Furthermore, this allows for the simultaneous testing of other vehicle functions and systems that may require a real-world testing environment while testing the vehicle's telematics system.

[0014] Electromagnetic shielding compartments can be defined by boxes made of suitable materials such as metal.

[0015] According to a second aspect, a method for performing verification of a vehicle telematics system is provided, the method comprising: providing a telematics verification system including an electromagnetically shielded compartment; arranging the electromagnetically shielded compartment on the vehicle such that the electromagnetically shielded compartment covers a vehicle antenna; transmitting a downlink signal from a downlink antenna array arranged in the electromagnetically shielded compartment, wherein a signal indicating the downlink signal is wirelessly received by the vehicle antenna; and evaluating the signal received by the vehicle antenna. Advantageously, this provides a downlink communication link for at least evaluating the telematics system.

[0016] In another illustrative embodiment, the present invention provides a telematics verification system for testing a vehicle telematics system. The telematics verification system includes: a conductive ground plane adapted to be disposed under the vehicle when testing the vehicle telematics system using the telematics verification system; a conductive shield adapted to be disposed on and around the vehicle's outer surface and a vehicle antenna when testing the vehicle telematics system using the telematics verification system; a downlink antenna adapted to be disposed within the conductive shield, wherein the downlink antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit a downlink signal within the conductive shield, wherein the downlink signal is wirelessly receivable by the vehicle antenna; and an uplink antenna adapted to be disposed within the conductive shield, wherein the uplink antenna is configured to wirelessly receive an uplink signal within the conductive shield, wherein the uplink signal is wirelessly receivable from the vehicle antenna. The conductive shield is made of a flexible material such that it conforms to the vehicle's outer surface and one or more of the following: the vehicle antenna, the downlink antenna, the uplink antenna, and a support structure coupled to one or more of the uplink antenna and the downlink antenna. The lower portion of the conductive shield contacts the upper surface of the conductive ground plane around the vehicle's outer perimeter, thereby creating a complete shielded environment for the entire vehicle. Optionally, the telematics verification system also includes a compartment structure disposed within the conductive shield around the vehicle antenna and coupled to the vehicle's outer surface, wherein both the downlink and uplink antennas are coupled to the inner surface of the compartment structure. Alternatively, the telematics verification system also includes one or more fixing structures disposed within the conductive shield adjacent to the vehicle antenna and coupled to the vehicle's outer surface, wherein the downlink and uplink antennas are coupled to one or more of the one or more fixing structures. Optionally, when testing the telematics system using the telematics verification system, the vehicle's additional antenna is housed within a conductive cover. The telematics verification system further includes: an additional downlink antenna adapted to be disposed within the conductive cover, wherein the additional downlink antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit an additional downlink signal within the conductive cover, wherein the additional downlink signal is wirelessly receivable by the vehicle's additional antenna; and an additional uplink antenna adapted to be disposed within the conductive cover, wherein the additional uplink antenna is configured to wirelessly receive an additional uplink signal within the conductive cover, wherein the additional uplink signal is wirelessly receivable by the vehicle's additional antenna. A conductive ground plane is adapted to be disposed under the vehicle when testing the vehicle's telematics system using the telematics verification system while the vehicle is operating, and the conductive cover is adapted to be disposed on the outer surface of the vehicle and above and around the vehicle antenna.

[0017] In another illustrative embodiment, this disclosure provides a telematics verification system for testing a vehicle telematics system. The telematics verification system includes: a conductive ground plane adapted to be disposed under the vehicle when testing the vehicle telematics system using the telematics verification system; a conductive cover adapted to be disposed on the outer surface of the vehicle and above and around the vehicle antenna when testing the vehicle telematics system using the telematics verification system; a downlink antenna adapted to be disposed within the conductive cover, wherein the downlink antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit a downlink signal within the conductive cover, wherein the downlink signal is wirelessly receivable by the vehicle antenna; an uplink antenna adapted to be disposed within the conductive cover, wherein the uplink antenna is configured to wirelessly receive an uplink signal within the conductive cover, wherein the uplink signal is wirelessly receivable by the vehicle antenna; and a support structure adapted to be disposed within the conductive cover, wherein both the downlink antenna and the uplink antenna are coupled to the support structure. The conductive shield is made of a flexible material, conforming to the vehicle's outer surface and one or more of the following: a vehicle antenna, a downlink antenna, an uplink antenna, and a support structure coupled to the uplink and downlink antennas. The lower portion of the conductive shield contacts the upper surface of the conductive ground plane around the vehicle's outer perimeter, thereby creating a complete shielded environment for the entire vehicle. Optionally, the support structure includes a compartmentalized structure disposed within the conductive shield around the vehicle antenna and coupled to the vehicle's outer surface, wherein both the downlink and uplink antennas are coupled to the inner surface of the compartmentalized structure. Alternatively, the support structure includes one or more fastener structures disposed within the conductive shield adjacent to the vehicle antenna and coupled to the vehicle's outer surface, wherein the downlink and uplink antennas are coupled to one or more of the one or more fastener structures. Optionally, when testing the vehicle telematics system using the telematics verification system, the vehicle's additional antenna is housed within a conductive cover. The telematics verification system further includes: an additional downlink antenna adapted to be disposed within the conductive cover, wherein the additional downlink antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit an additional downlink signal within the conductive cover, wherein the additional downlink signal is wirelessly receivable by the vehicle's additional antenna; and an additional uplink antenna adapted to be disposed within the conductive cover, wherein the additional uplink antenna is configured to wirelessly receive an additional uplink signal within the conductive cover, wherein the additional uplink signal is wirelessly receivable by the vehicle's additional antenna. When testing the vehicle telematics system using the telematics verification system while the vehicle is operating, the conductive ground plane is adapted to be disposed below the vehicle, and the conductive cover is adapted to be disposed on the outer surface of the vehicle and above and around the vehicle antenna.

[0018] In another illustrative embodiment, the present invention provides a telematics verification method for testing a vehicle telematics system. The method includes: when testing the vehicle telematics system using a telematics verification system, setting a conductive ground plane under the vehicle; when testing the vehicle telematics system using the telematics verification system, setting a conductive shield on the vehicle's outer surface and above and around the vehicle antenna; arranging a downlink antenna within the conductive shield, wherein the downlink antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit a downlink signal within the conductive shield, wherein the downlink signal is wirelessly receivable by the vehicle antenna; and arranging an uplink antenna within the conductive shield, wherein the uplink antenna is configured to wirelessly receive an uplink signal within the conductive shield, wherein the uplink signal is wirelessly receivable by the vehicle antenna. The conductive shield is made of a flexible material such that it conforms to the vehicle's outer surface and one or more of the following: the vehicle antenna, the downlink antenna, the uplink antenna, and a support structure coupled to one or more of the uplink and downlink antennas. The lower portion of the conductive shield contacts the upper surface of the conductive ground plane around the vehicle's outer perimeter, thereby creating a complete shielding environment for the entire vehicle. Optionally, the telematics verification method further includes providing a compartment structure disposed within a conductive cover around the vehicle antenna and coupled to the outer surface of the vehicle, wherein both the downlink antenna and the uplink antenna are coupled to the inner surface of the compartment structure. Alternatively, the telematics verification method further includes providing one or more fastener structures disposed within a conductive cover adjacent to the vehicle antenna and coupled to the outer surface of the vehicle, wherein the downlink antenna and the uplink antenna are coupled to one or more of the one or more fastener structures. The telematics verification method also includes testing the vehicle telematics system using the telematics verification system while the vehicle is being operated.

[0019] Further features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent when examined in light of the appended claims and the following description. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different features of this disclosure can be combined to create embodiments different from those specifically described below, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 A telematics verification system according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is conceptually illustrated;

[0022] Figure 2 A telematics verification system arranged on a vehicle according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is conceptually illustrated;

[0023] Figure 3 Another telematics verification system arranged on a vehicle according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is conceptually illustrated;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of method steps according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating an overall universal test (i.e., wireless cable) solution;

[0025] Figure 5 This is another flowchart of the downlink method steps according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 This is another flowchart of the uplink method steps according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the wireless cable shield of the present invention, which effectively isolates the vehicle telematics system and the vehicle from the environment by using a conductive ground plane and a conductive shield, for testing and verification of the vehicle telematics system;

[0028] Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram showing the wireless cable shield of the present invention, which effectively isolates the vehicle telematics system and the vehicle by using a conductive ground plane and a conductive shield for testing and verification of the vehicle telematics system, and the aforementioned downlink antenna and uplink antenna in a first position;

[0029] Figure 9 This is another schematic diagram showing the wireless cable shield of the present invention, which effectively isolates the vehicle telematics system and the vehicle by using a conductive ground plane and a conductive shield for testing and verification of the vehicle telematics system, and the aforementioned downlink antenna and uplink antenna in a first position and a second position.

[0030] Figure 10 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the wireless cable shielding cover of the present invention, which effectively isolates the vehicle telematics system and the vehicle from the environment using a conductive ground plane and a conductive cover, for testing and verification of the vehicle telematics system, and the aforementioned downlink antenna and uplink antenna in the first and third positions; and

[0031] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the wireless cable shielding method of the present invention, which effectively isolates the vehicle telematics system and the vehicle from the environment using a conductive ground plane and a conductive cover, for testing and verification of the vehicle telematics system. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In this detailed description, various illustrative embodiments of the telematics verification system according to this disclosure are described. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting itself to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein; rather, these illustrative embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness and to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Similar reference numerals always refer to similar elements.

[0033] Figure 1 An exemplary telematics verification system 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is conceptually illustrated. The telematics verification system 100 is configured for testing a vehicle telematics system including antennas 102a and 102b. Antennas 102a and 102b can be configured for wireless communication using technologies such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or WLAN networks, such as the 802.11 wireless standard family, and can be used for receiving and transmitting broadband signals. Specifically, they can also be configured for GPS or wireless vehicle communication standards such as DSRC, ITS-G5, or cellular ITS solutions.

[0034] The telematics verification system 100 includes an electromagnetic shielding compartment 104, which serves as a shielding box, adapted to cover vehicle antennas 102a and 102b. The electromagnetic shielding compartment 104 has necessary input openings (one or more) for inserting antennas 102a and 102b into the electromagnetic shielding compartment 104.

[0035] Downlink antenna arrays 106a-d are adapted to be arranged within an electromagnetically shielded compartment 104. These downlink antenna arrays 106a-d are configured to transmit a downlink signal 108 within the electromagnetically shielded compartment 104. The downlink signal 108 is wirelessly receivable by vehicle antennas 102a and 102b. Therefore, to test downlink transmission, i.e., the transmission of a wireless signal to the vehicle telematics system, the downlink signal 108 is transmitted by downlink antennas 106a-d and subsequently received by vehicle antennas 102a and 102b. A telematics control unit 110 connected to vehicle antennas 102a and 102b is configured to evaluate the received signal.

[0036] Therefore, downlink connections can be advantageously tested in an electromagnetically shielded environment provided by the electromagnetic shielding compartment 104.

[0037] In addition, an uplink antenna 112 is provided and adapted to be disposed within an electromagnetic shielding compartment 104. The uplink antenna 112 is adapted to receive uplink signals 114 transmitted by vehicle antennas 102a and 102b.

[0038] Therefore, the uplink connection can also be advantageously tested in an electromagnetically shielded environment provided by the electromagnetic shielding compartment 104.

[0039] The control unit 110, which is connected to the vehicle antennas 102a and 102b, is configured to evaluate the received signals.

[0040] The embodiments of this disclosure are based on providing the electromagnetic shielding environment required for verifying a vehicle telematics system in the form of an electromagnetically shielded enclosure, which can be arranged on the vehicle to cover the vehicle's antenna. This enables testing of the vehicle telematics system while operating the vehicle and other systems of the vehicle under real-world driving conditions, i.e., in real-world traffic or test benches and climate chambers, or even in a conventional garage.

[0041] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure enable the testing of vehicle telematics systems in real-world environments using a so-called wireless cable method. The wireless cable method is defined by wireless transmission of downlink and uplink signals for testing multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, i.e., systems with multiple input channels and multiple output channels, such as vehicle antennas 102a and 102b.

[0042] The electromagnetic shielding compartment 104 has the necessary feedthrough connections for communication cables to, for example, antennas 106a-d and 112.

[0043] Downlink antennas 106a-d can be configured to receive downlink signals from a signal simulator, which may be provided in the form of a fading simulator 118. Therefore, downlink antennas 106a-d are connected to the output port of the fading simulator 118. The operation of the fading simulator 118 is known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. Generally, the fading simulator is configured to perform convolution between the original transmitted signal and auxiliary functions, such as functions simulating different radio propagation environments, and to simulate noise, electromagnetic interference, or internal disturbances generated by the vehicle, in order to create a realistic signal including, for example, noise. Furthermore, the fading simulator 118 can be configured to phase or amplitude tune the downlink signal, thereby enabling testing of a specific channel associated with a specific antenna of the vehicle's telematics system. The number of downlink antennas is preferably equal to or greater than the number of vehicle antennas.

[0044] The fading simulator 118 may be included in the remote information processing verification system 100.

[0045] The communication tester 116 is schematically shown here as a box. The communication tester 116 provides a signal source, for example, in the form of a base station simulator unit or a WLAN communication tester, depending on the type of communication technology being verified.

[0046] The communication tester 116 is configured to provide the raw transmitted signal to a signal simulator, such as a fading simulator 118 configured to generate downlink signal 108. Furthermore, the communication tester 116 is connected to the uplink antenna 112 to receive and evaluate the signal received by the uplink antenna 112. The received signal is the uplink signal 114 transmitted by vehicle antennas 102a and 102b. As described above, the signal source can be provided in the form of a base station simulator unit or a WLAN communication tester. In some embodiments, the uplink antenna is connected to an external antenna to communicate with a real base station, as described below.

[0047] The base station simulator unit is advantageously configured to mimic a real base station. Therefore, although the vehicle antennas 102a and 102b are shielded, the base station simulator unit, mimicking a real base station, provides testing of the uplink connectivity of the vehicle telematics system in a real environment.

[0048] The communication tester 116, provided as a base station simulator unit or a WLAN communication tester, can be included in the remote information processing verification system 100.

[0049] System 100 may include additional components, such as a power amplifier, for example, between the fading simulator and the downlink antenna. These additional components are known and will not be discussed further herein.

[0050] The electromagnetic shielding compartment 104 is adapted to attenuate external radio signals to provide a controlled radio environment within the compartment. Preferably, when operating simultaneously with a vehicle including the telematics system 100, external radio signals are significantly attenuated, thus providing a controlled radio environment within the compartment even under real traffic conditions. The shielding box 104 may be made of metal and may be further covered internally with an attenuating material (so-called radio absorber) to attenuate reflections within the box.

[0051] For the use of the telematics verification system 100, the electromagnetic shielding compartment 104, provided as a shielding box, can be placed inside the vehicle. The vehicle antenna can be removed from its normal installation position on the vehicle and placed inside the box.

[0052] Figure 2 Another advantageous possibility for using the telematics verification system 100 is illustrated. Here, the telematics verification system 100 is arranged on a vehicle 120. In this exemplary illustrative embodiment, an electromagnetic shielding compartment 104 is mounted to the vehicle roof 122 to cover antennas 102a and 102b. As shown, the electromagnetic shielding compartment 104 also accommodates downlink antennas 106a-d and uplink antenna 112.

[0053] Therefore, the electromagnetic shielding compartment 104 can be advantageously fixedly mounted on the vehicle 120. In the embodiment described herein, the electromagnetic shielding compartment 104 can be fixedly mounted on the roof 122, thereby enclosing the antennas 102a and 102b within the electromagnetic shielding compartment 104.

[0054] The electromagnetic shielding compartment 104 is preferably adapted to remain mounted on the vehicle 120 for testing the vehicle's telematics system using the telematics verification system 100 while the vehicle 120 is in operation. In this way, the vehicle 120's telematics system can be advantageously tested while the vehicle 120 is in operation, thereby enabling the use of other subsystems of the vehicle 120, such as electronic control systems in real traffic conditions, or on a test bench, in a climate chamber, or in a garage. In other words, the ability to mount the electromagnetic shielding compartment 104 on the vehicle 120 to enclose the vehicle antennas 102a and 102b provides the capability to test the vehicle's telematics system under truly realistic traffic conditions while the vehicle 120 is in operation.

[0055] The electromagnetic shielding compartment 104 can be installed on the vehicle 120 by bolting it to, for example, the vehicle roof 122.

[0056] The fading simulator 118 and the communication tester 116 (e.g., a base station simulator or a WLAN communication tester) are schematically shown outside the vehicle for clarity in the figure, but in an actual implementation they can be placed inside the vehicle 120.

[0057] Figure 3 A telematics verification system 200 is illustrated when deployed on a vehicle 120. An uplink antenna 112 is connected to an external antenna 130 via a converter unit 143 adapted to transmit uplink signals to a communication network 140. The converter unit 143 may be included in a signal emulator 142 and can be configured to convert signals between different frequencies and / or network technologies. The signal emulator 142 is connected to external antenna groups 132 and 134 adapted to receive transmitted signals from the communication network 140 and provide transmitted signals to the signal emulator 142.

[0058] Therefore, in this exemplary embodiment, one of the antennas 130 is configured to transmit uplink signals, originally transmitted by vehicle antennas 102a and 102b and received by uplink antenna 112 arranged in the shielded environment 104, to the communication network 140. External receiving antenna groups 132 and 134 are configured to receive signals from the communication network 140 (e.g., a base station) and provide them to the signal emulator 142.

[0059] Using this setup, the telematics system of vehicle 120 can be tested against real-world communication networks (e.g., connected to the cloud via 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or WLAN network technologies in a real-world radio environment). For example, it provides the possibility of simulating driving vehicle 120 to different radio environments to test the telematics system.

[0060] Furthermore, the signal simulator 142 is configured to convert the received signal into a downlink signal of any frequency and any wireless communication standard for transmission by the downlink antennas 106a-d. In other words, real-world signals can be tested at any frequency and with any communication standard. This is inherently difficult in existing technology systems because it may require shutting down or altering public communication networks.

[0061] Generally, a signal emulator includes: a dedicated receiver configured to receive signals from an external network via, for example, antennas 132 and 134 for providing data to a base station emulator, for transmission to vehicle 120 at any frequency and any standard; and a dedicated transmitter configured to transmit data transmission signals received from vehicle 120 at any frequency and any standard to an external network 140.

[0062] The signal emulator 142 may include a fading emulator. The signal emulator 142 may also include a communication tester.

[0063] Figure 4 This is a schematic functional overview of an exemplary telematics verification system according to this disclosure. Here, the telematics verification system is shown as a 2 by 2 MIMO system, i.e., two downlink antennas 302a and 302b, and two receive and transmit vehicle antennas 304a and 304b. A base station simulator unit 306 of a wireless network simulating a connection link is configured to provide the original transmitted signals x1(f,t) and x2(f,t) to a fading simulator 308. Signals x1(f,t) and x2(f,t) are time and frequency variables.

[0064] The fading simulator 308 is configured to simulate how a real-world transmitter might behave. Therefore, the fading simulator can add noise to signals x1(f,t) and x2(f,t). For example, the fading simulator can apply convolution to x1(f,t) and x2(f,t) to provide fading representations of the original x1(f,t) and x2(f,t), shown here as s1(f,t) and s2(f,t). The convolution is represented here by the impulse response matrix H. The fading simulator can perform convolution on signals x1(f,t) and x2(f,t) using impulse responses based on the measured antenna responses of vehicle antennas 304a and 304b and the external propagation channel. This provides a simulated real-world radio signal within a shielded environment provided by the environmental shielding compartment 310. Noise and interference can also be added to the transmitted signal to make the test setup more realistic.

[0065] To enable individual testing of the channel of the telematics system, it is crucial to transmit downlink signals from downlink antennas 302a and 302b such that they are received by only one of the vehicle antennas 304a or 304b. For this purpose, the fading simulator 306 can also be configured to apply a precoding scheme (i.e., suitable for MIMO communication networks) that may include controlling the phase and amplitude of the downlink signal to be tuned for the current target antenna 304a or 304b. By understanding the characteristics of antennas 304a and 304b and the propagation channel within the shielding box, the amplitude and phase of the downlink signal can be adjusted such that, for example, the sum of the signals at one of antennas 304a or 304b is zero, and the specifically generated fading signal is received only by the other antenna of 304b.

[0066] The precoding scheme described above is often referred to as a so-called zero-forcing scheme. Zero-forcing and other precoding schemes are known techniques and will not be described in further detail here. For example, spatial multiplexing can be used, where each vehicle antenna uses channel estimation techniques to separate signals from different downlink antennas 302a and 302b.

[0067] Figure 4 An uplink antenna 312 connected to a base station simulator 306 is further conceptually shown. A telematics control unit 320 connected to vehicle antennas 304a and 304b is also shown.

[0068] Figure 5This is a flowchart of method steps according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method steps for performing verification of a vehicle telematics system are provided. In step S102, a telematics verification system including an electromagnetically shielded compartment is provided. In step S104, the electromagnetically shielded compartment is arranged on the vehicle such that it covers the vehicle antenna. Furthermore, in step S106, a downlink signal is transmitted from a downlink antenna group arranged in the electromagnetically shielded compartment. A signal indicating the downlink signal is wirelessly received by the vehicle antenna. Subsequently, the signal received by the vehicle antenna is evaluated in S108.

[0069] The steps of transmitting downlink signals and evaluating received signals can be performed by the control unit.

[0070] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the method steps according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Subsequently, in step S110, an uplink signal is transmitted using a vehicle antenna. The uplink signal is receivable by an uplink antenna arranged within an electromagnetically shielded compartment. Next, in S112, the signal received by the uplink antenna is evaluated.

[0071] The steps of transmitting uplink signals and evaluating received signals can be performed by the control unit.

[0072] The term “uplink” is intended to also cover the commonly used term “upstream”, and the term “downlink” is intended to also cover the commonly used term “downstream”, where upstream and downstream are often used in systems such as WLAN and Wi-Fi.

[0073] Connections between the downlink antenna and the signal simulator, between the fading simulator and the communication tester, and between the uplink antenna and the communication tester can be provided by coaxial cables.

[0074] The control unit may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable device, and may be embedded in vehicle / powertrain control logic / hardware. The control unit may also, or alternatively, include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array or programmable array logic, a programmable logic device, or a DSP. Where the control unit includes a programmable device, such as the aforementioned microprocessor, microcontroller, or programmable DSP, the processor may also include computer-executable code that controls the operation of the programmable device stored in memory on a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0075] Therefore, given the above, it is clear that well-established methods for testing wireless cables over the air, such as those used for mobile phones, have been developed on the market, employing shielded chamber testing. However, such shielded chambers must be customized for vehicle applications and can be costly and bulky in whole-vehicle applications. This disclosure provides placing a metal box on the vehicle antenna. However, in some cases, this may result in insufficient shielding or may be limited to a single location and antenna module. Furthermore, it may require a flat surface to accommodate the box and often exclude interference from other automotive electronics. Accordingly, the invention also provides an arrangement utilizing a flexible whole-vehicle conductive shield and a conductive shielded ground plane, on which the vehicle is placed. This achieves a robust wireless cable testing method and allows measurements to be taken of any antenna system, whether external or internal to the vehicle.

[0076] Now for specific reference Figure 7 In one illustrative embodiment, the enhanced vehicle telematics verification system 500 of this disclosure includes a conductive shield 402 covering all or part of a vehicle 400 and a conductive ground plane 404 on which the vehicle 400 is parked or placed. The conductive shield 402 is flexible and made of a conductive metal material or the like, such that the conductive shield 402 substantially conforms to the shape of the vehicle 400, antenna, and other components (on which the conductive shield 402 is disposed). For example, the conductive shield 402 may be manufactured as a flexible fabric or flat structure including a conductive metal layer or impregnated with a conductive metal material. The conductive ground plane 404 is also made of a conductive metal material or the like and forms a flat surface (rigid or flexible), on which the vehicle 400 is selectively disposed for testing. The lower portion 403 of the conductive shield 402 preferably contacts the conductive ground plane 404 around the periphery of the vehicle 400, thereby forming an environmental shield around the vehicle and its antenna and electronic components, providing a safe environment for vehicle telematics verification testing without external signal interference. As shown in the figure, the conductive cover 402 and the conductive ground plane 404 encapsulate the entire vehicle 400.

[0077] Now for specific reference Figure 8The conductive shield 402 is preferably disposed above and around the vehicle 400 and above or adjacent to the box structure or other fastener structure (one or more) 502 disposed above and around or adjacent to the antenna 406 to be tested. The box structure or other fastener structure (one or more) 502 may be made of any suitable metallic or non-metallic material, as shielding is provided here by the conductive shield 402. As previously described, one or more downlink antennas 504 are provided in the structure 502 or associated with the fastener (one or more) 502 and adapted to transmit downlink signals to the antenna 406. Similarly, one or more uplink antennas 506 are provided in the structure 502 or associated with the fastener (one or more) 502 and adapted to receive uplink signals from the antenna 406. The structure 502 or the fastener (one or more) 502 is coupled to the outer surface of the vehicle 400 via one or more magnets, suction connectors, adhesive connectors, bolts and / or the like. In this manner, structure 502 or fixture(s) 502 forms a gap adjacent to the outer surface of vehicle 400, wherein downlink antenna(s) 504 and uplink antenna(s) 506 are positioned adjacent to the antenna under test 406, which is shown herein as top antenna 406a. Because vehicle 400 is completely positioned under conductive cover 402, the vehicle's electronic systems, such as electronic control units (ECUs), will influence the measurements taken, thus providing a controlled real-world testing environment. Multiple gaps can be utilized and multiple antennas can be tested, allowing for testing of their interactions. Selective isolation can also be provided for specific antennas. As described in detail above, downlink antenna 504 and uplink antenna 505 are connected to appropriate electronic test components 600.

[0078] Now for specific reference Figure 9The conductive shield 402 is again preferably disposed above and around the vehicle 400 and above and around the box structure or other fastener structure (one or more) 502 disposed above and around or adjacent to the antenna 406 to be tested. The box structure or other fastener structure (one or more) 502 may be made of any suitable metallic or non-metallic material, as shielding is provided here by the conductive shield 402. As previously described, one or more downlink antennas 504 are provided in the structure 502 or associated with the fastener (one or more) 502 and adapted to transmit downlink signals to the antenna 406. Similarly, one or more uplink antennas 506 are provided in the structure 502 or associated with the fastener (one or more) 502 and adapted to receive uplink signals from the antenna 406. The structure 502 or the fastener (one or more) 502 is coupled to the outer surface of the vehicle 400 via one or more magnets, suction connectors, adhesive connectors, bolts and / or the like. In this manner, structure 502 or fixture(s) 502 forms a gap adjacent to the outer surface of vehicle 400, wherein downlink antenna(s) 504 and uplink antenna(s) 506 are positioned adjacent to the antenna 406 under test, shown here as top antenna 406a and front bumper antenna 406b. Because vehicle 400 is completely positioned under conductive cover 402, the vehicle's electronic systems, such as ECU 602, will influence the measurements taken, thus providing a controlled real-world testing environment. As shown here, multiple gaps can be utilized and multiple antennas can be tested, allowing testing of their interactions 700. Selective isolation can also be provided for specific antennas. As described in detail above, downlink antenna 504 and uplink antenna 505 are connected to appropriate electronic test components 600. It should be noted that the downlink antenna(s) 504 and the uplink antenna(s) 506 can be freely placed close to the antenna(s) 406 below the conductive cover 402, or individually, coupled to the box structure or other fixture structure(s) 502, within the box structure 502, between adjacent fixture structures 502, etc. This provides great placement flexibility.

[0079] Now for specific reference Figure 10The conductive shield 402 is again preferably disposed above and around the vehicle 400 and above and around the box structure or other fastener structure (one or more) 502 disposed above and around or adjacent to the antenna 406 to be tested. The box structure or other fastener structure (one or more) 502 may be made of any suitable metallic or non-metallic material, as shielding is provided here by the conductive shield 402. As previously described, one or more downlink antennas 504 are provided in the structure 502 or associated with the fastener (one or more) 502 and adapted to transmit downlink signals to the antenna 406. Similarly, one or more uplink antennas 506 are provided in the structure 502 or associated with the fastener (one or more) 502 and adapted to receive uplink signals from the antenna 406. The structure 502 or the fastener (one or more) 502 is coupled to the outer surface of the vehicle 400 via one or more magnets, suction connectors, adhesive connectors, bolts and / or the like. In this manner, structure 502 or fixture(s) 502 creates a gap adjacent to the outer surface of vehicle 400, wherein downlink antenna(s) 504 and uplink antenna(s) 506 are positioned adjacent to the antenna under test 406, shown herein as top antenna 406a and windshield antenna 406c. Because vehicle 400 is completely positioned under conductive cover 402, the vehicle's electronic systems, such as ECUs, influence the measurements taken, thus providing a controlled real-world testing environment. As shown here, multiple gaps can be utilized and multiple antennas can be tested, allowing for testing of their interactions. Selective isolation can also be provided for specific antennas. As described in detail above, downlink antenna 504 and uplink antenna 505 are connected to appropriate electronic test components 600. It should be noted that the same downlink signal(s) can be provided to each antenna, or different downlink signals can be provided to each antenna.

[0080] Therefore, the shielding effect is improved because the entire vehicle and ground are electrically covered. Distributed antennas can be measured simultaneously using multiple boxes or fixtures under the conductive cover. Furthermore, by using fixtures, antennas integrated into areas where boxes cannot be placed can be measured. Interference from other vehicle electronics components is included in the obtained measurements. The flexible cover is adaptable and cost-effective during vehicle and vehicle telematics development, fault tracing workshops, and production testing.

[0081] Now for specific reference Figure 11In another illustrative embodiment, this disclosure provides a telematics verification method 200 for testing a vehicle telematics system. The telematics verification method 200 includes: setting a conductive ground plane under the vehicle when testing the vehicle telematics system using a telematics verification system (S202); setting a conductive shield above and around the vehicle's outer surface and vehicle antenna when testing the vehicle telematics system using a telematics verification system (S204) (this step may be performed before or after any or all of S206-S210a / b); arranging a downlink antenna within the conductive shield, wherein the downlink antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit a downlink signal within the conductive shield, wherein the downlink signal is wirelessly receivable by the vehicle antenna (S206); and arranging an uplink antenna within the conductive shield, wherein the uplink antenna is configured to wirelessly receive an uplink signal within the conductive shield, wherein the uplink signal is wirelessly receivable by the vehicle antenna (S208). The conductive shield is made of a flexible material, conforming to the vehicle's outer surface and one or more of the following: a vehicle antenna, a downlink antenna, an uplink antenna, and a support structure coupled to one or more of the uplink and downlink antennas. The lower portion of the conductive shield contacts the upper surface of a conductive ground plane around the vehicle's outer perimeter. Optionally, the telematics verification method further includes providing a compartment structure disposed within the conductive shield around the vehicle antenna and coupled to the vehicle's outer surface, wherein both the downlink and uplink antennas are coupled to the inner surface of the compartment structure (S210a). Alternatively, the telematics verification method further includes providing one or more fastener structures disposed within the conductive shield adjacent to the vehicle antenna and coupled to the vehicle's outer surface, wherein the downlink and uplink antennas are coupled to one or more of the one or more fastener structures (S210b). The telematics verification method further includes testing the vehicle's telematics system using a telematics verification system while the vehicle is being operated (S212).

[0082] Those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure should not be limited to the illustrative embodiments described above. Rather, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0083] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items listed in the claims. The fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A telematics verification system for testing vehicle telematics systems, the telematics verification system comprising: A conductive ground plane, adapted to be placed under the vehicle when testing the vehicle's telematics system using a telematics verification system; A conductive shield, adapted to be placed on the outer surface of the vehicle and above and around the vehicle antenna when testing the vehicle's telematics system using a telematics verification system; A downlink antenna, adapted to be disposed within a conductive enclosure, wherein the downlink antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit downlink signals within the conductive enclosure, wherein the downlink signals are wirelessly receivable by a vehicle antenna; and An uplink antenna is adapted to be arranged inside a conductive cover, wherein the uplink antenna is configured to wirelessly receive uplink signals within the conductive cover, wherein the uplink signals are wirelessly receivable from the vehicle antenna. The conductive cover is made of a flexible material, which allows it to conform to the outer surface of the vehicle and one or more of the following: the vehicle antenna, the downlink antenna, the uplink antenna, and a support structure coupled to one or more of the uplink and downlink antennas.

2. The remote information processing verification system according to claim 1, wherein, The lower part of the conductive cover contacts the upper surface of the conductive grounding plate around the outer perimeter of the vehicle.

3. The remote information processing verification system according to claim 1 further includes: A compartmentalized structure is disposed within a conductive cover around the vehicle antenna and coupled to the outer surface of the vehicle, wherein both the downlink antenna and the uplink antenna are coupled to the inner surface of the compartmentalized structure.

4. The remote information processing verification system according to claim 1 further includes: One or more mounting structures are disposed adjacent to the vehicle antenna within a conductive cover and coupled to the outer surface of the vehicle, wherein a downlink antenna and an uplink antenna are coupled to one or more of the one or more mounting structures.

5. The remote information processing verification system according to claim 1, wherein, When testing a vehicle telematics system using a telematics verification system, the vehicle's additional antenna is housed within a conductive shield, and the telematics verification system also includes: An additional downlink antenna, adapted to be disposed within a conductive enclosure, wherein the additional downlink antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit an additional downlink signal within the conductive enclosure, wherein the additional downlink signal is wirelessly receivable by the vehicle's additional antenna; and An additional uplink antenna is adapted to be arranged inside a conductive enclosure, wherein the additional uplink antenna is configured to wirelessly receive an additional uplink signal within the conductive enclosure, wherein the additional uplink signal is wirelessly receivable from the vehicle's additional antenna.

6. The remote information processing verification system according to claim 1, wherein, When testing the vehicle telematics system using a telematics verification system while the vehicle is in operation, the conductive ground plane adapter is positioned below the vehicle, and the conductive cover adapter is positioned on the outer surface of the vehicle and above and around the vehicle antenna.

7. A remote information processing verification method for testing a vehicle telematics system, the remote information processing verification method comprising: When testing a vehicle telematics system using a telematics verification system, a conductive ground plane should be placed under the vehicle. When testing a vehicle telematics system using a telematics verification system, a conductive shield is placed on the outer surface of the vehicle and above and around the vehicle antenna. A downlink antenna is arranged within a conductive cover, wherein the downlink antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit a downlink signal within the conductive cover, and the downlink signal is wirelessly receivable by a vehicle antenna; and An uplink antenna is arranged inside a conductive cover, wherein the uplink antenna is configured to wirelessly receive uplink signals within the conductive cover, wherein the uplink signals are wirelessly receivable from the vehicle antenna. The conductive cover is made of a flexible material, which allows it to conform to the outer surface of the vehicle and one or more of the following: the vehicle antenna, the downlink antenna, the uplink antenna, and a support structure coupled to one or more of the uplink antenna and the downlink antenna.

8. The remote information processing verification method according to claim 7, wherein, The lower part of the conductive cover contacts the upper surface of the conductive grounding plate around the outer perimeter of the vehicle.

9. The remote information processing verification method according to claim 7 further includes: A compartment structure is provided, which is disposed within a conductive cover around a vehicle antenna and coupled to the outer surface of the vehicle, wherein both the downlink antenna and the uplink antenna are coupled to the inner surface of the compartment structure.

10. The remote information processing verification method according to claim 7, further comprising: One or more mounting structures are provided, the mounting structures being disposed adjacent to a vehicle antenna within a conductive cover and coupled to an outer surface of the vehicle, wherein a downlink antenna and an uplink antenna are coupled to one or more of the one or more mounting structures.

11. The remote information processing verification method according to claim 7, further comprising: The vehicle's telematics system was tested using a telematics verification system while the vehicle was being operated.

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