Device, method, computer program product, entry system and host unit for a vehicle

Abstract

Examples relate to a device for a vehicle, a method and a computer program, an entry system or a host unit comprising such a device and a corresponding vehicle. The vehicle comprises a first communication means for communicating in a wireless local area network and a second communication means for performing ultra-wideband (UWB) communication. The device comprises an interface for providing a control signal for controlling the second communication means. The device comprises a control circuit configured for determining information about one or more frequency bands, the information about the one or more frequency bands being indicative of one or more frequency bands used or usable for communication of the first communication means. The device is configured for controlling, based on the information about the one or more frequency bands, a channel selection of one or more channels for communication of the second communication means by providing the control signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples relate to devices, methods, and computer programs for vehicles, including access systems or host units containing such devices, and the corresponding vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a wireless system used for high-precision positioning. One important application of UWB is in keyless entry systems for vehicles. Using UWB, time-of-flight measurement (UWB ranging) can be used to locate the remote key, which can be used to prevent relay attacks on keyless start / entry systems. UWB has also been integrated into smartphones, opening the door for smartphones to replace traditional remote keys.

[0003] There are other wireless technologies being used in automobiles, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs) based on a variant of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.11.

[0004] There are some studies on handling the coexistence of the two technologies. For example, Nikhil Vijay Kajale's "UWB and WLAN Coexistence: a Comparison of Interference Reduction Techniques" discusses various methods used to analyze wireless coexistence between UWB and WLAN. The paper compares various WLAN parameters and their impact on UWB. Summary of the Invention

[0005] There may be expectations for improved ideas to provide for the coexistence of UWB and WLAN.

[0006] This expectation is achieved by an apparatus for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, a host unit for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, an access system for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, a vehicle according to the present disclosure, a method for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, and a computer program product according to the present disclosure.

[0007] The various examples disclosed herein are based on the finding that UWB and WLAN operate on different channels, which may partially overlap in some cases. Furthermore, not all channels are available in all locations, and various channels can be freely selected for the operation of both WLAN and UWB. The various examples provide methods that bridge the gap between the vehicle's UWB subsystem (which is generally part of the vehicle's access control system) and the vehicle's WLAN subsystem (which is generally part of the vehicle's host unit) by providing a method for controlling the channel selection of the UWB subsystem based on the WLAN subsystem.

[0008] Various examples of this disclosure provide an apparatus for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first communication device for communicating in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and a second communication device for performing ultra-wideband (UWB) communication. The apparatus includes an interface for providing control signals for controlling the second communication device. The apparatus includes control circuitry configured to determine information about one or more frequency bands. The information about the one or more frequency bands indicates one or more frequency bands used for or capable of being used for communication by the first communication device. The control circuitry is configured to, based on the information about the one or more frequency bands, control channel selection for communication by one or more channels of the second communication device by providing the control signals. By determining channel selection on the UWB communication device based on frequency bands that are being used or available on the WLAN communication device, mutual interference can be avoided and wireless coexistence can be improved.

[0009] Generally, the proposed method can be used in scenarios where the frequency band of a WLAN communication device overlaps with the channel of a UWB communication device (e.g., in a frequency range above 5.9 GHz). For example, the control circuit can be configured to restrict the channel selection of the one or more channels used for communication by a second communication device if information about the one or more frequency bands indicates that the one or more frequency bands include at least one frequency band containing frequencies located between 5.9 GHz and 7.125 GHz.

[0010] In various examples, the second communication device is suitable for communication across multiple channels. Control circuitry can be configured to restrict the channels used for ultra-wideband communication to a subset of the multiple channels based on information about the one or more frequency bands. By restricting channel selection, communication on the same frequency in two different wireless communication systems (WLAN and UWB) can be avoided.

[0011] As mentioned above, frequency band availability can be location-limited, as each country or region may determine different frequency ranges available for certain types of communication. Therefore, the control circuitry can be configured to determine information regarding the one or more frequency bands based on the vehicle's location. This information about the one or more frequency bands can indicate one or more frequency bands available for communication by the first communication device at that location.

[0012] For example, the control circuitry can be configured to obtain the one or more frequency bands from data storage based on the vehicle's location. In other words, the device can locate available frequency bands based on the vehicle's location.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to determine information about the one or more frequency bands by determining the frequency band currently being used by the first communication device. In other words, not only the theoretical availability of the frequency band used for communication can be taken into account (which can provide additional advantages if the frequency band is only used by other vehicles), but also the actual use of the frequency band by the vehicle can be taken into account.

[0014] Alternatively, the opposite approach can be envisioned—if UWB is used for keyless entry / keyless start (i.e., if UWB is used for ranging), the frequency band used by the WLAN communication device can be adjusted. For example, the control circuit can be configured to: determine information regarding the use of a second communication device for keyless entry or keyless start operation of the vehicle, and control the frequency band used by the first communication device if, or when, the second communication device is used for keyless entry or keyless start operation of the vehicle.

[0015] In some examples, the functionality of the device can be integrated into a vehicle's host unit. Various examples provide a host unit for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first communication device for communicating in a wireless local area network and a second communication device for performing ultra-wideband communication. The host unit includes the first communication device and the aforementioned device.

[0016] Alternatively, the functionality of the device can be integrated into the vehicle's access system. Various examples provide an access system for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first communication device for communicating in a wireless local area network and a second communication device for performing ultra-wideband communication. The access system includes the second communication device and the aforementioned device.

[0017] Alternatively, the device can be separated from the host unit and the access system. Various examples provide a vehicle including a first communication device for communicating in a wireless local area network, a second communication device for performing ultra-wideband communication, and the aforementioned device, wherein the device is separate from the first and second communication devices.

[0018] Various examples provide a corresponding method for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first communication device for communicating in a wireless local area network and a second communication device for performing ultra-wideband communication. The method includes determining information about one or more frequency bands. The information about the one or more frequency bands indicates one or more frequency bands used for or capable of being used for communication by the first communication device. The method includes controlling channel selection of one or more channels for communication by the second communication device based on the information about the one or more frequency bands by providing control signals for controlling the second communication device.

[0019] Various examples provide a computer program having program code for implementing the methods described above when the computer program is executed on a computer, processor, or programmable hardware component. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The following will describe some examples of devices and / or methods by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1a A block diagram of equipment used in a vehicle is shown;

[0022] Figure 1b A flowchart illustrating the method used for vehicles is shown;

[0023] Figure 2a A block diagram of a vehicle having a host unit including the device is shown;

[0024] Figure 2b A block diagram of a vehicle having an entry system including the aforementioned equipment is shown; and

[0025] Figure 2c A block diagram of a vehicle is shown, including the entry system, the main unit, and the separate equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Some examples will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of these embodiments described in detail. Other examples may include modifications of features, as well as equivalent and alternative forms of features. Furthermore, the terminology used herein to describe certain examples should not limit further possible examples.

[0027] Throughout the description of the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements and / or features, which may be implemented in the same or modified form while providing the same or similar function. The thickness of lines, layers, and / or areas in the drawings may also be enlarged for clarity.

[0028] When two elements A and B are combined using "or", this is interpreted as disclosing all possible combinations: only A, only B, and A and B, unless otherwise explicitly defined in a separate case. As alternative wording for the same combination, "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B" can be used. This is equivalent to combinations with more than two elements.

[0029] While the singular forms such as “a” and “the” are used without explicitly or implicitly limiting the use to a single element, other examples may use a plurality of elements to achieve the same functionality. Similarly, while the functionality described below is implemented using multiple elements, other examples may use a single element or a single processing entity to achieve the same functionality. It should also be understood that, when used, the terms “comprising” and / or “having” indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, processes, elements, parts, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, processes, elements, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0030] Various examples disclosed herein relate to improvements in the wireless coexistence of ultra-wideband and WiFi in vehicles.

[0031] Generally, UWB uses four radio frequency channels (5-6-8-9) with center frequencies between 6.5 and 8 GHz. WiFi (WLAN) is also used in vehicles for various applications (e.g., internet hotspots). The U.S. Federal Communications Commission's decision to open 6 GHz for WiFi applications means that the coexistence of UWB (channels 5-6) and WiFi in vehicles may be unavoidable.

[0032] The four UWB channels can be randomly selected in different vehicles to reduce channel congestion between UWB systems. However, if WiFi in the 6GHz band is activated in the same vehicle, the impact on UWB operating in channels 5 and 6 can be observed. For example, WLAN operating in the 6GHz band may strongly interfere with UWB and cause performance degradation.

[0033] The main idea behind the proposed concept is to define an interface between the host unit and the main ECU (which includes the vehicle's access system) such that if WiFi is used in the 6GHz band, the corresponding UWB channels (5 and 6) are not selected by the vehicle. This avoids coexistence with WiFi. The proposed concept can be used in any vehicle that supports both UWB and WiFi applications.

[0034] Figure 1aA block diagram of a device 10 for a vehicle 100 is shown. The vehicle includes a first communication device 20 for communication in a wireless local area network and a second communication device 25 for performing ultra-wideband communication. The device includes an interface 12 for providing control signals to control the second communication device. Generally, the interface 12 may be adapted or configured to communicate at least with the second communication device and optionally with the first communication device. The device includes control circuitry 14 coupled to the interface 12. Generally, the functionality of the device may be provided by the control circuitry 14 in conjunction with the interface 12, which may be used to communicate with other entities within the vehicle, such as the first and / or second communication devices.

[0035] The control circuit is configured to determine information about one or more frequency bands. The information about the one or more frequency bands indicates one or more frequency bands used for or capable of being used for communication by the first communication device. The control circuit is configured to, based on the information about the one or more frequency bands, control channel selection of one or more channels for communication by the second communication device by providing control signals (e.g., to the second communication device or to an access system including the second communication device).

[0036] Figure 1a The vehicle 100 is further illustrated, including device 10, a first communication device 20, and a second communication device 25. For example, the first communication device may be part of the vehicle's main unit 200 (e.g., Figures 2a to 2c As shown), the second communication device can be part of the vehicle's entry system 250 (e.g., Figures 2a to 2c (as shown further).

[0037] Figure 1b A flowchart of a corresponding method for a vehicle is shown. The method includes: determining 110 information about one or more frequency bands. The method includes: based on the information about the one or more frequency bands, controlling 120 for channel selection of one or more channels for communication of the second communication device by providing control signals for controlling the second communication device (e.g., to the second communication device or to an access system including the second communication device).

[0038] Various examples of this disclosure relate to devices, methods, and computer programs for vehicles, and vehicles including such devices, methods, and computer programs. In this case, the vehicle includes at least two communication devices—a (first) communication device for communicating in a WLAN, and a (second) communication device for performing UWB communication. Thus, the first communication device can also be represented as a WLAN communication device, and the second communication device can be represented as a UWB communication device. In the vehicle, these two communication devices are used for different purposes. The WLAN communication device can be used to provide local wireless connectivity for the mobile devices of the vehicle's passengers. For example, the passenger's mobile device can communicate with the vehicle's host unit via the first communication device. The first communication device can provide mobile hotspot functionality or join a mobile hotspot provided by the user's mobile device (to gain access to the Internet). In some examples, the first communication device can also be adapted for Bluetooth communication; that is, the first communication device can include transceiver circuitry for both WLAN and Bluetooth. Generally, the frequency bands of interest for the proposed concepts extend beyond those used for Bluetooth, but a single chipset can be used for both WLAN (in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz+ frequency range) and Bluetooth (in the 2.4 GHz frequency range). In the context of this disclosure, a “host unit” is a user-facing central computer system of a vehicle that can be used to provide at least one of the vehicle’s entertainment, navigation, and video mirroring functions.

[0039] On the other hand, the second communication device is used for another purpose. In a vehicle, UWB can be used as a security measure in the vehicle's access system. For example, the vehicle user's key (or mobile device, such as a smartphone) can be equipped to perform UWB communication. UWB time-of-flight measurement (i.e., UWB ranging) can be performed between the second communication device and the vehicle user's remote key / mobile device to determine the position of the remote key / mobile device relative to the vehicle. For example, the second communication device can be used for keyless entry or keyless start functions of the vehicle by using UWB signaling to determine the position of the remote key / mobile device relative to the vehicle (e.g., determining whether the remote key / mobile device is inside the vehicle).

[0040] In some cases, the frequency band used by or available to the first communication device may interfere with UWB ranging functionality. In most implementations, UWB is built to use one or more channels in the frequency range between 6 GHz and 9 GHz. On the other hand, previous implementations of WLAN used frequencies limited to less than 6 GHz, so interference between systems was not a problem. However, recently, the frequency range between 5.9 GHz and 7.125 GHz has been released for WLAN communication, although only in some areas. Depending on the frequency band used for WLAN communication and the channel used for UWB ranging, interference may occur, which could reduce the accuracy of UWB ranging.

[0041] The proposed method attempts to avoid such interference by determining the frequency range used or capable of being used for WLAN communication and adjusting the channel used by UWB accordingly. Various examples of the proposed concept thus provide a logical link between two separate communication devices for manipulating the channel selection of the second communication device based on the frequency band used by the first communication device.

[0042] Therefore, the control circuit is configured to determine information about the one or more frequency bands. Various feasible implementations exist. In some implementations, the information about the one or more frequency bands indicates (actively) one or more frequency bands used for communication by the first communication device. Thus, the control circuit can be configured to determine information about the one or more frequency bands by determining the frequency band currently being used by the first communication device. However, in some implementations, the information about the one or more frequency bands indicates one or more frequency bands that can be used (but not necessarily) for communication by the first communication device. This can be based on the vehicle's location, as the 6 GHz+ spectrum may only be available in some locations. For example, the control circuit can be configured to determine information about the one or more frequency bands based on the vehicle's location (e.g., using a vehicle positioning device, such as a positioning device that uses a satellite-based Global Positioning System to determine the vehicle's location). In this case, the information about the one or more frequency bands indicates one or more frequency bands that can be used for communication by the first communication device at that location. The relevant information can be retrieved, for example, from data storage based on the vehicle's location. In other words, the control circuit can be configured to obtain the one or more frequency bands from (the vehicle's) data storage (or from the data storage via the Internet) based on the vehicle's location.

[0043] Once the available / used frequency bands for WLAN communication are known, the channel selection for UWB ranging can be adjusted. Therefore, the control circuitry can be configured to control the channel selection of one or more channels for communication by a second communication device by providing control signals, based on information about the one or more frequency bands. For example, the control signals can be provided to the second communication device or integrated into the system. The control signals can instruct the second communication device to limit the channels used for UWB ranging. For example, the second communication device can be adapted to communicate on multiple channels. The control circuitry is configured to limit the channels used for ultra-wideband communication to a subset of the multiple channels based on information about the one or more frequency bands (by providing control signals that instruct the second communication device to limit channel selection).

[0044] As previously noted, these measures may only be necessary when the frequency band used for / can be used for WLAN communication overlaps with the channel used for UWB ranging. Therefore, the control circuitry can be configured to limit channel selection for one or more channels used for communication with the second communication device if information regarding the one or more frequency bands indicates that the one or more frequency bands include at least one frequency band containing frequencies located between 5.9 GHz and 7.125 GHz.

[0045] On the other hand, not all vehicles equipped with UWB can actively use UWB, for example, because the user's mobile device may not support UWB, or because the remote key uses different radio technologies. Therefore, UWB use should not be taken for granted, and active UWB use can also be used as a factor in determining the frequency band used for WLAN communication. For example, control circuitry can be configured to determine information regarding the use of a second communication device for keyless entry or keyless start operation of the vehicle, for example, to determine whether UWB ranging is actually being used. Control circuitry can be configured to control the frequency band used by the first communication device if the second communication device is used for keyless entry or keyless start operation of the vehicle, or when the second communication device is used for keyless entry or keyless start operation of the vehicle. In other words, during the operation of the second communication device for UWB ranging, the first communication device can be controlled (e.g., via further control signals) to block (e.g., using band switching to block) a corresponding frequency that can be used for UWB ranging.

[0046] Interface 12 may correspond to one or more inputs and / or outputs for receiving and / or sending information within a module, between modules, or between modules of different entities, where the information may be a digital (bit) value according to a specified code. For example, interface 12 may include interface circuitry configured to receive and / or send information. For example, interface 12 may be configured to communicate with a first communication device and / or a second communication device via a vehicle communication network (e.g., a controller area network bus (CAN bus), a local interconnect network (LIN), or Ethernet). Additionally or alternatively, depending on the location of device 10, interface 12 may be configured to communicate directly with the first communication device and / or the second communication device.

[0047] In various examples, control circuitry 14 can be implemented using one or more processing units, one or more processing devices, or any means of processing, such as a processor, computer, or programmable hardware component running with correspondingly adapted software. In other words, the described functionality of control circuitry 14 can also be implemented in software, which is then executed on one or more programmable hardware components. Such hardware components may include general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontrollers, etc.

[0048] As already noted above, the first communication device may be part of the vehicle's main unit, while the second communication device may be part of the vehicle's entry system (for providing keyless entry / keyless start functionality). However, as Figures 2a to 2c As shown, device 10 can be located in the same place as any of the entities mentioned above, or remain separate.

[0049] Figure 2a A block diagram of a vehicle 100 is shown, comprising a host unit 200 including a device 10. The device 10 is coupled to a separate access system 250 having a second communication device 25 to provide control signals for the second communication device.

[0050] Figure 2b A block diagram of a vehicle 100 with an access system 250 is shown, the access system including a device 10. In this case, the device is located at the same location as the access system, and the device can obtain information about the use / availability of a frequency band by being coupled to a host unit 200 of the vehicle having a first communication device 20.

[0051] exist Figure 2c In this system, device 10 is separated from the host unit and the entry system. Figure 2c A block diagram of a vehicle 100 is shown, the vehicle including an access system 250, a host unit 200, and a separate device 10 (the device is separate from the host unit and the access system).

[0052] The aspects and features described in a particular example in the preceding examples can also be combined with one or more other examples to replace the same or similar features in that other example, or additionally introduce features into other examples.

[0053] The examples may further be or relate to a (computer) program that includes program code that, when executed on a computer, processor, or other programmable hardware component, performs one or more of the methods described above. Therefore, the steps, operation, or processing of the different methods described above can also be executed by a programmed computer, processor, or other programmable hardware component. The examples may also cover machine-, processor-, or computer-readable program storage devices, such as digital data storage media, that encode and / or contain machine-executable, processor-executable, or computer-executable programs and instructions. Program storage devices may include, for example, digital storage devices, magnetic storage media (e.g., disks and tapes), hard disk drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. Other examples may include computers, processors, control units, (field-programmable arrays) ((F)PLAs), (field-programmable gate arrays) ((F)PGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), integrated circuits (ICs), or system-on-a-chip (SoCs) systems programmed to perform the steps of the methods described above.

[0054] It should be further understood that the disclosure of multiple steps, processes, operations, or functions in the specification or claims should not be construed as implying that these operations must be performed in the described order, unless explicitly stated in individual cases or necessary for technical reasons. Therefore, the foregoing description does not limit the execution of multiple steps or functions to a particular order. Furthermore, in other examples, a single step, function, process, or operation may include or be decomposed into several sub-steps, sub-functions, sub-processes, or sub-operations.

[0055] If aspects of an apparatus or system have already been described, these aspects should also be understood as descriptions of the corresponding method. For example, block, device, or functional aspects of an apparatus or system may correspond to features of the corresponding method, such as method steps. Therefore, aspects described regarding a method should also be understood as descriptions of corresponding blocks, elements, properties, or functional characteristics of the corresponding apparatus or system.

[0056] The following claims are thus incorporated into the detailed specification, each claim serving as an independent example. While each claim may serve as an independent example, it should be noted that although dependent claims may relate to specific combinations with one or more other claims, other examples may also include combinations of dependent claims with the technical solutions of any other dependent or independent claims. Unless otherwise stated, such combinations are expressly proposed herein. Furthermore, the features of a claim should also be included in any other independent claim, even if the claim is not directly dependent on that independent claim.

Claims

1. A device (10) for a vehicle (100), the vehicle including a first communication device (20) for communicating in a wireless local area network and a second communication device (25) for performing ultra-wideband communication, the device comprising: Interface (12), the interface being used to provide control signals for controlling the second communication device; as well as Control circuit (14), the control circuit being configured to: - Determine information about one or more frequency bands, the information about the one or more frequency bands indicating one or more frequency bands used for or capable of being used for communication by the first communication device; and - Based on information about the one or more frequency bands, the channel selection of one or more channels for communication with the second communication device is controlled by providing the control signal; and The control circuit is configured to: determine information regarding the use of the second communication device for keyless entry or keyless start operation of the vehicle, and control the frequency band used by the first communication device if the second communication device is used for keyless entry or keyless start operation of the vehicle, or when the second communication device is used for keyless entry or keyless start operation of the vehicle.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is configured to: if information regarding the one or more frequency bands indicates that the one or more frequency bands include at least one frequency band containing frequencies located between 5.9 GHz and 7.125 GHz, restrict channel selection of the one or more channels for communication of the second communication device, such that mutual interference in the frequency range between 5.9 GHz and 7.125 GHz is avoided.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second communication device is adapted to communicate in multiple channels, and the control circuit is configured to restrict the channels used for ultra-wideband communication to a subset of the multiple channels based on information about the one or more frequency bands.

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control circuit is configured to determine information about one or more frequency bands based on the location of the vehicle, the information indicating one or more frequency bands that can be used for communication by the first communication device at the location.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein, The control circuit is configured to obtain the one or more frequency bands from the data storage based on the vehicle's location.

6. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control circuit is configured to determine information about one or more frequency bands by determining the frequency band currently being used by the first communication device.

7. A host unit (200) for a vehicle (100), the vehicle including a first communication device (20) for communicating in a wireless local area network and a second communication device (25) for performing ultra-wideband communication, the host unit including the first communication device and the device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An entry system (250) for a vehicle (100), the vehicle including a first communication device (20) for communicating in a wireless local area network and a second communication device (25) for performing ultra-wideband communication, the entry system unit including the second communication device and the device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A vehicle (100) comprising a first communication device (20) for communicating in a wireless local area network, a second communication device (25) for performing ultra-wideband communication, and a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The device is separate from the first communication device and the second communication device.

10. A method for a vehicle, the vehicle including a first communication device for communicating in a wireless local area network and a second communication device for performing ultra-wideband communication, the method comprising: Determine (110) information about one or more frequency bands, the information about one or more frequency bands indicating one or more frequency bands used for or capable of being used for communication of the first communication device; Based on information about the one or more frequency bands, channel selection for communication of the second communication device is controlled (120) by providing control signals for controlling the second communication device; as well as Determine information regarding the use of a second communication device for keyless entry or keyless start operation of the vehicle, and control the frequency band used by the first communication device if the second communication device is used for keyless entry or keyless start operation of the vehicle, or when the second communication device is used for keyless entry or keyless start operation of the vehicle.

11. A computer program product having program code for implementing the method of claim 10 when the computer program product is executed on a computer, processor or programmable hardware component.

Images