Vehicle-mounted ultra-wideband system and method

Abstract

A wireless communication system for a vehicle includes a wireless access point (AP), an ultra-wideband (UWB) system, a communication link, a controller, and a vehicle system. The UWB system communicates with the wireless AP via the communication link. The wireless communication system is operable to detect a request for localized wireless communication via the wireless AP. The UWB system requests the wireless AP to generate a clear to send (CTS) transmission, which includes selecting an ultra-wideband (UWB) channel, mapping the UWB channel to a plurality of WiFi channels, and transmitting a CTS transmission by the wireless AP to each of the plurality of WiFi channels. The UWB system then transmits a UWB message.

Description

[0001] introduction Vehicles employ wireless systems to enable in-vehicle and short-range non-vehicle communication using wireless local area networks (WLANs). One such wireless system is based on IEEE 802.11 and may commonly be referred to as Wi-Fi.

[0002] As a non-limiting example, the vehicle could employ a key fob, which could automatically lock or unlock the access point when a person carrying the key fob is nearby. Enabling mobile phones or smartwatches to perform the functions of a key fob could be beneficial. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The concept described herein provides a method, computer product, and vehicle system comprising a system strategy for sending a standardized IEEE Wi-Fi MAC layer protocol from a vehicle's Wi-Fi access point (AP) to periodically clear / block other nearby Wi-Fi access points / devices. It achieves this by sending a Wi-Fi Clear to Send (CTS) transmission to itself on multiple Wi-Fi channels while aligning that transmission with UWB ranging and positioning. This facilitates the operation of both Wi-Fi and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies in the vehicle and reduces interference from each other and from other devices.

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure is a wireless communication system for a vehicle, comprising a wireless access point (AP), an ultra-wideband (UWB) system, a communication link, a controller, and a vehicle system. The UWB system communicates with the wireless AP via the communication link. The wireless communication system is operable to detect requests for localized wireless communication via the wireless AP. The UWB system requests the wireless AP to generate a transmit-allow (CTS) transmission, which includes selecting an ultra-wideband (UWB) channel, mapping the UWB channel to multiple WiFi channels, and transmitting the CTS from the wireless AP to each of the multiple WiFi channels. The UWB system then transmits a UWB message.

[0005] Another aspect of this disclosure includes: transmitting CTS (Continuous Transmission Enabled Transmission) transmission by a wireless AP to each of a plurality of WiFi channels, wherein the wireless AP transmits CTS transmission to each of the plurality of WiFi channels.

[0006] Another aspect of this disclosure includes mapping a UWB channel to a plurality of successive WiFi channels by identifying a plurality of successive WiFi channels corresponding to a UWB channel.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a UWB channel that is UWB channel 5, wherein the plurality of successive WiFi channels corresponding to the UWB channel are WiFi channels 57, 61, 65, ... 157, which indicates WiFi channels in increments of four between WiFi channel 57 and WiFi channel 157, that is, every fourth WiFi channel from WiFi channel 57 to WiFi channel 157.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a UWB system communicating with a wireless AP via a communication link, wherein the UWB system requests the wireless AP to generate a CTS transmission via the communication link.

[0009] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a UWB message being a vehicle command; and wherein transmitting a UWB message via a UWB system includes activating the vehicle command.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure includes vehicle commands that are one of the following: locking the access door, unlocking the access door, opening the access door, or activating the vehicle system.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a method for controlling vehicular wireless communication, the method comprising detecting a request for localized wireless communication via a vehicular wireless access point (AP). The wireless AP is requested to generate a transmit-allow (CTS) transmission, which includes selecting an ultra-wideband (UWB) channel, mapping the UWB channel to a plurality of WiFi channels, and transmitting a transmit-allow (CTS) transmission from the wireless AP to each of the plurality of WiFi channels. The UWB system transmits a UWB message, which in one embodiment is a vehicle command.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a computer product in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a plurality of instructions, which, when executed, control an onboard computing device to perform the following: detecting a request for localized wireless communication via an onboard wireless access point (AP). The wireless AP is requested to generate a transmit-allow (CTS) transmission, which includes selecting an ultra-wideband (UWB) channel, mapping the UWB channel to a plurality of WiFi channels, and transmitting a transmit-allow (CTS) transmission from the wireless AP to each of the plurality of WiFi channels. The UWB system transmits a UWB message, which in one embodiment is a vehicle command.

[0013] This invention includes at least the following technical solutions: Solution 1. A method for controlling in-vehicle wireless communication, the method comprising: Requests for localized wireless communication are detected via the vehicle-mounted wireless access point (AP); Requesting the wireless AP to generate a transmit permission (CTS) transmission via the ultra-wideband (UWB) system includes: Select the ultra-wideband (UWB) channel. Map the UWB channel to multiple WiFi channels, and The wireless AP transmits the Allow Transmit (CTS) transmission to each of the plurality of WiFi channels; and In response to the request for localized wireless communication, UWB messages are transmitted via the UWB system.

[0014] Option 2. According to the method of Option 1, wherein transmitting the CTS transmission by the wireless AP to each of the plurality of WiFi channels comprises: the wireless AP sequentially transmitting the CTS transmission to each of the plurality of WiFi channels.

[0015] Option 3. According to the method of Option 1, wherein mapping the UWB channel to the plurality of WiFi channels includes: identifying a plurality of successive WiFi channels corresponding to the UWB channel.

[0016] Option 4. According to the method of Option 3, wherein the UWB channel includes UWB channel 5, and wherein the plurality of successive WiFi channels corresponding to the UWB channel include WiFi channels 57, 61, 65, ... 157.

[0017] Option 5. The method according to Option 1, wherein the UWB system communicates with the wireless AP via a communication link, and wherein the UWB system requests the wireless AP to generate the CTS transmission via the communication link.

[0018] Option 6. The method according to Option 1, wherein the UWB message includes a vehicle command; and wherein transmitting the UWB message via the UWB system includes enabling the vehicle command.

[0019] Option 7. The method according to Option 6, wherein the vehicle command includes one of the following: locking the access door, unlocking the access door, opening the access door, or activating the vehicle system.

[0020] Option 8. A wireless communication system for a vehicle, the wireless communication system comprising: Wireless access points (APs), ultra-wideband (UWB) systems, communication links, controllers, and vehicle systems; The UWB system communicates with the wireless AP via a communication link; The wireless communication system is capable of operating as follows: The request for localized wireless communication is detected via the wireless AP; The UWB system requests the wireless AP to generate a transmit permission (CTS) transmission, including: Select the ultra-wideband (UWB) channel. Map the UWB channel to multiple WiFi channels, and The CTS transmission is transmitted from the wireless AP to each of the plurality of WiFi channels; and In response to the request for localized wireless communication, UWB messages are transmitted via the UWB system.

[0021] Solution 9. The wireless communication system according to Solution 8, wherein transmitting the CTS transmission from the wireless AP to each of the plurality of WiFi channels comprises: the wireless AP sequentially transmitting the CTS transmission to each of the plurality of WiFi channels.

[0022] Option 10. The wireless communication system according to Option 8, wherein mapping the UWB channel to the plurality of WiFi channels includes: identifying a plurality of successive WiFi channels corresponding to the UWB channel.

[0023] Option 11. The wireless communication system according to Option 10, wherein the UWB channel includes UWB channel 5, and wherein the plurality of successive WiFi channels corresponding to the UWB channel include WiFi channels 57, 61, 65, ... 157.

[0024] Option 12. The wireless communication system according to Option 8, wherein the UWB system communicates with the wireless AP via a communication link, and wherein the UWB system requests the wireless AP to generate the CTS transmission via the communication link.

[0025] Option 13. The wireless communication system according to Option 8, wherein the UWB message includes a vehicle command to the vehicle system; and wherein transmitting the UWB message via the UWB system includes enabling the vehicle system to execute the vehicle command.

[0026] Option 14. The wireless communication system according to Option 13, wherein the vehicle command includes one of the following: locking the access door, unlocking the access door, opening the access door, or activating the vehicle system.

[0027] Option 15. A computer product comprising a non-transitory computer read medium storing a plurality of instructions, which, when executed, control an on-board computing device to perform the following steps: Requests for localized wireless communication are detected via the wireless AP; Requesting the wireless AP to generate a transmit permission (CTS) transmission via the ultra-wideband (UWB) system includes: Select the UWB channel. Map the UWB channel to multiple WiFi channels, and The CTS transmission is transmitted from the wireless AP to each of the plurality of WiFi channels; and In response to the request for localized wireless communication, UWB messages are transmitted via the UWB system.

[0028] Option 16. The computer product according to Option 15, wherein transmitting the CTS transmission from the wireless AP to each of the plurality of WiFi channels comprises: the wireless AP sequentially transmitting the CTS transmission to each of the plurality of WiFi channels.

[0029] Solution 17. The computer product according to Solution 15, wherein mapping the UWB channel to the plurality of WiFi channels includes: identifying a plurality of successive WiFi channels corresponding to the UWB channel.

[0030] Option 18. The computer product according to Option 15, wherein the UWB system communicates with the wireless AP via a communication link, and wherein the UWB system requests the wireless AP to generate the CTS transmission via the communication link.

[0031] Option 19. The computer product according to Option 15, wherein the UWB message includes a vehicle command; and wherein transmitting the UWB message via the UWB system includes enabling the vehicle command.

[0032] Option 20. The computer product according to Option 19, wherein the vehicle command includes one of the following: locking the access door, unlocking the access door, opening the access door, or activating the vehicle system.

[0033] The foregoing summary is not intended to represent every possible embodiment or aspect of this disclosure. Rather, it is intended to illustrate some of the novel aspects and features disclosed herein. The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, will readily become apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes for carrying out this disclosure when understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0034] One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1A top view of a vehicle according to this disclosure is shown in a painterly manner, the vehicle including an ultra-wideband (UWB) system and a wireless access point (AP).

[0035] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a vehicular ultra-wideband (UWB) system and an access point (AP) according to the present disclosure is shown schematically.

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrates a UWB channel diagram according to this disclosure, which describes the UWB channel in the context of a radio frequency (RF) spectrum.

[0037] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and may present a slightly simplified representation of various preferred features of the present disclosure as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes. Details associated with such features will be determined in part by the specific intended application and environment of use. Detailed Implementation

[0038] As described and illustrated herein, the components of the disclosed embodiments can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure as claimed, but only represents possible embodiments thereto. Furthermore, while numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, some embodiments can be practiced without some of these details. Moreover, for clarity, certain technical materials understood in the relevant art have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring this disclosure.

[0039] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application or use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by the express or implied theories presented in the foregoing description of the technical field, background art, summary of the invention, or the following detailed description. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding parts and features.

[0040] As used herein, the term “system” may refer to one or a combination of mechanical and electrical actuators, sensors, controllers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), combinational logic circuits, software, firmware, and / or other components arranged to provide the described functions.

[0041] Exemplary embodiments may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may be implemented by combinations or sets of mechanical and electrical hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform specified functions. For example, embodiments of this disclosure may employ various combinations of mechanical and electrical components, integrated circuit components, memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., all of which may implement various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that exemplary embodiments may be practiced in conjunction with mechanical and / or electronic systems, and the vehicle system described herein is merely an exemplary embodiment of possible implementations.

[0042] The use of ordinal numbers such as first, second, and third does not necessarily imply a hierarchy in a sequential sense, but may distinguish multiple instances of an action or structure.

[0043] Referring to the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals throughout the drawings correspond to similar or related parts, consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 1 The illustration shows a top view of vehicle 100, which includes an ultra-wideband (UWB) system 120 and a wireless access point (AP) 110. The UWB system 120 communicates with the wireless AP 110 via a communication link 130. Vehicle 100 may be, but is not limited to, a mobile platform in the form of a commercial vehicle, industrial vehicle, agricultural vehicle, passenger vehicle, aircraft, ship, train, all-terrain vehicle, personal mobile device, robot, etc., to accomplish the purposes of this disclosure. Vehicle 100 also includes a vehicle system 160, which may be an access gate 160. The access gate 160 provides passenger entry and exit or storage compartments. Vehicle 100 includes a controller 122 that communicates with the wireless AP 110, the UWB system 120, and the access gate 160 via the communication link 130.

[0044] Vehicle 100 may be in the vicinity of other devices 150 capable of wireless communication, including devices that may attempt to communicate with vehicle 100's wireless access point (AP) 110. By way of non-limiting example, other devices 150 may include fixed devices (such as home or industrial routers), portable wireless devices (such as smartphones, watches, and / or other devices). Vehicle 100 may also pass in the vicinity of V2X devices 140, which, by way of non-limiting example, include other vehicles with wireless APs, as well as roadside APs that may be part of a V2X system.

[0045] Ultra-wideband (UWB) system 120 is a short-range, wireless communication system with a protocol operating via radio waves. UWB system 120 operates on a wide frequency spectrum in the gigahertz (GHz) range and is capable of capturing highly accurate spatial and orientation data. UWB system 120 employs low-energy pulse communication for short-range, high-bandwidth applications. By measuring the time of flight at various frequencies, it is possible to measure the distance between modules while overcoming multipath errors. This allows the application of UWB modules to localization and tracking problems. UWB system 120 can precisely lock onto objects, thereby determining their location and communicating with them. One of the most significant advantages of UWB is the physical layer used for sending and receiving data packets. With this layer (which can be specified in IEEE 802.15.4z), key security extensions unavailable in other technologies can be utilized, allowing security techniques such as encryption and random number generation to prevent attackers from accessing UWB communications. The use of UWB ranging can increase the accessible area of ​​autonomous vehicles employing cooperative positioning technologies. Furthermore, since the UWB system 120 operates in a separate segment of the radio frequency spectrum away from the approximately 2.4 GHz radio frequency band, it is able to operate and coexist with other wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Near Field Communication (NFC).

[0046] The wireless access point (AP) 110 includes an RF broadcaster 115 capable of broadcasting RF signals, as described herein.

[0047] UWB system 120 communicates with AP 110 via communication link 130. In one embodiment, communication link 130 is part of an onboard controller area network (CAN) or local interconnect network (LIN) that employs a wired serial or parallel communication link.

[0048] The term "controller" and related terms (such as microcontroller, control, control unit, processor, etc.) refer to one or more of the following or various combinations thereof: (multiple) application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), (multiple) field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), (multiple) electronic circuits, (multiple) central processing units (e.g., (multiple) microprocessors), and associated (multiple) non-transitory memory components (read-only, programmable read-only, random access, hard disk drives, etc.) in the form of memory and storage devices. Non-transitory memory components are capable of storing machine-readable instructions in the form of one or more software or firmware programs or routines, (multiple) combinational logic circuits, (multiple) input / output circuits and devices, signal conditioning, buffer circuits, and other components that can be accessed and executed by one or more processors to provide the described functions. (Multiple) input / output circuits and devices include analog-to-digital converters and related devices that monitor inputs from sensors, wherein such inputs are monitored at a preset sampling frequency or in response to a triggering event. Software, firmware, program, instructions, control routines, code, algorithms, and similar terms mean the controller-executable instruction set, including calibration and lookup tables. Each controller executes multiple control routines to provide the desired functionality. The routines may execute at regular intervals, such as once every 100 microseconds during ongoing operation. Alternatively, the routines may be executed in response to the occurrence of a triggering event. Communication between the controllers, actuators, and / or sensors can be implemented using communication link 130, which can be a direct wired point-to-point link, a networked communication bus link, a wireless link, or another type of communication link. Communication includes the exchange of data signals, including, for example, electrical signals via a conductive medium; electromagnetic signals via air; optical signals via optical waveguides; etc. The data signals may include discrete, analog, or digitized analog signals representing inputs from sensors, actuator commands, and communication between the controllers.

[0049] The term "signal" refers to a physically identifiable indicator that conveys information and can be a suitable waveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, or electromagnetic), such as DC, AC, sine wave, triangle wave, square wave, vibration, etc., which can travel through a medium.

[0050] A parameter is defined as a measurable quantity that represents the physical properties of a device or other component that can be identified using one or more sensors and / or physical models. A parameter can have discrete values, such as "1" or "0", or it can have infinitely variable values.

[0051] This disclosure defines a system strategy for sending a standardized IEEE Wi-Fi MAC layer protocol from a vehicle's Wi-Fi access point to periodically clear / block other nearby Wi-Fi access points / devices. It does this by sending a Wi-Fi Allow Transmission (CTS) transmission to itself via multiple Wi-Fi channels, while aligning this transmission with UWB ranging and positioning. By doing so, both Wi-Fi and UWB technologies can operate on the vehicle while reducing interference.

[0052] For reference Figure 2 The described method and system for controlling vehicular wireless communication includes: detecting a request for localized wireless communication via an vehicular wireless access point (AP); and requesting the wireless AP to generate a transmit-allow (CTS) transmission via an ultra-wideband (UWB) system. This includes selecting an ultra-wideband (UWB) channel, mapping the UWB channel to multiple WiFi channels, and transmitting a transmit-allow (CTS) transmission from the wireless AP to each of the multiple WiFi channels. Subsequently, in response to the request for localized wireless communication, a UWB message is transmitted via the UWB system. The teachings herein may be described in terms of functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components may consist of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions.

[0053] Figure 2 The illustration shows a UWB interference mitigation process (process) 200 employing an embodiment of the vehicle 100 described above. In general, process 200 includes: before UWB RF transmission from the UWB system 120, the UWB system 120 sends a request for channel clearing to the wireless AP 110. This request can be sent via the CAN / LIN vehicle network 120 or alternatively, other networking methods. The request message will include the selected UWB channel that the UWB system 120 will use. The selected UWB channel is then mapped by the wireless AP 110 to a series of WiFi channels, which are identified from a pre-identified list. Once the wireless AP 110 has created the list of WiFi channels, it will sequentially transmit a self-CTS (CTS-to-self) signal for each of those identified WiFi channels. For example, if UWB system 120 selects UWB CH5, then wireless AP 110 will map this channel to WiFi channels 57, 61, 65, 69, ..., 153, 157. Then, wireless AP 110 continuously transmits its own CTS for each mapped WiFi channel. After UWB system 120 has sent a channel clearing request, it then knows, based on a predetermined delay, when UWB system 120 can transmit UWB messages via its own system to perform operations.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 An embodiment of process 200 is described below, wherein Table 1 is provided as key, and the numbered blocks and their corresponding functions are illustrated below. Process 200 is illustrated as a collection of blocks in a logic flowchart representing a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, blocks represent computer instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the described operations. For ease of illustration and clarity, refer to... Figure 1 The method is described using the vehicle 100 shown in the figure.

[0055] Table 1 piece Block content 201 start 202 Wireless access points (APs) allow signal transmission over overlapping UWB channels; the vehicle network (CAN / LIN) monitors the wireless APs and the UWB system. 204 The UWB system sends a UWB channel map to the wireless access point (AP) via the vehicle network, thereby indicating to the AP which UWB channel has been selected. 206 UWB positioning has been triggered. 208 Wireless access points (APs) follow the UWB channel map to send CTS (Content Targeting System) to themselves for each WiFi channel. 210 The wireless access point (AP) communicates via the vehicle network (CAN / LIN) to initiate UWB positioning. 211 Enable operation 212 Complete UWB positioning The execution of process 200 may be performed as follows. The steps of process 200 may be executed in a suitable order, and are not limited to those described in the reference. Figure 2 The order described. As used herein, the term “1” indicates an affirmative answer or “yes”, and the term “0” indicates a negative answer or “no”.

[0056] Routine 200 is executed periodically and begins with wireless AP 110 granting permission for wireless signal transmission in the overlapping UWB channels (201), while vehicle communication link (CAN / LIN) 130 monitors wireless AP 110 and UWB system 120 (block 202).

[0057] UWB system 120 sends a UWB channel map to wireless AP 110 via communication link 130, thus indicating to wireless AP 110 which UWB channel has been selected (block 204).

[0058] Figure 3An example of a UWB channel diagram 300 is shown, which describes UWB channels in the context of radio frequency (RF) spectrum. The U-NII (Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure) bands are defined by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Channels U-NII 1 through U-NII 4 are used for 5 GHz WLAN (IEEE 802.11a and later versions), and channels U-NII 5 through U-NII 8 are used for 6 GHz WLAN (802.11ax). As shown, a specific U-NII band including U-NII 5 through U-NII 8 is illustrated, and its range is between 5935 MHz (5.935 GHz) and 7115 MHz (7.115 GHz). The described channels include 20 MHz channel 320, 40 MHz channel 330, 80 MHz channel 340, and 160 MHz channel 350. 20 MHz channel 320 is a WiFi channel and includes a frequency band 325 corresponding to WiFi channels 57, 61, 65, ... 157 (incrementing by 4) of UWB channel 5 315. WiFi channels 57, 61, 65, ... 157 indicate WiFi channels that increase by four between WiFi channel 57 and WiFi channel 157, i.e., every fourth WiFi channel from WiFi channel 57 to WiFi channel 157. UWB channel 5 315 covers all or part of the U-NII 5 to U-NII 7 frequency bands.

[0059] Refer again Figure 2 After the UWB system 120 indicates to the wireless AP 110 which UWB channel has been selected (block 204), the system determines whether a UWB location event has been triggered, for example, due to the presence of a remote device (such as a portable information terminal or another device attempting to access it) (block 206).

[0060] When the UWB location event has been triggered (206) (1), the wireless AP 110 follows the UWB channel map and sends a transmit permission (CTS) message to itself for each WiFi channel associated with the selected UWB channel (block 208).

[0061] When the selected UWB channel is UWB channel 5, the associated WiFi channels are WiFi channels 57, 61, 65, ... 157, and the wireless AP 110 sends transmit permission (CTS) messages to itself in succession for WiFi channels 57, 61, 65, ... 157 (block 208).

[0062] After UWB system 120 sends a channel clearing request, it knows, based on a predetermined delay, when UWB system 120 can transmit UWB messages via its own system. This allows both wireless AP 110 and UWB system 120 to operate without interference, thereby enabling coordination between the two vehicle systems.

[0063] The CTS message is used to block nearby external WiFi devices 140, 150 from transmitting on those specific WiFi channels for a period of time, thereby causing them to back off and allowing the UWB system 120 to operate undisturbed.

[0064] Wireless AP 110 communicates via vehicle network (CAN / LIN) 130 to initiate UWB positioning (block 210). UWB positioning includes sending transmission time(s) and reception time(s) to the access control system, thereby enabling the access control system to perform an operation (block 211). In one embodiment, the operation includes unlocking a door of the access control system.

[0065] UWB positioning continues until completion (212)(0).

[0066] When UWB positioning is completed (212)(1), UWB positioning ends and the process restarts (block 202).

[0067] Therefore, under normal conditions, the wireless AP 110 does not transmit its own CTS signal and transmits / receives on all WiFi channels permitted by the wireless AP 110.

[0068] Process 200 allows both the wireless AP 110 and the UWB system 120 to operate without interference, thereby enabling coordination between the two vehicle systems. Process 200 also prevents external WiFi devices 140, 150 from transmitting on those specific WiFi channels, causing them to back off and allowing the vehicle's UWB system to operate without interference.

[0069] The advantage of process 200 is that it reduces the risk of interference between WiFi transmissions on device 150 and vehicle 100 when operating UWB system 120, thus increasing the overall robustness and throughput of UWB communication of UWB system 120. This will reduce system latency and create a better user experience for customers.

[0070] Process 200 provides a novel method to use the vehicle's wireless AP 110 to sequentially transmit a self-CTS multiple times based on a defined channel map exchanged on the vehicle's communication network (CAN / LIN) 130. By transmitting a CTS to itself on multiple WiFi channels, this temporarily blocks RF transmissions from nearby and surrounding WiFi APs and clients. By temporarily blocking RF transmissions, this allows the vehicle's ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning system to operate during the period when transmissions are blocked and reduces interference from the vehicle's wireless AP 110 and surrounding WiFi devices within the vehicle's CTS signal range. This reduces system latency with the UWB system 120 and also reduces interference between the vehicle's wireless AP 110 and the UWB system 120, thereby reducing latency on both systems. This also notifies nearby Wi-Fi APs to clear the channel, thus protecting them from other devices outside the vehicle architecture. This allows wireless APs to avoid switching to different channels when they are using channels in the same frequency band as UWB.

[0071] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented as devices, methods, or computer program products. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of hardware embodiments, software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects, which may generally be referred to herein as systems. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product implemented in a tangible medium having computer-usable program code implemented on that medium.

[0072] Flowcharts and block diagrams within flowcharts illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code having one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It will also be noted that each block illustrated in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks illustrated in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a system based on special-function hardware or a combination of special-function hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified function or action. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of art comprising a set of instructions that implements the function / action specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0073] The detailed description and accompanying drawings support and describe this teaching, but the scope of this teaching is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out this teaching have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the teaching as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling in-vehicle wireless communication, the method comprising: Requests for localized wireless communication are detected via the vehicle-mounted wireless access point (AP). Requesting permission from the wireless AP to send CTS transmissions via the Ultra Wideband (UWB) system includes: Select the Ultra Wideband (UWB) channel. Map the UWB channel to multiple WiFi channels, and The wireless AP transmits the allowed CTS transmission to each of the plurality of WiFi channels; and In response to the request for localized wireless communication, UWB messages are transmitted via the UWB system; The transmission of the CTS transmission permission from the wireless AP to each of the plurality of WiFi channels includes: the wireless AP sequentially transmitting the CTS transmission to each of the plurality of WiFi channels; Furthermore, once the wireless AP creates a list of WiFi channels, it will successively transmit its own CTS signal for each of the identified WiFi channels.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Mapping the UWB channel to the plurality of WiFi channels includes: identifying a plurality of successive WiFi channels corresponding to the UWB channel.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The UWB channel includes UWB channel 5, and the plurality of successive WiFi channels corresponding to the UWB channel include WiFi channels 57, 61, 65, ...

157.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The UWB system communicates with the wireless AP via a communication link, and the UWB system requests the wireless AP to generate the CTS transmission via the communication link.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The UWB message includes a vehicle command; and wherein transmitting the UWB message via the UWB system includes enabling the vehicle command.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The vehicle commands include one of the following: locking the access door, unlocking the access door, opening the access door, or activating the vehicle system.

7. A wireless communication system for a vehicle, the wireless communication system comprising: Wireless access points (APs), ultra-wideband (UWB) systems, communication links, controllers, and vehicle systems; The UWB system communicates with the wireless AP via a communication link; The wireless communication system is capable of operating as follows: The request for localized wireless communication is detected via the wireless AP; The UWB system requests the wireless AP to generate permission to send CTS transmissions, including: Select the Ultra Wideband (UWB) channel. Map the UWB channel to multiple WiFi channels, and The CTS transmission is transmitted from the wireless AP to each of the plurality of WiFi channels; and In response to the request for localized wireless communication, UWB messages are transmitted via the UWB system; The transmission of the CTS from the wireless AP to each of the plurality of WiFi channels includes: the wireless AP sequentially transmitting the CTS to each of the plurality of WiFi channels; Furthermore, once the wireless AP creates a list of WiFi channels, it will successively transmit its own CTS signal for each of the identified WiFi channels.

8. The wireless communication system according to claim 7, wherein, Mapping the UWB channel to the plurality of WiFi channels includes: identifying a plurality of successive WiFi channels corresponding to the UWB channel.

9. The wireless communication system according to claim 8, wherein, The UWB channel includes UWB channel 5, and the plurality of successive WiFi channels corresponding to the UWB channel include WiFi channels 57, 61, 65, ...

157.

10. The wireless communication system according to claim 7, wherein, The UWB system communicates with the wireless AP via a communication link, and the UWB system requests the wireless AP to generate the CTS transmission via the communication link.

11. The wireless communication system according to claim 7, wherein, The UWB message includes vehicle commands to the vehicle system; and wherein transmitting the UWB message via the UWB system includes enabling the vehicle system to execute the vehicle commands.

12. The wireless communication system according to claim 11, wherein, The vehicle commands include one of the following: locking the access door, unlocking the access door, opening the access door, or activating the vehicle system.

13. A computer product comprising a non-transitory computer read medium storing a plurality of instructions, which, when executed, control an on-board computing device to perform the following steps: Requests for localized wireless communication are detected via the wireless AP; Requesting permission from the wireless AP to send CTS transmissions via the Ultra Wideband (UWB) system includes: Select the UWB channel. Map the UWB channel to multiple WiFi channels, and The CTS transmission is transmitted from the wireless AP to each of the plurality of WiFi channels; as well as In response to the request for localized wireless communication, a UWB message is transmitted via the UWB system; The transmission of the CTS transmission permission from the wireless AP to each of the plurality of WiFi channels includes: the wireless AP sequentially transmitting the CTS transmission to each of the plurality of WiFi channels; Furthermore, once the wireless AP creates a list of WiFi channels, it will successively transmit its own CTS signal for each of the identified WiFi channels.

14. The computer product according to claim 13, wherein, Mapping the UWB channel to the plurality of WiFi channels includes: identifying a plurality of successive WiFi channels corresponding to the UWB channel.

15. The computer product according to claim 13, wherein, The UWB system communicates with the wireless AP via a communication link, and the UWB system requests the wireless AP to generate the CTS transmission via the communication link.

16. The computer product according to claim 13, wherein, The UWB message includes a vehicle command; and wherein transmitting the UWB message via the UWB system includes enabling the vehicle command.

17. The computer product according to claim 16, wherein, The vehicle commands include one of the following: locking the access door, unlocking the access door, opening the access door, or activating the vehicle system.

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