Selecting offload opportunity wireless networks respecting personal data

Abstract

Techniques are discussed herein that facilitate selection of offload opportunistic wireless networks that respect personal data. The technique includes tracking a wireless network environment in which a parked vehicle is parked and selecting a qualified candidate wireless network as an offload opportunity wireless network. The technique also includes joining the selected wireless network in response to a positive acknowledgement of the user.

Description

[0001] introduction Background Art

[0002] Over-the-air (OTA) updates for vehicles allow manufacturers to wirelessly update a vehicle's software and firmware. This process eliminates the need for owners to visit a service center for software-related updates. OTA updates provide convenience, enable software enhancements and bug fixes, and improve cybersecurity. Not all vehicles support OTA updates, but many modern electric vehicles and some conventional vehicles are equipped with the necessary technology.

[0003] Many modern vehicles can be wirelessly connected via cellular or mobile networks, satellite communications, and / or wireless local area networks (WLANs). The vehicle uses at least one of these wireless connections to transfer data. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one embodiment, a method includes: detecting that a vehicle is parked; in response to detecting that the vehicle is parked, initiating a parking session for the vehicle, wherein the parking session initiation includes: scanning, identifying, and tracking one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs) within range of the vehicle; detecting that the vehicle is activated; in response to detecting the activation of the vehicle, terminating the parking session for the vehicle, wherein the parking session termination includes: calculating a duration of the parking session; scanning and identifying one or more WLANs within range of the vehicle; selecting one or more WLANs identified during both the parking session initiation and the parking session termination; and determining that one or more selected WLANs meet one or more eligibility criteria; in response to the duration of the parking session exceeding a parking session threshold, scoring one or more determined WLANs; designating a WLAN in the one or more scored WLANs as an offload opportunistic network to join based on the scoring; prompting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network; and in response to the prompting, joining the opportunistic network to communicate therethrough.

[0005] In this embodiment of the method, the one or more eligibility criteria for the selected WLAN include having a signal strength exceeding a signal strength threshold and having a secure security status.

[0006] For this embodiment, the method further includes, in response to the duration of the parking session exceeding a parking session threshold, updating a set of data fields in a scoring data structure, the set associated with at least one of the determined WLANs.

[0007] In this embodiment of the method, wherein one of the data fields of the set includes an encounter count, updating further comprises incrementing the value of the encounter count.

[0008] In this embodiment of the method, the data fields of the collection are selected from the group consisting of encounter count, signal measurement, safety status, parking session duration, parking time of day (e.g., morning, afternoon, evening, night, early morning), last encounter date (e.g., last seen), and channel of operation.

[0009] In this embodiment of the method, wherein scoring includes calculating a score based on a set associated with the at least one determined WLAN, and storing the calculated score in a scoring data structure associated therewith.

[0010] In this embodiment of the method, wherein scoring includes calculating a score associated with at least one scored WLAN and storing the calculated score in a scoring data structure associated therewith.

[0011] In this embodiment of the method, wherein specifying comprises accessing a scoring data structure comprising a set of data fields, each set being associated with one of the sets of WLANs and each set having a scoring data field, and updating the scoring data field of the set associated with the WLAN matching one of the determined WLANs.

[0012] In this embodiment of the method, wherein specifying further comprises: comparing values ​​of the scoring data fields of the set of scoring data structures; determining, based on the comparing, that a particular WLAN has a highest score associated therewith; and designating the particular WLAN as an offload opportunity network to join.

[0013] According to yet another embodiment, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by one or more processors, when executed, directs the one or more processors to perform operations including: detecting that a vehicle is parked; in response to detecting that the vehicle is parked, initiating a parking session for the vehicle, wherein the parking session initiation includes: scanning, identifying, and tracking one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs) within a range of the vehicle; detecting that the vehicle is activated; in response to detecting the activation of the vehicle, terminating the parking session for the vehicle, wherein the parking session termination includes: calculating a duration of the parking session; scanning and identifying one or more WLANs within a range of the vehicle; selecting one or more WLANs identified during both the parking session initiation and the parking session termination; and determining that one or more selected WLANs meet one or more eligibility criteria; in response to the duration of the parking session exceeding a parking session threshold, scoring one or more determined WLANs; and designating a WLAN among the one or more scored WLANs as an offload opportunity network to join based on the scoring.

[0014] Another non-transitory machine-readable storage medium embodiment, wherein the operations further comprise, in response to a duration of the parking session exceeding a parking session threshold, updating a set of data fields in a scoring data structure, the set associated with at least one of the determined WLANs.

[0015] Another non-transitory machine-readable storage medium embodiment, wherein one of the data fields of the set includes an encounter count, and updating further includes incrementing a value of the encounter count.

[0016] Another non-transitory machine-readable storage medium embodiment, wherein the scoring operation includes calculating a score associated with at least one scored WLAN and storing the calculated score in a scoring data structure associated therewith.

[0017] Another non-transitory machine-readable storage medium embodiment, wherein the operations further comprise prompting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network.

[0018] Another non-transitory machine-readable storage medium embodiment, wherein the operations further comprise, in response to the prompt, joining the opportunistic network to communicate therethrough.

[0019] Another non-transitory machine-readable storage medium embodiment, wherein the operations further comprise: prompting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network; and in response to the prompting, resetting values ​​in one or more data fields in the scoring data structure.

[0020] According to yet another embodiment, a method of facilitating selection of an offload opportunistic wireless network that respects personal data of a vehicle user includes: detecting that a vehicle is parked; in response to detecting that the vehicle is parked, initiating a parking session for the vehicle, wherein the parking session initiation includes: scanning, identifying, and tracking one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs) within range of the vehicle; detecting that the vehicle is activated; in response to detecting the activation of the vehicle, terminating the parking session for the vehicle, wherein the parking session termination includes: calculating a duration of the parking session; scanning and identifying one or more WLANs within range of the vehicle; selecting one or more WLANs identified during both the parking session initiation and the parking session termination; and determining that one or more selected WLANs meet one or more eligibility criteria; in response to the duration of the parking session exceeding a parking session threshold, scoring one or more determined WLANs; designating a WLAN from the one or more scored WLANs as an offload opportunistic network to join based on the scoring; prompting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network; and in response to the prompting, joining the opportunistic network to communicate therethrough.

[0021] Another embodiment of the method further includes prompting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network; and in response to the prompting, joining the opportunistic network to communicate therethrough.

[0022] Another embodiment of the method further includes accessing a set of data fields in a scoring data structure, the set associated with at least one of the determined WLANs, wherein the data fields of the set are selected from the group consisting of encounter count, signal measurement, security status, parking duration, parking time of day, last encounter date, and operating channel.

[0023] Another embodiment of the method, wherein the method is performed without access to personal data of a vehicle user.

[0024] The present invention also includes the following scheme:

[0025] Solution 1. A method comprising:

[0026] Detecting that the vehicle is parked;

[0027] In response to detecting that the vehicle is parked, initiating a parking session for the vehicle, wherein the parking session initiation includes: scanning, identifying, and tracking one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs) within range of the vehicle;

[0028] Detecting vehicle activation;

[0029] In response to detecting activation of the vehicle, terminating a parking session of the vehicle, wherein the parking session termination comprises: calculating a duration of the parking session; scanning and identifying one or more WLANs within range of the vehicle; selecting one or more WLANs identified during both parking session initiation and parking session termination; and determining that one or more selected WLANs meet one or more eligibility criteria;

[0030] In response to a duration of the parking session exceeding a parking session threshold, scoring the one or more determined WLANs;

[0031] designating, based on the scoring, a WLAN among the one or more scored WLANs as an offloading opportunity network to be joined;

[0032] prompting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network; and

[0033] In response to the prompt, joining the opportunistic network to communicate therethrough.

[0034] Solution 2. The method according to solution 1, wherein the one or more eligibility criteria of the selected WLAN include having a signal strength exceeding a signal strength threshold and having a secure security status.

[0035] Solution 3. The method according to solution 1, further comprising, in response to a duration of the parking session exceeding a parking session threshold, updating a set of data fields in a scoring data structure, the set being associated with at least one of the determined WLANs.

[0036] Option 4. The method according to Option 3, wherein one of the data fields of the set includes an encounter count, and the updating further includes incrementing the value of the encounter count.

[0037] Option 5. The method of Option 3, wherein the data fields of the set are selected from the group consisting of encounter count, signal measurement, safety status, parking session duration, parking time of day, last encounter date, and operating channel.

[0038] Embodiment 6. The method according to embodiment 3, wherein the scoring comprises calculating a score based on a set associated with at least one determined WLAN, and storing the calculated score in a scoring data structure associated therewith.

[0039] Embodiment 7. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the scoring comprises calculating a score associated with at least one scored WLAN and storing the calculated score in a scoring data structure associated therewith.

[0040] Option 8. The method according to Option 1, wherein the designation comprises:

[0041] accessing a scoring data structure comprising sets of data fields, each set being associated with a WLAN in the set of WLANs, and each set having a scoring data field; and

[0042] A scoring data field of the set associated with the WLAN matching one of the determined WLANs is updated.

[0043] Solution 9. The method according to Solution 8, wherein the designation further comprises:

[0044] comparing the values ​​of the score data fields of the set of score data structures;

[0045] Based on the comparing, determining that a particular WLAN has a highest score associated therewith; and

[0046] The specific WLAN is designated as an offload opportunity network to join.

[0047] Solution 10. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by one or more processors, which, when executed, direct the one or more processors to perform operations, the operations comprising:

[0048] Detecting that the vehicle is parked;

[0049] In response to detecting that the vehicle is parked, initiating a parking session for the vehicle, wherein the parking session initiation includes: scanning, identifying, and tracking one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs) within range of the vehicle;

[0050] Detecting vehicle activation;

[0051] In response to detecting activation of the vehicle, terminating a parking session of the vehicle, wherein the parking session termination comprises: calculating a duration of the parking session; scanning and identifying one or more WLANs within range of the vehicle; selecting one or more WLANs identified during both parking session initiation and parking session termination; and determining that one or more selected WLANs meet one or more eligibility criteria;

[0052] In response to a duration of the parking session exceeding a parking session threshold, scoring the one or more determined WLANs; and

[0053] Based on the score, a WLAN among the one or more scored WLANs is designated as an offload opportunity network to be joined.

[0054] Embodiment 11. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of embodiment 10, wherein the operations further comprise, in response to a duration of the parking session exceeding a parking session threshold, updating a set of data fields in a scoring data structure, the set being associated with at least one of the determined WLANs.

[0055] Embodiment 12. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of embodiment 11, wherein one of the data fields of the set comprises an encounter count, and the updating further comprises incrementing the value of the encounter count.

[0056] Embodiment 13. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of embodiment 10, wherein the scoring operation comprises calculating a score associated with at least one scored WLAN and storing the calculated score in a scoring data structure associated therewith.

[0057] Embodiment 14. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of embodiment 10, wherein the operation further comprises prompting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network.

[0058] Embodiment 15. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of embodiment 14, wherein the operations further comprise, in response to the prompt, joining an opportunistic network to communicate therethrough.

[0059] Embodiment 16. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium according to embodiment 11, wherein the operation further comprises:

[0060] prompting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network; and

[0061] In response to the prompt, values ​​in one or more data fields in the scoring data structure are reset.

[0062] Embodiment 17. A method for facilitating selection of an offload opportunity wireless network that respects personal data of a vehicle user, the method comprising:

[0063] Detecting that the vehicle is parked;

[0064] In response to detecting that the vehicle is parked, initiating a parking session for the vehicle, wherein the parking session initiation includes: scanning, identifying, and tracking one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs) within range of the vehicle;

[0065] Detecting vehicle activation;

[0066] In response to detecting activation of the vehicle, terminating a parking session of the vehicle, wherein the parking session termination comprises: calculating a duration of the parking session; scanning and identifying one or more WLANs within range of the vehicle; selecting one or more WLANs identified during both parking session initiation and parking session termination; and determining that one or more selected WLANs meet one or more eligibility criteria;

[0067] In response to a duration of the parking session exceeding a parking session threshold, scoring the one or more determined WLANs;

[0068] designating, based on the scoring, a WLAN among the one or more scored WLANs as an offloading opportunity network to be joined;

[0069] prompting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network; and

[0070] In response to the prompt, joining the opportunistic network to communicate therethrough.

[0071] Solution 18. The method according to Solution 17, further comprising:

[0072] prompting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network; and

[0073] In response to the prompt, joining the opportunistic network to communicate therethrough.

[0074] Option 19. The method according to Option 17 also includes accessing a set of data fields in a scoring data structure, the set being associated with at least one of the determined WLANs, wherein the data fields of the set are selected from the group consisting of encounter count, signal measurement, security status, parking duration, parking time of day, last encounter date, and operating channel.

[0075] Option 20. A method according to Option 17, wherein the method is performed without accessing personal data of the vehicle user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Figure 1 An example scenario of a parked vehicle configured to facilitate selection of an offload opportunistic wireless network that respects personal data is illustrated in accordance with one or more implementations described herein.

[0077] Figure 2 An example of a computer architecture for a computing system capable of performing the techniques described herein is illustrated.

[0078] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for executing an example method for facilitating selection of an offload opportunity wireless network that respects personal data in accordance with one or more implementations described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] The techniques described herein facilitate selection of an offload opportunity wireless network that respects personal data. The techniques and techniques described herein identify an offload opportunity wireless local area network (WLAN) and recommend to a vehicle user that the WLAN be selected to connect to a data network (e.g., the Internet). It is hoped that the user has authorized access to the identified offload opportunity WLAN, such as a home-based or work-based WLAN. The techniques described herein accomplish this without requiring location-related information to be determined based on person-specific information about the user. Thus, personal information is respected.

[0080] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views of various systems and methods shown and described herein, the disclosed methods may be adapted for use with motor vehicles, including manual, autonomous, and semi-autonomous driving.

[0081] Figure 1 An example scenario 100 is illustrated that includes a map 110, a satellite 160, and a telecommunications ("comm") center 170 that are suitable for implementing the techniques described herein. Map 110 depicts a geographic area with various parking locations, such as 120, 122, 124, and 126. Parkable locations are places where vehicles can be parked. In some cases, the parking locations may be mutually exclusive. In other cases, the parking locations may overlap.

[0082] As depicted in map 110, locations are separated by intersecting roads 112 and 114. Sometimes, a road may be a portion of a location or one or more locations. As indicated by forward arrows extending from the front of them, motor vehicles 136 and 138 are shown traveling on roads 114 and 112, respectively. For simplicity in the illustration, each parkable location is shown with a parking area marked with a capital P in a rounded square.

[0083] A parking location may have one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs) that are within range of a parked vehicle in the parking area of ​​the location. WLANs offer convenience and mobility, allowing users to connect to the Internet or network resources without the need for physical cables. They are becoming common in homes, offices, cafes, airports, and other public places, providing wireless connectivity for a variety of devices.

[0084] WLAN uses radio waves to transmit and receive data, enabling devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc. to connect to the network. WLANs typically utilize the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard, commonly known as WI-FI TM Standards. These standards define the specifications for wireless communications, including frequency bands, data transfer rates, and security protocols.

[0085] WLAN is set up using wireless access points (WAP) or routers, which act as central hubs for wireless connections. Access points transmit and receive data between wireless devices and wired network infrastructure (such as the Internet or local servers). As used herein, WLAN may also be referred to as a "hotspot."

[0086] like Figure 1 , location 120 includes an office building, one or more WLANs (shown as WAPs, from which radio waves are emitted), and a motor vehicle 130 parked therein. Location 122 includes a shopping mall, one or more WLANs, and a motor vehicle 132 parked therein. Location 124 includes a government building, one or more WLANs, and a motor vehicle 134 parked therein. Location 126 includes a house 150, one or more WLANs 152, and a parked vehicle 140.

[0087] The vehicles (130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140) may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the communication center 170. The wireless communication may include, for example, one or more of: satellite communication (as depicted by satellite 160), WI-FI TM ,Bluetooth TM , cellular communications, radio communications and / or Internet communications.

[0088] The communication center 170 includes one or more computing systems 172 and one or more databases 174. Figure 1 170 is shown as one location, but the components and functionality of the communication center 170 may be geographically distributed and across multiple data centers. The "center" portion of the name refers to the virtual appearance of the vehicle. The communication center 170 is remote from or separate from the vehicle.

[0089] Once it stops, the parked vehicle 140 detects that it is no longer moving (i.e., stationary) and has been placed in a parking "gear". The vehicle can be placed in "park". This is done by selecting "park" or "P" with the gear selector. In doing so, the automatic transmission disconnects the engine from the transmission and locks the transmission with a pawl so that the transmission cannot rotate while still connected to the wheels. In some cases, once parked, the parking brake can be engaged. The parking brake is connected to a brake disc or drum and limits and / or prevents the wheels from rotating when engaged. The parking brake is disengaged from the transmission. Herein, the parking gear defined includes one or more of the "park" selection, the pawl lock of the transmission, or the parking brake.

[0090] Once parked, the parked vehicle 140 begins (i.e., initiates) a parking session. Presumably, the driver of the vehicle exits. When doing so, the parked vehicle 140 is typically deactivated. That is, the parked vehicle 140 is "turned off." In some cases, this may be referred to as "turning off" the vehicle engine. Under normal operating conditions, the vehicle may be deactivated while parked. Therefore, herein, a deactivated vehicle is parked.

[0091] Once in a parking session, the vehicle 140 performs an initial inventory of WLANs within range of the vehicle. As part of the initial inventory, the vehicle 140 scans, identifies, and tracks one or more WLANs within range. Tracking includes creating an initial inventory list that records each WLAN detected and its associated attributes, such as its identifier (e.g., service set identifier (SSID) and media access control (MAC) address), signal measurements, security status, current time and date, and operating channel.

[0092] Once the driver returns to the parked vehicle 140, the driver activates (e.g., "turns on the ignition"). Once the parked vehicle 140 detects the activation, the parking session ends (i.e., terminates). Thus, in response to detecting the activation of the vehicle, the parked vehicle 140 terminates the parking session of the vehicle.

[0093] As part of the parking session termination, the parked vehicle 140 calculates the duration of the parking session. The parking session duration is the difference between the time the parking session was initiated and the time it ended.

[0094] The parked vehicle 140 determines whether the parking session duration exceeds a minimum parking time, such as four, five, or six hours. Since the technology attempts to identify offload opportunity WLANs (such as home-based or work-based WLANs) that are accessed by authorized users, the minimum parking time is generally a time that represents a vehicle parked for an extended period of time (such as at work or home) rather than a transient time (such as shopping or visiting friends).

[0095] If the parking session duration exceeds the minimum parking time, the parked vehicle 140 inventories the WLANs within range of the vehicle. As it does for the initial inventory at the beginning of the parking session, the parked vehicle 140 scans, identifies, and tracks one or more WLANs within range. This includes recording each WLAN detected and its associated attributes, such as its identifier (e.g., service set identifier (SSID) and media access control (MAC) address), signal measurements, security status, current time and date, and operating channel.

[0096] In addition, as part of the parking session termination, the parked vehicle 140 determines which of the one or more WLANs were identified during both the parking session initiation and the parking session termination. These WLANs are selected as candidates for offloading opportunistic WLANs that respect personal data of the user (e.g., driver) of the parked vehicle 140.

[0097] Still further, as part of parking session termination, the parked vehicle 140 determines whether one or more candidate WLANs meet one or more eligibility criteria. Examples of eligibility criteria for a candidate WLAN may include one or more of the following: 1) exceeds a signal strength threshold; 2) has a secure security status.

[0098] Signal strength is usually measured in decibel milliwatts (dBm). Depending on the specifics of the WLAN, a signal strength of -30dBm to -60dBm is generally considered reliable, and -80dBm is usually the minimum signal strength required to establish a connection. Therefore, an example of a signal strength threshold might be -70dBm, which is not very strong, but is basically enough for OTA update downloads.

[0099] A WLAN has a secure security status when its communications are encrypted and access to it is restricted (perhaps by a password). For example, a WLAN may encrypt its communications using Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), Wi-Fi Protected 2 (WPA2), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), etc.

[0100] After collecting this data, the parked vehicle 140 scores one or more qualified candidates. Scoring may include making additional determinations and updates to the scoring data structure as needed. Depending on the determinations that occur for each parking session, the parked vehicle 140 updates the scoring data structure accordingly to track and ultimately identify the unloading opportunity WLAN and recommend that the vehicle user select the WLAN to connect to a data network (e.g., the Internet).

[0101] The scoring data structure may include one or more sets of associated data fields. More specifically, each set is associated with a WLAN that is an established qualified candidate for an offloading opportunity WLAN. An example of a scoring data structure is as follows:

[0102]

[0103] Table 1

[0104] If the qualified WLAN is already in the scoring data structure, the parked vehicle 140 updates the data field associated with the WLAN in the scoring data structure and adjusts its associated score. For example, if the home network is determined to be a qualified WLAN during the parking session termination operation, the parked vehicle 140 updates the data field associated with the home network set, as shown in Table 1 above. In this example, the parked vehicle 140 may increment the "encounter counter" of the home network by one. Thus, the value (e.g., base) of the encounter counter may be increased by one. Thus, in this example, the parked vehicle 140 may increment the score of the home network from thirty by one to thirty-one.

[0105] If the qualified WLAN is not already in the scoring data structure, the parked vehicle 140 adds a new set to the scoring data structure for the new qualified WLAN. The parked vehicle 140 updates the data fields associated with the new WLAN in the scoring data structure and adjusts its associated score. For example, assume that the home network is a qualified WLAN determined during the parking session termination operation. In this case, the parked vehicle 140 adds the new home network set and updates the data fields associated with the home network set, as shown in Table 1 above. In this example, the parked vehicle 140 can increment the score of the home network from zero to one.

[0106] In other implementations, other factors may be used in one way or another to weight the score. For example, if the WLAN was last seen ninety days ago or less, the score of the qualified WLAN may be incremented.

[0107] Note that in the described implementation, in response to a parking session exceeding a minimum parking time (e.g., six hours), the parked vehicle 140 updates the scoring data structure, and it only updates WLANs that meet eligibility criteria (such as exceeding a signal strength threshold and / or having a secure security status).

[0108] The parked vehicle 140 analyzes the updated scoring data structure, and based on the scores, the vehicle may designate a WLAN from one or more of the scoring WLANs in the scoring data structure as an offload opportunity network to join. The designation may include comparing values ​​of a scoring data field of a set of scoring data structures. Based on the comparison, it may be determined that a particular WLAN has the most significant score associated therewith. Therefore, the particular WLAN may be designated as an offload opportunity network to join.

[0109] The parked vehicle 140 may specify the highest scoring WLAN in the scoring data structure that exceeds a minimum scoring threshold. For example, if the minimum scoring threshold is thirty, then the home network (whose updated score is thirty-one) exceeds the threshold and is the highest scoring WLAN in the data structure.

[0110] One purpose of having a minimum score threshold is to increase confidence that a given WLAN is one that the user frequently visits, stays for extended periods of time (to maximize availability for offloading) and that the user may have access to. Another reason is to minimize how often a user is asked to join a network.

[0111] In response to the WLAN being designated as the offload opportunistic network to join, the parked vehicle 140 prompts the user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network.

[0112] In response to the user's affirmative response to the prompt, the parked vehicle 140 joins the WLAN designated as the offloading opportunistic network to communicate therethrough. In response to the user's negative or lack of response to the prompt, the parked vehicle 140 does not join the WLAN designated as the offloading opportunistic network to communicate therethrough. In addition, the parked vehicle 140 adjusts the scoring data structure. In some cases, the score is reduced for the rejected WLAN. In other cases, the rejected WLAN is removed from the data structure.

[0113] Note that in the described implementation, the parked vehicle 140 does not detect its location or identify an associated user to implement the techniques described herein. Thus, the parked vehicle 140 does not use traditional location determination techniques, such as Global Positioning Service (GPS), Wi-Fi, or other similar technologies. TM Location positioning, cellular location positioning, Bluetooth location positioning, radio frequency identification (RFID), fixed location beacons (geo-beacons), etc. Because of this, the technology does not utilize location-related information based on personal specific information about the user. Therefore, personal information is respected.

[0114] Figure 2An example of a computer architecture of a computing system 200 capable of performing the techniques described herein is illustrated. The computer architecture shown in this figure illustrates a typical computer, server computer, workstation, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, network appliance, e-reader, smart phone, embedded system, or another computing device. The computer system 200 can be part of a parked vehicle 140 and can be used to perform the functionality presented herein.

[0115] The computing system 200 includes a processor 202 (e.g., a central processing unit or "CPU"), system storage (e.g., memory) 204, input / output (I / O) devices 206 (such as a display, keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera, and associated controllers), a secondary storage system 208 (e.g., a hard drive), and various other subsystems 210. In various embodiments, the computing system 200 also includes a communication ("comm") port 212 that is operable to connect to a communication ("comm") system 220. The computing system 200 may include or be connected to a passenger interaction system 222 that manages interactions with passengers of the parked vehicle 140. The foregoing components may be interconnected via one or more buses 216 and / or the communication system 220.

[0116] The communication system 220 enables internal communication within the parked vehicle 140 and external wireless communication, such as with the communication center 170. The internal communication may be, for example, via a local area network. The external wireless communication may include, for example, one or more of the following: satellite communication (such as Figure 1 Satellite 160 depicted in the video), WI-FI TM ,Bluetooth TM , cellular communications, radio communications and / or Internet communications.

[0117] The system memory 204 may store data and machine-readable instructions (e.g., computer-readable instructions). The machine-readable instructions may configure the computing system 200. The machine-readable instructions may include one or more instruction modules. The instruction modules may include computer program modules. The instruction modules may include one or more of the parking session manager 230, the WLAN environment monitor 232, the scoring director 234, the offload WLAN data storage manager 236, the offload WLAN data storage 238, the offload WLAN monitor 240, and / or other instruction-based modules.

[0118] Although the modules in the example depicted in the figure are implemented using machine-readable instructions, other modules of similar functionality may be implemented using few or no machine-readable instructions. Such modules are implemented via hardware (e.g., circuits) and analog and / or digital signals. In other cases, such modules may be implemented via a combination of hardware and machine-implemented instructions.

[0119] The parking session manager 230 detects the start and end of a parking session. Once the parked vehicle 140 is actually parked, the parking session manager 230 detects that the vehicle is no longer moving (i.e., stationary) and has been placed in a parking "gear". The vehicle can be placed in "park". This initiates a parking session.

[0120] Once in a parking session, the WLAN environment monitor 232 performs an initial inventory of WLANs within range of the vehicle. As part of the initial inventory, the WLAN environment monitor 232 scans and identifies one or more within-range WLANs. The offload WLAN data store manager 236 tracks the identified one or more within-range WLANs by, for example, creating an initial inventory list that records each detected WLAN and its associated attributes, such as its identifier (e.g., service set identifier (SSID) and media access control (MAC) address), signal measurements, security status, current time and date, and operating channel. The initial inventory list can be located in the offload WLAN data store 238.

[0121] Once the driver returns to the parked vehicle 140, the driver activates (e.g., "turns on the ignition"). Once the parking session manager 230 detects this activation, the parking session ends (i.e., terminates). Thus, in response to detecting the activation of the vehicle, the parking session manager 230 terminates the parking session of the vehicle.

[0122] As part of the parking session termination, the parking session manager 230 calculates the duration of the parking session. The parking session duration is the difference between the time the parking session was initiated and the time it ended.

[0123] The parking session manager 230 determines whether the parking session duration exceeds the minimum parking time. Assume that the parking session duration exceeds the minimum parking time. In this case, the parking session manager 230 directs the WLAN environment monitor 232 to perform an inventory of the WLAN environment, which is the WLAN within the range of the parked vehicle 140.

[0124] As it does for the initial session inventory at the beginning of the parking session, the WLAN environment monitor 232 scans and identifies one or more WLANs within range and offloads the WLAN data store manager 236 which records each detected WLAN and its associated attributes. These attributes may include the WLAN's identifier, signal measurement, security status, current time and date, and operating channel. The post-session inventory list may be located in the offload WLAN data store 238.

[0125] Furthermore, after the parking session is terminated, the offload WLAN data storage manager 236 determines which one or more of the WLANs identified during both the initial session inventory and the post-session inventory lists are selected as candidates for offload opportunistic WLANs that respect the personal data of the user of the parked vehicle 140.

[0126] Still further, after the parking session is terminated, the offload WLAN data storage manager 236 determines whether one or more of the candidate WLANs meet one or more eligibility criteria. Examples of eligibility criteria for a candidate WLAN may include one or more of the following: 1) exceeding a signal strength threshold; 2) having a secure security status.

[0127] After collecting this data, the scoring director 234 scores one or more qualified candidates. The scoring may include making additional determinations and updates to the scoring data structure of the offload WLAN data storage 238 as needed. Depending on those determinations that occur for each parking session, the scoring director 234 updates the scoring data structure accordingly to track and ultimately identify offload opportunity WLANs and recommend that the vehicle user select that WLAN to connect to the data network.

[0128] The scoring data structure of the offload WLAN data store 238 may include one or more sets of associated data fields. More specifically, each set is associated with a WLAN that is a qualified candidate as an offload opportunity WLAN. An example of a scoring data structure is depicted in Table 1 above.

[0129] If the qualified WLAN is already in the scoring data structure, the offload WLAN data storage manager 236 updates the data fields associated with the WLAN in the scoring data structure and adjusts its associated score. If the qualified WLAN is not already in the scoring data structure, the offload WLAN data storage manager 236 adds a new set to the scoring data structure for the new qualified WLAN. The parked vehicle 140 updates the data fields associated with the new WLAN in the scoring data structure and adjusts its associated score.

[0130] Note that in the described implementation, the scoring data structure is updated in response to a parking session exceeding a minimum parking time (eg, six hours) and when the WLAN meets qualifying criteria, such as exceeding a signal strength threshold and / or having a secure security status.

[0131] The offload WLAN monitor 240 analyzes the updated scoring data structure and based on the scoring, the vehicle may designate a WLAN from one or more of the scored WLANs in the scoring data structure as an offload opportunity network to join. The offload WLAN monitor 240 may designate the highest scoring WLAN in the scoring data structure that exceeds a minimum scoring threshold.

[0132] In response to the WLAN being designated as an offload opportunistic network to join, the offload WLAN monitor 240 prompts the user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network. This can be accomplished at least in part using the passenger interaction system 222.

[0133] In response to a positive response of the user to the prompt, the offload WLAN monitor 240 directs the communication port 212 and the associated system to join the WLAN designated as the offload opportunistic network to communicate therethrough. In response to a negative response or lack of response of the user to the prompt, the offload WLAN monitor 240 does not direct the joining of the WLAN designated as the offload opportunistic network to communicate therethrough. In addition, the score director 234 adjusts the score data structure. In some cases, the score is reduced for the rejected WLAN. In other cases, the rejected WLAN is removed from the data structure.

[0134] The functionality of these example modules depicted in this figure can be organized differently. For example, the functionality of these example models can be distributed across various commonly implemented onboard automotive systems, such as body control modules (BCM), telematics processing units (TCP), infotainment control units (VCU), and vehicle displays (VCD).

[0135] The BCM is an electronic control unit in a vehicle that manages and controls various electrical and electronic functions within the vehicle body. Typically, it controls systems such as lighting, power windows, central locking, wipers, climate control, safety features, audio system, instrument cluster, and security systems. Typically, the BCM receives inputs from sensors and switches and sends commands to the corresponding components or systems, ensuring the proper functioning of these features in the vehicle.

[0136] TCP is an electronic device found in vehicles that combines telecommunications and information technology. It can collect and transmit data related to vehicle performance, location, and driver behavior. Typically, TCP uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) or other positioning systems for vehicle tracking and location services, enables communications and connectivity through cellular or satellite networks, provides vehicle diagnostics and maintenance information, incorporates safety and security features, monitors driver behavior, and allows connected services and applications. TCP enhances vehicle functionality, enables data-driven insights, and improves safety and efficiency in areas such as fleet management, vehicle tracking, and connected car services.

[0137] A VCU is an electronic device in a vehicle that combines entertainment and information features into a single interface. Typically, it acts as a centralized control hub for various multimedia and communication functions. A VCU typically consists of hardware (such as a display screen and control buttons or a touch screen) together with software that enables access to entertainment options, navigation systems, communication features, and vehicle settings. It provides features such as audio and video playback, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming, integration with smartphone applications, GPS navigation, and access to vehicle settings and information.

[0138] A VCD refers to the interface or screen in a vehicle that displays information and allows the driver to control various vehicle functions. It can include a digital instrument cluster, an infotainment screen, or a dedicated control panel. The display provides vehicle data such as speed, fuel level, and warnings, allowing the driver to interact with features such as audio, navigation, climate control, vehicle settings, and diagnostics. The specific design and features of a VCD may vary from vehicle to vehicle, but its purpose is to provide a user-friendly interface for monitoring and managing vehicle functions.

[0139] Figure 3 1 is a flow chart illustrating a process 300 of performing an example method of facilitating selection of an offload opportunity wireless network that respects personal data. For ease of explanation, process 300 may be described as being performed by a system described herein. Such a system may be, for example, a parked vehicle 140 or a computing system 200, as described herein. However, process 300 may be performed by other devices or a combination of devices and systems.

[0140] Process 300 facilitates selecting an offload opportunistic wireless network that respects personal data. Process 300 includes tracking the wireless network environment of a parked vehicle and selecting a qualified candidate wireless network as an offload opportunistic wireless network. The technology also includes doing so in response to a user's affirmative confirmation to join the selected wireless network.

[0141] At operation 310, the system monitors the vehicle to detect if the vehicle is parked. Once the vehicle is parked, the system detects that it is no longer moving and has been placed in the "park" gear. If the vehicle is not parked, operation 310 does not detect that the vehicle is parked and continues to monitor. Once the vehicle is detected to be parked, process 300 proceeds to operation 312.

[0142] At operation 312, the system initiates a parking session 314 to park the vehicle in response to detecting that the vehicle is parked (as detected at operation 310). The parking session initiation of this operation includes performing an initial inventory of WLANs within range of the vehicle. The system scans and identifies one or more within-range WLANs as part of the initial inventory. The system tracks the identified one or more within-range WLANs by, for example, creating an initial inventory list that records each detected WLAN and its associated attributes. The initial inventory list can be in an on-board data storage device (such as the offload WLAN data storage 238), or uploaded to an off-board data storage device. Once parked, the vehicle may be deactivated during the parking session 314.

[0143] In operation 316, the system monitors the vehicle to detect that the vehicle is activated. Once the driver returns to the vehicle, the driver activates the vehicle. If the vehicle remains parked and deactivated, operation 316 does not detect that the vehicle is activated and continues to monitor. Once the parking of the vehicle is activated, process 300 proceeds to operation 318.

[0144] At operation 318, the system terminates the parking session 314 for the vehicle in response to detection of the vehicle activation (as detected at operation 316). As part of the parking session termination, operation 318 includes calculating a duration of the parking session 314. The parking session duration is the difference between the time the parking session 314 was initiated (at operation 312) and the time it ended (at operation 318).

[0145] At operation 320, the system determines whether the parking session duration exceeds the minimum parking time. If the parking session duration does not exceed the minimum parking time, once the vehicle is no longer parked, the process 300 returns to operation 310. Otherwise, if the parking session duration exceeds the minimum parking time, the process 300 proceeds to operation 322.

[0146] In operation 322, the system performs an inventory of the WLAN environment, which are the WLANs within range of the vehicle. As it does for the initial session inventory at the beginning of the parking session, the system scans and identifies one or more WLANs within range and records each detected WLAN and its associated attributes, such as its identifier, signal measurement, security status, current time and date, and operating channel. For example, the post-session inventory list can be located in the offload WLAN data store 238.

[0147] In operation 324 , the system determines which one or more of the WLANs were identified during both the initial session inventory and the post-session inventory lists. These WLANs are selected as candidates for offload opportunity WLANs that respect the vehicle user's personal data.

[0148] At operation 326, the system determines whether one or more candidate WLANs meet one or more eligibility criteria. Examples of eligibility criteria for a candidate WLAN may include one or more of the following: 1) exceeding a signal strength threshold; 2) having a secure security state. If one or more candidate WLANs fail to meet one or more eligibility criteria, or there are no candidate WLANs, then once the vehicle is no longer parked, process 300 returns to operation 310. Otherwise, process 300 proceeds to operation 328.

[0149] In operation 328, the system scores one or more qualified candidates. Scoring may include making additional determinations and updates to the scoring data structure as needed. Depending on which determinations occur for each parking session, the system updates the scoring data structure accordingly to track and ultimately identify the offloading opportunity WLAN and recommend that the vehicle user select that WLAN to connect to the data network.

[0150] The scoring data structure may include one or more associated data fields. More specifically, each set is associated with a WLAN that is an already qualified candidate to be an offload opportunity WLAN. An example of a scoring data structure is depicted in Table 1 above.

[0151] As part of operation 328, if the qualified WLAN is already in the scoring data structure, the system updates the data fields associated with the WLAN in the scoring data structure and adjusts its associated score. If the qualified WLAN is not already in the scoring data structure, the system adds a new set to the scoring data structure for the new qualified WLAN. The system updates the data fields associated with the new WLAN in the scoring data structure and adjusts its associated score.

[0152] Note that in the described implementation, the scoring data structure is updated in response to a parking session exceeding a minimum parking time (e.g., six hours), and is updated when the WLAN meets qualifying criteria (such as exceeding a signal strength threshold and / or having a secure security status).

[0153] As part of operation 328, the system analyzes the updated scoring data structure, and based on the scores, the system can designate a WLAN from one or more of the scored WLANs in the scoring data structure as an offload opportunity network to join. For example, the system can designate a highest-scoring WLAN in the scoring data structure that exceeds a minimum score threshold.

[0154] At operation 330, the system determines whether the WLAN is designated as an offload opportunity network to join. If not, then once the vehicle is no longer parked, the process 300 returns to operation 310. Otherwise, the process 300 proceeds to operation 332. The designation may include comparing the values ​​of the score data fields of the set of score data structures, determining, based on the comparison, that a particular WLAN has the greatest (i.e., most important) score associated with the others, and designating the particular WLAN as the offload opportunity network to join.

[0155] In operation 332 , the system prompts the vehicle user to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network. For example, this may be accomplished at least in part using the passenger interaction system 222 .

[0156] At operation 334, the system determines the user's response to the prompt. Assume that the user's response is negative or lacking (e.g., after a timeout). In this case, the system does not direct the joining of the WLAN designated as the offloading opportunity network to communicate through it. In addition, the system adjusts the scoring data structure. In some cases, the score is reduced for the rejected WLAN. In other cases, the rejected WLAN is removed from the data structure. In addition, once the vehicle is no longer parked, the process 300 returns to operation 310. Otherwise, in response to the user's affirmative response to the prompt, the process 300 proceeds to operation 336.

[0157] At operation 336, the system joins the WLAN designated as the offload opportunistic network to communicate therethrough.

[0158] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Although the size and type of the material described herein are intended to be illustrative, they are by no means restrictive, but exemplary embodiments. In the following claims, the use of the terms "first", "second", "top", "bottom", etc. is only used as a label and is not intended to impose a number or position requirement on their objects. As used herein, an element or step recorded in the singular and preceded by the word "one" or "one" should be understood to not exclude a plurality of such elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Additionally, the phrase "at least one of A and B" and the phrase "A and / or B" should each be understood to mean "only A, only B, or both A and B". In addition, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the embodiment of "including" or "having" an element or multiple elements with a specific attribute can include additional such elements without the attribute. And when broad descriptive adverbs such as "substantially" and "generally" are used to modify adjectives in this document, these adverbs mean "mostly", "mainly", "for the vast majority", "significant degree", "to a great extent", and / or "at least 51% to 99% of the 100% possible degree", and do not necessarily mean "perfectly", "completely", "strictly", "completely" or "100%". Additionally, the word "close" may be used in this document to describe the position of one object or a part thereof relative to another object or a part thereof, and / or to describe the positional relationship of two objects or their respective parts relative to each other, and may mean "close to", "adjacent", "close to", "near", "in the vicinity", etc. And, as used herein, the phrase "approximately equal to" may mean one or more of "completely equal to", "almost equal to", "equal to between 90% and 110% of...", etc.

[0159] This written description uses examples, including the best mode, to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use devices, systems, and compositions of matter, and to perform methods, in accordance with the present disclosure. It is the following claims, including equivalents, that define the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method comprising: Detecting that the vehicle is parked; In response to detecting that the vehicle is parked, initiating a parking session for the vehicle, Wherein parking session initiation includes: scanning, identifying and tracking one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs) within range of the vehicle; Detecting vehicle activation; In response to detecting activation of the vehicle, terminating a parking session of the vehicle, wherein the parking session termination comprises: calculating a duration of the parking session; scanning and identifying one or more WLANs within range of the vehicle; selecting one or more WLANs identified during both parking session initiation and parking session termination; and determining that one or more selected WLANs meet one or more eligibility criteria; In response to a duration of the parking session exceeding a parking session threshold, scoring the one or more determined WLANs; designating, based on the scoring, a WLAN among the one or more scored WLANs as an offloading opportunity network to be joined; prompting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunistic network; and In response to the prompt, joining the opportunistic network to communicate therethrough. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more eligibility criteria for the selected WLAN include having a signal strength exceeding a signal strength threshold and having a secure security status.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, in response to a duration of a parking session exceeding a parking session threshold, updating a set of data fields in a scoring data structure, the set associated with at least one of the determined WLANs. 4 . The method of claim 3 , wherein one of the data fields of the set comprises an encounter count, the updating further comprising incrementing the value of the encounter count.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the aggregated data fields are selected from the group consisting of encounter count, signal measurement, safety status, parking session duration, parking time of day, last encounter date, and operating channel.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the scoring comprises calculating a score based on a set associated with at least one determined WLAN and storing the calculated score in a scoring data structure associated therewith.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the scoring comprises calculating a score associated with at least one scored WLAN and storing the calculated score in a scoring data structure associated therewith.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the designating comprises: accessing a score data structure comprising a set of data fields, each set being associated with a WLAN in the set of WLANs, and each set having a score data field; and A scoring data field of the set associated with the WLAN matching one of the determined WLANs is updated.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the specifying further comprises: comparing the values ​​of the score data fields of the set of score data structures; Based on the comparing, determining that a particular WLAN has a highest score associated therewith; and The specific WLAN is designated as an offload opportunity network to join.

10. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by one or more processors, which, when executed, direct the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: Detecting that the vehicle is parked; In response to detecting that the vehicle is parked, initiating a parking session for the vehicle, Wherein parking session initiation includes: scanning, identifying and tracking one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs) within range of the vehicle; Detecting vehicle activation; In response to detecting activation of the vehicle, terminating a parking session of the vehicle, wherein the parking session termination comprises: calculating a duration of the parking session; scanning and identifying one or more WLANs within range of the vehicle; selecting one or more WLANs identified during both parking session initiation and parking session termination; and determining that one or more selected WLANs meet one or more eligibility criteria; In response to a duration of the parking session exceeding a parking session threshold, scoring the one or more determined WLANs; and Based on the scoring, a WLAN among the one or more scored WLANs is designated as an offloading opportunity network to be joined.

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