Communication control apparatus and method for vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication control apparatus and method for a vehicle. A communication control apparatus for a vehicle includes a communication device, a memory, and a controller. The communication control apparatus activates a communication device in response to a vehicle being turned on, identifies a designated operator corresponding to a current location of the vehicle based on operator list information stored in a memory, attempts to connect with a communication network provided by the designated operator through the communication device, and transmits the communication device to the designated operator after connecting with the communication network. When a signal including a specified code is received, a specified operation mode for stopping operation of the communication apparatus is operated and released, and when the specified operation mode is released, update information including a communication state of the communication network is transmitted to the server.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0111402 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a communication control apparatus and method for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a communication control apparatus and method for performing connection with a specified communication network using a communication device of a vehicle under various environments. Background Art

[0004] As vehicle technology develops, components installed in a vehicle may be used to provide services and / or convenience features to users. For example, a user may receive services based on data received from the outside through a communication device installed in the vehicle.

[0005] Meanwhile, when the vehicle travels across a border or when the vehicle control device attempts the communication network connection with the base station again when an abnormality occurs in the communication network connection, the vehicle control device may reconnect to the communication network connection again according to various algorithms.

[0006] For example, when power is applied to the vehicle, the vehicle control device may start a communication device (e.g., a modem device) loaded on the vehicle and may perform a network search function based on designated information (e.g., a public land mobile network (PLMN) list). Thereafter, when an abnormality occurs in the connected network, the vehicle control device may search for another network by using the designated information again.

[0007] For example, when a vehicle crosses an international border while traveling, a situation may arise where another network connection must be performed because the network connection in the existing country is disconnected. To this end, the vehicle control device may provide a function of searching for another network based on information about a service provider (e.g., a communication company) in the new country and performing a communication network connection.

[0008] However, since a process of resetting the communication device is required in the process of retrying the communication network connection, a situation may occur where the user does not receive the desired service during the time spent in such a process. For example, in the case where an emergency call (e.g., eCall) function is required, the user may not receive the function due to the process of resetting the communication device.

[0009] In addition, when a communication network connection is performed based on a relatively poor type of communication network connection (e.g., second generation (2G)) in a driving environment such as Europe where movement between countries is easily performed, although the vehicle enters a new country, a communication network connection based on a satisfactory type (e.g., third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) and / or fifth generation (5G)) provided by a service provider in the new country is not performed until the poor type of communication network connection connected in the existing country is lost. Summary of the invention

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a communication control device, which is used to continuously monitor whether the connection is lost due to a weak network electric field when an abnormality occurs in the connected communication network, and use information stored in a memory (e.g., operator list information) to attempt a connection based on another communication network.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a communication control device for continuously monitoring whether a connection is lost due to a weak network electric field when an abnormality occurs in a connected communication network, and when the connection is not lost, while continuously performing communication, temporarily operating and releasing a specified operating mode (e.g., airplane mode) for stopping the operation of the communication device when a signal including a specified code (e.g., a rejection code and / or a disengagement code) is received.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a communication control device for transmitting update information including a communication state of a communication network to a server when a designated operation mode is released.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a communication control device for receiving updated operator list information based on a specified time period from a server, identifying the priority of operators (or service providers) providing communication networks based on the received information, and performing communication network connection through a communication device based on the priority.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a communication control device for identifying whether the communication network connection type is degraded when identifying a situation in which host communication crosses a boundary, temporarily operating and releasing a specified operation mode (for example, an airplane mode) for stopping the operation of the communication device when identifying a situation in which communication is performed based on a degraded communication network connection, and sending update information including the communication status of the communication network, and attempting a connection based on another communication network using information stored in a memory.

[0015] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the following description.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a communication control device for a vehicle may include: a communication device; a memory storing at least one instruction; and a controller operatively connected to the communication device and the memory. For example, at least one instruction may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the communication control device to start the communication device in response to the vehicle being turned on, identify a designated operator corresponding to the current location of the vehicle based on the operator list information stored in the memory, attempt to connect to a communication network provided by the designated operator, and after connecting to the communication network, when receiving a signal including a designated code, operate and release a designated operation mode for stopping the operation of the communication device through the communication device, and when the designated operation mode is released, send update information including the communication status of the communication network to a server.

[0017] According to an embodiment, at least one instruction can be configured to, when executed by a controller, cause the communication control device to monitor whether the communication network is abnormal based on the connection, when connected normally to the communication network, when an abnormality is identified in the communication network, identify whether the connection is disconnected, and when the connection is lost, based on the operator list information, attempt to connect to a sub-communication network provided by a sub-operator of a designated operator corresponding to the current location.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the at least one instruction may be configured, when executed by the controller, to cause the communication control device to continuously perform communication based on the connection based on the connection not being lost.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the designated code may include at least one of a rejection code or a disengagement code or any combination thereof.

[0020] According to an embodiment, at least one instruction may be configured to, when executed by a controller, cause the communication control device to continuously monitor whether the type of connection changes; when identifying that the vehicle is traveling from a designated area to another area, after connecting to the communication network, when identifying the type change, operate and release the designated operating mode, and based on the operator list information, attempt to connect to a sub-communication network corresponding to another area, the sub-communication network being provided by a sub-operator of the designated operator.

[0021] According to an embodiment, at least one instruction may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the communication control device to recognize that the vehicle travels from a designated zone to another zone when it is recognized that the vehicle crosses a boundary based on the navigation information.

[0022] According to an embodiment, when executed by a controller, at least one instruction may be configured to: when a connection is performed in a first type based on at least one of the third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) or fifth generation (5G) or any combination thereof, when the identification type is changed to a second type including the second generation (2G), cause the communication control device to operate and release the operating mode.

[0023] According to an embodiment, at least one instruction may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the communication control device to release a designated operation mode and transmit update information of a communication state of a communication network included in another zone to the server.

[0024] According to an embodiment, at least one instruction may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the communication control device to receive updated operator list information including update information based on a specified period from the server and store the updated operator list information in the memory.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the designated operating mode may include airplane mode.

[0026] The vehicle may include a communication control device.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a communication control method for a vehicle may include: in response to the vehicle being turned on, starting a communication device through a controller; identifying, by the controller, a designated operator corresponding to the current location of the vehicle based on operator list information stored in a memory; attempting, by the controller, to connect to a communication network provided by the designated operator through the communication device; after connecting to the communication network, when a signal including a designated code is received, operating and releasing, by the controller, a designated operating mode for stopping the operation of the communication device; and when the designated operating mode is released, sending, by the controller, update information including the communication status of the communication network to a server.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the communication control method may further include: when the communication network is normally connected, the controller monitors whether the communication network is abnormal based on the connection, when an abnormality is identified in the communication network, identifying whether the connection is disconnected, and when the connection is lost, attempting to connect to a sub-communication network provided by a sub-operator of a designated operator corresponding to the current location based on the operator list information.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the communication control method may further include: based on the connection not being lost, continuously performing communication based on the connection by the controller.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the designated code may include at least one of a rejection code or a disengagement code or any combination thereof.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the communication control method may further include: after connecting to the communication network, when identifying that the vehicle travels from a designated area to another area, the controller continuously monitors whether the type of connection changes; when identifying the type change, the controller operates and releases the designated operation mode; and based on the operator list information, the controller attempts to connect to a sub-communication network corresponding to another area, the sub-communication network being provided by a sub-operator of the designated operator.

[0032] According to an embodiment, after connecting to the communication network, when it is identified that the vehicle travels from a designated area to another area, continuously monitoring whether the type of connection changes may include: when it is identified based on navigation information that the vehicle crosses a boundary, identifying through a controller that the vehicle travels from a designated area to another area.

[0033] According to an embodiment, when the identification type changes the signal, operating and releasing the specified operating mode by the controller may include: when a connection is performed with a first type based on at least one of 3G, 4G, or 5G, or any combination thereof, when the identification type changes to a second type including 2G, operating and releasing the operating mode by the controller.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the communication control method may further include: releasing the operation mode by the controller and transmitting, by the controller, update information including a communication state of a communication network in another zone to the server.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the communication control method may further include receiving, by the controller, updated operator list information including update information based on a specified period from the server and storing, by the controller, the updated operator list information in the memory.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the designated operating mode may include airplane mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing components of a communication control device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a communication control method for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a communication control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a communication control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a communication control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0043] Figure 6 A computing system related to a communication control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] Regarding the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicle-based" or other similar terms as used herein include a broad range of motor vehicles, such as passenger cars, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, boats (including various boats and ships), aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., SUVs. Fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As mentioned herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, for example, gasoline-powered and electric vehicles.

[0046] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "one" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms. It should also be understood that when the terms "including" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, it specifies the existence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but does not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their combinations. As used in this article, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "including" and variants such as "including" or "containing" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the elements, but do not exclude any other elements. In addition, the terms "unit", "-device", "-user" and "module" described in the specification are meant to be used to process a unit for at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0047] In addition, the control logic of the present disclosure may be embodied as a non-volatile computer-readable medium on a computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor, controller, etc. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disk (CD)-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage device. The computer-readable medium may also be distributed in a network-coupled computer system so that the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, such as by a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0048] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used throughout to refer to the same or equivalent components. In addition, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions will be excluded to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0049] When describing components according to embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element without limiting the corresponding elements, and are not related to the order or priority of the corresponding elements. In addition, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein will be interpreted as customary terms in the field to which the present invention belongs. It should be understood that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the present disclosure and the related art, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0050] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 6 The embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail.

[0051] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing components of a communication control apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the communication control apparatus (or vehicle control apparatus) 100 may include at least one of a communication device 110, a memory 120, or a controller 130, or any combination thereof. Figure 1 The components of the vehicle control device 100 shown in FIG. 1 are illustrative, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control device 100 may further include Figure 1 Components not shown (e.g., at least one of an interface, a sensor device, a display, or a drive device or any combination thereof).

[0053] According to an embodiment, the communication device 110 can assist in establishing a communication channel (e.g., a wireless communication channel) between the vehicle control device 100 and an external device (e.g., a server) and communicate through the established communication channel. For example, the communication device 110 may include one or more communication processors (e.g., application processors) that operate independently of the controller 130 and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication.

[0054] For example, the communication device 110 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). A corresponding communication module in such communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., such as a traditional cellular network, a fifth generation (5G) network, a next generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)). Such several types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) that are independent of each other. In addition, the communication device 110 and the controller 130 may be implemented as a single chip.

[0055] For example, the communication device 110 may be connected to a communication network of base stations corresponding to different operators (or service providers) (eg, communication companies) to transmit and receive different types of data.

[0056] For example, when a vehicle (also referred to herein as a “host vehicle”) is turned on, the communication device 110 may be activated through the control of the controller 130 .

[0057] For example, the communication device 110 may attempt to connect to a communication network provided by a designated operator. The designated operator may include an operator identified as having the highest priority based on operator list information (eg, public land mobile network (PLMN) list information).

[0058] For example, the operator list information may include at least one mobile country code (MCC), a mobile network code (MNC), at least one PLMN code for testing, or a network identification number of each operator, or at least one of any combination thereof. The controller 130 may identify a unique identification number of a network provided by a base station of the operator based on the operator list information, and may attempt a communication connection through the communication device 110 based on the unique identification number.

[0059] For example, the communication device 110 may operate in a designated operation mode (eg, airplane mode) for stopping the communication operation based on the control of the controller 130 .

[0060] Depending on the implementation, the memory 120 may store commands or data. For example, the memory 120 may store one or more instructions that, when executed by the controller 130, cause the vehicle control device 100 to perform various operations.

[0061] For example, the memory 120 and the controller 130 may be implemented as one chipset. The controller 130 may include at least one of a communication processor or a modem.

[0062] For example, the memory 120 may store the operator list information. The memory 120 may store, for example, updated operator list information received from the outside (eg, a server) based on a specified period.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the controller 130 may be operably connected to the communication device 110 and / or the memory 120. For example, the controller 130 may control operations of the communication device 110 and / or the memory 120.

[0064] For example, the controller 130 may activate the communication device 110 in response to the host vehicle being turned on.

[0065] For example, when the host vehicle is turned on, the controller 130 may turn on the power (or operation) of the communication device 110 to activate the data transmission and reception functions through the communication device 110 .

[0066] For example, the controller 130 may identify a designated operator corresponding to the current location of the host vehicle based on the operator list information stored in the memory 120 .

[0067] For example, the controller 130 may identify an operator that provides a communication network at a location where the host vehicle currently exists for communication network connection through the communication device 110 .

[0068] For example, the controller 130 may identify a designated operator having the highest priority among a plurality of operators corresponding to the current location based on the operator list information. The priority may be data predefined by a manufacturer of the host vehicle.

[0069] For example, the controller 130 may attempt to connect to a communication network provided by a designated operator through the communication device 110 .

[0070] As an example, the controller 130 may attempt to connect to a communication network provided by a base station of a designated operator through the communication device 110 .

[0071] As an embodiment, when the communication network is normally connected, the controller 130 may continuously monitor whether the communication network is abnormal based on the connection.

[0072] For example, when recognizing that an abnormality occurs in the communication network, the controller 130 may recognize (or monitor) whether the connection with the communication network using the communication device 110 is disconnected.

[0073] As an example, when the connection is lost, the controller 130 may use the communication device 110 to try to connect to a sub-communication network provided by a sub-operator of a designated operator corresponding to the current location based on the operator list information. The sub-communication network may include a communication network that provides communication connection services to an area including the current location of the host vehicle.

[0074] As an example, when the connection is not disconnected, the controller 130 may continuously perform communication using the communication device 110 based on the connection.

[0075] For example, after connecting with the communication network, when it is recognized that the host vehicle travels from a designated zone to another zone, the controller 130 may continuously monitor whether the type of connection changes.

[0076] As an example, when the host vehicle crosses a border based on the navigation information, the controller 130 may identify that the host vehicle is traveling from a designated area to another area. In other words, when the host vehicle is traveling from an existing country to another country based on the navigation information, the controller 130 may identify that the host vehicle is traveling from a designated area to another area.

[0077] For example, after the host vehicle travels from a designated area to another area, upon recognizing that the communication network connection type is changed, the controller 130 may operate and release the designated operation mode.

[0078] For example, when performing connection in a first type based on at least one of the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G) or the fifth generation (5G) or any combination thereof, when the identification type becomes a second type including the second generation (2G), the controller 130 may operate and release the operation mode. In other words, when the identification communication network becomes a relatively poor situation, the controller 130 may operate and release the specified operation mode to try to connect to a good quality communication network provided by an operator (or service provider) (e.g., a communication company) in a country newly entered by the host vehicle.

[0079] As another embodiment, when it is identified that the communication network connection corresponds to the second type after the host vehicle travels from the designated area to another area, the controller 130 may operate and release the operation mode. In other words, when it is identified that the communication network connection is maintained in a relatively poor situation, the controller 130 may operate and release the designated operation mode to try a good quality communication network connection provided by an operator in a country that the host vehicle is fast and newly entering.

[0080] As an example, after releasing the designated operation mode, the controller 130 may send update information of the communication status of the communication network included in another zone to the server. The update information may include, for example, information that the existing communication network connection corresponds to a relatively poor type at the location where the host vehicle is traveling, or information about a new communication network connection, or at least one of any combination thereof.

[0081] For example, after connecting with a communication network corresponding to a designated operator, when receiving a signal including a designated code, the controller 130 may operate and release a designated operation mode for stopping the operation of the communication device 110 .

[0082] For example, when receiving a signal including a rejection code and / or a separation code from the communication network, the controller 130 may disconnect from the communication network and may operate the communication device 110 in a designated operation mode.

[0083] For example, the designated operation mode may include an airplane mode. The airplane mode may be, for example, a function for blocking communication of the communication device 110 and stopping operation.

[0084] As an embodiment, the controller 130 may maintain the operation based on the designated operation mode during a designated time and may release the designated operation mode. The designated time may be a time predetermined by a manufacturer and may be a time changeable by setting.

[0085] For example, when the designated operation mode is released, the controller 130 may transmit update information including the communication status of the communication network to the server.

[0086] As an embodiment, after releasing the designated operation mode, the controller 130 may transmit update information including the communication status of the communication network to a server managing operator list information.

[0087] For example, the update information may include receiving a signal including a rejection code and / or a disengagement code from a communication network corresponding to the current location of the host vehicle. In other words, the controller 130 may send information that the communication status of the communication network corresponding to the current location of the host vehicle is poor to the server.

[0088] For example, the server may update the operator list information using the received update information, and may transmit the updated operator list information to the host vehicle based on a designated period.

[0089] For example, the controller 130 may identify an operator for performing communication network connection based on the updated operator list information.

[0090] For example, the controller 130 may receive updated operator list information including update information based on a designated period from the server, and may store at least a portion of the received information in the memory 120 .

[0091] Figure 1 The components of the vehicle control apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 are illustrative, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control apparatus 100 may further include a sensor device (not shown).

[0092] For example, the sensor device may include at least one sensor including at least one of a camera, radio detection and ranging (RADAR), or light detection and ranging (LiDAR), or any combination thereof.

[0093] For example, the sensor device may identify information regarding the current location where the host vehicle is currently traveling.

[0094] For example, the sensor device may identify that the host vehicle has crossed a border. For example, the sensor device may identify that the host vehicle has entered a new country.

[0095] The above-mentioned operations of the sensor device may be performed by the control of the controller 130 .

[0096] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a communication control method for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] According to an embodiment, a communication control device (eg, Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100) may execute Figure 2 For example, at least some of the components (e.g., Figure 1 The communication device 110, the memory 120 and / or the controller 130) may be configured to perform Figure 2 operation.

[0098] The operations in S210 to S295 in the following embodiments may be performed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Figure 2 The content described or combined with the above Figure 2 Describes the content of the duplicate content.

[0099] According to an embodiment, in S210 , the vehicle control device may turn on the host vehicle and may activate a modem of the host vehicle.

[0100] For example, when recognizing that the host vehicle is turned on, the vehicle control device may start the modem to activate the communication device including the modem.

[0101] According to an embodiment, in S220 , the vehicle control device may identify a communication network based on the PLMN list.

[0102] For example, the vehicle control apparatus may identify a communication network using operator list information including a PLMN list stored in a memory to perform a communication function through a communication device.

[0103] For example, the vehicle control device may identify a carrier having the highest priority in response to the current location of the host vehicle and may identify a base station that provides communication services to an area including the current location among the base stations of the identified carrier.

[0104] According to an embodiment, in S230 , the vehicle control device may attempt a communication network connection.

[0105] For example, the vehicle control device may attempt connection with a communication network provided (or served) by the base station identified in S220 .

[0106] According to an embodiment, in S240 , the vehicle control device may identify whether the network is normally connected.

[0107] For example, the vehicle control device may identify whether the communication network connection performed based on S230 is normally performed.

[0108] For example, when the network is normally connected (eg, S240 -Yes), the vehicle control apparatus may execute S250 .

[0109] For example, when the network is not normally connected (eg, S240 -No), the vehicle control apparatus may repeatedly perform S220 .

[0110] According to an embodiment, in S250 , the vehicle control device may normally perform data communication.

[0111] For example, the vehicle control device can transmit and receive various types of data through communication with a communication network of a normally connected base station.

[0112] According to an embodiment, in S260 , the vehicle control device may monitor whether the communication network is abnormal.

[0113] For example, the vehicle control apparatus may continuously monitor whether a communication network connected through the communication means to perform communication is abnormal.

[0114] For example, when an abnormality occurs in the communication network (eg, S260 -Yes), the vehicle control apparatus may execute S270 .

[0115] For example, when no abnormality occurs in the communication network (eg, S260 -No), the vehicle control apparatus may repeatedly perform S250 .

[0116] According to an embodiment, in S270 , the vehicle control device may identify whether the network connection is disconnected.

[0117] For example, the vehicle control device can identify whether the connection with the communication network in which the abnormality occurred is finally disconnected.

[0118] For example, when the network connection is disconnected (eg, S270 -Yes), the vehicle control device may repeatedly execute S280 .

[0119] For example, when the network connection is not disconnected (eg, S270 -No), the vehicle control apparatus may repeatedly execute S220 .

[0120] According to an embodiment, in S280 , the vehicle control apparatus may identify whether a prescribed signal is received.

[0121] For example, the designated signal may include a signal including a designated code (eg, a rejection code and / or a disengagement code).

[0122] For example, the vehicle control device can identify whether a designated signal is transmitted from a base station that is performing a communication network connection.

[0123] For example, when a prescribed signal is received (eg, S280 -Yes), the vehicle control apparatus may execute S290 .

[0124] For example, when the designated signal is not received (eg, S280 -No), the vehicle control apparatus may repeatedly execute S240 .

[0125] According to an embodiment, in S290 , the vehicle control device may operate and release the designated operation mode.

[0126] For example, the vehicle control device may temporarily operate and release the communication device in a specified operation mode (e.g., airplane mode) to try another communication network connection. In other words, the vehicle control device may operate the communication device in a specified operation mode for a specified time period to temporarily stop the operation of the communication device and may immediately release the specified operation mode. The operation of the specified operation mode may be performed to perform an operation similar to resetting the communication device to try another communication network connection.

[0127] According to an embodiment, in S295 , the vehicle control device may send the updated PLMN list information to the server.

[0128] For example, the vehicle control device may transmit the PLMN list information including the information on the communication network connection status disclosed in the above operation to the server.

[0129] For example, the server may update the operator list information using the PLMN list information received from the vehicle control device. For example, the server may transmit the updated operator list information to at least one vehicle including the vehicle control device based on a specified period.

[0130] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] According to an embodiment, a vehicle control device (eg, Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100) may execute Figure 3 For example, at least some components (e.g., Figure 1 The communication device 110, the memory 120 and / or the controller 130) may be configured to perform Figure 3 operation.

[0132] The operations in S310 to S340 in the following embodiments may be performed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Figure 3 The content described or combined with the above Figure 3 Describes the content of the duplicate content.

[0133] For example, S310 may be performed in the above Figure 2 Operations performed by the vehicle control device after S295.

[0134] According to an embodiment, in S310 , the vehicle control apparatus may receive an updated PLMN list from the server based on a designated period.

[0135] For example, the vehicle control device may receive an updated PLMN list including updated operator list information from the server.

[0136] According to an embodiment, in S320 , the vehicle control device may receive a prescribed signal from the communicating base station.

[0137] For example, the designated signal may include a signal substantially the same as the signal received in S280 described above.

[0138] According to an embodiment, in S330 , the vehicle control device may operate and release a designated operation mode and may transmit information on a communication state of the base station to the server.

[0139] For example, the vehicle control device may transmit PLMN list information including information on the communication network connection status disclosed in S320 to the server.

[0140] According to an embodiment, in S340 , the vehicle control device may attempt a communication network connection based on another base station identified by the updated PLMN list.

[0141] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] According to an embodiment, a vehicle control device (eg, Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100) may execute Figure 4 For example, at least some components (e.g., Figure 1 The communication device 110, the memory 120 and / or the controller 130) may be configured to perform Figure 4 operation.

[0143] The operations in S410 to S440 in the following embodiments may be performed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Figure 4 The content described or combined with the above Figure 4 Describes the content of the duplicate content.

[0144] According to an embodiment, in S410 , the vehicle control apparatus may identify whether the country in which the host vehicle is traveling is changed.

[0145] For example, the vehicle control device may identify whether the host vehicle crosses a border based on the navigation information. When identifying a situation in which the host vehicle performs driving across a border, the vehicle control device may identify a change in the country in which the host vehicle is driving.

[0146] According to an embodiment, in S420 , the vehicle control apparatus may identify whether the communication network connection type is changed.

[0147] For example, when a connection is made in the first type based on at least one of 3G, 4G, or 5G, or any combination thereof, when the identification type becomes a second type including 2G, the vehicle control device may operate the operation mode of the communication device in a specified operation mode (e.g., airplane mode) and release the operation mode. In other words, when the identification communication network connection changes to a relatively poor situation, the vehicle control device may operate the communication device in the specified operation mode, and may release the specified operation mode to try to connect to a good quality communication network provided by an operator (or service provider) (e.g., a communication company) in the country entered by the host vehicle.

[0148] As another embodiment, when it is identified that the communication network connection type corresponds to the second type during the process of changing the country in which the host vehicle is traveling (or after the host vehicle travels from a designated area to another area), the vehicle control device may operate and release the designated operation mode. In other words, when it is identified that the communication network connection is maintained in a situation where the communication network connection is relatively poor, the vehicle control device may operate and release the designated operation mode to try a good quality communication network connection provided by an operator of a country that the host vehicle is quickly and newly entering.

[0149] For example, when the communication network connection type changes (or the communication network connection type corresponds to a designated connection type (eg, the second type)) (eg, S420-Yes), the vehicle control apparatus may execute S430.

[0150] For example, when the communication network connection type does not change (or the communication network connection type does not correspond to the designated connection type (eg, the second type)) (eg, S420-No), the vehicle control apparatus may repeatedly execute S420.

[0151] According to an embodiment, in S430 , the vehicle control apparatus may operate the communication device in a designated operation mode, may release the designated operation mode, and may transmit information on the communication state of the base station to the server.

[0152] For example, the vehicle control apparatus may operate the communication device in a designated operation mode and may release the designated operation mode to attempt a new communication network connection.

[0153] For example, the vehicle control device may transmit information on the connection status and / or communication status of the communication network identified in S410 and S420 .

[0154] According to an embodiment, in S440 , the vehicle control device may attempt a communication network connection based on another base station identified by the updated PLMN list.

[0155] For example, the vehicle control device may attempt a communication network connection based on other base stations identified by the updated PLMN list.

[0156] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] According to an embodiment, a vehicle control device (eg, Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100) may execute Figure 5 For example, at least some components (e.g., Figure 1 The communication device 110, the memory 120 and / or the controller 130) may be configured to perform Figure 5 operation.

[0158] The operations in S510 to S550 in the following embodiments may be performed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Figure 5 The content described or combined with the above Figure 5 Describes the content of the duplicate content.

[0159] According to an embodiment, in S510 , the vehicle control apparatus may activate the communication device in response to the host vehicle being turned on.

[0160] According to an embodiment, in S520 , the vehicle control apparatus may identify a designated operator corresponding to the current location of the host vehicle based on operator list information stored in a memory.

[0161] According to an embodiment, in S530 , the vehicle control apparatus may attempt to connect to a communication network provided by a designated operator through a communication device.

[0162] For example, in S540, the vehicle control device may operate and release a designated operation mode for stopping the operation of communication when receiving a signal including a designated code after connecting with the communication network.

[0163] According to an embodiment, in S550 , when the designated operation mode is released, the vehicle control apparatus may transmit update information including a communication state of the communication network to the server.

[0164] Figure 6 A computing system related to a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0165] refer to Figure 6, a computing system 1000 regarding a vehicle control method may include at least one processor 1100 , a memory 1300 , a user interface input device 1400 , a user interface output device 1500 , a storage 1600 , and a network interface 1700 connected to each other via a bus 1200 .

[0166] The processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that processes instructions stored in the memory 1300 and / or the storage 1600. The memory 1300 and the storage 1600 may include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, the memory 1300 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1310 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1320.

[0167] Therefore, the operation of the method or algorithm described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this specification can be directly implemented using a hardware module, a software module, or a combination of a hardware module and a software module, which is executed by the processor 1100. The software module may reside on a storage medium (i.e., memory 1300 and / or storage 1600) such as RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disks, removable disks, and CD-ROMs.

[0168] An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor 1100. The processor 1100 may read information from the storage medium and may write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated with the processor 1100. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In another case, the processor and the storage medium may reside in a user terminal as separate components.

[0169] A description will be given of the effects of the vehicle control apparatus and method thereof according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0170] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a rejection signal (e.g., a signal including a rejection and / or escape code) is received through a communication network being connected via a communication device, a vehicle control device may use a designated operating mode (e.g., airplane mode) to attempt to connect to another communication network to shorten the time required for the new communication network to connect.

[0171] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle control apparatus can attempt a communication network connection without a cold start, and thus control the operation of the communication device even without performing another unnecessary operation.

[0172] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle control apparatus can check the communication network connection type under the driving environment in which the host vehicle crosses a boundary, thereby quickly executing a more excellent communication network connection type.

[0173] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle control device can quickly and accurately perform connection to another communication network even when the network electric field is not good, the main vehicle is traveling in an area adjacent to a border, or the communication network state is unstable, thereby providing a stable communication function.

[0174] Furthermore, various effects directly or indirectly determined by the present disclosure can be provided.

[0175] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto but various modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed in the appended claims.

[0176] Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present disclosure, but are provided for illustrative purposes only. The scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent to the claims should be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A communication control device for a vehicle, comprising: communication devices; A memory storing at least one instruction; as well as a controller operatively connected to the communication device and the memory, Wherein, the at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the communication control device to: activating the communication device in response to the vehicle being turned on; identifying a designated operator corresponding to a current location of the vehicle based on operator list information stored in the memory; Attempting to connect to a communication network provided by the designated operator through the communication device; after connecting with the communication network, when receiving a signal including a specified code, operating and releasing a specified operation mode for stopping the operation of the communication device; and When the designated operation mode is released, update information including a communication status of the communication network is sent to a server.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the communication control device to: When the communication network is normally connected, monitoring whether the communication network is abnormal based on the connection; When an abnormality is identified in the communication network, identifying whether the connection is disconnected; as well as When the connection is lost, based on the operator list information, an attempt is made to connect to a sub-communication network provided by a sub-operator of the designated operator corresponding to the current location.

3. The communication control device according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the communication control device to: Based on the connection not being lost, communication based on the connection is continuously performed.

4. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein: The designated code includes at least one of the following: a rejection code, an escape code, or any combination of the rejection code and the escape code.

5. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the communication control device to: After connecting to the communication network, when it is recognized that the vehicle travels from a designated area to another area, continuously monitoring whether the type of connection changes; When the type change is recognized, operating and releasing the designated operation mode; and Based on the operator list information, an attempt is made to connect to a sub-communication network corresponding to the another area, the sub-communication network being provided by a sub-operator of the designated operator.

6. The communication control device according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the communication control device to: When it is recognized that the vehicle crosses the boundary based on the navigation information, it is recognized that the vehicle travels from the designated area to the other area.

7. The communication control device according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the communication control device to: When the connection is performed in a first type based on at least one of the third generation, the fourth generation, the fifth generation, or any combination of the third generation, the fourth generation, and the fifth generation, the operation mode is operated and released when it is recognized that the type is changed to a second type including the second generation.

8. The communication control device according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the communication control device to: The designated operation mode is released and the update information is sent to the server, the update information including a communication status of the communication network in the other area.

9. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the communication control device to: Updated operator list information including the update information is received from the server based on a specified period, and the updated operator list information is stored in the memory.

10. A vehicle comprising the communication control device according to claim 1.

11. A communication control method for a vehicle, comprising: activating, by a controller, a communication device in response to the vehicle being turned on; identifying, by the controller, a designated operator corresponding to a current location of the vehicle based on operator list information stored in a memory; Attempting, by the controller, to connect to a communication network provided by the designated operator through the communication device; After connecting with the communication network, when receiving a signal including a specified code, operating by the controller and releasing a specified operation mode for stopping the operation of the communication device; as well as When the designated operation mode is released, update information including a communication status of the communication network is sent by the controller to a server.

12. The communication control method according to claim 11, further comprising: When the communication network is normally connected, the controller monitors whether the communication network is abnormal based on the connection; When an abnormality is identified in the communication network, identifying whether the connection is disconnected; as well as When the connection is lost, based on the operator list information, an attempt is made to connect to a sub-communication network provided by a sub-operator of the designated operator corresponding to the current location.

13. The communication control method according to claim 12, further comprising: Based on the connection not being lost, the controller continuously performs communication based on the connection.

14. The communication control method according to claim 11, wherein: The designated code includes at least one of the following: a rejection code, an escape code, or any combination of the rejection code and the escape code.

15. The communication control method according to claim 11, further comprising: After connecting to the communication network, when it is recognized that the vehicle travels from a designated area to another area, continuously monitoring by the controller whether the type of connection changes; When the type change is recognized, operating and releasing the designated operation mode by the controller; and Based on the operator list information, the controller attempts to connect to a sub-communication network corresponding to the other zone, where the sub-communication network is provided by a sub-operator of the designated operator.

16. The communication control method according to claim 15, wherein: After connecting with the communication network, when it is recognized that the vehicle travels from the designated area to the other area, continuously monitoring by the controller whether the type of the connection changes comprises: When it is recognized that the vehicle crosses a boundary based on navigation information, it is recognized by the controller that the vehicle travels from the designated area to the other area.

17. The communication control method according to claim 15, wherein: When the type change signal is recognized, the controller operates and releases the specified operation mode including: When the connection is performed in a first type based on at least one of the third generation, the fourth generation, the fifth generation, or any combination of the third generation, the fourth generation, and the fifth generation, the operation mode is operated and released by the controller when it is identified that the type is changed to a second type including the second generation.

18. The communication control method according to claim 15, further comprising: The operation mode is released by the controller and the update information including the communication status of the communication network in the other zone is sent by the controller to the server.

19. The communication control method according to claim 11, further comprising: Updated operator list information including the update information is received by the controller from the server based on a specified period, and the updated operator list information is stored in the memory by the controller.

20. The communication control method according to claim 11, wherein: The designated operating mode includes an airplane mode.

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