Delay reduction system

Abstract

A delay reduction system for a vehicle is disclosed. The latency reduction system includes a vehicle processor for storing vehicle data including an ignition state. The delay reduction system also includes a user equipment communicatively coupled to the vehicle processor and including data processing hardware storing a first predetermined paging delay time interval. Further, the delay reduction system includes a server communicatively coupled to the vehicle processor and the user equipment and configured to change the first predetermined paging delay time interval to a second predetermined paging delay time interval based on the ignition state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to delay reduction systems. Background Art

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors, as well as aspects of the description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

[0003] Cellular communications are used for a variety of purposes. Cellular networks such as 4G / 5G cellular networks constantly receive new data to a core cellular network, from which various devices can connect to access the data. Sometimes, the new data is intended for a specific wireless device.

[0004] Current cellular networks are programmed to have an inherent delay between the time new data destined for a wireless device arrives within the core cellular network and the time the wireless device is available to receive communications from the core cellular network. This delay can prevent critical information from reaching the wireless device in sufficient time. Therefore, in certain situations, there is still a need to reduce this inherent delay. Summary of the invention

[0005] A delay reduction system for a vehicle is provided, comprising a delay reduction module that receives vehicle data including an ignition status and a vehicle telematics unit that is communicatively coupled to the delay reduction module and includes memory hardware that stores a first predetermined paging delay time interval and a second predetermined paging delay time interval, the delay reduction module being configured to instruct the vehicle telematics unit to switch between the first predetermined paging delay time interval and the second predetermined paging delay time interval based on the ignition status.

[0006] The delay reduction system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, when the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state, the first predetermined paging delay time interval may change to the second predetermined paging delay time interval. In some examples, when the ignition state changes from the on state to the off state, the second predetermined paging delay time interval returns to the first predetermined paging delay time interval. In some examples, the first predetermined paging delay time interval is approximately 1.28 seconds. In some examples, the second predetermined paging delay time interval is less than approximately 1.28 seconds. In some examples, the second predetermined paging delay time interval is less than approximately 1.0 seconds. In some examples, the second predetermined paging delay time interval is less than approximately 0.75 seconds.

[0007] In another configuration, a delay reduction system for a vehicle is provided, the system including a delay reduction module that receives vehicle data including an ignition state and a vehicle telematics unit that is communicatively coupled to the delay reduction module and includes memory hardware that stores a first predetermined paging delay time interval and a second predetermined paging delay time interval, the delay reduction module being configured to switch from the first predetermined paging delay time interval to the second predetermined paging delay time interval when the ignition state changes from an off state to an on state, and the delay reduction module being configured to switch from the second predetermined paging delay time interval to the first predetermined paging delay time interval when the ignition state changes from an on state to an off state.

[0008] The delay reduction system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the second predetermined paging delay time interval may be shorter than the first predetermined paging delay time interval.

[0009] In some examples, the first predetermined paging delay time interval is about 1.28 seconds or longer. In some examples, the second predetermined paging delay time interval is less than about 1.0 seconds. In some examples, the second predetermined paging delay time interval is less than about 0.75 seconds.

[0010] The body control module may be in communication with the delay reduction module, the body control module being configured to provide an ignition status to the delay reduction module.

[0011] A vehicle may include the delay reduction system described above.

[0012] In yet another example, a delay reduction system for a vehicle is provided, the delay reduction system including a delay reduction module that receives vehicle data including an ignition status and a vehicle telematics unit that is communicatively coupled to the delay reduction module and includes memory hardware that stores a first predetermined paging delay time interval and a second predetermined paging delay time interval, the delay reduction module being configured to instruct the vehicle telematics unit to switch between the first predetermined paging delay time interval and the second predetermined paging delay time interval based on a time that has elapsed since a last change in the ignition status.

[0013] The delay reduction system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the second predetermined paging delay time interval may be shorter than the first predetermined paging delay time interval. In some examples, when the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state, the first predetermined paging delay time interval changes to the second predetermined paging delay time interval. In some examples, when the ignition state changes from the on state to the off state, the second predetermined paging delay time interval remains for a predetermined time and then returns to the first predetermined paging delay time interval. In some examples, the second predetermined paging delay time interval is less than about 1.28 seconds. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a telematics unit according to the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 is shown communicating with the body control module and the cellular network Figure 1 Functional block diagram of a telematics unit;

[0017] Figure 3 is a timeline showing a vehicle telematics unit communicating with a cellular network; and

[0018] Figure 4 is an example flow chart of a delay reduction system according to the present disclosure.

[0019] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] The terms used herein are only for describing specific exemplary configurations, not for limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0022] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0023] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish each element, component, region, layer or part. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration.

[0024] In this application, including the definitions below, the term module may be replaced by the term circuit. The term "module" may refer to or be part of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0025] The term code used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class and / or an object. The term shared processor includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group processor includes a processor that executes some or all of the code from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor. The term shared memory includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group memory includes a memory that stores some or all of the code from one or more modules in combination with an additional memory. The term memory may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium does not include transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals propagated through the medium and can therefore be considered to be tangible non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0026] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0027] Software applications (i.e., software resources) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, software applications may be referred to as "applications," "apps," or "programs." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0028] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0029] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0030] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be realized in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which may be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, and to send data and instructions to the storage system.

[0031] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. These processes and logic flows can also be performed by dedicated logic circuits, such as FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) or ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operably connected to one or more large-capacity storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from the large-capacity storage device or to transmit data to it, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated in special purpose logic circuitry.

[0032] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touch screen, and an optional keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0033] refer to Figure 1-4, a vehicle 10 including a telematics unit 12 having a delay reduction module 14 is provided. As described below, the vehicle 10 is contemplated as an electric vehicle (EV) and may include autonomous or semi-autonomous capabilities. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 10 may be a hybrid vehicle combining EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) components and capabilities. Furthermore, if desired, the vehicle 10 may include only an ICE or other power source.

[0034] Specific reference Figure 2 , the telematics unit 12 is shown in communication with a body control module (BCM) 16 and a cellular tower 18. The telematics unit 12 includes processing hardware 20 and memory hardware 22 that execute and store the delay reduction module 14, respectively. The BCM 16 communicates with the telematics unit 12 and provides information related to the state of the vehicle 10 to the delay reduction module 14. Specifically, the BCM 16 provides information about the vehicle ignition state to the telematics unit 12 and the delay reduction module 14, which in turn informs the telematics unit 12 and the delay reduction module 14 about whether the vehicle 10 is in an on state or an off state.

[0035] The ignition state generally relates to whether the vehicle 10 is in an on state or an off state. When the vehicle 10 is in an off state, no component of the vehicle 10 is operational. When the vehicle 10 is in an on state, the ignition has been activated by a user and at least major components of the vehicle 10 are operational. The ignition may be activated by physically pressing a button or turning a key. Alternatively, the ignition may be activated by a user device such as a cell phone or tablet (neither shown), and / or other components to wirelessly activate the ignition.

[0036] In some examples, the BCM 16 can provide vehicle data to the telematics unit 12 and the delay reduction module 14, including the time that has passed since the last ignition state change. The time that has passed since the last ignition state change is generally related to the time that begins when the ignition state changes from one of the on state or the off state to the other of the on state and the off state. Although the BCM 16 is described as providing this information to the telematics unit 12, the telematics unit 12 may alternatively store this information in the memory hardware 22.

[0037] The telematics unit 12 communicates with the cellular network through a cellular tower 18. Although a single cellular tower 18 is shown, the telematics unit 12 is capable of communicating with one or more cellular towers 18 depending on the specific location of the vehicle 10. The telematics unit 12 is equipped with details of the appropriate channels for receiving signals from the cellular network. In some examples, the channels include a dedicated control channel and a paging channel. The dedicated control channel is used to transmit information from the base station to the telematics unit 12 and vice versa, while the paging channel is used when specific information such as a call or text is routed to the telematics unit 12. In addition, in some examples, the telematics unit 12 is configured to monitor the paging channel at a predetermined time interval, referred to as a predetermined paging delay time interval. In some cellular network examples, the predetermined paging delay time interval is 1.28 seconds.

[0038] The cellular network may be a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network such as 5G, however, the cellular network may also be a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network, or other networks.

[0039] Further references Figure 1-4 , the delay reduction module 14 of the telematics unit 12 is configured to change the predetermined paging delay time interval. More specifically, in some examples, the delay reduction module 14 is configured to change the first predetermined paging delay time interval to a second predetermined paging delay time interval that is different from the first predetermined paging delay time interval. In addition, the delay reduction module 14 may also be configured to change the second predetermined paging delay time interval back to the first predetermined paging delay time interval. In addition, in some examples, the second predetermined paging delay time interval is shorter than the first predetermined paging delay time interval.

[0040] In some examples, the first predetermined paging delay time interval is about 1.28 seconds. In addition, in some examples, the second predetermined paging delay time interval is less than about 1.28 seconds. In addition, in some examples, the second predetermined paging delay time interval is less than about 1.00 seconds. In addition, in some examples, the second predetermined paging delay time interval is less than about 0.75 seconds. In addition, in some examples, the second predetermined paging delay time interval is less than about 0.5 seconds.

[0041] Still refer to Figure 1-4, the delay reduction module 14 is configured to change the first predetermined paging delay time interval to a second predetermined paging delay time interval based on the ignition state of the vehicle 10. More specifically, when the ignition moves from the off state to the on state, the BCM 16 alerts the telematics unit 12 of this change. In response, the delay reduction module 14 is configured to change the first predetermined paging delay time interval to the second predetermined paging delay time interval. In some examples, when the ignition returns from the on state to the off state, the delay reduction module 14 is configured to change the second predetermined paging delay time interval to the first predetermined paging delay time interval. In addition, it is contemplated that when the ignition state changes, the delay reduction module 14 may wait for a predetermined period of time before changing from the first predetermined paging delay time interval to the second predetermined paging delay time interval, or vice versa.

[0042] The vehicle data may also include the time elapsed since the last ignition state change.The delay reduction module 14 is configured to switch between the first predetermined paging delay time interval and the second predetermined paging delay time interval based on the change in ignition state and the time elapsed since the last ignition state change.

[0043] Reference now Figure 3 , an example timeline of the delay reduction system 100 is provided. At an initial step of 600, the ignition is in an off state and the delay time is set to a first predetermined paging delay of approximately 1.28 seconds. Therefore, the telematics unit 12 is configured to monitor the paging channel every approximately 1.28 seconds. If data arrives between the predetermined paging delay intervals, such as at 602, the data is not received until the end of the predetermined paging delay interval at 604, thereby delaying the receipt of the data. However, when the ignition is in an on state, such as at 606, the delay reduction module 14 changes the first predetermined paging delay time interval to a second predetermined paging delay time interval, which is a shorter time interval than the first predetermined paging delay time interval. Thus, at 608, when data arrives between the second predetermined paging delay interval, the delay in receiving the data is shorter than when the predetermined paging delay interval is set to the first predetermined paging delay time interval. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the time interval between when the data arrives at 608 and when it is received at 610 is reduced compared to when the data arrives at 602 and is received at 604 .

[0044] Reference now Figure 4In the example flow chart shown, at the first step 700, the vehicle ignition is transitioned from an off state to an on state. When the vehicle 10 is in the on state, at step 702, the delay reduction module 14 commands the vehicle telematics unit 12 to change the predetermined delay time interval from the first predetermined paging delay time interval to a second predetermined paging delay time interval, the second predetermined paging delay time interval having a time interval lower than the first predetermined waiting time interval. In some examples, the delay reduction module 14 may also command the vehicle telematics unit 12 to reduce a length factor such as a discontinuous receive cycle (DRX) length factor to a lower length. In some examples, the DRX length is approximately less than eight (8), although various other configurations have been contemplated. Next, in some examples, at step 704, the vehicle telematics unit 12 must also be configured to notify the cellular network of the desired DRX length of the second predetermined delay time interval. Once completed, the vehicle telematics unit 12 monitors the paging channel at the second predetermined delay time interval at step 706 until the vehicle transitions from the on state to the off state at step 708.

[0045] Once the vehicle is in the off state, at step 710, the delay reduction module 14 can be configured to allow the vehicle telematics unit 12 to maintain monitoring of the paging channel at a second predetermined delay time interval for a predetermined time interval after the vehicle is in the off state. In some examples, the predetermined time interval can be from zero (0) to thirty (30) minutes or longer. For example, the delay reduction module 14 can be configured to maintain monitoring of the paging channel at the second predetermined delay time interval after the vehicle 10 is in the off state to reduce delays for a user who wishes to use the vehicle telematics unit 12 to perform vehicle operations (e.g., lock / unlock vehicle doors or remotely start the vehicle 10 during the predetermined time interval) as described in step 714. Once the predetermined time interval expires, the delay reduction module 14 commands the vehicle telematics unit 12 to return to the first predetermined delay time interval. Additionally, at step 716, the vehicle telematics unit 12 is then configured to notify the cellular network of the desired DRX length of the first predetermined delay time interval and the predetermined delay time interval. Thus, at step 718, the user vehicle telematics unit 12 is then configured to monitor the paging channel at the first predetermined delay time interval.

[0046] As described above, the delay reduction module 14 is configured to instruct the vehicle telematics module 12 to change the first predetermined paging delay time interval to the second predetermined paging delay time interval in an effort to reduce the delay in sending and receiving information during vehicle operation. When the vehicle 10 moves from an on state to a off state, the delay reduction module 14 is configured to instruct the vehicle telematics module 12 to change the second predetermined paging delay time interval to the first predetermined paging delay time interval in an effort to reduce energy consumption of the vehicle 10.

[0047] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

[0048] The foregoing description has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A delay reduction system for a vehicle, the delay reduction system comprising: a delay reduction module that receives vehicle data including ignition status; as well as A vehicle telematics unit is communicatively coupled to the delay reduction module and includes memory hardware storing a first predetermined paging delay time interval and a second predetermined paging delay time interval, the delay reduction module being configured to instruct the vehicle telematics unit to switch between the first predetermined paging delay time interval and the second predetermined paging delay time interval based on an ignition state.

2. The delay reduction system according to claim 1, wherein: The second predetermined paging delay time interval is shorter than the first predetermined paging delay time interval.

3. The delay reduction system according to claim 1, wherein: The server is further configured to return the second predetermined paging delay time interval to the first predetermined paging delay time interval based on a predetermined time interval after the ignition state changes.

4. The delay reduction system according to claim 1, wherein: When the ignition state changes from an OFF state to an ON state, the first predetermined paging delay time interval changes to the second predetermined paging delay time interval.

5. The delay reduction system according to claim 4, wherein: When the ignition state changes from an on state to an off state, the second predetermined paging delay time interval returns to the first predetermined paging delay time interval. 6 . The delay reduction system of claim 1 , further comprising a body control module in communication with the delay reduction module, the body control module configured to provide the ignition status to the delay reduction module.

7. The delay reduction system according to claim 1, wherein: The first predetermined paging delay time interval is approximately 1.28 seconds.

8. The delay reduction system according to claim 1, wherein: The second predetermined paging delay time interval is less than approximately 1.28 seconds.

9. The delay reduction system according to claim 1, wherein: The second predetermined paging delay time interval is less than approximately 1.0 second.

10. A vehicle comprising the delay reduction system according to claim 1.

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