Systems and methods for cross-technology radio frequency interference mitigation

Abstract

A method for cross-technology radio frequency interference mitigation includes detecting a radio frequency device within a predetermined distance from a vehicle. The vehicle includes a plurality of wireless communication chipsets, each of the plurality of wireless communication chipsets configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data. The method also includes determining that the signal transmitted by the radio frequency device causes radio frequency interference to the signals transmitted by the plurality of wireless communication chipsets of the vehicle. In addition, the method also includes, in response to determining that the signal transmitted by the radio frequency device causes radio frequency interference to the signals transmitted by the plurality of wireless communication chip sets of the vehicle, commanding at least one of the plurality of wireless communication chip sets or the radio frequency device to perform a control action to minimize the radio frequency interference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for cross-technology radio frequency (RF) interference mitigation. Background Art

[0002] This section generally presents the background of the invention. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors and aspects of the description that may not constitute prior art at the time of filing are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted to be prior art to the present invention.

[0003] Several wireless technologies do not have much room to adapt to channel conditions (e.g., UWB, V2X, etc.). RF interference may severely affect their operations (e.g., communication range, positioning accuracy, communication throughput, etc.). If the RF device is not connected to the vehicle, the vehicle cannot control the wireless signal of the RF device brought into the vehicle (which may cause RF interference). Therefore, it is necessary to develop a system and method for cross-technology RF interference mitigation. Summary of the invention

[0004] A system of one or more computers may be configured to perform specific operations or actions by means of software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof installed on the system, which software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof causes or causes the system to perform an action in operation. One or more computer programs may be configured to perform specific operations or actions by means of instructions, which, when executed by a data processing device, cause the device to perform an action. One general aspect includes a method for mitigating cross-technology radio frequency (RF) interference. In general, radio frequency interference may be caused by multiple undetectable sources. The method disclosed herein is useful if the system knows which radio frequency device (i.e., connected to the vehicle) the interference comes from. Then, the system makes adjustments (e.g., by moving the radio frequency device to a different frequency band, etc.). In the present disclosure, the term "radio frequency (RF) device" refers to an electronic and electrical product device capable of transmitting radio frequency by radiation, conduction, or other means. The method includes detecting a radio frequency device, such as a mobile phone or other mobile device, within a predetermined distance from the vehicle. The vehicle includes a plurality of wireless communication chipsets. Each of the plurality of wireless communication chipsets is configured to transmit and receive data wirelessly. It is determined that a signal transmitted by the radio frequency device causes radio frequency interference to a signal transmitted by a plurality of wireless communication chipsets of the vehicle. The method also includes, in response to determining that the signal transmitted by the RF device causes RF interference to the signals transmitted by the multiple wireless communication chipsets of the vehicle, commanding at least one of the multiple wireless communication chipsets or the RF device to perform a control action to minimize the RF interference. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, devices, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method. The method described in this paragraph improves vehicle technology by minimizing RF interference between the RF device and the wireless communication chipsets in the vehicle.

[0005] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. In the method, the control action includes changing an operating channel of the radio frequency device. The control action includes linking an operating channel of at least one of a plurality of wireless communication chipsets. The control action includes increasing power transmitted to the radio frequency device. The control action includes increasing power provided to at least one of a plurality of wireless communication chipsets. The method may include determining a channel mapping distribution between a plurality of wireless communication chipsets and the radio frequency device of the vehicle. The method may update a plurality of operating channels of a plurality of wireless communication chipsets and the radio frequency device of the vehicle according to the channel mapping distribution. The method may include determining a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of at least one of a plurality of wireless communication chipsets to determine whether a signal transmitted by a radio frequency device (e.g., a radio frequency device) causes radio frequency interference to signals transmitted by a plurality of wireless communication chipsets of the vehicle. The method may include comparing the SNR of at least one of a plurality of wireless communication chipsets with a predetermined SNR threshold to determine whether the SNR of the radio frequency device is less than the predetermined SNR threshold, and determining that the SNR of at least one of a plurality of wireless communication chipsets is less than the predetermined SNR threshold. The control action is performed only in response to determining that the SNR of the radio frequency device is less than the predetermined SNR threshold. Implementations of the technology may include hardware, methods, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0006] One general aspect includes a system for cross-technology radio frequency interference mitigation. The system also includes a vehicle, the vehicle including a controller and a plurality of wireless communication chipsets in communication with the controller; wherein the controller is programmed to perform the above method. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatuses, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0007] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the presently disclosed systems and methods are apparent from the detailed description, including the claims and exemplary embodiments, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle including a system for cross-technology radio frequency (RF) interference mitigation.

[0011] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method for cross-technology radio frequency (RF) interference mitigation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to several examples of the present invention which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or similar parts or steps.

[0013] refer to Figure 1 , the vehicle 10 generally includes a body 12 and a plurality of wheels connected to the body 12. The vehicle 10 may be an autonomous vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 is described as a sedan in the illustrated embodiment, but it should be understood that other vehicles may also be used, including trucks, scooters, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), recreational vehicles (RVs), etc.

[0014] The system 14 may be part of the vehicle 10 or work with the vehicle 10. The system 14 may refer to a system for cross-technology radio frequency (RF) interference and may include a controller 34. The controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and a non-transitory computer-readable storage device or medium 46. The processor 44 may be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor in several processors associated with the vehicle controller 34, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, a combination thereof, or generally a device for executing instructions. The computer-readable storage device or medium 46 may include, for example, volatile and non-volatile memory in a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables when the processor 44 is powered off. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 may be implemented using a variety of storage devices, such as PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), EPROM (Electrical PROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination storage device capable of storing data used by the controller 34 in controlling the vehicle 10, some of which represents executable instructions. The controller 34 of the vehicle 10 may be referred to as a vehicle controller and may be programmed to perform the method 100 (described in detail below). Figure 2 ).

[0015] The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by the processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from sensors, execute logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms for automatically controlling components of the vehicle 10, and generate control signals based on the logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms to automatically control components of the vehicle 10. Although Figure 1A single controller 34 is shown in FIG. 1 , but embodiments of the vehicle 10 may include multiple controllers 34 that communicate via a suitable communication medium or combination thereof and cooperate to process sensor signals, execute logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control features of the vehicle.

[0016] The vehicle 10 also includes a plurality of wireless communication chipsets 16, each of which communicates with the controller 34. The term "chipset" refers to a collection of integrated circuits that form a group required to manufacture an electronic device. The term "wireless communication chipset" refers to a chipset 16 configured to wirelessly transmit data to and from other remote entities (e.g., mobile phones). The controller 34 can control the operation of each wireless communication chipset 16. Each wireless communication chipset 16 includes a vehicle transceiver 18 disposed inside the vehicle 10. The vehicle transceiver 18 is configured to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0017] The wireless communication chipset 16 is configured to communicate using different wireless technology standards. As a non-limiting example, one or more of the wireless communication chipsets 16 may use the dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) standard to send and receive vehicle-to-vehicle communications (V2X communications). A DSRC channel refers to a one-way or two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication channel designed specifically for automotive use and a set of corresponding protocols and standards. Other wireless communication chipsets 16 may be configured to perform WI-FI TM In other words, these wireless communication chipsets 16 may transmit and receive via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using the IEEE 802.11 standard. Another wireless communication chipset 16 may transmit and receive signals using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. UWB is a radio technology that enables short-range, high-bandwidth communications over a large portion of the radio spectrum using extremely low energy levels. Another wireless communication chipset 16 may use technology to transmit and receive signals. The technology is a short-range wireless technology standard used to exchange data between fixed devices and radio frequency devices over short distances and to build a personal area network (PAN). Another wireless communication chipset 16 uses Long Term Evolution (LTE TM ) to transmit and receive signals. Based on GSM / EDGE and UMTS / HSPA standards, LTE TM It is a wireless broadband communication standard for radio frequency devices and data terminals. Another wireless communication chipset 16 uses 5G TM Technology standard to transmit and receive signals. 5G TM The technical standard is the fifth generation cellular network technology standard.

[0018] The vehicle 10 also includes one or more vehicle power supplies 20 electrically connected to the one or more wireless communication chipsets 16. The vehicle power supplies 20 are configured to provide power to the wireless communication chipsets 16. The controller 34 communicates with the vehicle power supplies 20. Thus, the controller 34 can control the operation of the vehicle power supplies 20.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the RF device 22 can communicate wirelessly with the controller 34 and can be a mobile device. The term "RF device" refers to an electronic and electrical product device that can transmit radio frequencies by radiation, conduction or other means. The term "mobile device" refers to a computer that is small enough to be held and operated. As a non-limiting example, the mobile device can be a smartphone or a tablet computer. The RF device 22 is not physically connected to the vehicle 10 and can therefore be removed from the vehicle 10. In the depicted embodiment, the RF device 22 includes a device power supply 24 and a device transceiver 26, which is electrically connected to the device power supply 24. The device transceiver 26 is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The device power supply 23 is configured to supply power to the device transceiver 26.

[0020] The system 14 is configured for cross-technology radio frequency (RF) interference mitigation. Some wireless technologies do not have much room to adapt to channel conditions (e.g., UWB, V2X, etc.). RF interference may seriously affect their operation (e.g., communication range, positioning accuracy, etc.). Currently, the vehicle 10 cannot control the wireless signals of the RF device 22 brought into the vehicle 10 (which may cause RF interference). Therefore, it is necessary to develop a system 14 for mitigating RF interference. The system 14 determines whether the RF device 22 will cause significant RF interference to one or more of the wireless communication chipsets 16. If the RF interference is significant enough, the system 14 takes measures to reduce the RF interference by making changes on the vehicle side or the RF device side. The system 14 also includes situational awareness algorithms and coordination between multiple wireless technologies to take real-time countermeasures to reduce the impact of RF interference.

[0021] For example, UWB signals are extremely low energy levels for short-range, high-bandwidth signals (e.g., 500MHz). Some UWB devices operate in channels that overlap with WIFI channels (e.g., 2.4GHz and 5GHz). In addition, with the opening of the 6GHz spectrum, WIFI-6E transmissions may pose a serious threat to UWB-based systems because the power of WIFI transmissions is much higher than that of UWB devices. In addition, UWB devices do not have the ability to perform channel occupancy determination based on energy detection. Therefore, existing RF interference mitigation techniques cannot be directly applied to UWB systems. Therefore, WIFI transmissions may affect communication and ranging capabilities. This may potentially affect several UWB use cases (e.g., in-vehicle positioning) that operate when vehicle passengers are inside the vehicle 10. System 14 can change the operating channel of the WIFI chipset to allow for first transfer transmission and then return to the previous channel. When the UWB device is turned on and positioning is performed, the in-vehicle WIFI determines the maximum noise level it can handle based on the key performance indicators (KPIs) of the positioning function. The WIFI module in the vehicle 10 constantly monitors the channels used by the UWB device and estimates the RF interference of the RF device 22 thereto. To do this, the noise level of the RF device 22 on the UWB receiver can be estimated. If the noise level exceeds the level that allows the positioning KPI to be met, the on-board WIFI chipset notifies the RF device 22 to move to a different channel. The on-board WIFI chipset identifies the most optical channel for the RF device 22 (i.e., the channel that has the least impact on all features in the vehicle 10). When the controller 34 requires the RF device 22 to move away from a channel, the controller 34 should not require the RF device 22 to move to a channel that affects another wireless communication chipset 16. Instead, a list of channels that have the least interference with the wireless communication chipset 16 is broadcast in the beacon.

[0022] For example, both 5GHz and 6GHz WIFI technologies operate on channels adjacent to the 5.9GHz channel of V2V technology. Some channels may even overlap, resulting in co-channel interference. The out-of-band emissions (OOBE) of WIFI chipsets in the V2V channel may be quite high and affect the V2V range. The OOBE of the WIFI transmitter may increase the noise floor of the cellular V2X (C-V2X) receiver, which will result in a decrease in the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SIRN) f= of the received cellular V2X data packets. In addition, cellular V2X uses a completely different MAC protocol from WIFI technology compared to DSRC. The C-V2X transmitter senses and reserves the spectrum, and once reserved, the C-V2X device transmits on the reserved resources without any further sensing. Therefore, even if the WIFI device is already transmitting on the channel, the C-V2X device will continue to transmit, potentially causing interference to the C-V2X receiver. Existing mechanisms provide a sufficient degree of protection for the C-2VX system, but at the cost of a significant loss in WIFI throughput. Therefore, interference mitigation techniques need to be designed to enable C-V2X and WIFI technologies to coexist effectively. System 14 addresses these issues.

[0023] Figure 2 1 is a flow chart of a method 100 for cross-technology radio frequency (RF) interference mitigation. The method 100 begins at box 102. Box 102 is a training phase. At box 102, the controller 34 detects all wireless communication chipsets 16 in the vehicle 10 and determines the required key performance indicators (e.g., quality of service indicators). Then, the method 100 continues to box 104. At box 104, the controller 34 scans for devices within a predetermined distance (e.g., communication range) of the vehicle 10 to detect the radio frequency device 22. At box 102, the controller 34 can detect the radio frequency device 22 within the predetermined distance of the vehicle 10. In response to detecting the radio frequency device 22 within the predetermined distance of the vehicle 10, the method 100 proceeds to box 106.

[0024] At box 106, the controller 34 determines that the signal transmitted by the radio frequency device 22 causes radio frequency interference to the signal transmitted by the wireless communication chipset 16. Specifically, the controller 34 estimates the impact (i.e., radio frequency interference) that the radio frequency device 22 will have on each wireless communication chipset 16. In response to determining that the radio frequency device 22 will cause significant radio frequency interference to one or more wireless communication chipsets 16, the controller 34 commands one or more wireless communication chipsets 16 or the radio frequency device 22 to perform a control action (i.e., a corrective action) to minimize the radio frequency interference. The control action may be to change the operating channel of the radio frequency device 22 or one or more wireless communication chipsets 16 to minimize the radio frequency interference. Alternatively or additionally, the control action may be to increase or decrease the power supplied to the radio frequency device 22 or one or more wireless communication chipsets 16 to minimize the radio frequency interference.

[0025] As a non-limiting example, the controller 34 may determine a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of one or more wireless communication chipsets 16 to determine whether the signal transmitted by the RF device 22 causes radio frequency interference to the signal transmitted by the wireless communication chipset 16 of the vehicle 10. The controller 34 then compares the SNR of the wireless communication chipset 16 with a predetermined SNR threshold. A control action (i.e., a corrective action) may be performed only in response to determining that the SNR of the one or more wireless communication chipsets 16 is greater than the predetermined SNR threshold. Next, the method 100 continues to block 108.

[0026] At block 108 , the controller 34 determines a channel mapping distribution between the wireless communication chipset 16 and the radio frequency device 22 of the vehicle 10 . In addition, the controller 34 notifies the wireless communication chipset 16 and the radio frequency device 22 of the vehicle about the channel mapping distribution. Next, the method 100 proceeds to block 110 .

[0027] At block 110 , the vehicle's wireless communication chipset 16 and / or radio frequency device 22 updates their respective operating channels according to the previously determined channel mapping profile to minimize radio frequency interference.

[0028] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms included in the claims. The words used in the specification are descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As previously mentioned, the features of the various embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments of the currently disclosed system and method that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. Although various embodiments can be described as having advantages or advantages over other embodiments or prior art embodiments relative to one or more desired features, it is recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve the desired overall system properties, depending on the specific application and implementation. These properties may include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, applicability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. Therefore, embodiments described as less ideal than other embodiments or prior art implementations relative to one or more features are not outside the scope of the present invention and may be ideal for specific applications.

[0029] The accompanying drawings are in simplified form and not drawn to exact scale. Directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, above, above, below, below, rear and front may be used with respect to the accompanying drawings for the purpose of convenience and clarity of description only and these directional terms and similar directional terms should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; certain features may be enlarged or minimized to show the details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the systems and methods of the present invention in different ways. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with the features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combination of features shown provides representative embodiments of typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of the present invention may be required for specific applications or implementations.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention may be described herein in terms of functions and / or logic block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may be implemented by being configured to perform a plurality of hardware, software and / or firmware components of a specified function. For example, embodiments of the present invention may employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, etc., which may perform a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in conjunction with a variety of systems, and the systems described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] For the sake of brevity, technologies related to signal processing, data fusion, signaling, control and other functional aspects of the system (as well as the various operating components of the system) may not be described in detail herein. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] This description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application or use. The broad teachings of the invention can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, although the invention includes specific examples, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent after studying the drawings, description and appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for cross-technology radio frequency interference mitigation, comprising: detecting a radio frequency device within a predetermined distance from a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of wireless communication chipsets, each of the plurality of wireless communication chipsets being configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data; determining that a signal transmitted by the radio frequency device causes radio frequency interference to signals transmitted by the plurality of wireless communication chipsets of the vehicle; and In response to determining that the signal transmitted by the radio frequency device causes radio frequency interference to the signals transmitted by the plurality of wireless communication chipsets of the vehicle, at least one of the plurality of wireless communication chipsets or the radio frequency device is commanded to perform a control action to minimize the radio frequency interference.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The control action includes changing an operating channel of the radio frequency device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The controlling action includes linking an operating channel of at least one of the plurality of wireless communication chipsets.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The control action includes increasing power delivered to the radio frequency device.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The control action includes increasing power delivered to at least one of the plurality of wireless communication chipsets. 6 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a channel mapping distribution between the plurality of wireless communication chipsets and the radio frequency device of the vehicle. 7 . The method of claim 6 , further comprising updating a plurality of operating channels of the plurality of wireless communication chipsets and the radio frequency device of the vehicle according to the channel mapping distribution.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising determining a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of at least one of the plurality of wireless communication chipsets to determine whether a signal transmitted by the RF device causes the RF interference to signals transmitted by the plurality of wireless communication chipsets of the vehicle.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: comparing the SNR of at least one of the plurality of wireless communication chipsets with a predetermined SNR threshold to determine whether the SNR of the radio frequency device is less than the predetermined SNR threshold; as well as It is determined that the SNR of at least one of the plurality of wireless communication chipsets is less than the predetermined SNR threshold.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The control action is performed only in response to determining that the SNR of the radio frequency device is less than the predetermined SNR threshold.

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