System and method for distributed coexistence and soft mitigation over vehicle network

Abstract

A vehicle includes a Wi-Fi network including at least one Wi-Fi antenna module, the Wi-Fi antenna module including a Wi-Fi antenna in communication with a Wi-Fi integrated circuit (IC), and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network including at least one BLE antenna module, the BLE antenna module including a BLE antenna and a BLE IC, the BLE IC configured to detect in-band noise, characterize the in-band noise, and transmit the in-band noise to the Wi-Fi network. And transmit the characterization of the in-band noise to the Wi-Fi IC.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicle networks and, more particularly, to systems and methods that employ soft mitigation techniques to allow simultaneous use of multiple networks. 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] Modern vehicles require the use of networks that allow the vehicle to communicate with external devices, other vehicles, and remote servers. This communication allows the vehicle to receive software updates, transmit vehicle diagnostic data to remote servers and / or cloud-based computers, and receive and send signals to user devices to allow the user to remotely start the vehicle, lock and unlock the doors, and monitor the vehicle's current status (i.e., parking location, mileage, fuel or charge level, etc.). In addition, such networks also provide communication within the vehicle's cabin. For example, internal networks typically provide local Wi-Fi TM The hotspot is used by vehicle occupants and provides connectivity for external devices such as mobile phones, tablets and / or speakers.

[0004] Traditional networks adequately provide external communications between the vehicle and / or vehicle occupants and external networks and systems. These networks also adequately provide internal communications within the vehicle by providing vehicle occupants with the ability to connect external devices to the vehicle systems. While such traditional networks are adequate to provide both internal and external communications, such networks are generally not usable in conjunction with one another. For example, Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth Low Energy TM Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) networks and Ultra-Wideband (ULB) networks often interfere with each other because these networks operate in the same or similar frequency bands.

[0005] In conventional systems, when multiple networks are operating simultaneously, so-called hard mitigation is performed, where one of the networks is shut down to allow the remaining networks to operate without interference. While performing hard mitigation allows one of the networks to operate normally, it completely shuts down one or more other networks, thereby preventing the functions operating on those networks from operating. Therefore, there remains a need for a system that provides for simultaneous operation of multiple vehicle networks to ensure that all vehicle functions can be executed correctly at any given time. Summary of the invention

[0006] A vehicle is provided, comprising a Wi-Fi network and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network, the Wi-Fi network comprising at least one Wi-Fi antenna module, the Wi-Fi antenna module comprising a Wi-Fi antenna in communication with a Wi-Fi integrated circuit (IC), the Bluetooth Low Energy network comprising at least one BLE antenna module, the BLE antenna module comprising a BLE antenna and a BLE IC, the BLE IC being configured to detect in-band noise, characterize the in-band noise, and transmit the characterization of the in-band noise to the Wi-Fi IC.

[0007] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the Wi-Fi IC may be configured to determine whether the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network. In addition, the Wi-Fi IC may be configured to determine a corrective action to reduce the in-band noise if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network. The corrective action may include at least one of the following: switching the frequency band or channel of the Wi-Fi network; switching from a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) state with more than one active Wi-Fi antenna to a single-input single-output (SISO) state with one active Wi-Fi antenna; and / or reducing the Tx power of the signal transmitted by the Wi-Fi network.

[0008] In one configuration, the corrective actions taken by the Wi-Fi IC may be communicated to a control module having memory hardware that stores the corrective actions for future use by the Wi-Fi IC to mitigate in-band noise caused by the Wi-Fi network.

[0009] The BLE IC may be configured to remove the in-band noise by changing the frequency and / or bandwidth of the BLE network if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is not generated by the Wi-Fi network.

[0010] An ultra-wideband (UWB) network may be provided and may include at least one UWB antenna module having a UWB antenna and a UWB IC. The UWB IC may communicate with the BLE IC and the Wi-Fi IC. Additionally or alternatively, the UWB IC may be configured to remove in-band noise by changing the frequency and / or bandwidth of the UWB network if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is not generated by the Wi-Fi network.

[0011] In one configuration, the Wi-Fi antenna may be a passive antenna.

[0012] In another configuration, a vehicle is provided that includes a Wi-Fi network and an ultra-wideband (UWB) network, the Wi-Fi network including at least one Wi-Fi antenna module, the Wi-Fi antenna module including a Wi-Fi antenna in communication with a Wi-Fi integrated circuit (IC), the UWB network including at least one UWB antenna module having a UWB antenna and a UWB IC, the UWB IC configured to detect in-band noise, characterize the in-band noise, and transmit the characterization of the in-band noise to the Wi-Fi IC.

[0013] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the Wi-Fi IC may be configured to determine whether the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network. In addition, the Wi-Fi IC may be configured to determine a corrective action to reduce the in-band noise if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network. The corrective action may include at least one of the following: switching the frequency band or channel of the Wi-Fi network; switching from a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) state with more than one active Wi-Fi antenna to a single-input single-output (SISO) state with one active Wi-Fi antenna; and / or reducing the Tx power of the signal transmitted by the Wi-Fi network.

[0014] In one configuration, the corrective actions taken by the Wi-Fi IC may be communicated to a control module having memory hardware that stores the corrective actions for future use by the Wi-Fi IC to mitigate in-band noise caused by the Wi-Fi network.

[0015] The UWB IC may be configured to remove the in-band noise by changing the frequency and / or bandwidth of the UWB network if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is not generated by the Wi-Fi network.

[0016] In yet another configuration, a vehicle is provided that includes: a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network including at least one BLE antenna module having a BLE antenna and a BLE integrated circuit (IC); an ultra-wideband (UWB) network including at least one UWB antenna module having a UWB antenna and a UWB IC, the UWB IC communicating with the BLE IC; and a Wi-Fi network including at least one Wi-Fi antenna module including a Wi-Fi antenna communicating with the Wi-Fi IC, the Wi-Fi IC communicating with the BLE IC and the UWB IC, the Wi-Fi IC being configured to determine whether detected in-band noise is caused by the Wi-Fi network, and if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is caused by the Wi-Fi network, reduce the detected in-band noise by taking corrective action.

[0017] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, at least one of the BLE IC and the UWB IC may be configured to detect in-band noise, characterize the in-band noise, and transmit the characterization of the in-band noise to the Wi-Fi IC for use by the Wi-Fi IC in determining whether the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the BLE IC or the UWB IC may be configured to remove the in-band noise by changing the frequency and / or bandwidth of the BLE network or the UWB network, respectively, if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is not generated by the Wi-Fi network.

[0018] In one configuration, the corrective action may include at least one of: switching a frequency band or channel of the Wi-Fi network; switching from a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) state with more than one active Wi-Fi antenna to a single-input single-output (SISO) state with one active Wi-Fi antenna; and / or reducing the Tx power of a signal transmitted by the Wi-Fi network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle incorporating a distributed coexistence system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing a body control module in communication with a vehicle telematics unit, a plurality of antenna modules, and a cloud-based computer, the body control module being configured to store and execute Figure 1 Distributed coexistence system; and

[0022] Figure 3 is detailed Figure 1 Flowchart of the operation of the distributed coexistence system.

[0023] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] refer to Figure 1, a vehicle 10 is provided, which includes a cabin 12, an instrument panel (IP) 14 located in the cabin 12, and a pair of doors 16 for selectively entering the cabin 12. The vehicle 10 may be an electric vehicle (EV) powered by one or more electric motors (not shown), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powered by one or more electric motors in combination with an internal combustion engine (ICE), or may be powered only by an ICE.

[0038] The vehicle 10 also includes a series of networks that provide external and internal communications. For example, the vehicle 10 may include Wi-Fi TM Network, Bluetooth Low Energy TM (BLE) networks and ultra-wideband (UWB) networks that are used to provide external and / or internal communications during operation of the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle 10 may include a vehicle telematics unit 18 ( Figure 2 ). Although the vehicle telematics unit 18 is Figure 2 1 as communicating with a single cellular tower 20 , the vehicle telematics unit 18 may communicate with more than one cellular tower 20 , and further, may communicate with different cellular towers 20 while the vehicle 10 is in motion.

[0039] Communication between the vehicle telematics unit 18 and the cellular tower 20 allows the vehicle 10 to receive data and communicate with a cellular network through the vehicle telematics unit 18 and the cellular tower 20. In this way, the Wi-Fi network can receive data from and provide data to the vehicle telematics unit 18 during operation of the vehicle 10 to allow vehicle occupants to receive data from and send data to the cellular network. Specifically, a body control module (BCM) 22 of the vehicle 10 can communicate with the vehicle telematics unit 18 and can include a Wi-Fi integrated circuit (IC) 24. The Wi-Fi IC 24 can communicate with a Wi-Fi antenna module 26 located at a different location of the vehicle 10 and include a microprocessor. The Wi-Fi antenna module 26 can receive data from and / or transmit data to vehicle occupants, which will be described in detail below.

[0040] The Wi-Fi antenna module 26 is shown as including a Wi-Fi antenna 28 and can be located anywhere in the vehicle 10 where communication with a cellular network is desired. For example, the Wi-Fi antenna module 26 can be located at a first location 30 within the IP 14. Additionally or alternatively, the Wi-Fi antenna module 26 can be located at a second location 34 within an A-pillar 32 of the vehicle 10, can be located at a third location 38 within a B-pillar 36 of the vehicle 10, or can be located at a fourth location 42 or a fifth location 44 within a headliner (not shown) of the vehicle 10 near a roof 40.

[0041] The Wi-Fi antenna 28 of the Wi-Fi antenna module 26 is shown as a passive antenna. Thus, at each position 30, 34, 38, 42, 44, none of the Wi-Fi antennas 28 is powered and none of them is controlled. Instead, the Wi-Fi IC24 of the BCM22 controls each Wi-Fi antenna module 26. Specifically, if the vehicle 10 includes two Wi-Fi antenna modules 26, the two Wi-Fi antenna modules 26 and the associated Wi-Fi antennas 28 are controlled by the Wi-Fi IC24. The control of the Wi-Fi module 26 by the Wi-Fi IC24 can be achieved by establishing a wired connection between each module 26 and the BCM22. In one example, communication between the Wi-Fi module 26 and the BCM22 and the Wi-Fi IC24 can be achieved through a controller area network (CAN) bus (not shown). Although the Wi-Fi antenna module 26 is shown as being passive and controlled by the Wi-Fi IC24 associated with the BCM22, one or more Wi-Fi modules 26 may include a dedicated integrated circuit (IC) including a microprocessor. In this configuration, the Wi-Fi module 26 with a dedicated IC would be controlled by the dedicated IC, which in turn would communicate with the BCM 22 .

[0042] The Wi-Fi antenna modules 26 receive and transmit data at the Wi-Fi antenna 28 associated with each module 26. Specifically, the antenna 28 either receives data from the vehicle telematics unit 18 for distribution to the vehicle occupants, or receives data from the vehicle occupants for transmission to the vehicle telematics unit 18. As previously described, the vehicle telematics unit 18 communicates with the cellular network via the cellular tower 20, and thus acts as a bridge between each Wi-Fi antenna 28 and the cellular network. Data received and transmitted to the vehicle occupants can be received and transmitted from external devices, such as a cellular phone or tablet computer associated with the vehicle occupants.

[0043] In addition to receiving and sending cellular data to vehicle occupants, the Wi-Fi antenna module 26 may also receive software updates for the vehicle 10, may transmit historical operating data about the vehicle 10 to a cloud-based computer 46, and may communicate with a global positioning system (GPS) to receive and send data about the location of the vehicle 10. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and may additionally include any data used by the vehicle 10, vehicle systems, or vehicle occupants. For example, the Wi-Fi antenna module 26 may receive weather data, radio signals, audio files, video files, etc. Regardless of the type of data transmitted to or from the vehicle 10 via the Wi-Fi antenna module 26, the data is transmitted to or from the Wi-Fi antenna module 26 via the vehicle telematics unit 18 and the cellular network via one or more cellular towers 20.

[0044] Continue to refer Figure 2 , the BCM 22 is shown in communication with a BLE / UWB antenna module 48. The BLE / UWB antenna module 48 can be located in any of the first position 30, the second position 34, the third position 38, the fourth position 42, and the fifth position 44. In this example, the BCM is shown in communication with three (3) BLE / UWB antenna modules 48. As with the Wi-Fi module 26, the BCM 22 can communicate with any number of BLE / UWB antenna modules 48. In this example, the BCM 22 is shown in communication with three (3) BLE / UWB antenna modules 48 and four (4) Wi-Fi antenna modules 26. Since only five (5) positions 30, 34, 38, 42, 44 are disclosed in this example, one or more of the BLE / UWB antenna module 48 and the Wi-Fi antenna module 26 can be located in the same position 30, 34, 38, 42, 44, or in a position near the position 30, 34, 38, 42, 44.

[0045] Each BLE / UWB antenna module 48 includes a BLE antenna 50, a UWB antenna 52, and an integrated circuit (IC) 54 that controls the BLE antenna 50 and the UWB antenna 52. These modules 48 may be referred to as "anchors" ( Figure 3 ), because the module 48 incorporates an IC 54 that includes a microprocessor. Although the BLE / UWB antenna module 48 is shown as including a single IC 54 that controls the BLE antenna 50 and the UWB antenna 52, each of the BLE antenna 50 and the UWB antenna 52 may include a dedicated IC, or alternatively, the BLE antenna 50 and the UWB antenna 52 may be controlled by an IC associated with the BCM 22, as described above with respect to the WI-FI antenna module 26. Regardless of whether the BLE / UWB module 48 includes zero (0), one (1), or two (2) ICs 54, communication between the BLE / UWB module 48 and the BCM 22 may be accomplished by establishing a wired connection between each module 48 and the BCM 22. In one example, communication between the BLE / UWB module 48 and the BCM 22 may be accomplished via the CAN bus described above with respect to the Wi-Fi antenna module 26. Finally, each of the Wi-Fi IC 24 , BLE IC 54 , and UWB IC 54 (if separate from the BLE IC 54 ) communicate with each other.

[0046] BLE networks and UWB networks are low-energy networks for short-range, high-bandwidth communications. In the case of vehicle 10, BLE networks and UWB networks can be used for passive entry, remote start of vehicle 10, remote unlocking and locking of doors 16, positioning of external devices, such as cellular phones or tablets in the cabin 12, or for ranging. In the case of passive entry, remote start and unlocking / locking doors 16, BLE networks and / or UWB networks can establish a connection between a key card (not shown) and / or a user device (such as a cellular phone carried by the user) and BCM22. Specifically, for example, when a signal to unlock the door 16 is transmitted from the key card, the signal can be detected by one of the BLE antenna 50 and the UWB antenna 52. The antennas 50, 52 that receive the signal will generate instructions to BCM22 (i.e., unlock the door 16) for use by BCM 22 when unlocking the door 16. Specifically, IC 54 associated with BLE / UWB antenna module 48 that receives the unlock command from the key fob transmits the command to system on chip (SOC) 56 of body control module 22. SOC 56 will send an unlock signal to door 16 to unlock a lock (not shown) associated with door 16.

[0047] The Wi-Fi network, the BLE network, and the UWB network are all associated with the vehicle 10 and perform functions that must be operated simultaneously and / or control vehicle functions. Therefore, these networks often need to perform functions simultaneously. As described above, the BLE network and the UWB network are low-energy networks that perform short-range tasks in and around the vehicle 10. On the other hand, the Wi-Fi network performs tasks that consume higher power and bandwidth, such as data communications to and from a cellular network. Because the Wi-Fi network, the BLE network, and the UWB network all operate in the same or nearby frequency bands (i.e., the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz / 6 GHz band), utilizing two or more of these networks may cause one or more of these networks to experience noise caused by one or more other networks.

[0048] The BCM22, more specifically, the Wi-Fi IC24 and the individual IC54 associated with the BLE / UWB module 48, communicate with each other using an on-board communication network such as a CAN bus to determine which network(s) need to be adjusted to reduce the noise caused by the simultaneous operation of two or more networks. In this way, the Wi-Fi IC24 and the individual IC54 associated with the BLE / UWB module 48 communicate with each other to mitigate only the amount of noise necessary to allow the Wi-Fi network, the BLE network, and the UWB network to coexist and operate simultaneously. Therefore, the Wi-Fi IC24 and the individual IC54 collaborate to provide the vehicle 10 with a distributed coexistence system that allows these networks to coexist with each other.

[0049] As will be described below, one or more of the ICs 24, 54 and / or BCMs 22 may determine corrective actions to mitigate noise associated with the simultaneous operation of the Wi-Fi network, the BLE network, and the UWB network. The corrective actions may include switching the frequency band or channel of one or more networks, switching from a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) state using multiple antennas 28 to a single-input single-output (SISO) state using only one antenna 28, and / or reducing the Tx power (i.e., the strength of the transmitted signal) of the Wi-Fi network.

[0050] Specific reference Figure 3 , provides a flow chart that details how IC24, 54 and / or BCM22 can mitigate noise caused by simultaneous operation of one or more of a Wi-Fi network, a BLE network, and a UWB network. If BCM22 performs Figure 3 If any or all of the steps shown are performed, instructions for performing those steps may be stored in the memory hardware 58.

[0051] The method begins at 60. At 62, Wi-Fi networks, BLE networks, and UWB networks are continuously monitored by IC 24, 54, and / or BCM 22. In addition, IC 24, 54, and / or BCM 22 perform a learning function to better determine the presence of static and dynamic in-band Wi-Fi noise. Static Wi-Fi noise is defined as Wi-Fi noise that occurs when the vehicle 10 is not moving, while dynamic Wi-Fi noise is defined as Wi-Fi noise that occurs when the vehicle 10 is moving.

[0052] At 64, it is determined whether the BLE / UWB IC54 detects in-band noise. If not, the operation stops at 66. If the BLE / UWB IC54 detects in-band noise, then at 68, the BLE / UWB IC54 characterizes the in-band noise based on occurrence, frequency, bandwidth, amplitude, and timestamp. At 70, the noise characterization performed by the BLE / UWB IC54 is sent to the Wi-Fi IC24. At 72, the Wi-Fi IC24 determines whether the Wi-Fi network is the cause of the noise. Specifically, at 74, the Wi-Fi IC24 determines whether the in-band noise is generated by the in-car Wi-Fi. If so, at 76, the Wi-Fi IC24 performs a noise analysis, wherein the Wi-Fi IC24 determines a corrective action, such as switching frequency bands or channels, switching from MIMO to SISO, and / or reducing Tx power. In addition, at 76, the Wi-Fi IC24 can then store the corrective action and the conditions requiring the corrective action in the memory hardware 58 to allow the Wi-Fi IC24 to learn and improve over time. Additionally, this information may be transmitted to a cloud-based computer 46 via the vehicle telematics unit 18 and the cellular network.

[0053] If it is determined at 74 that the in-band noise is not generated by the in-vehicle Wi-Fi, then at 78, the IC54 and / or BCM22 can schedule the frequency of BLE communication or UWB communication around the noise. If at 80 the noise is mitigated—due to the corrective action taken at 76 or due to the IC54 and / or BCM22 scheduling the frequency of BLE communication or UWB communication around the noise—the method stops at 66. If at 80 the noise is not mitigated, then the BCM22 can notify the vehicle occupants of the detected interference (i.e., noise) at 82 to warn the vehicle occupants of possible application performance degradation or interruption. After the notification is issued at 80, the method stops at 66.

[0054] As described above, the systems and methods of the present disclosure only mitigate this noise, which is required to allow the Wi-Fi network, the BLE network, and the UWB network to operate simultaneously without having to completely shut down the BLE network or the UWB network. For example, if the BLE / UWB IC54 sees noise from the Wi-Fi radio in the 40 MHz band, IC54 will notify the Wi-Fi IC24 of the noise it sees. If the Wi-Fi radio is not currently in use, the Wi-Fi IC24 can update the bandwidth (BW) to a lower BW to exclude the 40 MHz band. Alternatively, the Wi-Fi IC24 can reduce the power of the Wi-Fi radio by an amount equal to the increased noise. On the other hand, if the Wi-Fi radio is currently in use, the Wi-Fi IC24 will notify the BLE / UWB IC54, which will mitigate the 20 MHz noise. The Wi-Fi IC24 will then update the bandwidth of the Wi-Fi radio to remove the remaining 20 MHz noise. In this way, the Wi-Fi IC 24 and the BLE / UWB IC 54 communicate with each other and cooperate to reduce or eliminate detected noise without having to completely shut down the device or network. This wireless communication between the various ICs 24, 54 allows the ICs 24, 54 to mitigate only the desired noise and prevents having to completely shut down the device or network.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 vehicle comprising: a Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi network comprising at least one Wi-Fi antenna module, the Wi-Fi antenna module comprising a Wi-Fi antenna in communication with a Wi-Fi integrated circuit (IC); as well as A Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network includes at least one BLE antenna module, the BLE antenna module includes a BLE antenna and a BLE IC, the BLE IC is configured to detect in-band noise, characterize the in-band noise, and transmit the characterization of the in-band noise to a Wi-Fi IC.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The Wi-Fi IC is configured to determine whether the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The Wi-Fi IC is configured to determine corrective actions to reduce the in-band noise if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The corrective action includes at least one of: switching a frequency band or channel of the Wi-Fi network; switching from a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) state with more than one active Wi-Fi antenna to a single-input single-output (SISO) state with one active Wi-Fi antenna; and / or reducing Tx power of a signal transmitted by the Wi-Fi network.

5. The vehicle of claim 3 further comprising communicating corrective actions taken by the Wi-Fi IC to a control module having memory hardware that stores the corrective actions for future use by the Wi-Fi IC to mitigate in-band noise caused by the Wi-Fi network.

6. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The BLE IC is configured to remove the in-band noise by changing a frequency and / or a bandwidth of the BLE network if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is not generated by the Wi-Fi network.

7. The vehicle of claim 2, further comprising an ultra-wideband (UWB) network including at least one UWB antenna module having a UWB antenna and a UWB IC.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The UWB IC communicates with the BLE IC and the Wi-Fi IC.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The UWB IC is configured to remove the in-band noise by changing a frequency and / or a bandwidth of the UWB network if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is not generated by the Wi-Fi network.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The Wi-Fi antenna is a passive antenna.

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