System and method for managing vehicle wireless connections

Abstract

A system for managing vehicle wireless connections may include one or more wireless devices, a vehicle communication system, and a vehicle controller in electrical communication with the vehicle communication system. The vehicle controller is programmed to determine a selected device of the one or more wireless devices to which a connection is established using the vehicle communication system. The vehicle controller is further programmed to establish a wireless connection between the selected device and the vehicle communication system in response to determining the selected device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for managing vehicle wireless connections. Background Art

[0002] To improve occupant awareness, comfort, and convenience, vehicles may be equipped with wireless communication systems that can establish connections with a variety of wireless devices. Wireless devices may include, for example, smartphones, tablets, laptops, mice, keyboards, remote controls, game controllers, wireless speakers, wireless headphones, wireless displays, wireless projectors, wireless cameras, and the like. Wireless communication systems may utilize a variety of communication protocols and technologies to establish connections, including, for example, Bluetooth, WiFi, and the like. However, current wireless communication systems may require users to manually configure, pair, and / or connect wireless devices. In addition, when there are multiple wireless devices, current wireless communication systems may require users to select a preferred wireless device for connection.

[0003] Therefore, while current wireless communication systems and methods achieve their intended purposes, a new and improved system and method is needed for managing wireless connections in a vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to several aspects, a system for managing vehicle wireless connections is provided. The system may include one or more wireless devices, a vehicle communication system, and a vehicle controller in electrical communication with the vehicle communication system. The vehicle controller is programmed to determine a selected device among the one or more wireless devices with which to establish a connection using the vehicle communication system. The vehicle controller is further programmed to establish a wireless connection between the selected device and the vehicle communication system in response to determining the selected device.

[0005] In another aspect of the present disclosure, in order to determine the selected device, the vehicle controller is also programmed to receive multiple signals using the vehicle communication system. The multiple signals include at least one signal from each of the one or more wireless devices. In order to determine the selected device, the vehicle controller is also programmed to determine the received signal strength indication (RSSI) of each of the multiple signals. In order to determine the selected device, the vehicle controller is also programmed to determine the connection intention of each of the one or more wireless devices based at least in part on the RSSI of each of the multiple signals. The connection intention includes a connection establishment intention and a connection termination intention. In order to determine the selected device, the vehicle controller is also programmed to determine the device preference of each of the one or more wireless devices. In order to determine the selected device, the vehicle controller is also programmed to determine the selected device based at least in part on the connection intention and the device preference.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, in order to determine the connection intention of the first of the one or more wireless devices, the vehicle controller is further programmed to compare the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received from the first of the one or more wireless devices with a predetermined RSSI threshold. In order to determine the connection intention of the first of the one or more wireless devices, the vehicle controller is further programmed to determine the RSSI trend of each of the plurality of signals received from the first of the one or more wireless devices in response to determining that the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received from the first of the one or more wireless devices is greater than or equal to the predetermined RSSI threshold. The RSSI trend includes at least one of an RSSI increase trend and an RSSI decrease trend. In order to determine the connection intention of the first of the one or more wireless devices, the vehicle controller is further programmed to determine the connection intention of the first of the one or more wireless devices as a connection establishment intention in response to determining that the RSSI trend is an RSSI increase trend. In order to determine the connection intention of the first of the one or more wireless devices, the vehicle controller is further programmed to determine the connection intention of the first of the one or more wireless devices as a connection termination intention in response to determining that the RSSI trend is an RSSI decrease trend.

[0007] In another aspect of the disclosure, to determine the RSSI trend, the vehicle controller is further programmed to remove noise from the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received by the first of the one or more wireless devices using a measurement noise reduction algorithm. To determine the RSSI trend, the vehicle controller is further programmed to generate a fitting curve based on the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received by the first of the one or more wireless devices. To determine the RSSI trend, the vehicle controller is further programmed to determine the RSSI trend based at least in part on the fitting curve.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, to determine the device preference of each of the one or more wireless devices, the vehicle controller is further programmed to record a plurality of device usage data for each of the one or more wireless devices. To determine the device preference of each of the one or more wireless devices, the vehicle controller is further programmed to determine the device preference of each of the one or more wireless devices based at least in part on the plurality of device usage data.

[0009] In another aspect of the disclosure, to determine the selected device, the vehicle controller is further programmed to determine the selected device based at least in part on the connection intent and the device preference. The selected device is one of the one or more wireless devices having the highest device preference and having the connection establishment intent.

[0010] In another aspect of the disclosure, the vehicle controller is further programmed to send a standby message to a second one of the one or more wireless devices in response to determining that the connection intent of the second one of the one or more wireless devices is a connection termination intent.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, to establish a wireless connection between a selected device and a vehicle communication system, the vehicle controller is further programmed to establish a first wireless connection between the selected device and the vehicle communication system using a first wireless communication protocol in response to determining the selected device. To establish a wireless connection between the selected device and the vehicle communication system, the vehicle controller is further programmed to identify an activation condition for the selected device. To establish a wireless connection between the selected device and the vehicle communication system, the vehicle controller is further programmed to establish a second wireless connection between the selected device and the vehicle communication system using a second wireless communication protocol in response to identifying the activation condition. At least one connection parameter for the second wireless connection is transmitted using the first wireless connection.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the selected device includes a wireless camera. To identify an activation condition for the selected device, the vehicle controller is further programmed to receive a video stream request. To identify an activation condition for the selected device, the vehicle controller is further programmed to identify the activation condition in response to receiving the video stream request.

[0013] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle controller is further programmed to send at least one Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) video stream parameter to the selected device using the first wireless connection. The vehicle controller is further programmed to establish a WebRTC video stream from the selected device to the vehicle controller based at least in part on the at least one WebRTC video stream parameter. The WebRTC video stream is sent using the second wireless connection.

[0014] According to several aspects, a method for managing vehicle wireless connections is provided. The method may include receiving a plurality of signals from a wireless camera using a vehicle communication system. The method may also include determining a received signal strength indication (RSSI) for each of the plurality of signals. The method may also include establishing a first wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system using a first wireless communication protocol based at least in part on the RSSI for each of the plurality of signals. The method may also include identifying an activation condition for the wireless camera. The method may also include establishing a second wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system using a second wireless communication protocol in response to identifying the activation condition, wherein at least one connection parameter of the second wireless connection is sent using the first wireless connection.

[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, establishing a first wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system may further include determining a connection intent of the wireless camera based at least in part on the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals. The connection intent includes a connection establishment intent and a connection termination intent. Establishing a first wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system may further include establishing the first wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system using a first wireless communication protocol in response to determining that the connection intent is a connection establishment intent.

[0016] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include sending a standby message to the wireless camera in response to determining that the connection intention of the wireless camera is a connection termination intention.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, determining the connection intention of the wireless camera based at least in part on the RSSI of each of the multiple signals may also include comparing the RSSI of each of the multiple signals received from the wireless camera with a predetermined RSSI threshold. Determining the connection intention of the wireless camera based at least in part on the RSSI of each of the multiple signals may also include, in response to determining that the RSSI of each of the multiple signals received from the wireless camera is greater than or equal to the predetermined RSSI threshold, determining the RRSI trend of each of the multiple signals received from the wireless camera. The RSSI trend includes at least one of an RSSI increase trend and an RSSI decrease trend. Determining the connection intention of the wireless camera based at least in part on the RSSI of each of the multiple signals may also include, in response to determining that the RSSI trend is an RSSI increase trend, determining the connection intention of the wireless camera as a connection establishment intention. Determining the connection intention of the wireless camera based at least in part on the RSSI of each of the multiple signals may also include, in response to determining that the RSSI trend is an RSSI decrease trend, determining the connection intention of the wireless camera as a connection termination intention.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, identifying an activation condition of the wireless camera may further include receiving a video stream request and identifying the activation condition in response to receiving the video stream request.

[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include activating a child left behind detection feature of the wireless camera in response to determining that the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received from the wireless camera is greater than or equal to a predetermined RSSI threshold. The method may further include providing a warning notification in response to determining that the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received from the wireless camera is less than a predetermined RSSI threshold.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include determining a first distance between the key fob and the vehicle. The method may further include determining a second distance between the wireless camera and the vehicle based at least in part on the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received from the wireless camera. The method may further include calculating a difference between the first distance and the second distance. The method may further include providing a warning notification in response to determining that the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined difference threshold.

[0021] According to several aspects, a system for managing vehicle wireless connections is provided. The system may include a wireless camera, a vehicle communication system configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless camera, a vehicle display, and a vehicle controller in electrical communication with the vehicle communication system and the vehicle display. The vehicle controller is programmed to receive a plurality of signals from the wireless camera using the vehicle communication system. The vehicle controller is also programmed to determine a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of each of the plurality of signals. The vehicle controller is also programmed to establish a first wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system using a wireless personal area network (PAN) communication protocol based at least in part on the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals. The vehicle controller is also programmed to identify an activation condition of the wireless camera in response to receiving a video stream request. The vehicle controller is also programmed to establish a second wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system using a wireless local area network (LAN) communication protocol in response to identifying the activation condition, wherein at least one connection parameter of the second wireless connection is sent using the first wireless connection. The vehicle controller is also programmed to receive a video stream from the wireless camera using the vehicle communication system. The vehicle controller is also programmed to display the video stream using the vehicle display.

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, in order to establish a first wireless connection between a wireless camera and a vehicle communication system, the vehicle controller is further programmed to compare the RSSI of each of the multiple signals received from the wireless camera with a predetermined RSSI. In order to establish a first wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system, the vehicle controller is further programmed to determine the RSSI trend of each of the multiple signals received from the wireless camera in response to determining that the RSSI of each of the multiple signals received from the wireless camera is greater than or equal to a predetermined RSSI threshold. The RSSI trend includes at least one of an RSSI increase trend and an RSSI decrease trend. In order to establish a first wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system, the vehicle controller is further programmed to determine the connection intention of the wireless camera as a connection establishment intention in response to determining that the RSSI trend is an RSSI increase trend. In order to establish a first wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system, the vehicle controller is further programmed to determine the connection intention of the wireless camera as a connection termination intention in response to determining that the RSSI trend is an RSSI decrease trend. To establish a first wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system, the vehicle controller is further programmed to, in response to determining that the connection intention is a connection establishment intention, establish the first wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system using a wireless PAN communication protocol. To establish a first wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system, the vehicle controller is further programmed to, in response to determining that the connection intention of the wireless camera is a connection termination intention, send a standby message to the wireless camera.

[0023] In another aspect of the present disclosure, in order to establish a second wireless connection between the wireless camera and the vehicle communication system, the vehicle controller is further programmed to use the first wireless connection to send at least one connection parameter of the second wireless connection to the wireless camera via the vehicle communication system. The at least one connection parameter includes at least one of the following: a service set identifier (SSID), a network security type, and a network security key.

[0024] 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for managing wireless connections in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method for managing vehicle wireless connections according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0028] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method for identifying a device legacy condition according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0030] Users and / or occupants of a vehicle may wish to connect wireless devices to vehicle systems for purposes such as providing entertainment, collecting data, increasing comfort and convenience, etc. However, the steps required to pair and connect devices may affect the user experience. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a new and improved system and method for managing vehicle wireless connections, including utilizing multiple wireless connections to simplify the connection process.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 , a system for managing vehicle wireless connections is shown and generally designated by reference numeral 10. The system 10 is shown with an exemplary vehicle 12. Although a passenger vehicle is shown, it should be understood that the vehicle 12 may be any type of vehicle without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The system 10 generally includes a vehicle controller 14, a vehicle communication system 16, a vehicle display 18, and one or more wireless devices 20.

[0032] The vehicle controller 14 is used to implement the method 100 for managing vehicle wireless connections, as will be described below. The vehicle controller 14 includes at least one processor 22 and a non-transitory computer-readable storage device or medium 24. The processor 22 can be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor in multiple processors associated with the vehicle controller 14, 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 24 may include, for example, volatile and non-volatile storage devices 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 22 is powered off. The computer readable storage device or medium 24 may be implemented using a number of storage devices, such as a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an electrical PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, or other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination storage device capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions, used by the vehicle controller 14 to control various systems of the vehicle 12. The vehicle controller 14 may also be comprised of multiple vehicle controllers that are in electrical communication with each other. The vehicle controller 14 may be interconnected with additional systems and / or vehicle controllers of the vehicle 12, thereby allowing the vehicle controller 14 to access data, such as the speed, acceleration, braking, and steering angle of the vehicle 12.

[0033] The vehicle controller 14 is in electrical communication with the vehicle communication system 16, the vehicle display 18, and one or more wireless devices 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical communication is established using, for example, a CAN network, a FLEXRAY network, a local area network (e.g., WiFi, Ethernet, etc.), a serial peripheral interface (SPI) network, etc. It should be understood that various additional wired and wireless technologies and communication protocols for communicating with the vehicle controller 14 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] The vehicle controller 14 uses the vehicle communication system 16 to communicate with other systems outside the vehicle 12. For example, the vehicle communication system 16 includes the ability to communicate with vehicles ("V2V" communication), infrastructure ("V2I" communication), remote systems at remote call centers (e.g., General Motors' ON-STAR), and / or personal devices. In general, the term vehicle-to-everything communication ("V2X" communication) refers to the communication between the vehicle 12 and any remote system (e.g., vehicle, infrastructure, and / or remote system). In some embodiments, the vehicle communication system 16 is a wireless communication system that is configured to communicate via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using the IEEE 802.11 standard or by using cellular data communication (e.g., using GSMA standards such as SGP.02, SGP.22, SGP.32, etc.). Therefore, the vehicle communication system 16 may also include an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) that is configured to store at least one cellular connection configuration profile, such as an embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) profile. The vehicle communication system 16 is also configured to communicate via a personal area network (e.g., Bluetooth), near field communication (NFC), and / or any additional type of radio frequency communication. However, additional or alternative communication methods such as dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) channels and / or mobile telecommunication protocols based on the third generation partnership project (3GPP) standard are also considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. DSRC channels refer to unidirectional or bidirectional short-range to medium-range wireless communication channels designed specifically for automotive use and a set of corresponding protocols and standards. 3GPP refers to a partnership between multiple standard organizations that develop mobile telecommunication protocols and standards. 3GPP standards are structured as "versions." Therefore, communication methods based on 3GPP versions 14, 15, 16 and / or future 3GPP versions are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the vehicle communication system 16 may include one or more antennas and / or communication transceivers for receiving and / or sending signals, such as collaborative sensing messages (CSM). The vehicle communication system 16 is configured to wirelessly transmit information between the vehicle 12 and another vehicle. In addition, the vehicle communication system 16 is configured to wirelessly transmit information between the vehicle 12 and infrastructure or other vehicles. It should be appreciated that the vehicle communication system 16 may be integrated with the vehicle controller 14 (eg, integrated on the same circuit board as the vehicle controller 14 or integrated as part of the vehicle controller 14 ) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] The vehicle display 18 is used to provide information to the occupants of the vehicle 12. Within the scope of the present disclosure, the occupants include the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle 12. Figure 1In the exemplary embodiment shown, the vehicle display 18 is a human-machine interface (HMI) that is located within the occupant's field of view and is capable of displaying text, graphics, and / or images. It should be understood that HMI display systems including LCD displays, LED displays, and the like are within the scope of the present disclosure. Other exemplary embodiments in which the vehicle display 18 is disposed in a rearview mirror are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In another exemplary embodiment, the vehicle display 18 includes a head-up display (HUD) that is configured to provide information to the occupant by projecting text, graphics, and / or images on the windshield of the vehicle 12. The text, graphics, and / or images are reflected by the windshield of the vehicle 12, and the occupant can see them without taking their eyes off the road in front of the vehicle 12. In another exemplary embodiment, the vehicle display 18 includes an augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD). AR-HUD is a HUD that is configured to enhance the occupant's vision of the road ahead of the vehicle 12 by superimposing text, graphics, and / or images on physical objects in the surrounding environment of the vehicle 12 within the occupant's field of view. In an exemplary embodiment, occupants may interact with the vehicle display 18 using a human interface device (HID) including, for example, a touch screen, electromechanical switches, capacitive switches, knobs, etc. It should be appreciated that additional systems for displaying information to occupants of the vehicle 12 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] The one or more wireless devices 20 are used to provide additional functionality or features to the system 10. Within the scope of the present disclosure, the one or more wireless devices 20 include any electronic device operable to establish a connection with the vehicle communication system 16 using any wireless communication protocol, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN), a personal area network (e.g., Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, etc.), near field communication (NFC), and / or any additional type of radio frequency communication.

[0037] In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more wireless devices 20 include one or more personal computing devices, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more wireless devices 20 include one or more wireless input devices, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a remote control, a game controller, etc. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more wireless devices 20 include one or more wireless output devices, such as a wireless speaker, a wireless headset, a wireless display, a wireless projector, etc. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, as described below, the one or more wireless devices 20 include one or more wireless cameras 26 (eg, a first wireless camera 26a and a second wireless camera 26b).

[0038] One or more wireless cameras 26 are used to provide picture and / or video monitoring, recording and / or streaming capabilities. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more wireless cameras 26 includes a camera controller, a camera optical system, and a camera communication system. The camera controller includes at least one processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The camera controller is configured to capture pictures and / or videos using the camera optical system and send pictures and / or videos using the camera communication system.

[0039] The camera optical system includes a camera sensor and one or more optical elements (e.g., lenses, mirrors, prisms, etc.). The camera optical system is controlled by a camera controller to capture pictures and / or videos. It should be understood that cameras with various sensor types (including, for example, charge coupled device (CCD) sensors, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, and / or high dynamic range (HDR) sensors) are within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, cameras with various lens types including, for example, wide angle lenses and / or narrow angle lenses are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] The camera communication system is configured to communicate wirelessly with the vehicle communication system 16 using a variety of wireless protocols. In one non-limiting example, the camera communication system is configured to communicate with the vehicle communication system 16 using a first wireless communication protocol, such as a wireless personal area network (PAN) communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth low energy). The camera communication system is also configured to communicate with the vehicle communication system 16 using a second wireless communication protocol, such as a wireless local area network (LAN) communication protocol (e.g., according to the IEEE 802.11 standard). In an exemplary embodiment, one of the wireless communication protocols is primarily used for transmission and / or streaming of pictures and / or videos, while another wireless communication protocol is used for out-of-band transmission of connection parameters, connection credentials, diagnostic information, etc. In another exemplary embodiment, both the first wireless communication protocol and the second wireless communication protocol can be used for transmission and / or streaming of pictures and / or videos. Communication between one or more wireless cameras 26 and the vehicle communication system 16 using the first wireless communication protocol and the second wireless communication protocol will be discussed in more detail below.

[0041] refer to Figure 2 , a flow chart of a method 100 for managing vehicle wireless connections is shown. The method 100 starts at box 102 and proceeds to box 104. At box 104, the vehicle controller 14 receives a plurality of signals using the vehicle communication system 16. The plurality of signals includes at least one signal from each of the one or more wireless devices 20.

[0042] In one exemplary embodiment where the one or more wireless devices 20 include only one device, each of the plurality of signals is received from the device. In another exemplary embodiment where the one or more wireless devices 20 include multiple devices (e.g., a first wireless camera 26a and a second wireless camera 26b), the plurality of signals are divided into a plurality of subsets based on the transmitting device. Each of the plurality of subsets includes only signals from one of the one or more wireless devices 20. For example, a first subset of the plurality of signals includes signals received from the first wireless camera 26a, and a second subset of the plurality of signals includes signals received from the second wireless camera 26b.

[0043] In one non-limiting example, the plurality of signals are Bluetooth advertising packets (i.e., packets sent by a device preparing to establish a Bluetooth connection). In an exemplary embodiment, the Bluetooth advertising packets include information such as a device name, a device transmit power, a unique identifier (UID) of services supported by the device, etc. After block 104, method 100 proceeds to block 106.

[0044] At block 106 , the vehicle controller 14 determines a received signal strength indication (RSSI) for each of the plurality of signals received at block 104 . Within the scope of the present disclosure, RSSI is a measurement of the power present in a received radio signal. After block 106 , the method 100 proceeds to block 108 .

[0045] At box 108, the vehicle controller 14 compares the RSSI of the first subset to a predetermined RSSI threshold (e.g., -80 dBm). In one exemplary embodiment, the RSSI of the first subset is the average of all RSSI values ​​in the first subset (i.e., the subset of the plurality of signals received from the first wireless camera 26 a). In another exemplary embodiment, the RSSI of the first subset is the minimum value of all RSSIs in the first subset. If the RSSI of the first subset is less than the predetermined RSSI threshold, the method 100 proceeds to box 110, as will be discussed in more detail below. If the RSSI of the first subset is greater than or equal to the predetermined RSSI threshold, the method 100 proceeds to box 112.

[0046] At block 112, the vehicle controller 14 determines a connection intent of the one or more wireless devices 20. Within the scope of the present disclosure, a connection intent describes a predicted intent of a user or occupant of the vehicle 12 with respect to the one or more wireless devices 20. If the user is predicted to intend to establish a connection between the vehicle 12 and the one or more wireless devices 20, the connection intent is a connection establishment intent. If the user is predicted to intend to disconnect and / or remove the one or more wireless devices 20, the connection intent is a connection termination intent.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the connection intention of the first wireless camera 26a is determined based on the RSSI trend of the first subset (i.e., a subset of the multiple signals received from the first wireless camera 26a). Within the scope of the present disclosure, the RSSI trend is the pattern or direction of the RSSI values ​​in the first subset changing over time. In an exemplary embodiment, the RSSI trend includes at least one of an RSSI increase trend and an RSSI decrease trend. The RSSI increase trend describes an RSSI value that tends to increase over time, meaning that the device sending the signal (e.g., the first wireless camera 26a) is getting closer to the device receiving the signal (i.e., the vehicle communication system 16). It should be understood that the RSSI increase trend may include a linear trend, an exponential trend, a logarithmic trend, etc. without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] The RSSI decrease trend describes an RSSI value that tends to decrease over time, meaning that the device sending the signal (e.g., the first wireless camera 26a) is getting farther and farther away from the device receiving the signal (i.e., the vehicle communication system 16). It should be understood that the RSSI decrease trend may include a linear trend, an exponential trend, a logarithmic trend, etc. without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the RSSI trend is determined by generating a fitted curve based at least in part on the RSSI values. In a non-limiting example, the vehicle controller 14 first pre-processes the RSSI values ​​to remove noise using a measurement noise reduction algorithm. Within the scope of the present disclosure, a measurement noise reduction algorithm is an algorithm configured to reduce noise in a measurement, including, for example, a Kalman filter, a moving average, etc.

[0050] After preprocessing the RSSI value, a fitting curve is generated using a curve fitting algorithm, such as linear regression, polynomial regression, etc. The fitting curve is then analyzed to determine whether it is an increasing function or a decreasing function. If the fitting curve is an increasing function, the RSSI trend is determined to be an RSSI increasing trend. If the fitting curve is a decreasing function, the RSSI trend is determined to be an RSSI decreasing trend.

[0051] If the RSSI trend of the first subset is an RSSI increasing trend, the connection intention of the first wireless camera 26a is determined to be a connection establishment intention, and the method 100 proceeds to block 110, as will be discussed in more detail below. If the RSSI trend of the first subset is an RSSI decreasing trend, the connection intention of the first wireless camera 26a is determined to be a connection termination intention, and the method 100 proceeds to block 114.

[0052] At box 114, the vehicle controller 14 sends a standby message to the first wireless camera 26a using the vehicle communication system 16. Within the scope of the present disclosure, the standby message prompts the first wireless camera 26a to enter a standby, power saving or shutdown mode. After box 114, the method 100 proceeds to a standby state entering box 116.

[0053] At block 110, if the connection intent of each of the one or more wireless devices 20 has not been determined, the method 100 returns to block 108 to compare the RSSI of another subset (e.g., the second subset) of the plurality of subsets with a predetermined RSSI threshold. If the connection intent of each of the one or more wireless devices 20 has been determined, the method 100 proceeds to block 118.

[0054] At block 118, the vehicle controller 14 determines a device preference for each of the one or more wireless devices 20. Within the scope of the present disclosure, the device preference quantifies a user or occupant's preference for connecting to each of the one or more wireless devices 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the device preference is represented by an ordered ranking of the one or more wireless devices 20. For example, the first wireless camera 26a may have a higher device preference than the second wireless camera 26b.

[0055] In another exemplary embodiment, the device preference is represented as a mathematical graph data structure. The mathematical graph data structure includes a plurality of vertices and a plurality of directional weighted edges. Each of the plurality of vertices represents one of the one or more wireless devices 20. Each of the plurality of directional weighted edges originates from a first vertex of the plurality of vertices and terminates at a second vertex of the plurality of vertices. Therefore, by traversing the mathematical graph structure according to the plurality of directed weighted edges, a preferred device can be determined. In a non-limiting example, the weight of each directional weighted edge is determined based on a plurality of device usage data of each of the one or more wireless devices 20. For example, if the user disconnects the first wireless camera 26a and connects the second wireless camera 26b, the weight of one of the plurality of vertices originating from the second wireless camera 26b and terminating at the first wireless camera 26a is increased relative to the weight of one of the plurality of vertices originating from the first wireless camera 26a and terminating at the second wireless camera 26b.

[0056] It should be understood that the ordered ranking and / or mathematical graph data structure may be stored in the medium 24 and / or in a remote server system without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that any method for quantifying and storing device preferences of one or more wireless devices 20, including, for example, deterministic methods, machine learning methods, etc., is within the scope of the present disclosure. After block 118, the method 100 proceeds to block 120.

[0057] At block 120, the vehicle controller 14 establishes a first wireless connection between one of the one or more wireless devices 20 and the vehicle communication system 16 using the vehicle communication system 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle controller 14 determines a selected device of the one or more wireless devices 20 based at least in part on the connection intent of each of the one or more wireless devices 20 determined at block 112 and the device preference of each of the one or more wireless devices 20 determined at block 118. In a non-limiting example, the selected device is one of the one or more wireless devices 20 that has the highest device preference and has the connection establishment intent. For example, the vehicle controller 14 may traverse the mathematical graph data structure based on the weight of each directional weighted edge to determine one of the one or more wireless devices 20 that has the highest device preference.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the first wireless connection is established using a first wireless communication protocol (e.g., wireless PAN). Therefore, at box 120, the vehicle controller 14 uses the vehicle communication system 16 to establish a first wireless connection (e.g., a low-power Bluetooth connection) between the selected device and the vehicle communication system 16. After box 120, the method 100 proceeds to box 122.

[0059] In box 122, the vehicle controller 14 identifies an activation condition for the selected device. Within the scope of the present disclosure, the activation condition is a scenario that triggers activation of the selected device. In one non-limiting example, if the selected device is one of the one or more wireless cameras 26, the activation condition includes a video streaming request. Within the scope of the present disclosure, the video streaming request is a request to record and / or stream video within the vehicle 12 (e.g., to the vehicle display 18) and / or outside the vehicle 12 (e.g., to a remote server and / or mobile device). In another non-limiting example, the activation condition includes a security disturbance, such as contact of a foreign object with the exterior of the vehicle 12. If the activation condition is not identified, the method 100 proceeds to a standby state entering box 116. If the activation condition is identified, the method 100 proceeds to box 124.

[0060] In box 124, the vehicle controller 14 uses the vehicle communication system 16 to establish a second wireless connection between the selected device and the vehicle communication system 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the second wireless connection is established using a second wireless communication protocol (e.g., a wireless LAN). Therefore, in box 124, the vehicle controller 14 uses the vehicle communication system 16 to establish a second wireless connection (e.g., a WiFi connection according to the IEEE 802.11 standard) between the selected device and the vehicle communication system 16. In an exemplary embodiment, in order to establish the second wireless connection, at least one connection parameter is sent to the selected device using the first wireless connection established in box 120. Within the scope of the present disclosure, the connection parameter is information required to establish the second wireless connection. In a non-limiting example, the at least one connection parameter includes at least one of a service set identifier (SSID) of the wireless LAN, a network security type, and a network security key. After box 124, the method 100 proceeds to boxes 126, 128, 130, and 132.

[0061] At box 126, the selected device (i.e., one of the wireless cameras 26) sends the video stream to the vehicle communication system 16. In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle controller 14 displays the video stream to the occupants of the vehicle 12 using the vehicle display 18. In another exemplary embodiment, the vehicle controller 14 saves the video stream in the medium 24 for later use. After box 126, the method 100 proceeds to a standby state entering box 116.

[0062] At box 128, the vehicle controller 14 activates a child left behind detection feature using the selected device (i.e., one of the wireless cameras 26). Within the scope of the present disclosure, the child left behind detection feature allows for detection and notification of a child left behind in the vehicle 12. In one non-limiting example, the child left behind detection feature is activated in response to determining that the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received from the selected device is greater than or equal to a predetermined RSSI threshold. In another non-limiting example, the video stream quality of the selected device is adjusted based at least in part on the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received from the selected device. After box 128, the method 100 proceeds to a standby state entering box 116.

[0063] At box 130, the vehicle controller 14 measures the RSSI of the first wireless connection between the vehicle communication system 16 and the selected device established at box 120. If the RSSI of the first wireless connection is less than a predetermined RSSI threshold, the vehicle controller 14 provides a warning notification using the vehicle display 18. In one non-limiting example, the warning notification indicates that the selected device is approaching the maximum wireless range and that the quality of the connection may degrade. After box 130, the method 100 proceeds to a standby state entering box 116.

[0064] At frame 132 , the vehicle controller 14 identifies a device left condition, as will be discussed in more detail below. After frame 132 , the method 100 proceeds to a standby state entering frame 116 .

[0065] refer to Figure 3 , a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment 132a of box 132 is shown. The exemplary embodiment 132a starts at box 302. In box 302, the vehicle controller 14 determines a first distance between the key fob and the vehicle 12. Within the scope of the present disclosure, the key fob is a device owned by the owner and / or operator of the vehicle 12. The key fob includes a key fob communication system, one or more key fob buttons, and a key fob controller that is in electrical communication with the key fob communication system and the one or more key fob buttons. Once one or more key fob buttons are activated, the key fob controller sends a wireless transmission using the key fob communication system. In a non-limiting example, the vehicle communication system 16 is configured to receive the wireless transmission. The vehicle controller 14 is configured to take action based on the wireless transmission, for example, unlocking one or more doors of the vehicle 12, opening the trunk of the vehicle 12, activating the horn of the vehicle 12, etc.

[0066] In one exemplary embodiment, to determine the first distance between the key fob and the vehicle 12, the vehicle controller 14 uses the vehicle communication system 16. In one non-limiting example, the vehicle communication system 16 uses RSSI-based ranging to determine the first distance between the key fob and the vehicle 12. The vehicle communication system 16 determines the distance between the key fob and the vehicle 12 by correlating the RSSI with one or more known signal propagation characteristics (e.g., the inverse square law). In another non-limiting example, the vehicle communication system 16 uses ultra-wideband (UWB)-based ranging to determine the distance between the key fob and the vehicle 12 (e.g., according to IEEE 802.15.4). In another non-limiting example, the vehicle communication system 16 uses personal area network communication (e.g., Bluetooth) to determine the distance between the key fob and the vehicle 12. It should be understood that any method for determining the distance between the key fob and the vehicle 12 is within the scope of the present disclosure. After frame 302, the exemplary embodiment 132a proceeds to frame 304.

[0067] At block 304, the vehicle controller 14 determines a second distance between the vehicle 12 and the selected device (i.e., one of the one or more wireless cameras 26) based at least in part on the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received from the selected device (e.g., using RSSI-based ranging, as described above). After block 304, the exemplary embodiment 132a proceeds to block 306.

[0068] At block 306 , the vehicle controller 14 calculates a difference between the first distance determined at block 302 and the second distance determined at block 304 . After block 306 , the exemplary embodiment 132a proceeds to block 308 .

[0069] At block 308, the vehicle controller 14 compares the difference calculated at block 306 to a predetermined difference threshold (e.g., ten percent). If the difference calculated at block 306 is less than the predetermined difference threshold, the exemplary embodiment 132a ends and the method 100 enters the standby state at block 116. If the difference calculated at block 306 is greater than or equal to the predetermined difference threshold, the exemplary embodiment 132a proceeds to block 310.

[0070] At block 310, the vehicle controller 14 provides a warning notification to an occupant of the vehicle 12 using the vehicle display 18. In one non-limiting example, the warning notification indicates that the selected device has been left in the vehicle 12. Following block 310, the exemplary embodiment 132a ends and the method 100 proceeds as described above.

[0071] The system 10 and method 100 of the present disclosure provide several advantages. Based on the RSSI of multiple signals, the system 10 and method 100 determine connection intent at an early stage, thereby allowing for fast and seamless pairing and connection with devices. In addition, the system 10 and method 100 can be utilized to provide contextual information based on the location and state of one or more wireless devices 20. In addition, the system 10 and method 100 can be used to provide fallback video streaming capabilities using the first wireless connection in the event that the second wireless connection fails. In addition, in the event of a failure condition in the second wireless connection, the first wireless connection can be used to establish communication with the one or more wireless devices 20 and perform diagnosis of the failure condition.

[0072] In addition, the system 10 and method 100 can be used to provide out-of-band communication capabilities for streaming services (e.g., WebRTC streaming). Instead of relying on a middleman server to transmit session information between one or more wireless devices 20 and the vehicle communication system 16, the first wireless connection can be used to transmit and negotiate WebRTC video streaming parameters. In an exemplary embodiment, in order to establish a WebRTC stream, the WebRTC video streaming parameters must be negotiated between the vehicle communication system 16 and the one or more wireless devices 20. In a non-limiting example, the WebRTC video streaming parameters include, for example, Session Description Protocol (SDP) information (e.g., metadata describing resolution, format, codec, encryption, etc.), network information, offer and answer message exchanges, error handling protocols / mechanisms, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the first wireless connection can be used to transmit and negotiate WebRTC video streaming parameters for establishing a WebRTC video stream using a second wireless connection.

[0073] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. These variations should not be regarded as departing from the scope and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for managing wireless connections in a vehicle, the system comprising: one or more wireless devices; Vehicle communication systems; as well as a vehicle controller in electrical communication with the vehicle communication system, wherein the vehicle controller is programmed to: determining a selected device among the one or more wireless devices with which to establish a connection using the vehicle communication system; as well as In response to determining the selected device, a wireless connection is established between the selected device and the vehicle communication system.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: To determine the selected device, the vehicle controller is further programmed to: receiving a plurality of signals using the vehicle communication system, wherein the plurality of signals includes at least one signal from each of the one or more wireless devices; determining a received signal strength indication (RSSI) for each of the plurality of signals; determining a connection intent of each of the one or more wireless devices based at least in part on the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals, wherein the connection intent includes: a connection establishment intent and a connection termination intent; determining a device preference for each of the one or more wireless devices; and The selected device is determined based at least in part on the connection intent and the device preferences.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: To determine the connection intent of a first one of the one or more wireless devices, the vehicle controller is further programmed to: comparing the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received from a first one of the one or more wireless devices to a predetermined RSSI threshold; in response to determining that the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received from a first one of the one or more wireless devices is greater than or equal to the predetermined RSSI threshold, determining an RSSI trend of each of the plurality of signals received from the first one of the one or more wireless devices, wherein the RSSI trend comprises at least one of an RSSI increasing trend and an RSSI decreasing trend; In response to determining that the RSSI trend is the RSSI increasing trend, determining the connection intention of the first one of the one or more wireless devices as the connection establishment intention; as well as In response to determining that the RSSI trend is the RSSI decreasing trend, the connection intention of the first one of the one or more wireless devices is determined as the connection termination intention.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: To determine the RSSI trend, the vehicle controller is also programmed to: removing noise from the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received by a first one of the one or more wireless devices using a measurement noise reduction algorithm; generating a fitting curve based on the RSSI of each of the plurality of signals received from a first one of the one or more wireless devices; as well as The RSSI trend is determined based at least in part on the fitted curve.

5. The system according to claim 2, wherein: To determine the device preference for each of the one or more wireless devices, the vehicle controller is further programmed to: recording a plurality of device usage data for each of the one or more wireless devices; as well as The device preference for each of the one or more wireless devices is determined based at least in part on the plurality of device usage data.

6. The system according to claim 2, wherein: To determine the selected device, the vehicle controller is further programmed to: The selected device is determined based at least in part on the connection intent and the device preference, wherein the selected device is one of the one or more wireless devices having a highest device preference and having the connection establishment intent.

7. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The vehicle controller is also programmed to: In response to determining that the connection intent of the second one of the one or more wireless devices is the connection termination intent, a standby message is sent to the second one of the one or more wireless devices.

8. The system according to claim 2, wherein: To establish the wireless connection between the selected device and the vehicle communication system, the vehicle controller is further programmed to: In response to determining the selected device, establishing a first wireless connection between the selected device and the vehicle communication system using a first wireless communication protocol; identifying an activation condition for the selected device; as well as In response to identifying the activation condition, a second wireless connection is established between the selected device and the vehicle communication system using a second wireless communication protocol, wherein at least one connection parameter of the second wireless connection is transmitted using the first wireless connection.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The selected device comprises a wireless camera, and wherein, to identify the activation condition of the selected device, the vehicle controller is further programmed to: receiving a video stream request; and The activation condition is identified in response to receiving the video stream request.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The vehicle controller is also programmed to: transmitting at least one Web Real-Time Communications (WebRTC) video stream parameter to the selected device using the first wireless connection; and A WebRTC video stream is established from the selected device to the vehicle controller based at least in part on the at least one WebRTC video stream parameter, wherein the WebRTC video stream is sent using the second wireless connection.

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