Method and system for operating a vehicle navigation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle navigation system, in which vehicles of a fleet are divided into vehicle groups depending on antenna characteristics associated with a terrestrial radio network. The vehicles of the fleet ascertain the positions of the measurement sites and the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network at different measurement sites. The vehicles of the fleet each generate signal data for each of the measurement sites and transmit the signal data to the rear end, the signal data corresponding to the position of the measurement site, the vehicle group of the vehicles performing the transmission, and the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network at the measurement site. The back end processes the signal data to generate, for each of the groups of vehicles, a network coverage map specific to antenna characteristics of the respective group of vehicles. A navigation system of at least one of the vehicles of the fleet performs a navigation function based on a network coverage map of a group of vehicles assigned to the at least one vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle navigation system. The invention also relates to a system for operating a vehicle navigation system. Background Art

[0002] Methods for generating network coverage maps, for example of mobile radio networks or other terrestrial radio networks, are known from the prior art. Such network coverage maps are usually created by mobile radio providers using simulations, for which generally common antenna characteristics are assumed. However, methods are also known in which network coverage maps are created by analyzing mobile radio data of mobile terminals. Network coverage maps can be used, for example, to prevent or counteract disconnections.

[0003] DE 10 2016 206 527 A1 discloses a method in which a plurality of vehicles measure the local field strength of a radio network in order to generate a dynamic field strength profile that is used to detect local disturbances in the radio network so that media content can be played back with improved acoustic quality.

[0004] DE 10 2016 221 986 A1 discloses a method in which the communication of a mobile device via a mobile communication system is adapted based on earlier usage data. Based on the estimated position of the mobile device on a path it has traversed several times, communication restrictions are ascertained and the communication of the mobile device is adapted accordingly.

[0005] Furthermore, EP 2 965 301 B1 discloses a method in which a network coverage map is determined by crowdsourcing. The network coverage map determined in this way is used to determine a navigation route. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to specify a method and a system for operating a vehicle navigation system which are improved compared to the prior art.

[0007] This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and by a system having the features of the independent method claim. Advantageous further developments are given in the dependent claims.

[0008] In the proposed method for operating a vehicle navigation system, the vehicles of a fleet are divided into vehicle groups according to antenna characteristics associated with a terrestrial radio network. The vehicles of the fleet determine the position of the measurement location and the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network at different measurement locations. The vehicles of the fleet generate signal data for each of the measurement locations and transmit the signal data to a back end, the signal data corresponding to the position of the measurement location, the vehicle group of the transmitting vehicles, and the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network at the measurement location. The back end processes the signal data in order to generate a network coverage map for each of the vehicle groups that is specific to the antenna characteristics of the corresponding vehicle group. The navigation system of at least one of the vehicles of the fleet performs a navigation function based on the network coverage map of the vehicle group assigned to the at least one vehicle.

[0009] The vehicle can determine the position of the corresponding measuring location, in particular when using a global satellite navigation system. The accuracy of the position determination can be further increased by using dead reckoning. The navigation function can, for example, consist in identifying so-called radio dead spots, i.e. areas with insufficient network coverage, so that these radio dead spots can be avoided by the at least one vehicle. This makes it possible for the occupants of the at least one vehicle to, for example, play media data, make calls or hold video conferences via a broadband network connection without interruption during the entire journey. For automated or autonomous vehicles, a permanent connection to the radio network is sometimes safety-related.

[0010] According to the invention, it has now been recognized that the quality of the network coverage map can be significantly improved if vehicle-specific antenna characteristics are assumed instead of generic antenna characteristics. Therefore, in the proposed method, the vehicles of the fleet are divided into vehicle groups according to their antenna characteristics, so that vehicles with similar antenna characteristics are divided into the same vehicle group. Therefore, the network coverage map created by means of the proposed method is specific to the vehicles of one of the vehicle groups. This means that when using the network coverage map, radio dead spots can be determined, for example, vehicle-specifically, so that radio dead spots are not determined at locations where the vehicle still has a sufficient connection to the radio network due to its antenna characteristics, only because another vehicle or mobile terminal device may not be able to establish a sufficient connection at this location. This constitutes an improvement over the prior art, because it is thus possible to produce highly accurate network coverage maps and, for example, to determine driving routes with high network coverage with great accuracy. In addition, the number of switching processes between terrestrial radio networks and non-terrestrial networks can also be optimized, thereby reducing downtimes and reconnection times. This reduces the overall data rate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the navigation system, as a navigation function, ascertains the driving route of the at least one vehicle such that the network coverage on the driving route is optimized, in particular maximized. In this text, optimized network coverage on the driving route in particular means that there are as few restrictions as possible for the connection between the at least one vehicle and the radio network on the ascertained driving route, for example due to radio dead spots or other areas with restricted connectivity. Thus, the navigation function consists, for example, in ascertaining a driving route for which there is as stable a connection as possible to the radio network in general. A stable connection to the radio network along the driving route has the advantages mentioned above. The driving route can lead from the starting point of the at least one vehicle to a destination, which is defined, for example, by a passenger.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the navigation system, as a navigation function, ascertains the driving route of the at least one vehicle such that the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network on the driving route is higher than a predetermined limit value. If the driving route is determined in this way, the network coverage on the driving route is optimized in the sense of this text. In other words, if the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network is higher than a predetermined limit value, the connection quality between the at least one vehicle and the radio network is considered to be good. If a connection with good connection quality cannot be established between the at least one vehicle and the radio network at a location, then that location has poor network coverage or no network coverage at all. As an alternative to or in addition to the signal strength and / or signal quality, other parameters of the radio network can be considered in this embodiment and all other embodiments to characterize the connection quality. Examples of such additional parameters will be mentioned and described in connection with further embodiments below.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the navigation system, as a navigation function, ascertains at least one point of interest along the driving route of the at least one vehicle for which the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network is higher than a predetermined limit value. Alternatively or additionally, if the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network at the point of interest being approached is lower than a predetermined limit value, the navigation system, as a navigation function, can output a corresponding output to the passengers of the at least one vehicle. The point of interest can in particular be a parking lot, a gas station or a charging infrastructure, such as a charging station. In order to, for example, be able to download media data for an upcoming journey, the at least one vehicle must be parked at a location where it can establish a connection to the radio network with good connection quality. Thus, the navigation system informs the passengers about points of interest with good connection quality, filters out points of interest with poor connection quality and / or warns the passengers that the point of interest being approached has no or only poor network coverage. In addition to this, the navigation system can also inform the passengers about alternative options in the vicinity with better connection quality.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the navigation system as a navigation function determines that a connection failure will occur on the driving route of the at least one vehicle if the signal strength and / or the signal quality of the radio network along the driving route ahead of the at least one vehicle falls below a predetermined limit value. The driving route is in particular a predicted driving route ahead of the at least one vehicle, for example based on earlier use of the vehicle or use data of other vehicles in the fleet. In this embodiment, the navigation system determines whether a connection failure will occur. Based on this information, a series of measures can then be taken to prevent or counteract a connection failure, which measures will be described below with the aid of further embodiments.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the navigation system issues a corresponding warning or a corresponding prompt to the occupants of the at least one vehicle if a connection failure is detected on the driving route of the at least one vehicle. In this embodiment, the navigation system warns the occupants before an impending radio dead point. The occupants can then, based on this information, for example, choose another route in order to be able to continue making a call, or manually preload media content in order to be able to continue consuming media content without interruption.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the navigation system determines the duration of the connection failure and issues a notification to the occupants of the at least one vehicle, which informs the occupants about the duration of the connection failure. Knowing the duration of the connection failure enables the occupants to make an informed decision, i.e., how they want to deal with the expected radio dead spot. For example, if the expected connection failure duration is only short, the occupants can interrupt their phone calls or media consumption. In the case of a longer connection failure duration, the occupants can, for example, choose a different driving route.

[0017] In a further embodiment, if a connection failure is detected on the driving route of the at least one vehicle, data, in particular media data, are preloaded into the at least one vehicle from a processing unit remote from the at least one vehicle. In this embodiment, if a radio dead point is imminent, data, in particular media data for media playback, are preloaded into the at least one vehicle. This enables, for example, uninterrupted media playback during driving.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the navigation system switches at least one vehicle function from the terrestrial radio network to the satellite radio network as a navigation function if a driving route section in which the signal strength and / or the signal quality of the radio network is below a predetermined limit value is approaching. In this embodiment, the connection of the vehicle function is transferred from the terrestrial radio network to the satellite radio network in order to ensure an uninterrupted connection. In this embodiment, the use of a vehicle-specific network coverage map has the additional advantage that the transfer to the satellite radio network is only made when the vehicle can no longer establish a connection via the terrestrial radio network according to the existing network coverage map. This can save costs in particular, since connections via satellite radio networks are usually very expensive. Since the transfer is planned and not only carried out when the connection fails, the transfer can also be carried out without interrupting connectivity. In addition, the switching processes required for the transfer are also reduced.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the vehicles of the fleet each additionally determine the network technology, data rate and / or number of disconnections of the radio network at the measuring location and transmit them to the backend as part of the signal data. The aforementioned parameters provide further information about the quality of the connection between the terrestrial radio network and the vehicle. This additional information can be used, for example, to be able to predict connection failures even more reliably. In addition, the aforementioned parameters can be used in the proposed method as an alternative or in addition to the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network in order to characterize the quality of the connection between the at least one vehicle and the radio network.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the vehicles of the fleet are divided into vehicle groups based on the antenna characteristics of the vehicle models of the respective vehicles to be divided. In particular, vehicle models with comparable antenna characteristics can be divided into the same vehicle group. The antenna characteristics of the vehicle models can be measured on representative vehicles or determined by simulation, for example.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a system for operating a vehicle navigation system. The system comprises a navigation system of at least one vehicle of a fleet and a back end. The vehicles of the fleet are divided into vehicle groups according to antenna characteristics associated with a terrestrial radio network. The vehicles of the fleet are also configured to ascertain the position of the measurement location and the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network at different measurement locations, generate signal data for each of the measurement locations and transmit the signal data to the back end, the signal data corresponding to the position of the measurement location, the vehicle group of the transmitting vehicle, and the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network at the measurement location. The back end is configured to process the signal data so as to generate a network coverage map specific to the antenna characteristics of the corresponding vehicle group for each of the vehicle groups. The navigation system of the at least one vehicle is configured to perform navigation functions based on the network coverage map of the vehicle group assigned to the at least one vehicle.

[0022] The system has the same advantages as the claimed method. In particular, the system can be further configured using the features of the dependent claims directed to the method. Furthermore, the above method can be further configured using the features described in this text in conjunction with the system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is shown in the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram shows a system for operating a vehicle navigation system; and

[0025] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method for operating a vehicle navigation system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram shows a system 100 for operating a vehicle navigation system.

[0027] The system 100 is used for operating a navigation system 102 of at least one vehicle 104 based on a network coverage map of a terrestrial radio network 106. The network coverage map is created by the system 100 itself with the aid of signal data crowdsourced by the vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the fleet. The fleet is divided into vehicle groups 112, 114, which respectively include vehicles 104, 108, 110, each of which has comparable antenna characteristics in relation to the radio network 106. It is therefore possible for the system 100 to create a network coverage map that is specific to the antenna characteristics of the vehicle groups 112, 114, respectively. In addition to the navigation system 102 of the at least one vehicle 104, the system 100 comprises a backend 116, which processes the signal data in order to create the network coverage map. The at least one vehicle 104 is also part of one of the vehicle groups 112, 114, even if for the sake of clarity this is not shown in FIG. Figure 1 This is not shown in .

[0028] The vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the convoy are each configured to determine at least the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network 106 at different measurement locations. The vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the convoy can also be configured to determine other parameters that characterize the quality of the connection between the respective vehicle 104, 108, 110 and the radio network 106. Such parameters can be, for example, the network technology of the radio network 106, the data rate and / or the number of disconnections at the respective measurement location. In addition, the vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the convoy are each configured to determine the geographical location of the measurement location, for example with the aid of a global satellite navigation system. In order to increase the accuracy of the position determination, the vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the convoy can additionally be configured to determine the geographical location of the measurement location using dead reckoning. At least the ascertained parameters characterizing the quality of the connection between the respective vehicle 104, 108, 110 and the radio network 106, the geographical location of the measurement location and the vehicle group 112, 114 of the transmitting vehicle 104, 108, 110 form the signal data. The vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the motorcade are also designed to transmit the signal data to a backend 116. The transmission of the signal data can take place in particular via the radio network 106. If one of the vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the motorcade is unable to transmit the signal data at the measurement time, the signal data can be stored by the vehicle and transmitted at a later time.

[0029] The back end 116 is configured to receive and process signal data of the vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the fleet in order to generate a network coverage map. To this end, the back end 116 is connected to the vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the fleet, for example, via the radio network 106. This enables the back end 116 to update the network coverage map almost in real time. Alternatively or additionally, the signal data can also be transmitted to the back end 116 at a later time point than the measurement time point, for example when the transmitting vehicle 104, 108, 110 is parked and connected to the home network. The back end 116 combines the signal data, for example, with map data, in order to create its own specific network coverage map for each vehicle group in the vehicle groups 112, 114. These vehicle group-specific network coverage maps are provided by the back end 116 to the navigation system 102 of the at least one vehicle 104.

[0030] The navigation system 102 of the at least one vehicle 104 is configured to perform a navigation function based on a network coverage map of the vehicle groups 112, 114 assigned to the at least one vehicle 104. The navigation function may, for example, consist in determining a driving route for the at least one vehicle 104, on which the signal strength and / or the signal quality of the radio network 106 do not fall below predetermined limit values. It can thus be ensured that no disconnections occur along the driving route thus determined. The navigation function may also consist in determining whether a disconnection is expected along the driving route of the at least one vehicle 104. If a disconnection is expected, media data, for example for media playback in the at least one vehicle 104, may be preloaded into the vehicle from a remote processing unit 118 in order to ensure uninterrupted media playback. Reference will be made hereinafter to Figure 2 The navigation function is also described in more detail.

[0031] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method for operating a vehicle navigation system is shown.

[0032] The method starts in step S200. In step S202, the vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the fleet are divided into vehicle groups according to their antenna characteristics in relation to the radio network 106. The division is carried out in such a way that vehicles 104, 108, 110 with similar antenna characteristics are divided into the same vehicle groups 112, 114. In the sense of the present text, two vehicle antennas have similar antenna characteristics if they have similar spatial orientations and are arranged at comparable locations on the vehicles 104, 108, 110. This is the case, for example, for vehicle antennas of vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the same type or the same vehicle model.

[0033] In step S204, the vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the fleet ascertain at different measurement locations not only the geographical location of the measurement location, but also at least one parameter characterizing the connection quality of the connection between the vehicle 104, 108, 110 and the radio network 106. These parameters can be, for example, the signal strength and / or the signal quality of the radio network 106 at the measurement location. In step S206, the vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the fleet each generate signal data, which signal data include at least the location of the measurement location, the vehicle group 112, 114 of the transmitting vehicle 104, 108, 110 and the value of the parameter characterizing the connection quality. Also in step S206, the vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the fleet transmit the signal data to the backend 116. Steps S204 and S206 are performed continuously so that the connection quality can be determined at as many different measurement locations as possible and this information is always kept in real time.

[0034] In step S208, the backend 116 processes the signal data in order to generate a network coverage map for each of the vehicle groups. The network coverage map is therefore specific to the antenna characteristics of the respectively assigned vehicle group 112, 114. Based on the network coverage map assigned to one of the vehicle groups 112, 114, locations can be classified according to their connection quality between the vehicles 104, 108, 110 of the assigned vehicle group 112, 114 and the radio network 106.

[0035] In step S210, the navigation system 102 of the at least one vehicle 104 performs a navigation function based on a network coverage map of the vehicle group 112, 114 assigned to the at least one vehicle 104. For example, the navigation system 102 ascertains whether a connection failure is expected on the driving route of the at least one vehicle 104. To this end, the navigation system 102 determines, for example, whether there are radio dead spots along the driving route, i.e., locations where no connection or only a poor connection can be established between the at least one vehicle 104 and the radio network 106. The driving route can be, for example, a driving route that is input into the navigation system 102 by an occupant of the at least one vehicle 104. Alternatively, the navigation system 102 can also be configured to predict, i.e., to forecast, the future driving route of the at least one vehicle 104. Such a forecast can be made, for example, based on previous use of the vehicle and / or based on usage data, which, like the signal data, have been crowdsourced by the vehicles 104, 108, 110 in the fleet. Based on the predicted driving route, navigation system 102 as a navigation function can, for example, warn the occupants before an impending connection failure or initiate a vehicle function such as voice or video telephony, for example, switching to a satellite radio network when a connection failure is imminent.

[0036] In another example, navigation system 102 first determines, based on a network coverage map of vehicle group 112, 114 assigned to at least one vehicle 104, that a connection failure is expected on the driving route of at least one vehicle 104. Navigation system 102 then determines an estimated duration of the connection failure, for example taking into account the current speed of the vehicle or a speed predicted for the location of the connection failure. Navigation system 102 then informs the passengers of the estimated duration of the connection failure via a corresponding output.

[0037] As a navigation function, the navigation system 102 can also determine points of interest with a minimum connection quality, which is predetermined or can be determined by the passenger, for example. Points of interest can be parking lots or charging stations, in particular. This allows the passenger to park the at least one vehicle 104 at a location where it can be connected to the radio network 106 and, for example, preload media data for the trip.

[0038] The method then ends in step S212 .

[0039] In reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the depicted embodiment, at least the navigation system 102 and the backend 116 constitute the system 100 for operating a vehicle navigation system. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Other elements and features shown in and mentioned in the preceding description may be part of the system 100. Likewise, method steps described with reference to the system 100 may be part of the claimed method.

[0040] Reference numerals list

[0041] 100 systems

[0042] 102 Navigation System

[0043] 104 vehicles

[0044] 106 Radio Network

[0045] 108, 110 vehicles

[0046] 112, 114 vehicle group

[0047] 116 Backend

[0048] 118 processing units

Claims

1. A method for operating a vehicle navigation system, wherein: a) dividing the vehicles of the convoy into vehicle groups (112, 114) based on antenna characteristics associated with a terrestrial radio network (106); b) the vehicles (104, 108, 110) of the fleet ascertain at different measurement locations the location of the measurement location and the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network (106); c) the vehicles (104, 108, 110) of the fleet generate signal data for each of the measurement locations and transmit the signal data to a backend (116), the signal data corresponding to the location of the measurement location, the vehicle group (112, 114) of the transmitting vehicles, and the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network (106) at the measurement location; d) a back end (116) processing the signal data to generate, for each of the vehicle groups (112, 114), a network coverage map specific to the antenna characteristics of the respective vehicle group (112, 114); and e) A navigation system (102) of at least one of the vehicles (104, 108, 110) of the fleet performs a navigation function based on a network coverage map of the vehicle group (112, 114) assigned to the at least one vehicle (104).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The navigation system (102) as a navigation function determines a driving route of the at least one vehicle (104) such that network coverage on the driving route is optimized, in particular maximized.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The navigation system (102) as a navigation function determines a driving route of the at least one vehicle (104) such that a signal strength and / or a signal quality of a radio network (106) on the driving route is above a predetermined limit value.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The navigation system (102) as a navigation function determines at least one point of interest along a driving route of the at least one vehicle (104), for which the signal strength and / or the signal quality of the radio network (106) is above a predetermined limit value.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The navigation system (102) as a navigation function determines that a connection failure has occurred on the driving route of the at least one vehicle (104) if the signal strength and / or the signal quality of a radio network (106) along the driving route ahead of the at least one vehicle (104) falls below a predetermined limit value.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: If it is determined that a connection failure will occur on the driving route of the at least one vehicle (104), the navigation system (102) issues a corresponding warning or a corresponding prompt to the occupants of the at least one vehicle (104).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The navigation system (102) determines the duration of the connection failure and issues a notification to an occupant of the at least one vehicle (104), which informs the occupant about the duration of the connection failure.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: If it is determined that a connection failure will occur on the driving route of the at least one vehicle (104), data, in particular media data, are preloaded into the at least one vehicle (104) from a processing unit remote from the at least one vehicle (104).

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The navigation system (102) switches at least one vehicle function from the terrestrial radio network (106) to the satellite radio network as a navigation function if a driving route section is approaching in which the signal strength and / or the signal quality of the radio network (106) is below a predetermined limit value.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The vehicles (104, 108, 110) of the motorcade each additionally determine the network technology, data rate and / or number of disconnections of the radio network (106) at a measuring location and transmit the network technology, data rate and / or number of disconnections of the radio network as part of the signal data to a backend (116).

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Vehicles (104, 108, 110) of a fleet are divided into vehicle groups (112, 114) based on antenna characteristics of vehicle models of the respective vehicles to be divided.

12. A system (100) for operating a vehicle navigation system, comprising: a navigation system (102) and a backend (116) of at least one vehicle of the fleet, The vehicles (104, 108, 110) of the fleet are divided into vehicle groups (112, 114) according to antenna characteristics related to a terrestrial radio network (106) and are configured to determine the position of the measurement location and the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network (106) at different measurement locations, generate signal data for each of the measurement locations, and transmit the signal data to a backend (116), the signal data corresponding to the position of the measurement location, the vehicle group (112, 114) of the transmitting vehicle, and the signal strength and / or signal quality of the radio network (106) at the measurement location; wherein the backend (116) is configured to process the signal data in order to generate a network coverage map for each of the vehicle groups (112, 114) that is specific to the antenna characteristics of the respective vehicle group (112, 114); and The navigation system (102) of the at least one vehicle (104) is designed to perform a navigation function based on a network coverage map of a vehicle group (112, 114) assigned to the at least one vehicle (104).

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