Electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise-free ultra wide band (UWB) antenna integrated lamp assembly

Abstract

A method includes energizing a light source of a vehicle lamp assembly according to a duty cycle. The light source emits light in response to being excited. When the light source is energized and during an off period of the duty cycle, the method includes transmitting an outgoing short-range wireless communication to the user equipment. The outgoing short-range wireless communication is transmitted from an antenna at the vehicle lamp assembly. During an off period of the duty cycle, the method includes receiving incoming short range wireless communications at an antenna at the vehicle lamp assembly. The incoming short-range wireless communication is transmitted from the user equipment in response to the outgoing short-range wireless communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a short-range wireless communication antenna at a vehicle lighting assembly. More specifically, it relates to controlling the operation of the antenna to transmit and receive wireless communication at the antenna, and controlling the operation of the vehicle lighting assembly to emit light from the vehicle lighting assembly, while the electromagnetic interference (EMI) of the vehicle lighting assembly does not affect the wireless communication at the antenna. Background Art

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

[0003] Vehicles are typically equipped with a short-range wireless communication antenna configured to communicate with devices remote from the vehicle via a short-range wireless communication protocol, such as via low frequency (LF) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies. For example, a vehicle communicates via short-range wireless communication with a key fob associated with the vehicle to determine the presence of the key fob at or near the vehicle. Conventionally, these antennas are located at various positions around the vehicle to increase the likelihood that the key fob will be detected, such as in the vehicle door handles. However, this increases the complexity of the vehicle wiring harness and increases the material and maintenance requirements. In addition, the packaging of the antenna and associated electronics within the vehicle structure presents significant challenges.

[0004] To allow a vehicle to communicate more reliably with devices remote from the vehicle via a short-range wireless communication protocol by encapsulating the antenna and associated electronics at optimal locations around the vehicle, and to reduce the wiring harness complexity, the short-range wireless antenna is positioned at or near one or more lighting assemblies of the vehicle. As an installation location, the lighting assembly allows the antenna to have a more continuous sensing range around the vehicle. However, when the lighting assembly is electrically operated to emit light, the EMI from the lighting assembly may interfere with the communication to and from the antenna. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method executed by data processing hardware that causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include exciting a light source of a vehicle lighting assembly according to a duty cycle. The light source emits light in response to being excited. While exciting the light source, and during an off-cycle of the duty cycle, the operations include sending an outgoing short-range wireless communication to a user device. The outgoing short-range wireless communication is sent from an antenna at the vehicle lighting assembly. During the off-cycle of the duty cycle, the operations include receiving an incoming short-range wireless communication at the antenna at the vehicle lighting assembly. The incoming short-range wireless communication is sent from the user device in response to the outgoing short-range wireless communication.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the operation further includes adjusting the duty cycle from a first duty cycle to a zero (0)% duty cycle while activating the light source. In these embodiments, transmitting the first short-range wireless communication and receiving the second short-range wireless communication occur during the zero (0)% duty cycle of the duty cycle. In further embodiments, the operation further includes adjusting the duty cycle to the first duty cycle in response to receiving an incoming short-range wireless communication.

[0007] In some examples, the light source of the vehicle lamp assembly is activated in response to determining that the user device is present at a distance less than a first threshold distance from the vehicle lamp assembly. In further examples, an outgoing short-range wireless communication is sent to the user device in response to determining that the user device is present at a distance less than a second threshold distance from the vehicle lamp assembly. The second threshold distance is less than the first threshold distance.

[0008] In some aspects, the light source includes a light-emitting diode (LED) disposed on a circuit element. In further aspects, an antenna is disposed on the circuit element.

[0009] In some embodiments, the antenna includes a conductive trace disposed at one of the following: (i) the light guide of the vehicle lamp assembly, (ii) the reflector of the vehicle lamp assembly, (iii) the housing of the vehicle lamp assembly, and (iv) the border of the vehicle lamp assembly. In further embodiments, at least a portion of the conductive trace forms a graphic design at the light guide or reflector of the vehicle lamp assembly.

[0010] In some examples, the outgoing short-range wireless communication and the incoming short-range wireless communication include ultra-wideband (UWB) communication.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system including data processing hardware and memory hardware communicatively coupled to the data processing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include activating a light source of a vehicle lamp assembly according to a duty cycle. The light source emits light in response to being activated. While activating the light source and during the off period of the duty cycle, the operations include sending an outgoing short-range wireless communication to a user device. The outgoing short-range wireless communication is sent from an antenna at the vehicle lamp assembly. During the off period of the duty cycle, the operations include receiving an incoming short-range wireless communication at the antenna at the vehicle lamp assembly. The incoming short-range wireless communication is sent from the user device in response to the outgoing short-range wireless communication. Aspects of the present invention may include one or more of the following optional features.

[0012] In some embodiments, the operation further includes adjusting the duty cycle from a first duty cycle to a zero (0)% duty cycle while activating the light source. In these embodiments, transmitting the first short-range wireless communication and receiving the second short-range wireless communication occur during the zero (0)% duty cycle of the duty cycle.

[0013] In some examples, a light source of a vehicle light assembly is energized in response to determining that a user device is present at a distance less than a first threshold distance from the vehicle light assembly. In these examples, an outgoing short-range wireless communication is sent to the user device in response to determining that the user device is present at a distance less than a second threshold distance from the vehicle light assembly. The second threshold distance is less than the first threshold distance.

[0014] In some aspects, the light source includes a light-emitting diode (LED) disposed on a circuit element. An antenna is disposed on the circuit element.

[0015] In some embodiments, the antenna includes a conductive trace disposed at one of: (i) an optical waveguide of the vehicle light assembly, (ii) a reflector of the vehicle light assembly, (iii) a housing of the vehicle light assembly, and (iv) a bezel of the vehicle light assembly.

[0016] In some examples, the outgoing short-range wireless communication and the incoming short-range wireless communication include ultra-wideband (UWB) communication.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle that includes a light assembly, data processing hardware disposed at the light assembly, and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware. The light assembly includes a light-emitting diode (LED) disposed on a circuit element, an optical waveguide, and a reflector. The memory hardware stores instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include energizing a light source of the vehicle light assembly according to a duty cycle. The light source emits light in response to being energized. While energizing the light source and during an off-cycle of the duty cycle, the operations include sending an outgoing ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communication to a user device. The outgoing UWB wireless communication is sent from an antenna at the vehicle light assembly. During the off-cycle of the duty cycle, the operations include receiving an incoming UWB wireless communication at the antenna at the vehicle light assembly. The incoming UWB wireless communication is sent from the user device in response to the outgoing UWB wireless communication. Aspects of the present invention may include one or more of the following optional features.

[0018] In some embodiments, the operations further include, while energizing the light source, adjusting the duty cycle from a first duty cycle to a zero (0) % duty cycle. In these embodiments, sending the first UWB wireless communication and receiving the second UWB wireless communication occur during the zero (0) % duty cycle in the duty cycle.

[0019] In some examples, a light source of a vehicle light assembly is energized in response to determining that a user device is present at a distance less than a first threshold distance from the vehicle. In these examples, an outgoing UWB wireless communication is sent to the user device in response to determining that the user device is present at a distance less than a second threshold distance from the vehicle. The second threshold distance is less than the first threshold distance.

[0020] In some aspects, the antenna includes a conductive trace disposed at one of the following: (i) a circuit element, (ii) an optical waveguide, (iii) a reflector, (iv) a housing of a lamp assembly, and (v) a border of a lamp assembly.

[0021] Details of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a lamp assembly housing a corresponding antenna for sending and receiving short-range wireless communication between the vehicle and a user device associated with the vehicle.

[0024] Figure 2A is a plan view of a lamp assembly having an antenna configured to send and receive short-range wireless communication, the antenna being disposed at a circuit element that houses a light source of the lamp assembly.

[0025] Figure 2B is a plan view of another lamp assembly having an antenna disposed at an optical waveguide of the lamp assembly.

[0026] Figure 2C is a plan view of another lamp assembly having an antenna disposed at a reflector of the lamp assembly.

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a power and control module that operates a light source and an antenna of a lamp assembly.

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of short-range wireless communication between a vehicle and a user device.

[0029] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a vehicle window on which a welcome message is projected.

[0030] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a vehicle on which a welcome message is projected onto the ground along one side of the vehicle.

[0031] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example method of controlling the operation of a light source and an antenna at a lamp assembly.

[0032] Figure 8 is a flowchart of another example method of controlling the operation of a light source and an antenna at a lamp assembly.

[0033] In all the figures, corresponding reference numerals denote corresponding parts. Detailed Description

[0034] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither the specific details nor the example configurations should be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may also be intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0036] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, intervening elements or layers may not be present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms do not imply an order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary configuration.

[0038] In this application, including the definitions below, the term module may be replaced by the term circuit. The term "module" may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a portion thereof, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuits; digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuits; combinational logic circuits; field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); processors (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute code; memories (shared, dedicated, or group) that store code executed by the processors; other suitable hardware components that provide the functions; or some or all of the combinations of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0039] The term code as used above may include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term shared processor includes a single processor that executes portions or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group processor includes a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term shared memory includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group memory includes a memory that, in combination with additional memories, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term memory may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium does not include transient electrical and electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium, and thus may be considered tangible non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0040] The devices and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0041] A software application (i.e., software resource) can refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application program", "app", or "program". Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0042] A non-transitory memory can be a physical device for temporarily or permanently storing programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. A non-transitory memory can be a volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as a boot program). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and magnetic disks or tapes.

[0043] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language and / or assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a memory, a programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives the machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0044] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These different implementations can include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, at least one input device, and at least one output device, the programmable processor can be dedicated or general-purpose, and is coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to send data and instructions to, a storage system.

[0045] The processes and logical flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. These processes and logical flows can also be performed by special purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). By way of example, processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include or be operatively coupled to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from or transfer data to the mass storage device, or both. However, a computer need not have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and storage devices, including by way of example semiconductor storage devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0046] To provide for interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor, or touch screen, for displaying information to the user, and a keyboard and a pointing device, such as a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide for interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input received from the user may be in any form, including sound, speech, or tactile input. Additionally, a computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a client device of the user in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0047] Referring now to the drawings and the illustrated configurations described therein, vehicle 100 is associated with vehicle 100 ( Figure 1)communicate with the associated user device 10, such as a key fob, a mobile device, or a smartwatch. For example, the vehicle 100 communicates wirelessly with the user device 10 to send and receive signals via a short-range wireless communication protocol to determine the presence of the user device 10 at or near the vehicle 100. Based on determining the presence of the user device 10 at or near the vehicle 100, the vehicle 100 can initiate a welcome sequence (e.g., electrically operate a welcome light at the vehicle 100), allow use of a keyless entry system (e.g., based on determining the presence of the user device 10 at or near the vehicle 100, such as at or near a door of the vehicle 100 or within a threshold distance of the vehicle 100, the vehicle 100 is unlocked), etc. For example, the vehicle 100 communicates with the user device 10 via one or more short-range wireless communication protocols, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Low Frequency (LF), and Ultra-Wideband (UWB).

[0048] Although described herein as utilizing the UWB communication protocol, it should be understood that the vehicle 100 can communicate with the user device 10 via one or more suitable short-range wireless communication protocols, such as those listed above. UWB is a short-range wireless communication protocol that uses high-bandwidth radio waves to increase application possibilities and security levels compared to similar radio technologies. UWB communication provides highly accurate and robust positioning within a range of 10 centimeters or less in a multipath environment, prevents relay attacks, and provides low latency and high data rates of up to 100 megabits per second or higher. In addition, UWB communication allows for real-time updates at a rate of up to 1000 times per second or higher. To enable UWB communication between the vehicle 100 and the user device 10, one or more UWB transceivers and / or antennas are positioned at the vehicle 100 and the user device 10.

[0049] The vehicle 100 includes one or more light assemblies 200, 200a-c that house transceivers and / or antennas to enable short-range wireless communication with the user device 10. Since the light assemblies 200 are mounted at or near each corner region of the vehicle 100, the light assemblies 200 provide a superior location for sending and receiving short-range wireless communication with the user device 10 within a generally continuous region around the vehicle 100. That is, the front and rear lights can provide the most suitable locations for short-range wireless communication transceivers and / or antennas at the vehicle 100 to communicate with the user device 10. In addition, housing electronic components to enable short-range wireless communication at the light assemblies 200 reduces the complexity of the vehicle wiring harness, resulting in less material and simpler assembly.

[0050] Because short-range wireless communication is often sent between the vehicle 100 and the user device 10 during operation of the lamp assembly 200 (e.g., when the lamp assembly 200 is electrically operated to provide welcome lighting when a user approaches the vehicle 100), the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated during operation of the lamp assembly 200 has a risk of causing communication errors between the vehicle 100 and the user device 10, such as an increase in the block error rate (BLER). In other words, the EMI from the light source and / or controller of the lamp assembly 200 may cause communication failures of the short-range wireless communication transceiver and / or antenna at the lamp assembly 200. Therefore, as further described below, the operation of the lamp assembly 200 and the communication between the vehicle 100 and the user device 10 are synchronized or otherwise controlled relative to each other to provide UWB communication without EMI noise between the vehicle 100 and the user device 10. For example, to avoid interference during operation of the lamp assembly 200, the antenna is operated to send an outgoing short-range wireless transmission during the off cycle of the duty cycle that powers the lamp assembly 200.

[0051] Reference Figure 2A , the lamp assemblies 200, 200a include one or more light sources 202, 202a disposed at circuit elements such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) 204, 204a, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). When electrically operated, the LEDs 202a emit light along light pipes 206, 206a, which in turn direct the light through light guides 208, 208a. The lamp assembly 200a may also include reflectors 210, 210a for directing the light from the lamp assembly 200a to illuminate an area at or near the vehicle 100, such as the area in front of the vehicle 100 when the lamp assembly 200a provides the headlight of the vehicle 100. In some examples, the one or more LEDs 202a, light pipes 206a, light guides 208a, and reflectors 210a are housed between the housing and the lens of the lamp assembly 200a (not shown), such that the housing can be mounted at the vehicle 100, and the light emitted by the LEDs 202a can be directed along the light pipe 206a through the light guide 208a and directed by the reflector 210a through the lens to illuminate an area near the vehicle 100. The lens can be attached to the housing by a bezel surrounding the lens.

[0052] In Figure 2AIn the example shown, the UWB transceivers 212, 212a and the UWB antennas 214, 214a are disposed at the PCB 204a and configured to transmit and receive UWB short-range wireless communications with the user device 10. That is, the UWB transceiver 212a and the UWB antenna 214a are disposed at the PCB 204a that houses the LED 202a. Optionally, the UWB transceiver 212a and / or the UWB antenna 214a are disposed at another PCB housed by the lamp assembly 200a, separate from and remote from the LED PCB 204a. The UWB transceiver 212a generates UWB communications transmitted from the vehicle 100 via the UWB antenna 214a at the PCB 204a. In addition, the antenna 214a receives UWB communications that can be converted into an electrical signal via the UWB transceiver 212a. For example, the UWB antenna 214a includes a trace or other suitable conductor disposed at the PCB 204a.

[0053] The lamp assembly 200a is electrically connected to a power source 316 at the vehicle 100, for example, by being connected to a wiring harness of the vehicle 100, to energize the light source 202a and the UWB transceiver 212a at the lamp assembly 200a. Based on the electrical signal from the power source 316, the UWB transceiver 212a generates short-range wireless communications that are transmitted from the vehicle 100 via the UWB antenna 214a. A control module or controller 318 of the vehicle 100 controls the current from the power source 316 to the lamp assembly 200a. Thus, when the light source 202a of the lamp assembly 200a is electrically operated to emit light and illuminate an area at or near the vehicle 100, current from the power source 316 is provided to the LED 202a at the PCB 204a, and when the UWB transceiver 212a is electrically operated to transmit UWB communications via the antenna 214a, current from the power source 316 is provided to the UWB transceiver 212a at the PCB 204a to generate a signal from the antenna 214a at the PCB 204a.

[0054] Reference Figure 2B, the lamp assemblies 200, 200b include one or more light sources or LEDs 202, 202b disposed at circuit elements such as PCBs 204, 204b. The LED 202b emits light along light pipes 206, 206b when electrically operated, and the light pipes 206, 206b in turn direct the light through light guides 208, 208b. The lamp assembly 200b further includes reflectors 210, 210b for directing light from the lamp assembly 200b to illuminate an area at or near the vehicle 100. The lamp assembly 200b may include a housing and a lens (not shown), and the components of the lamp assembly 200b are accommodated between the housing and the lens. Thus, the housing can be mounted at the vehicle 100, and the light emitted by the LED 202b can be directed along the light pipe 206b through the light guide 208b and directed by the reflector 210b through the lens to illuminate an area near the vehicle 100.

[0055] In Figure 2B the example shown, UWB transceivers 212, 212b are disposed at the PCB 204b, while UWB antennas 214, 214b are disposed at the light guides 208b. The UWB transceivers 212b and the UWB antennas 214b are configured to transmit and receive UWB short-range wireless communication with the user device 10. That is, the UWB transceiver 212b is disposed at the PCB 204b that houses the LED 202b and is electrically connected to the UWB antenna 214b that is disposed away from the PCB 204b and on the surface of the light guide 208b. The UWB transceiver 212b generates UWB communication transmitted from the vehicle 100 via the UWB antenna 214b at the light guide 208b. In addition, the antenna 214b receives UWB communication that can be converted into an electrical signal via the UWB transceiver 212b. For example, the UWB antenna 214b includes conductive traces or other suitable conductors embedded or otherwise disposed on the surface of the light guide 208b.

[0056] Since the electrical traces or conductors of the light guide 208b and the UWB antenna 214b can be seen by a person viewing the lamp assembly 200b, the UWB antenna 214b can be stylized or otherwise configured to appear as a pattern, graphic design, icon, logo, text mark, etc. on the surface of the light guide 208b. A portion of the UWB antenna 214b may include virtual or non-conductive traces 220, 220b such that the conductive and non-conductive portions 220b of the UWB antenna 214b cooperate to form a graphic design, and the form or shape of the graphic design does not affect the transmission characteristics of the UWB antenna 214b.

[0057] The lamp assembly 200b is electrically connected to a power source 316 at the vehicle 100 for energizing the light source 202b and the UWB transceiver 212b at the lamp assembly 200b. Based on an electrical signal from the power source 316, the UWB transceiver 212b generates short-range wireless communication transmitted from the vehicle 100 via the UWB antenna 214b, and a control module 318 of the vehicle 100 controls the current from the power source 316 to the lamp assembly 200b. Thus, when the light source 202b of the lamp assembly 200b is electrically operated to emit light, current from the power source 316 is supplied to the LED 202b at the PCB 204b, and when the UWB transceiver 212b is electrically operated to transmit UWB communication via the antenna 214b, current from the power source 316 is supplied to the UWB transceiver 212b at the PCB 204b to generate a signal from the antenna 214b disposed at the light guide 208b.

[0058] Reference Figure 2C , the lamp assemblies 200, 200c include one or more light sources or LEDs 202, 202c disposed at circuit elements such as PCBs 204, 204c. The LED 202c emits light along the light pipes 206, 206c when electrically operated, and the light pipes 206, 206c in turn guide the light through the light guides 208, 208c. The lamp assembly 200c also includes reflectors 210, 210c for guiding the light from the lamp assembly 200c to illuminate an area at or near the vehicle 100. The lamp assembly 200c may include a housing and a lens (not shown), and the components of the lamp assembly 200c are accommodated between the housing and the lens. Thus, the housing can be mounted at the vehicle 100, and the light emitted by the LED 202c can be guided along the light pipe 206c through the light guide 208c and guided by the reflector 210c through the lens to illuminate an area near the vehicle 100.

[0059] In Figure 2C the example shown, the UWB transceivers 212, 212c are disposed at the PCB 204c, while the UWB antennas 214, 214c are disposed at the reflector 210c. The UWB transceiver 212c and the UWB antenna 214c are configured to transmit and receive UWB short-range wireless communication with the user device 10. That is, the UWB transceiver 212c is disposed at the PCB 204c that houses the LED 202c and is electrically connected to the UWB antenna 214c disposed away from the PCB 204c and on the surface of the reflector 210c. The UWB transceiver 212c generates UWB communication transmitted from the vehicle 100 via the UWB antenna 214c at the reflector 210c. In addition, the antenna 214c receives UWB communication that can be converted into an electrical signal via the UWB transceiver 212c. For example, the UWB antenna 214c includes conductive traces or other suitable conductors embedded or otherwise disposed on the surface of the reflector 210c.

[0060] Because the electrical traces or conductors of the reflector 210c and the UWB antenna 214c can be seen by a person viewing the lamp assembly 200c, the UWB antenna 214c can be stylized or otherwise configured to appear as a pattern, graphic design, icon, logo, text mark, etc. at the surface of the reflector 210c. A portion of the UWB antenna 214c may include virtual or non-conductive traces 220, 220c such that the conductive and non-conductive portions 220c of the UWB antenna 214c cooperate to form a graphic design, and the form or shape of the graphic design does not affect the transmission characteristics of the UWB antenna 214c.

[0061] The lamp assembly 200c is electrically connected to a power source 316 at the vehicle 100 for energizing the light source 202c and the UWB transceiver 212c at the lamp assembly 200b. Based on an electrical signal from the power source 316, the UWB transceiver 212c generates short-range wireless communications transmitted from the vehicle 100 via the UWB antenna 214c, and a control module 318 of the vehicle 100 controls the current from the power source 316 to the lamp assembly 200c. Thus, when the light source 202c of the lamp assembly 200c is electrically operated to emit light, current from the power source 316 is provided to the LED 202c at the PCB 204c, and when the UWB transceiver 212c is electrically operated to transmit UWB communications via the antenna 214c, current from the power source 316 is provided to the UWB transceiver 212c at the PCB 204c to generate a signal from the antenna 214c disposed at the reflector 210c.

[0062] Accordingly, the lamp assembly 200 includes a UWB transceiver 212 that generates UWB wireless communications for transmission from an antenna 214 at the lamp assembly 200. The antenna 214 may be disposed at any suitable location at or near the lamp assembly 200, such as at the PCB 204 that houses the LED 202, at the light guide 208, at the reflector 210, at the surface of the housing, at the surface of the lens, and / or at the surface of the bezel of the lamp assembly 200. Mounting the antenna 214 at the light guide 208 and / or the reflector 210 may further reduce the packaging of the antenna 214 and the controller or transceiver 212. Additionally, the virtual antenna portion or non-conductive portion 220 of the antenna 214 may be disposed at the light guide 208 and / or the reflector 210 to stylize the illumination appearance of the light guide 208 and / or the reflector 210. Because the operation of the light source 202 generates EMI that may affect communications to and from the antenna 214, the operation of the light source 202 and the UWB transceiver 212 and / or the UWB antenna 214 is controlled by a common control unit 318 of the vehicle 100 to synchronize the operation of the light source 202 and the UWB antenna 214, thereby avoiding interference with the UWB communications to and from the antenna 214.

[0063] ReferenceFigure 3 During the operation of the LED 202, the power supply 316 drives current to the LED 202 to excite the LED 202 to emit light from the lamp assembly 200. According to the duty cycle 322, the light source 202 is excited via pulse width modulation (PWM), such as minimum loss discontinuous (MLD) PWM, where current is driven to the light source 202 during the on period 324 of the duty cycle 322, and current is not driven to the light source 202 during the off period 326 of the duty cycle 322. For example, the light source 202 can be excited by a current with a PWM frequency of 100 Hz, 105 Hz, 210 Hz, 420 Hz, etc., and the duty cycle 322 is between 0% and 8%, 93%, 100%, etc.

[0064] When the LED 202 is excited, EMI noise may interfere with the signal from the antenna 214. For example, since UWB communication typically transmits between 3 GHz and 5 GHz, EMI noise above -174 dBm may cause communication errors between the antenna 214 and the user equipment 10.

[0065] To avoid communication errors between the vehicle 100 and the user equipment 10 during the operation of the lamp assembly 200 (e.g., during the illumination of the welcome lamp), the control module 318 controls the antenna 214 to transmit the output UWB wireless communication 402 during the off period 326 of the duty cycle 322 that excites the light source 202. That is, if the LED 202 is excited by a current according to a 50% duty cycle 322, the LED 202 emits light in response to being excited by a 50% on period 324, and the antenna 214 transmits the output wireless communication during the 50% off period 326. During the off period 326, no EMI noise interferes with the communication to and from the antenna 214.

[0066] In some examples, such as Figure 3As shown, the control module 318 can determine or predict the transmission of the outgoing wireless communication 402 from the vehicle 100. For example, based on initially determining that a user device 10 exists at or near the vehicle 100, the control module 318 can start tracking the position of the user device 10 relative to the vehicle 100 by sending an output UWB communication 402 to the user device 10 and receiving an input UWB communication 404 from the user device 10. To accommodate the outgoing UWB communication 402, the control module 318 establishes a PWM hold 328 in the duty cycle 322, and the PWM hold 328 causes the duty cycle 322 to be adjusted to a zero (0)% duty cycle 322. During the zero (0)% duty cycle 322, no EMI noise interferes with the outgoing UWB communication 402 and any incoming UWB communication 404. The control module 318 can release the PWM hold 328 after receiving the incoming UWB communication 404 to adjust the duty cycle 322 to the original duty cycle 322 (e.g., 50%). Optionally, the PWM hold 328 can adjust only one cycle of the duty cycle 322 to the zero (0)% duty cycle 322. Thus, any interruption in the illumination from the lamp assembly 200 is visually imperceptible. During the off cycle 326 of the duty cycle 322 and / or the PWM hold 328, the outgoing UWB communication 402 is synchronized with the duty cycle 322 to be transmitted from the antenna 214.

[0067] Reference Figure 4 , the speed of the UWB communication between the vehicle 100 and the user device 10 allows the outgoing UWB communication 402 to be transmitted from the vehicle 100 to the user device 10 within one off cycle 326 of the duty cycle 322 and / or the PWM hold 328, and the incoming UWB communication 404 from the user device 10 to be received at the vehicle 100. For example, when the user device 10 is 3 meters or closer to the vehicle 100, it may take 10 nanoseconds for the outgoing UWB communication 402 to propagate from the vehicle 100 to the user device 10. The user device 10 may take 400 nanoseconds to receive the outgoing communication 402 and generate the incoming communication 404. The incoming UWB communication 404 may take 10 nanoseconds to propagate from the user device 10 to the vehicle 100, such that the total cycle time may be 420 nanoseconds or less. Thus, during the off cycle 326 of the duty cycle 322 and / or the PWM hold 328, the EMI noise from the operation of the LED 202 does not interfere with the transmission or reception of the UWB communication.

[0068] Accordingly, the control module 318 (e.g., a central controller or an electronic control unit (ECU)) controls the operation of the light source 202 and the UWB transceiver 212 and / or the UWB antenna 214 at the light assembly 200 to illuminate an area at or near the vehicle 100 and to send and receive short-range wireless communications to and from the user device 10 without EMI noise from the operation of the light source 202 affecting the communications. The control module 318 includes data processing hardware and memory hardware that communicates with the data processing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions that are executed on the data processing hardware to perform operations. For example, the memory hardware stores instructions for controlling the operation of the light source and the UWB antenna simultaneously to avoid EMI noise interfering with the operation of the UWB antenna, such as according to method 700 and / or Figure 7 method 800 as further discussed below. Figure 8

[0069] Referring Figure 1 , when the user device 10 approaches the vehicle 100, the control module 318 can control the operation of the light source 202 and the antenna 214 at the light assembly 200. For example, the vehicle 100 can passively search for the user device 10 by intermittently or routinely sending short-range wireless communications within the range of the vehicle 100. Based on receiving the short-range wireless communication from the vehicle 100, the user device 10 associated with the vehicle 100 sends a return communication, such that the vehicle 100 can determine the presence and / or relative position of the user device 10 at or near the vehicle 100. In response to determining the presence of the user device 10 at or near the vehicle 100, the control module 318 can energize the light source 202 (e.g., initiate a welcome sequence and illuminate an area at or near the vehicle 100) and initiate further outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 from the vehicle 100. In some examples, the vehicle 100 sends short-range wireless communications via a first protocol (e.g., BLE) when the light source 202 is not operating and via a second protocol (e.g., UWB) when the light source 202 is operating.

[0070] ​Vehicle 100 may continue to send an outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 to user device 10 during operation of light source 202 to track the position of user device 10 relative to vehicle 100. For example, when user device 10 is determined to be within first region 110 or closer than a first threshold distance (e.g., less than 20 meters or closer, less than 15 meters or closer, less than 10 meters or closer, etc.), control module 318 may energize light source 202 to illuminate an area at or near vehicle 100 to provide welcome lighting. That is, light source 202 is energized in response to determining that user device 10 is present at a distance less than first threshold distance 110 from vehicle 100 or lamp assembly 200. After powering on light source 202, control module 318 may continue to track the position of user device 10 using a first protocol (e.g., BLE), and based on determining that user device 10 is present within second region 112 or closer than a second threshold distance less than the first threshold distance (e.g., less than 10 meters or closer, less than 5 meters or closer, less than 3 meters or closer, etc.), control module 318 may send an outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 via a second protocol (UWB) to determine a more precise position of user device 10 relative to vehicle 100. During the off cycle 326 of duty cycle 322 of light source 202, an outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 is sent from antenna 214.

[0071] Optionally, determining that user device 10 is present within second region 112 may cause the vehicle to initiate a second stage of a welcome sequence. For example, graphical image 502 may be projected onto window 102 of vehicle 100 or displayed on a display screen at or near window 102 of vehicle 100 to provide a welcome message ( Figure 5 ). In some examples, a graphical image or carpet lighting 602 may be projected onto the ground on one side of vehicle 100 to provide a welcome message ( Figure 6 ).

[0072] Figure 7A flowchart of an example operational arrangement of a method 700 for controlling the operation of a light source 202 and a UWB antenna 214 at a light assembly 200 is provided. Data processing hardware of a control module 318 can execute instructions stored on a memory to cause the data processing hardware to perform the operations of method 700. At operation 702, method 700 includes exciting a light source 202 of a vehicle light assembly 200 according to a duty cycle 322. The light source 202 emits light in response to being excited. Method 700 includes, at operation 704, while exciting the light source 202 and during an off cycle 326 of the duty cycle 322, sending an outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 to a user device 10. The outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 is sent from an antenna 214 at the light assembly 200. At operation 706, method 700 includes receiving an incoming short-range wireless communication 404 at an antenna 214 at the light assembly 200 during the off cycle 326 of the duty cycle 322. The incoming short-range wireless communication 404 is sent from the user device 10 in response to the outgoing short-range wireless communication 402.

[0073] Figure 8A flowchart of an exemplary operational arrangement of another method 800 for controlling the operation of the light source 202 and the UWB antenna 214 at the lamp assembly 200 is provided. The data processing hardware of the control module 318 can execute instructions stored on the memory to cause the data processing hardware to perform the operations of method 800. At operation 802, method 800 begins when the user device 10 approaches the vehicle 100. At operation 804, method 800 includes determining the distance between the user device 10 and the vehicle 100. During operation 804, method 800 can determine the distance between the user device 10 and the vehicle 100 via short-range wireless communication using a first protocol (e.g., BLE). Compared to UWB, using the first short-range wireless communication protocol (e.g., BLE) has low power consumption but also provides lower accuracy and communication speed. At operation 806, method 800 includes determining whether the user device 10 is within a first region or a first threshold distance 110 from the vehicle 100. If the user device 10 is not within the first threshold distance 110 from the vehicle 100, method 800 continues to use the first short-range wireless communication protocol to determine the distance between the user device 10 and the vehicle 100. If the user device 10 is within the first threshold distance 110 from the vehicle 100, method 800 initiates a welcome sequence at operation 808, e.g., by actuating the light source 202 at the lamp assembly 200. At operation 810, method 800 includes determining whether the user device 10 is within a second region or a second threshold distance 112 that is less than the first threshold distance 110 from the vehicle 100. During operation 810, method 800 can use the first protocol via short-range wireless communication to determine the distance between the user device 10 and the vehicle 100. If the user device 10 is not within the second threshold distance 112 from the vehicle 100, method 800 continues to use the first short-range wireless communication protocol to determine the distance between the user device 10 and the vehicle 100. If the user device 10 is within the second threshold distance 112 from the vehicle 100, method 800 transmits an outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 to the user device 10 at operation 812 using a second short-range wireless communication protocol (e.g., UWB).

[0074] In other words, at operation 812, method 800 includes transmitting the outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 to the user device 10 while actuating the light source 202. The outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 is transmitted from the antenna 214 at the headlamp assembly 200. As shown at operation 814, method 800 includes adjusting the duty cycle 322 of actuating the light source 202 to zero (0)% duty cycle 322, e.g., using the PWM hold signal 328, such that the outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 is transmitted to the user device 10 during the off cycle 326 of the duty cycle 322 and / or during the PWM hold 328. The zero (0)% duty cycle 322 does not cause a significant interruption in illumination.

[0075] At operation 816, method 800 includes setting a timer to track the response time from user device 10. For example, the timer can be set based on the off period 326 of duty cycle 322 and / or the length of PWM hold 328 such that a return signal from user device 10 can be received during the off period 326 of duty cycle 322 and / or PWM hold 328. At operation 818, method 800 determines whether the time has expired. If the timer has expired, method 800 can adjust duty cycle 322 to a normal duty cycle 322 to energize LED 202, for example, by removing PWM hold 328, and method 800 returns to step 804 and continues to determine the distance between user device 10 and vehicle 100 using the first short-range wireless communication protocol. If the time has not expired, method 800 determines at operation 820 whether an incoming short-range wireless communication 404 has been received from user device 10. The incoming short-range wireless communication 404 is received at antenna 214 at lamp assembly 200 from user device 10. If the incoming short-range wireless communication 404 has not been received, method 800 returns to step 818 until the timer expires or the incoming short-range wireless communication 404 is received. If the incoming short-range wireless communication 404 is received, method 800 adjusts duty cycle 322 to a normal duty cycle 322 to energize LED 202, for example, by removing PWM hold 328, at operation 822. At operation 824, method 800 includes performing functions of vehicle 100 based on UWB communication and / or the proximity of user device 10 to vehicle 100, such as performing a digital key or keyless entry function for unlocking the vehicle, generating a welcome image 502 at window 102 of vehicle 100, generating a welcome image 602 on the ground at or near vehicle 100, etc.

[0076] Accordingly, lamp assembly 200 having short-range wireless communication antenna 214 provides an exterior lighting lamp assembly 200 capable of performing UWB communication using antenna 214 mounted at lamp assembly 200 without EMI effects. UWB antenna 214 is integrated with reflector 210 or light guide 208 or circuit element 204 at lamp assembly 200 in each corner area of vehicle 100 to obtain optimal communication performance, i.e., antenna 214 is not affected by EMI. The duty cycle 322 for energizing LED 202 is controlled such that a UWB outgoing communication signal 402 is generated during the off period 326 of the PWM duty cycle 322 to prevent EMI problems in communication. In addition, vehicle 100 can include a monitoring system that utilizes BLE to initiate welcome lighting at vehicle 100 when user device 10 is determined to be at a first distance 110 from vehicle 100. UWB communication is initiated during illumination of light source 202 and when user device 10 is determined to be at a second distance 112 from vehicle 100.

[0077] Numerous embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

[0078] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description has been provided. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. This can also vary in many ways. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method performed by data processing hardware, the method causing the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising: energizing a light source of the vehicle lamp assembly according to a duty cycle, the light source emitting light in response to being energized; while the light source is energized and during an off period of the duty cycle, transmitting an outgoing short-range wireless communication to a user device, the outgoing short-range wireless communication being transmitted from an antenna at the vehicle light assembly; as well as During the off period of the duty cycle, an incoming short range wireless communication is received at an antenna at the vehicle light assembly, the incoming short range wireless communication being sent from a user device in response to the outgoing short range wireless communication.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The operation also includes, while energizing the light source, adjusting the duty cycle from a first duty cycle to a 0% duty cycle; and Transmitting the first short-range wireless communication and receiving the second short-range wireless communication occur during a 0% duty cycle in the duty cycle.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The operations also include, in response to receiving an incoming short-range wireless communication, adjusting the duty cycle to a first duty cycle.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: A light source of the vehicle light assembly is activated in response to determining that the user device is present at a distance from the vehicle light assembly that is less than a first threshold distance.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: In response to determining that the user device is present at a distance from the vehicle light assembly that is less than a second threshold distance, an outgoing short-range wireless communication is sent to the user device, the second threshold distance being less than the first threshold distance.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The light source includes a light emitting diode (LED) disposed on a circuit element.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The antenna is disposed on the circuit element.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The antenna includes a conductive trace disposed at one of: Light guides for vehicle lamp assemblies; Reflectors for headlight assemblies; Housings for vehicle lamp assemblies; and The frame of the headlight assembly.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: At least a portion of the conductive traces form a graphic design at a light guide or reflector of the vehicle light assembly.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The outgoing short-range wireless communication and the incoming short-range wireless communication include ultra-wideband (UWB) communication.

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