Method of facilitating communication over mesh communication network inside vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to a method of facilitating communication over a vehicle internal mesh communication network, for example, to a computer-implemented method for controlling operation of an internal mesh communication network for a vehicle, comprising receiving data indicative of a plurality of passengers seated within a vehicle. The computer-implemented method also includes assigning a passenger identification (ID) to each passenger of the plurality of passengers based on the received data. The computer-implemented method also includes receiving a communication request from a first passenger of the plurality of passengers. The communication request indicates at least one passenger ID of at least one other passenger of the plurality of passengers. The computer-implemented method also includes establishing a bi-directional communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger in response to the at least one other passenger providing a positive communication agreement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the automotive field. More specifically, this disclosure relates to facilitating communication between passengers in various vehicles on an internal mesh communication network used in vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] For a long time, travel in vehicles such as motor vehicles, trains, buses, airplanes, and ships has involved conversations between passengers within the vehicle. However, conversations within a vehicle can present unique challenges that are not typically encountered when communicating in a fixed location. Road noise often drowns out sounds and noises, requiring repetition. Most vehicles include at least two seats that are not facing each other, forcing a passenger to turn around or look back to be heard. Operators, drivers, captains, and others have always had to maintain a high level of concentration to operate the vehicle, which further complicates communication during travel. Furthermore, passengers conversing usually have to speak softly to avoid disturbing or waking other passengers. Therefore, even getting the attention of other passengers to begin a conversation is a challenge. Entertainment and media played within the vehicle can further distract attention, and background noise can also increase the difficulty of communication.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a system and related methods for vehicles, as well as a control system, that can overcome the above-mentioned limitations.

[0004] This background information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the systems and methods disclosed herein can also be implemented in other contexts. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an internal mesh communication network for a vehicle, as well as related operating methods and control systems, that overcome the limitations of the prior art. This disclosure provides an internal mesh communication network and related systems and computer-implemented methods for controlling the operation of the internal mesh communication network.

[0006] Implementations of the disclosed systems and methods facilitate communication between vehicle passengers who wish to converse. Passenger identification modules and related method elements can identify the vehicle's passengers, the number of passengers, and / or assign identifiers (passenger IDs) based on data indicating passengers (e.g., vehicle sensor data and / or data retrieved from passengers' personal devices). Such determinations can be made using appropriate artificial intelligence algorithms and / or by comparing the passenger traits or characteristics indicated by the data with passenger profiles. The passenger identification modules and related method elements can utilize passenger data and the above determinations to generate a visual identifier of the current vehicle passenger map, and this visual identifier serves as a graphical user interface in various implementations.

[0007] If the target passengers (one or more) consent to communication, the communication module and related method elements can receive a communication request from the initiating passenger, indicating one or more target passengers or their passenger IDs, and establish a bidirectional communication link between the relevant passengers. For example, the communication request may include interface input via vehicle hardware (touchscreen, button, dial pad, etc.), interface input via mobile device hardware, and / or verbal statements. In response to the communication request, the communication module and related method elements can call the target passengers (one or more) using the vehicle or mobile device hardware. For example, a tone may be played and / or the volume may be gradually increased until the target passenger responds (e.g., consents) to bidirectional communication. During the call to the target passengers (one or more) and / or bidirectional communication, media, songs, videos, etc., may be paused, run in the background, or have their volume reduced. Bidirectional communication is typically provided via one or more microphones, speakers, cameras, and / or displays integrated with the vehicle, and / or via the passenger's mobile device.

[0008] To achieve the foregoing and other objects and advantages, in one aspect, the subject matter relates to a non-transient computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored in at least one memory, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform steps. These steps include receiving data indicating multiple passengers seated within a vehicle. These steps also include assigning a passenger identifier (ID) to each of the multiple passengers based on the received data. These steps further include receiving a communication request from a first passenger among the multiple passengers. The communication request indicates at least one passenger ID of at least one other passenger among the multiple passengers. These steps also include establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger in response to the at least one other passenger providing affirmative communication consent.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, these steps may further include determining the number of passengers seated within the vehicle and the position of each passenger relative to a preset passenger seat availability based on the received data. In additional or alternative embodiments, these steps may further include generating a visual marker of the current vehicle passenger map via at least one display integrated with the vehicle, based on the determined position of each passenger relative to the preset passenger seat availability and a passenger ID assigned to each passenger. Additionally or alternatively, receiving a communication request from a first passenger among the plurality of passengers may include vehicle interface input associated with at least one display integrated with the vehicle and indicating at least one passenger ID of at least one other passenger among the plurality of passengers relative to the current vehicle passenger map. In additional or alternative embodiments, receiving a communication request from the first passenger among the plurality of passengers may include a natural language statement indicating at least one passenger ID of the at least one other passenger among the plurality of passengers. In some such embodiments or different embodiments, artificial intelligence algorithms may be used to assign a passenger ID to each of the plurality of passengers.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the received data may also indicate at least one passenger trait of at least one of the plurality of passengers. In such an implementation, assigning a passenger ID to each of the plurality of passengers may include comparing the received data indicating at least one passenger trait of the at least one passenger with multiple passenger profiles and identifying at least one passenger profile associated with the data indicating at least one passenger trait of the at least one passenger. Additionally or alternatively, assigning a passenger ID to each of the plurality of passengers may include assigning the at least one passenger profile to at least one of the plurality of passengers based on the identified association between the at least one passenger and the at least one passenger profile.

[0011] In some additional or alternative embodiments, establishing a two-way communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger may include establishing a two-way communication link between at least a first microphone and a first speaker associated with a first seat in the vehicle where the first passenger is seated, and at least a second microphone and a second speaker associated with a second seat in the vehicle where the second passenger is seated. The second passenger may be included among the at least one other passenger. Additionally or alternatively, the two-way communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger may include a two-way video communication link.

[0012] In further or different implementations, these steps may also include calling at least one other passenger to obtain communication consent in response to a communication request. Additionally or alternatively, calling at least one other passenger to obtain communication consent may include requesting communication consent via at least one mobile device associated with at least one other passenger. In some such implementations, the request for communication consent may pause any media playing on at least one mobile device and provide the request for communication consent to at least one other passenger via at least one mobile device.

[0013] In a further or alternative embodiment, the received data may further indicate at least one mobile device associated with at least one of the multiple passengers seated within the vehicle. In an additional or alternative embodiment, establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger may include establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger.

[0014] In an additional or alternative aspect, this subject matter relates to a system for controlling the operation of an internal mesh communication network for a vehicle. The system includes a passenger identification module comprising instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the passenger identification module to assign a passenger identifier (ID) to each of the plurality of passengers based on data indicating that the passengers are seated within the vehicle. The system also includes a communication module comprising instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the communication module to receive a communication request from a first passenger among the plurality of passengers. The communication request indicates at least one passenger ID of at least one other passenger among the plurality of passengers. The instructions of the communication module, when executed by the processor, also cause the communication module to establish a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger in response to the at least one other passenger providing affirmative communication consent.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the instructions of the passenger identification module, when executed by the processor, may further cause the passenger identification module to determine the number of passengers seated in the vehicle and the position of each passenger relative to a preset passenger seat availability based on data indicating multiple passengers seated within the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the instructions of the passenger identification module, when executed by the processor, may further cause the passenger identification module to generate a visual identifier of the current vehicle passenger map via at least one display integrated with the vehicle, based on the determined position of each passenger relative to the preset passenger seat availability and the passenger ID assigned to each passenger. In an additional or alternative embodiment, receiving a communication request from a first passenger among the multiple passengers may include vehicle interface input, which is associated with at least one display integrated with the vehicle and indicates at least one passenger ID of at least one other passenger among the multiple passengers in the current vehicle passenger map.

[0016] In additional or alternative embodiments, establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and at least one other passenger may include establishing a bidirectional communication link between at least a first microphone and a first speaker associated with a first seat in the vehicle occupied by the first passenger, and at least a second microphone and a second speaker associated with a second seat in the vehicle occupied by the second passenger. The second passenger may be included among the at least one other passenger. Additionally or alternatively, when instructions from the communication module are executed by the processor, the communication module may further cause itself to call at least one other passenger in response to a communication request to obtain communication consent.

[0017] In some further or different embodiments, data indicating multiple passengers seated within the vehicle may further indicate at least one mobile device associated with at least one of the multiple passengers seated within the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and at least one other passenger may include establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger. Additionally or alternatively, calling at least one other passenger to obtain communication consent may include requesting communication consent via at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger. In some such embodiments, a request for communication consent may pause any media playing on at least one mobile device and provide the request for communication consent to the at least one other passenger via the at least one mobile device.

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the above features and configurations, or any combination thereof.

[0019] Other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, and some of these features, aspects, and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this description, or will be recognized by practice of the invention described herein. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present various embodiments of the invention and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the claimed nature and features of the invention. The accompanying drawings are provided for further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The complete and feasible disclosure of the present invention, including its best mode, is set forth in the specification for those skilled in the art, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an internal mesh communication network and associated control system for a vehicle according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic logic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system for controlling the operation of an internal mesh communication network for a vehicle, according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention, is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling the operation of a mesh communication network for a vehicle, according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention, is shown;

[0024] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of a visual sign for a current vehicle passenger mapping is shown according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a network for implementing various cloud-based services according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 The invention illustrates aspects of the subject matter that can be used... Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of a cloud-based system or a standalone server; and

[0027] Figure 7 The invention illustrates aspects of the subject matter that can be used... Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of a cloud-based system or a standalone user device.

[0028] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that aspects of the illustrated embodiments can be used in any combination without limitation. Reference characters repeatedly used in this specification and drawings are intended to denote the same or similar features or elements of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments described herein. Each example is provided to explain the invention rather than to limit it. In fact, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce another embodiment. It is conceivable that other embodiments may perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

[0030] Exemplary implementations are provided to make this disclosure both comprehensive and complete, to fully convey the scope of the invention, and to enable those skilled in the art to make, use, and practice the invention. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or preferred over other embodiments.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” “communicationally coupled to,” and “operationally coupled to” refer to both direct coupling, fixing, attachment, communication coupling, and operation coupling, and indirect coupling, fixing, attachment, communication coupling, and operation coupling through one or more intermediate components or features. “Communicationally coupled to” and “operationally coupled to” can refer to physically and / or electrically related components.

[0032] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of the components. Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references.

[0033] Throughout the specification and claims, approximate language is used to modify any quantitative expression that allows for variation without altering its underlying function. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms (e.g., "about," "approximately," and "substantially") are not limited to specified exact values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value, or the precision of the method or machine used to construct or manufacture the component and / or system. For example, approximate language may refer to a range of 1%, 2%, 4%, 10%, 15%, or 20%.

[0034] Throughout this specification and claims, scope limitations are combined and interchangeable; these scopes are identified and include all subscopes contained herein, unless the context or language otherwise indicates. For example, all scopes disclosed herein include endpoints, and endpoints may be independently combined with each other.

[0035] Furthermore, implementations of the disclosed systems and methods facilitate communication between passengers in various vehicles who wish to communicate. The passenger identification module and related method elements can identify (or recognize) the passengers of a vehicle, the number of passengers, and / or assign passenger identifiers (passenger IDs) based on data indicating passengers (e.g., vehicle sensor data and / or data retrieved from passengers' personal devices). Such determinations can be made using appropriate artificial intelligence algorithms and / or by comparing passenger traits or characteristics indicated by the data with passenger profiles. The passenger identification module and related method elements can utilize passenger data and the above determinations to generate a visual marker mapping the current vehicle passengers, and this visual marker serves as a graphical user interface in various implementations.

[0036] If the target passenger consents to communication, the communication module and related method elements can receive a communication request from the initiating passenger, indicating one or more target passengers or their passenger IDs, and establish a two-way communication link between the passengers. For example, the communication request may include interface input via vehicle hardware (touchscreen, button, dial pad, etc.), interface input via mobile device hardware, and / or verbal statements. In response to the communication request, the communication module and related method elements can call the target passenger using the vehicle or mobile device hardware. For example, a tone may be played and / or the volume may be gradually increased until the target passenger responds (e.g., consents) to the two-way communication. During the call to the target passenger and / or the two-way communication, media, songs, videos, etc., may be paused, run in the background, or have their volume reduced. Two-way communication can typically be provided via one or more microphones, speakers, cameras, and / or displays integrated with the vehicle and / or via the passenger's mobile device.

[0037] Current general reference Figure 1 The present invention illustrates schematic diagrams of exemplary embodiments of a system for controlling the operation of an internal mesh communication network for a vehicle. As shown, a vehicle (e.g., a vehicle) 10 may typically include a system (system 100) for controlling and / or managing the operation of the internal mesh communication network and / or one or more microphones 16 and speakers 18, as described herein. For example, system 100 may include microphones 16 and speakers 18 disposed in the vehicle 10 for each seat assembly 11.

[0038] Although Figure 1Each seat assembly 11 is equipped with a dedicated microphone 16, but some vehicles 10 and / or systems 100 may not include a microphone for each seat assembly 11. For example, only a portion of the seat assemblies 11, such as some but not all of the rear seat assemblies 11, may be equipped with a dedicated microphone 16. In some embodiments, adjacent seat assemblies 11 may share a microphone 16 and / or speaker 18 configured for use with the embodiments of system 100 described herein. Furthermore, at least some passengers seated (or occupied) within vehicle 10, such as passengers in each seat assembly 11, may possess mobile devices 20 (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, laptops, MP4 / MP3 audio devices, etc.). Embodiments of system 100 disclosed herein may utilize passengers' mobile devices (one or more) 20 to determine passenger identification (or identity) and / or establish a two-way communication link between passengers of vehicle 10. It should be understood that the microphones and / or speakers associated with the vehicle 10 and / or mobile device 20 may include headphones, earplugs or the like used in connection with such devices, such as wireless headphones that are communicatively coupled to the control unit 22 or the mobile device 20.

[0039] In some embodiments, vehicle 10 may be an electric vehicle having electrical components (e.g., a battery) for propelling vehicle 10. Alternatively, vehicle 10 may be configured with a rear- or front-mounted internal combustion engine. In other embodiments, vehicle 10 may be configured as a hybrid vehicle powered by petroleum products (e.g., gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, etc.) and electricity. It should be understood that the exemplary vehicle(s) 10 shown and described herein are merely examples, and in other exemplary embodiments, vehicle 10 may have any other suitable configuration, including, for example, any other suitable number of rows of seats, rows of doors, etc., and associated microphones 16, speakers 18, and / or mobile devices 20 for some and at most all of the seat assemblies 11. Additionally or alternatively, in other exemplary embodiments, any other suitable power source may be provided. For example, vehicle 10 may include a liquid or gaseous hydrogen-powered engine, a gas turbine engine, an inboard motor, an outboard motor, etc.

[0040] While embodiments of vehicle 10 herein may be shown or described as motor vehicles, it should be recognized that this disclosure is equally applicable to any other form of transportation (e.g., trains, rotorcraft, fixed-wing aircraft, ships, buses, passenger rail vehicles, public transportation, amusement park / carriages, etc.) in which an internal mesh communication network is desired or required to facilitate communication links between at least two passengers of the vehicle (e.g., passengers separated by a middle passenger, seat 11, rows of seats 11, other obstacles, etc.). Therefore, regardless of the type, design, or model of the powertrain of vehicle 10, vehicle 10 may include or be used with embodiments of system 100 as described herein.

[0041] As shown in the figure, the vehicle 10 and / or system 100 may also include a control unit 22 (e.g., an electronic control unit, a plurality of associated control units and / or a combination of one or more processing devices with at least one memory or storage device, as described herein), the control unit 22 being communicatively coupled to one or more microphones(one or more) 16, speakers(one or more) 18 and / or mobile devices(one or more) 20 of one or more seat assemblies 11 (e.g., all of the seat assemblies 11), and configured to direct the operation of one or more such components according to various aspects of this subject matter. Although for simplicity... Figure 1 A single control unit 22 is shown, but it should be understood that control unit 22 may include multiple associated control units configured together to provide operational control of system 100, microphone 16 and / or speaker 18. Control unit 22 may additionally or alternatively facilitate communication between system 100, microphone 16 and / or speaker 18 associated with one or more seat assemblies 11, and mobile device 20.

[0042] Typically, control unit 22 may be configured to receive data indicating passengers of the vehicle, assign passenger identifiers (passenger IDs) based on that data, and establish a bidirectional communication link between a first passenger and at least one other passenger (e.g., one or more target passengers). For example, in response to a communication request from the first passenger indicating a target passenger (e.g., their passenger ID) and a positive communication consent from the target passenger, control unit 22 may control a microphone 16 and / or a speaker 18 associated with the seat assembly 11 of the first passenger and / or the seat assembly 11 of the target passenger to provide a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the target passenger. Additionally or alternatively, control unit 22 may be configured to utilize one or more mobile devices 20 of the first passenger and / or the target passenger (e.g., microphones, speakers, screens, and / or their cameras) to facilitate such bidirectional communication.

[0043] Therefore, as Figure 1As shown, control unit 22 can provide operational control of microphone 16, speaker 18, and / or mobile device 20 associated with one or more seat assemblies 11 of system 100, and / or various additional or alternative components or components associated with vehicle 10 that can be communicatively coupled to vehicle 10, as described in more detail below. Although Figure 1 Some communication links may be shown as joint communication links, but it should be understood that one or more components (e.g., all components) that are communicatively coupled to control unit 22 may have component-specific communication links (e.g., wireless or wired communication links with control unit 22).

[0044] In some embodiments, as shown, the control unit 22 may include one or more external devices 24 or be communicatively coupled to them (e.g., any mobile device 20 described herein). The external devices (one or more) 24 may transmit input to the control unit 22 for operation of the system 100, microphones 16, speakers 18, and / or mobile devices 20 associated with one or more seat assemblies 11. Figure 1 As shown, the external device 24 that is communicatively coupled to the control unit 22 may include one or more remote servers, processing units, storage devices, computing devices, etc. (e.g., one or more remote computing devices 26).

[0045] By applying appropriate algorithms in the control unit 22, the system 100 can be integrated with the rest of the vehicle's systems, whose inputs come from the vehicle transmission 28, the vehicle power supply 30, the infotainment unit or system (infotainment unit 32), one or more passenger sensors 34 (e.g., internal passenger sensors and / or external passenger sensors as shown) and / or one or more external devices 24 and / or outputs to them, such as telecomputing devices 26 and / or mobile devices 20, which include mobile applications and / or cloud applications, and are configured to provide external information to the control unit 22, such as passenger profile information and / or instructions related to the passenger identification module / method, as described in more detail herein.

[0046] In some implementations, in addition to the operation of system 100, microphones 16, speakers 18, and / or mobile devices 20 associated with one or more seat assemblies 11, control unit 22 may also provide useful information to the driver, directly to infotainment unit 32 (e.g., its display), or external device 24 (e.g., its user interface). The user interface of external device 24 and / or infotainment unit 32 may include one or more buttons, switches, touchscreen functions, etc., to allow users, passengers, operators, etc., to transmit input to control unit 22 for at least part of the operation of system 100, microphones 16, speakers 18, and / or mobile devices 20 associated with one or more seat assemblies 11.

[0047] As shown, system 100 and / or vehicle 10 may include one or more seat sensors (e.g., passenger sensors (one or more) 34), such as one seat sensor associated with each seat assembly 11 of vehicle 10. Some embodiments of the seat sensor may include sensors, circuitry, etc., adapted to transmit signals indicating whether the associated seat assembly 11 is occupied or vacant. For example, a suitable seat sensor may be configured to transmit a signal indicating pressure or weight on the seat, which could indicate that the seat assembly 11 is occupied. Additionally or alternatively, a suitable seat sensor may be configured to transmit a signal indicating the use of the associated seat belt, which could indicate that the seat assembly 11 is occupied.

[0048] As shown, the passenger restraint system 100 may include one or more additional or alternative passenger sensors 34, such as one or more internal passenger sensors 34 associated with each seat 11 of the vehicle 10, and / or one or more external passenger sensors (omitted for clarity) for each door or entrance of the vehicle 10. The passenger sensors 34 are generally configured to transmit one or more signals indicating (but not limited to) one or more characteristics of a passenger already seated in the relevant seat assembly 11 of the vehicle 10, one or more characteristics of a potential passenger about to enter the vehicle 10, and / or one or more characteristics of a passenger in the process of sitting in the seat assembly 11. For example, the passenger seat sensor 34 may transmit data indicating (but not limited to) the following: height; skin color; hair color, hair length, hairstyle, or degree of baldness; clothing style; passenger voice and / or manner of speaking; passenger weight or BMI estimate; passenger behavior; passenger physical challenges, disabilities, assistive technologies, injuries, etc.; and / or passenger identity. Passenger sensor 34 may include, but is not limited to, one or more audio sensors, optical sensors, radar sensors (RADAR), lidar sensors (LIDAR), inference sensors, other sensors suitable for sending and / or receiving suitable electromagnetic signals / waves, acoustic sensors, RFID transceivers / receivers, proximity sensors, seat sensors (e.g., weight sensors embedded in or associated with seat 11), etc.

[0049] exist Figure 1 The implementation details regarding the external passenger sensor 34 are omitted. Such external passenger sensors are typically configured to transmit one or more signals indicating (but not limited to) that a passenger has approached the relevant door of the vehicle 10; one or more characteristics of the passenger approaching the door (e.g., height; skin color; hair color, hair length, hairstyle, or degree of baldness; clothing style; passenger voice and / or manner of speaking; passenger weight or BMI estimate; passenger behavior; passenger physical challenges, disabilities, assistive technologies, injuries, etc.; and / or passenger identity).

[0050] Now for reference Figures 2-3 , Figure 2 A schematic logic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system for controlling the operation of an internal mesh communication network for a vehicle, according to various aspects of this subject matter, is shown. Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling the operation of an internal mesh communication network for a vehicle, according to various aspects disclosed in the present invention, is shown. Figure 2 The logic diagram shown (control logic 236) and / or Figure 3The method or process shown (method 348) can be used to control implementations of vehicle 10, system 100, microphone 16, speaker 18, mobile device 20 and / or passenger sensor 34 or associated with them (such as regarding...). Figure 1 (and / or other similarly or suitably configured vehicles, systems, etc.) for controlling the operation of the vehicle's internal mesh communication network, microphones, speakers, mobile devices, and / or passenger sensors. Control logic 236 may include one or more modules comprising instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by the one or more processors to cause the processor to perform the steps, method elements, etc., described herein. For example, elements of control logic 236 and / or method 348 may be at least partially executed by control unit 22 and stored in memory associated with and / or contained in or accessible by vehicle 10.

[0051] As shown in the figure, control logic 236 may include a passenger identification module and / or a method (passenger identification module 240) configured to determine the number of passengers in the vehicle, identify passengers, and / or determine the location of passengers within the vehicle 10, such as the seat assembly 11 associated with each passenger. Such determinations (one or more) may be based on data indicating one or more passenger characteristics (e.g., passenger data 238) from passengers already seated in, about to be seated in, and / or associated with the seat assembly 11 of the vehicle 10. For example, passenger identification module 240 may receive data indicating multiple passengers seated within the vehicle (e.g., method element 350). Method 348 may include and / or passenger identification module 240 may be configured to determine, based on received passenger data 238, the number of passengers seated within the vehicle 10 and / or the location of each passenger relative to a preset passenger seat availability (or availability range).

[0052] In some cases and / or implementations, passenger data 238 may include an indication that system 100 and / or control unit 22 are communicatively coupled to one or more mobile devices 20. The coupling of control unit 22 to mobile device 20 may at least indicate the minimum number of passengers in the vehicle and / or the location of the relevant passenger within vehicle 10 (e.g., for a wired connection between system 100 / vehicle 10 and mobile device 20). In some implementations, the data indicating communication between system 100 and / or control unit 22 and mobile device 20 may not be sufficient on its own to determine the location of the relevant passenger and / or seat assembly 11. However, additional data received from one or more passenger sensors 34 may be sufficient to identify the location of the relevant passenger and / or seat assembly 11, or at least increase the likelihood of finding the correct location or seat 11 within the vehicle. For example, RFID sensors may be used to determine the location of mobile device 20. Additionally or alternatively, triangulation of one or more wireless signals transmitted by each mobile device 20 may be used to determine the location or approximate location of the relevant mobile device 20 within vehicle 10. In some implementations, passenger data 238 may include data retrieved from mobile device 20 indicating the name or nickname of the relevant passenger, the passenger's past or previously indicated preferred seat assembly 11, and / or one or more characteristics of the passenger. It should be understood that appropriate portions of other procedures described herein (e.g., those described below) can be used to address any questions regarding the number, identity, and / or location of passengers identifying vehicle 10.

[0053] In some implementations of control logic 236, passenger data 236 may be transmitted from one or more passenger sensors 34 (e.g., one or more internal passenger sensors and / or external passenger sensors), as described herein, and / or from external devices 24 (e.g., remote computing device 26, mobile device 20 and / or other appropriately configured external computing devices, including mobile applications and / or cloud applications configured to provide external information to control unit 22).

[0054] Method 348 may include and / or passenger identification module 240 may be configured to assign a passenger identifier (ID) to each of the plurality of passengers based on passenger data 238 of passengers seated within vehicle 10, see, for example, method element 352. Alternatively or additionally, artificial intelligence algorithms may be used to assign passenger IDs to passengers (e.g., at least one passenger, at least some passengers, or all passengers).

[0055] In at least one embodiment, the passenger identification module 240 and / or related methods 348 may include one or more artificial intelligence programs or associated therewith. For example, artificial intelligence algorithms may be used and passenger IDs may be assigned to passengers based on passenger data 238, which indicates passenger traits (one or more) of passengers seated in the relevant seat assembly (one or more) 11 of the vehicle 10, one or more traits of one or more potential passengers about to enter the vehicle 10, and / or one or more traits of one or more passengers in the process of taking their seats in the corresponding seat assembly 11 of the vehicle 10.

[0056] Artificial intelligence algorithms (one or more) may include one or more algorithms, programs, modules, etc., suitable for simulating human intelligent behavior or performing tasks that historically required human execution. For example, artificial intelligence algorithms may include, but are not limited to, machine learning algorithms, artificial neural networks, recurrent artificial neural networks, feedforward neural networks, convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, deep neural networks, natural language processing algorithms, long short-term memory networks, inductive logic programming algorithms, support vector machines, clustering algorithms, Bayesian networks, reinforcement learning algorithms, representation learning algorithms, similarity and metric learning algorithms, sparse dictionary learning algorithms, genetic algorithms, k-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithms, decision tree learning algorithms, association rule learning algorithms, etc. Some of the artificial intelligence algorithms described herein can be trained based on training data provided to the artificial intelligence algorithm (through supervised or unsupervised training processes). Therefore, artificial intelligence algorithms can typically be used, at least in part, to determine the number of passengers in vehicle 10, the location of passengers in the vehicle, and the passenger ID of each passenger in the vehicle based on passenger data 238 indicating passenger characteristics.

[0057] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, in some implementations, the passenger identification module 238 may be communicatively coupled to the passenger data storage 241 (e.g., stored in one or more memories, storage devices, or the like described herein). The passenger data storage 241 may include data associated with multiple passenger data 243. Although Figure 2For illustrative purposes, three passenger data sets 243 are included, but it should be understood that the passenger data repository 241 may include data related to a number of additional passenger data sets 243 or fewer passenger data sets 243. In some embodiments, the passenger data repository 241 may include only data related to passenger data sets 243 associated with vehicle 10 and / or the operator, owner, etc. of vehicle 10. However, the passenger data repository 241 may include passenger data sets 243 associated with different vehicles 10 and / or different operators, owners, etc. For example, some embodiments of system 100, control logic 236, and / or related methods 348 may allow access to passenger characteristics of passengers in different vehicles indicated by passenger data sets 243 and stored in the joint or main passenger data repository 241. Additionally or alternatively, passenger data may be retrieved from one or more suitable telecomputing devices 26, one or more mobile devices of passengers, one or more storage devices included in vehicle 10, and / or one or more storage devices included in one or more other appropriately configured vehicles. In some additional or alternative embodiments, passenger trait data stored in passenger data repository 241 and / or associated with passenger data 243 may be used to train a suitable artificial intelligence algorithm for passenger identification module 240.

[0058] In some embodiments, the passenger identification module 240 may compare passenger data 238 indicating passenger characteristics with multiple passenger profiles 243 and identify passenger profiles 243 associated with the passenger data 238 indicating passenger characteristics to determine the passenger ID and / or the seat assembly 11 occupied or to be occupied by the passenger. For example, the passenger identification module 240 may make such a determination based on passenger behavior history indicated by the passenger data 238 indicating passenger characteristics and the relevant passenger profiles 243 associated with the corresponding passenger. In some embodiments, the passenger behavior history data indicated by the passenger profiles 243 may include preferred seat assemblies 11 previously used or indicated by the passenger and / or specific doors previously used by such passengers. Therefore, in various embodiments, assigning a passenger identity ID to a passenger of the vehicle 10 may include assigning and determining a name, nickname, etc., associated with the passenger profiles 243 associated with the passenger in question.

[0059] Still referencing Figure 4Exemplary implementations of visual signs (or indicators) for a current vehicle passenger mapping (or correspondence) are shown according to various aspects of this subject matter. The visual sign (visual sign 458) for the current vehicle passenger mapping shown reflects the configuration of the vehicle 10 of system 100. Thus, while the exemplary visual sign 458 includes five seats arranged in two rows, visual sign 458 may show fewer or more seat assemblies 11, passengers, rows of seat assemblies 11, seat assemblies 11 in each row, etc., to substantially correspond to the configuration of the seat assemblies 11 and their passengers in the corresponding vehicle 10.

[0060] Current general reference Figures 2-5 In several exemplary embodiments, method 348 may include and / or passenger identification module 240 may be configured to generate a visual sign 458 of the current vehicle passenger map via at least one display integrated with vehicle 10 and / or one or more displays of mobile device 20. Visual sign 458 may be generated based on a determined location of each passenger relative to preset passenger seat availability and a passenger ID assigned to each passenger. Some additional or alternative embodiments of visual sign 458 may be configured as a graphical user interface displayed by one or more screens or touchscreens included in vehicle 10 and / or displays of passenger mobile devices 20. Such a graphical user interface may allow data to be transmitted to system 100, passenger identification module 240, and / or communication control module (e.g., communication control module 242, described in more detail below). Such transmitted data may indicate touchscreen interactions, activated buttons, dials, knobs, and / or other suitable input interface elements included in or associated with vehicle 10 and / or mobile device 20.

[0061] Therefore, implementations of the graphical user interface can allow passengers to select one or more other passengers (e.g., target passengers) to adjust the passenger's location and / or adjust the passenger ID generated for the passenger. For example, a passenger could adjust the passenger ID of "Passenger 5" for an unknown passenger to a given name or nickname (e.g., Grandpa). Additionally or alternatively, method 348 may include and / or passenger identification module 240 may be configured to update passenger profile 243 and / or generate new passenger profiles based on such interactions with the graphical user interface. Such interactions and / or updates may additionally or alternatively be used to train or retrain artificial intelligence algorithms included in and / or associated with method 348 in identification module 240.

[0062] Refer again Figures 2-3Control logic 236 may include a communication control module and / or method (communication control module 242) configured to facilitate communication between passengers of vehicle 10 using the vehicle's internal mesh communication network, as described herein. It should be understood that communication via the mesh network of vehicle 10 may be desired or required in various situations. Due to separation and / or road noise within vehicle 10, non-adjacent passengers may have difficulty hearing and / or seeing each other. Furthermore, the driver / operator of vehicle 10 may not be able to or wish to turn their head to better see or hear the speakers, prioritizing safety over effective communication. In other situations, two or more passengers may wish to communicate without distracting or disturbing other passengers in vehicle 10. For example, passengers in a vehicle often take turns sleeping or napping during long journeys. The systems and methods disclosed herein allow some passengers in a vehicle to converse at low external volumes while still being able to hear and / or see each other. In other situations, distracted passengers may not understand or notice attempts to communicate with them. The systems and methods disclosed herein allow for discreetly drawing the attention of distracted passengers and facilitating conversations that result.

[0063] For example, method 348 may include and / or communication control module 242 may be configured to receive a communication request from a first passenger indicating one or more passenger IDs of one or more other passengers whom the first passenger wishes to communicate with (e.g., method element 354). For example, the first passenger (e.g., in conjunction with...) Figure 2 The passenger seated within the seat assembly 11 associated with the central schematic frame 11 may wish to utilize system 100 and / or the associated internal mesh communication network for vehicle 10 to communicate with one or more target passengers (e.g., in conjunction with...). Figure 2 The bottom schematic frame (one or more) 11 communicates with other passengers seated within the associated seat assembly 11. For example, briefly refer again... Figure 4 The communication request may indicate vehicle interface input (e.g., infotainment unit 32 selection) and / or mobile device interface input relative to the graphical user interface including visual sign 458. For example, a passenger with passenger ID "Dad" (e.g., Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the driver can select a target passenger sitting in the rear passenger seat assembly 11 by selecting the location or the identified passenger ID "Kevin". Such a selection indicates that Dad wishes to establish a two-way communication link with Kevin.

[0064] In some implementations, the communication request may include a natural language statement indicating one or more target passenger IDs. For example, such a natural language statement may include or resemble “Hey Kevin,” “I want to talk to Kevin,” “Kevin, Kevin, Kevin,” etc. Therefore, some implementations of the communication control module 242 and / or related methods 348 may include or be associated with one or more artificial intelligence algorithms configured to identify the communication request from a first passenger and determine one or more target passengers from the natural language statement. The artificial intelligence algorithms may be further configured to identify the first passenger (e.g., the passenger who uttered the natural language statement) based on known characteristics of the first passenger (e.g., voice characteristics determined from relevant passenger data 243). The artificial intelligence algorithms may additionally or alternatively determine the first passenger based on which microphone(s) 16 of the vehicle 10 and / or the microphone of the mobile device(s) 20 indicates a higher input sound / signal.

[0065] In additional or alternative configurations, method 348 may further include and / or the communication control module 242 may be further configured to issue a communication consent signal to at least one other passenger in response to a communication request. For example, the communication control module 242 and / or the control unit 22 may transmit signals to cause the speaker 18 of the seat assembly 11 associated with the target passenger and / or the speaker of the target passenger's mobile device 20 to produce a tone, alert, sound clip, etc. (tone). Method 348 may further include and / or the communication control module 242 may be further configured to gradually increase the volume and / or intensity of the tone until the target passenger responds, the communication request times out, and / or the first passenger cancels the communication request. If the speaker(s) ...

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the communication control module 242 and / or control unit 22 may transmit signals causing messages or alerts to be displayed on a screen associated with the target passenger and their seat assembly 11. For example, such messages may be displayed via a screen of the infotainment unit 32 near the seat assembly 11, a media screen / display associated with the seat assembly 11 (e.g., a screen / display provided on the back of the seat assembly 11 in front of the target passenger), and / or a screen / display of the mobile device 20 associated with the target passenger. If the vehicle display of the vehicle 10 and / or the target passenger's mobile device 20 are in use, such as displaying images, playing media files, etc., the display of images or the playback of media files may be paused, placed in the background, reduced in size, etc., until the target passenger responds, the communication request times out, the first passenger cancels such a communication request, and / or the two-way communication link is severed after the conversation ends.

[0067] In additional or alternative configurations, method 348 may further include and / or communication control module 242 may be further configured to establish a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the target passenger in response to the target passenger providing affirmative communication consent, see, for example, method element 356. Such affirmative consent may include natural language statements determined by relevant artificial intelligence algorithms to instruct the target passenger to agree to establish a bidirectional communication link. Additionally or alternatively, communication consent may include interface input received from the target passenger via vehicle 10 (e.g., interaction with a touchscreen, button, dial, etc., provided near the seat assembly 11 associated with the target passenger). Additionally or alternatively, communication consent may include interface input received from mobile device 20 associated with the target passenger.

[0068] For example, method 348 may include and / or communication control module 242 may be configured to establish a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the target passenger by establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first microphone 16 and the first speaker 18 (e.g., a microphone or speaker included in or near the first seat assembly 11 associated with the first passenger) and the target microphone 16 and the target speaker 18 (e.g., a microphone or speaker included in or near the target seat assembly 11 associated with the target passenger). In other cases or configurations, method 348 may include and / or communication control module 242 may be configured to establish a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the mobile device 20 associated with the target passenger (e.g., included microphones, speakers, cameras, displays, etc.). It should be understood that the communication link may also or alternatively be provided between the target passenger and the mobile device 20 associated with the first passenger. Additionally or alternatively, the bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the target passenger may include a video bidirectional communication link. Thus, the communication link may be facilitated by cameras, displays, etc., appropriately configured and provided on the vehicle 10 and / or the mobile device 20 of the first passenger and / or the target passenger.

[0069] Special Reference Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the two-way communication link between the first passenger and the target passenger can be provided through a local area network (e.g., a wired connection within the vehicle 10 and / or the included wireless receivers, transmitters, transceivers, etc.), enabling the two-way communication link to be transmitted through the control unit 22 ( Figure 1 This includes, and / or another controller, processing unit, etc., provided in vehicle 10. Furthermore, vehicle audio can be paused or its volume reduced or eliminated at speakers used in the two-way communication link, and other media played via speakers 18, microphones 16, displays, etc., associated with the mobile device and / or the seat assembly 11 of the target passenger can be paused, turned off, or otherwise run in the background during two-way communication. In various embodiments, method 348 may include and / or communication control module 242 may be configured to enhance two-way communication to facilitate communication. For example, noise cancellation may be performed to reduce or eliminate road noise during two-way communication.

[0070] In further or other embodiments, the two-way communication link between the first passenger and the target passenger may be provided at least partially via a wide area network 246 (e.g., a mobile / cellular network, the Internet of Things, etc.). In such embodiments and cases, in response to the target passenger providing affirmative consent to such a two-way communication link, the communication control module 242 and / or the control unit 22 may facilitate, request, or send appropriate communication instructions to initiate the two-way communication link via the wide area network 246. In some such embodiments and cases, the communication control module 242 and / or the control unit 22 provide warnings, reminders, etc., through the display of the vehicle 10 and / or the mobile device 20; therefore, such a wide-area two-way communication link may consume or utilize data from the cellular data plans of one or more of the first passenger and the target passenger(s).

[0071] It should be recognized that, depending on the examples, certain actions or events of any technique described herein may be performed in a different order, or may be added, combined, or omitted entirely (e.g., not all described actions or events are necessary for the practice of the technique). Furthermore, in some examples, actions or events may be performed concurrently, for example through multithreading, interrupt handling, or multiple processors, rather than sequentially.

[0072] Figure 5 This is a network diagram of a cloud-based system 500 for implementing various cloud-based services (as the case may be) of this disclosure. The cloud-based system 500 includes one or more cloud nodes (CNs) 502 communicatively coupled to the Internet 504 or the like. The cloud node 502 may be implemented as a server 600 (e.g., Figure 6 (As shown) or similar entities, and can be geographically distinct, such as various data centers located across a country or globally. Furthermore, the cloud-based system 500 may include one or more central authority (CA) nodes 506, which can similarly be implemented as servers 600 and connected to cloud nodes 502. For illustrative purposes, the cloud-based system 500 can connect to regional offices 510, headquarters 520, employees' homes 530, laptops / desktops 540, and mobile devices 550, each communicatively coupled to one of the cloud nodes 502. These locations 510, 520, and 530, and devices 540 and 550, are shown for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various access scenarios exist for the cloud-based system 500, all of which are envisioned herein. Devices 540 and 550 can be so-called road warriors, i.e., off-site users, users on the go, etc. Cloud-based systems 500 can be private clouds, public clouds, combinations of private and public clouds (hybrid clouds), or the like.

[0073] Similarly, the cloud-based system 500 can provide any functionality to locations 510, 520, and 530, as well as devices 540 and 550, through services such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PAS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Security as a Service (SAaS), and Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) in Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) infrastructure (NFVI). Previously, IT deployment models included enterprise resources and applications stored within the enterprise network (i.e., physical devices), behind firewalls, and accessible either on-site by employees or remotely via a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The cloud-based system 500 is replacing the traditional deployment model. The cloud-based system 500 can be used to implement these services in the cloud without requiring physical devices or management of physical devices by enterprise IT administrators.

[0074] Cloud computing systems and methods abstract away physical servers, storage, networks, etc., and provide them as on-demand and elastic resources. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a concise and specific definition of cloud computing, stating that it is a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services), where the shared pool of configurable computing resources can be rapidly provided and deployed with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. Cloud computing differs from the classic client-server model in that it provides applications, executed and managed by the client's web browser or similar, without requiring the installation of client versions of the applications. Centralization allows cloud service providers to have complete control over the versions of browser-based applications and other applications provided to clients, eliminating the need for version upgrades or license management on individual client computing devices. The phrase "Software as a Service" (SaaS) is sometimes used to describe applications delivered via cloud computing. A common, concise expression for the cloud services provided (or even an aggregation of all existing cloud services) is simply "the cloud." The cloud-based system 500 is illustrated herein as an example implementation of a cloud-based system, and those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems and methods described herein are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of Server 600. Server 600 can be used in cloud-based System 400 ( Figure 4 Whether to use it in other systems, or independently, depends on the situation. For example, cloud node 402 ( Figure 4 ) and central institution node 406 ( Figure 4 This can be configured as one or more servers 600. Server 600 can be a digital computer, which, in terms of hardware architecture, typically includes a processor 602, an input / output (I / O) interface 604, a network interface 606, data storage 608, and memory 610. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 6 Server 600 is depicted in an oversimplified manner, and actual implementations may include additional components and appropriately configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features not described in detail herein. Components (602, 604, 606, 608, and 610) are communicatively coupled via a local interface 612. The local interface 612 may be, but is not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections as known in the art. The local interface 612 may have additional elements to enable communication; these additional elements are, for example, controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, etc., which are omitted for simplicity. Furthermore, the local interface 612 may include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communication between the aforementioned components.

[0076] Processor 602 is a hardware device for executing software instructions. Processor 602 can be any custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with server 600, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When server 600 is running, processor 602 is configured to execute software stored in memory 610, transfer data to and from memory 610, and generally control the operation of server 600 according to software instructions. I / O interface 604 can be used to receive user input from one or more devices or components and / or to provide system output to one or more devices or components.

[0077] Network interface 606 can be used to enable server 600 to operate on a network such as the Internet 504. Figure 5The network interface 606 may include, for example, an Ethernet card or adapter (e.g., 10BaseT, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, or 10GbE) or a wireless LAN (WLAN) card or adapter (e.g., 802.11a / b / g / n / ac). The network interface 606 may include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communication on the network. The data storage 608 may be used to store data. The data storage 608 may include any volatile memory element (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard disk drive, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, etc.), and any combination thereof. Furthermore, the data storage 608 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. In one example, the data storage 608 may be located inside server 600, such as an internal hard disk drive in server 600 connected to local interface 612. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the data storage 608 may be located outside the server 600, such as an external hard drive connected to the I / O interface 604 (e.g., SCSI or USB connection). In yet another embodiment, the data storage 608 may be connected to the server 600 via a network, such as a network-connected file server.

[0078] Memory 610 may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard disk drive, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. Furthermore, memory 610 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. Note that memory 610 may have a distributed architecture, where the components are geographically isolated but accessible by processor 602. The software in memory 610 may include one or more software programs, each comprising an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The software in memory 610 includes a suitable operating system (O / S) 614 and one or more programs 616. The operating system 614 substantially controls the execution of other computer programs, such as one or more programs 616, and provides scheduling, input / output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. One or more programs 616 may be configured to implement the various processes, algorithms, methods, techniques, etc., described herein.

[0079] It should be understood that some embodiments described herein may include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose processors (“one or more processors”), such as microprocessors; central processing units (CPUs); digital signal processors (DSPs); custom processors, such as network processors (NPs) or network processing units (NPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), etc.; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); and the like, together with uniquely stored program instructions (including software and firmware) for controlling them to implement some, most, or all of the functions of the methods and / or systems described herein in conjunction with some non-processor circuitry. Alternatively, some or all of the functions may be implemented by a state machine without stored program instructions, or in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of functions is implemented as a custom logic circuit or circuit system. Of course, combinations of the above methods may be used. For some embodiments described herein, the corresponding device in hardware, and optionally having software, firmware, and combinations thereof, may be referred to as a “circuit system,” “logic circuit,” etc., configured or adapted to perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc., on digital and / or analog signals as described herein with respect to various embodiments.

[0080] Furthermore, some embodiments may include a non-transient computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable code stored thereon, wherein the computer-readable code is used to program a computer, server, apparatus, device, processor, circuit, etc., each of which may include a processor to perform the functions described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, hard disks, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, etc. When stored in a non-transient computer-readable medium, the software may include instructions executable by a processor or device (e.g., any type of programmable circuit or logic circuit), in response to such execution, causing the processor or device to perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc., as described herein with respect to various embodiments.

[0081] Figure 7 It is possible to use a cloud-based system 500 ( Figure 5This is a block diagram of a vehicle or user equipment 700 used as part of a network or independently (as appropriate). Similarly, user equipment 700 can be a vehicle, smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, Internet of Things (IoT) device, laptop, virtual reality (VR) headset, etc. User equipment 700 can be a digital device that generally includes a processor 702, I / O interface 704, radio device 707, data storage 708, and memory 710 in its hardware architecture. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 7 User equipment 700 is depicted in an oversimplified manner; actual implementations may include additional components and appropriately configured processing logic circuitry to support known or conventional operating features not described in detail herein. Components (702, 704, 707, 708, and 710) are communicatively coupled via a local interface 712. The local interface 712 may be, but is not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as known in the art. The local interface 712 may have additional elements to enable communication, such as controllers, buffer memories (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, which are omitted for simplicity. Furthermore, the local interface 712 may include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communication between the aforementioned components.

[0082] Processor 702 is a hardware device for executing software instructions. Processor 702 can be any custom or commercially available processor, CPU, auxiliary processor among several processors associated with user equipment 700, semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or any device generally used for executing software instructions. When user equipment 700 is running, processor 702 is configured to execute software stored in memory 710, transfer data to and from memory 710, and generally control the operation of user equipment 700 according to software instructions. In one embodiment, processor 702 may include a mobile-optimized processor, such as a processor optimized for power consumption and mobile applications. I / O interface 704 can be used to receive user input from system outputs and / or to provide system outputs. User input can be provided via, for example, a keypad, touchscreen, scroll ball, scroll bar, button, barcode scanner, etc. System outputs can be provided via display devices such as liquid crystal display (LCD), touchscreen, etc.

[0083] Radio device 706 enables wireless communication to external access devices or networks. Radio device 706 can support any number of suitable wireless data communication protocols, technologies, or methods, including any protocols used for wireless communication. Data memory 708 can be used to store data. Data memory 708 can include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard disk drive, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. Furthermore, data memory 708 can incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media.

[0084] Similarly, memory 710 may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard disk drive, etc.), and combinations thereof. Furthermore, memory 710 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. Note that memory 710 may have a distributed architecture, where components are geographically separated but accessible by processor 702. Software in memory 710 may include one or more software programs, each comprising an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. Figure 7 In the example, the software in memory 710 includes a suitable operating system 714 and program 716. Operating system 714 essentially controls the execution of other computer programs and provides scheduling, input / output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. Program 716 may include various applications, add-ons, etc., configured to provide end-user functionality to user device 700. For example, exemplary program 716 may include, but is not limited to, web browsers, social networking applications, streaming media applications, games, mapping and location applications, email applications, financial applications, etc. In a typical example, an end user typically uses one or more of program 716 in conjunction with a cloud-based system 500 (…). Figure 5 (The network of ).

[0085] Similarly, implementations of the disclosed systems and methods facilitate communication between vehicle passengers who wish to converse. The passenger identification module and related method elements can identify the vehicle's passengers, the number of passengers, and / or assign passenger identifiers (passenger IDs) based on data indicating the passengers (e.g., vehicle sensor data and / or data retrieved from passengers' personal devices). Such determinations can be made using appropriate artificial intelligence algorithms and / or by comparing the characteristics or traits of the passengers indicated by the data with passenger profiles. The passenger identification module and related method elements can utilize passenger data and the above determinations to generate visual markers of the current vehicle passenger map (or map), and these visual markers serve as a graphical user interface in various implementations.

[0086] The communication module and related method elements can receive a communication request from an initiating passenger, indicating one or more target passengers or their passenger IDs, and establish a two-way communication link between the passengers if the target passengers consent to the communication. For example, the communication request may include interface input via vehicle hardware (touchscreen, button, dial pad, etc.), interface input via mobile device hardware, and / or verbal statements. In response to the communication request, the communication module and related method elements can call the target passengers using the vehicle or mobile device hardware. For example, a tone may be played and / or the volume may be gradually increased until the target passenger responds (e.g., consents) to the two-way communication. During the call to the target passengers and / or the two-way communication, media, songs, videos, etc., may be paused, run in the background, or have their volume reduced. Two-way communication is typically provided via one or more microphones, speakers, cameras, and / or displays integrated with the vehicle and / or via the passenger's mobile device.

[0087] Although this disclosure is illustrated and described with reference to its embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will readily understand that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and are thus designed and intended to be covered for all purposes by the following non-limiting terms and / or claims.

[0088] Clause 1: A vehicle comprising:

[0089] Multiple seat components;

[0090] A network, comprising at least one speaker integrated with the vehicle and at least one microphone integrated with the vehicle;

[0091] A system for controlling the operation of an internal mesh communication network, the system comprising:

[0092] A passenger identification module includes instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the passenger identification module to perform the following operations:

[0093] Based on data indicating multiple passengers seated within the vehicle, a passenger identifier (ID) is assigned to each of the multiple passengers; and

[0094] A communication module includes instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the communication module to perform the following operations:

[0095] Receive a communication request from a first passenger among the plurality of passengers, the communication request indicating at least one passenger ID of at least one other passenger among the plurality of passengers; and

[0096] In response to the at least one other passenger providing affirmative communication consent, a two-way communication link is established between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger.

[0097] Clause 2: The vehicle as described in Clause 1, wherein the internal mesh communication network includes at least one speaker and at least one microphone associated with each seat assembly of the vehicle.

[0098] Clause 3: An internal mesh communication network for a vehicle, comprising:

[0099] At least one speaker integrated with the vehicle;

[0100] At least one microphone integrated with the vehicle;

[0101] A system for controlling the operation of an internal mesh communication network, the system comprising:

[0102] A passenger identification module includes instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the passenger identification module to perform the following operations:

[0103] Based on data indicating multiple passengers seated within the vehicle, a passenger identifier (ID) is assigned to each of the multiple passengers; and

[0104] A communication module includes instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the communication module to perform the following operations:

[0105] Receive a communication request from a first passenger among a plurality of passengers, the communication request indicating at least one passenger ID of at least one of the other passengers among the plurality of passengers; and

[0106] In response to the at least one other passenger providing affirmative communication consent, a two-way communication link is established between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger.

[0107] Clause 4: An internal mesh communication network pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the internal mesh communication network includes a plurality of speakers integrated with the vehicle and a plurality of microphones integrated with the vehicle.

[0108] Clause 5: An internal mesh communication network pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the internal mesh communication network is configured to add any mobile device that is communicatively coupled to the vehicle to the internal mesh communication network.

[0109] Clause 6: A system for controlling the operation of an internal mesh communication network for a vehicle, the system comprising:

[0110] A passenger identification module includes instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the passenger identification module to perform the following operations:

[0111] Based on data indicating multiple passengers seated within the vehicle, a passenger identifier (ID) is assigned to each of the multiple passengers; and

[0112] A communication module includes instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the communication module to perform the following operations:

[0113] Receive a communication request from a first passenger among a plurality of passengers, the communication request indicating at least one passenger ID of at least one of the other passengers among the plurality of passengers; and

[0114] In response to at least one other passenger providing affirmative communication consent, a two-way communication link is established between the first passenger and at least one other passenger.

[0115] Clause 7: The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the passenger identification module further includes instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the passenger identification module to determine the number of passengers seated in the vehicle based on data indicating multiple passengers seated in the vehicle.

[0116] Clause 8: In a system according to any one of the preceding clauses, the passenger identification module further includes instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the passenger identification module to perform the following operations:

[0117] Based on data indicating multiple passengers seated within the vehicle, the position of each passenger relative to the preset passenger seat availability is determined.

[0118] Clause 9: In a system pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, the passenger identification module further includes instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the passenger identification module to perform the following operations:

[0119] Based on the determined position of each passenger relative to the preset passenger seat availability and the passenger ID assigned to each passenger, a visual sign of the current vehicle passenger map is generated via at least one display integrated with the vehicle.

[0120] Clause 10: A system pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the visual signage is configured as a graphical user interface.

[0121] Clause 11: A system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein receiving a communication request from a first passenger among the plurality of passengers includes vehicle interface input, the vehicle interface input being associated with at least one display integrated with the vehicle and indicating at least one passenger ID of at least one other passenger among the plurality of passengers mapped relative to the current vehicle passenger.

[0122] Clause 12: The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein receiving a communication request from a first passenger among the plurality of passengers comprises a natural language statement indicating at least one passenger ID of at least one of the other passengers among the plurality of passengers.

[0123] Clause 13: A system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein data indicating multiple passengers seated in the vehicle further indicates at least one mobile device associated with at least one of the multiple passengers seated in the vehicle.

[0124] Clause 14: In any of the preceding clauses, the bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes a bidirectional video communication link.

[0125] Clause 15: The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger.

[0126] Clause 16: A system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein establishing a bidirectional communication link between a first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes establishing a bidirectional communication link between at least one mobile device associated with the first passenger and the at least one other passenger.

[0127] Clause 17: The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein establishing a two-way communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes establishing a two-way communication link, the two-way communication link including at least a first microphone and a first speaker associated with a first seat in the vehicle in which the first passenger is seated.

[0128] Clause 18: The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein establishing a two-way communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes establishing a two-way communication link, the two-way communication link including at least a second microphone and a second speaker associated with a second seat of the vehicle in which the second passenger is seated, the second passenger being included among the at least one other passenger.

[0129] Clause 19: A system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein establishing a bidirectional communication link between a first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes establishing a bidirectional communication link between at least a first microphone and a first speaker associated with a first seat of the vehicle in which the first passenger is seated, and at least a second microphone and a second speaker associated with a second seat of the vehicle in which the second passenger is seated, wherein the second passenger is included among the at least one other passenger.

[0130] Clause 20: A system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the communication module further includes instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the communication module to perform the following operations:

[0131] In response to a communication request, call at least one other passenger to obtain their consent for the communication.

[0132] Clause 21: A system pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein calling the at least one other passenger to obtain consent to communication comprises playing a tone with gradually increasing volume until the at least one other passenger responds to the communication request.

[0133] Clause 22: A system pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein calling the at least one other passenger to obtain communication consent includes displaying a reminder on at least one screen of the vehicle or on at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger.

[0134] Clause 23: A system pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein calling the at least one other passenger to obtain communication consent comprises requesting communication consent via at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger.

[0135] Clause 24: A system pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a request for consent to communication would pause any media playing on the at least one mobile device.

[0136] Clause 25: A system pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein calling the at least one other passenger to obtain communication consent comprises requesting communication consent via at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger, and wherein the request for communication consent pauses any media playing on the at least one mobile device and provides the request for communication consent to the at least one other passenger via the at least one mobile device.

[0137] Clause 26: A system pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a passenger ID is assigned to each of the plurality of passengers using an artificial intelligence algorithm.

[0138] Clause 27: A system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the received data further indicates at least one passenger trait of at least one of the plurality of passengers.

[0139] Clause 28: The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein assigning a passenger identifier (ID) to each of the plurality of passengers includes comparing received data indicating at least one passenger trait of the at least one passenger with a plurality of passenger profiles, and identifying at least one passenger profile associated with the data indicating at least one passenger trait of the at least one passenger.

[0140] Clause 29: A system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein assigning a passenger identifier (ID) to each of the plurality of passengers includes assigning the at least one passenger profile to the at least one passenger profile based on an association between the identified at least one passenger and the at least one passenger profile.

[0141] Clause 30: A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored in at least one memory, the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to perform the following steps:

[0142] Receive data from multiple passengers instructing them to take their seats inside the vehicle;

[0143] Based on the received data, assign a passenger identifier (ID) to each of the multiple passengers;

[0144] Receive a communication request from a first passenger among the plurality of passengers, the communication request indicating at least one passenger ID of at least one other passenger among the plurality of passengers; and

[0145] In response to at least one other passenger providing affirmative communication consent, a two-way communication link is established between the first passenger and at least one other passenger.

[0146] Clause 31: The non-transient computer-readable medium as described in Clause 30, wherein the step further includes determining, based on the received data, the number of passengers seated within the vehicle and the position of each passenger relative to the preset passenger seat availability.

[0147] Clause 32: A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the step further includes generating a visual sign of the current vehicle passenger map via at least one display integrated with the vehicle, based on the determined position of each passenger relative to the preset passenger seat availability and the passenger ID assigned to each passenger.

[0148] Clause 33: A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein receiving a communication request from a first passenger among the plurality of passengers includes vehicle interface input, the vehicle interface input being associated with at least one display integrated with the vehicle and indicating at least one passenger ID of at least one other passenger among the plurality of passengers mapped relative to the current vehicle passenger.

[0149] Clause 34: A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein receiving a communication request from a first passenger among a plurality of passengers comprises a natural language statement indicating at least one passenger ID of at least one of the other passengers among the plurality of passengers.

[0150] Clause 35: A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the received data further indicates at least one mobile device associated with at least one of the plurality of passengers seated in the vehicle.

[0151] Clause 36: A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes a bidirectional video communication link.

[0152] Clause 37: A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger.

[0153] Clause 38: A non-transient computer-readable medium pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and at least one other passenger includes a mobile device associated with the first passenger.

[0154] Clause 39: A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein establishing a bidirectional communication link between a first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger.

[0155] Clause 40: A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes at least a first microphone and a first speaker associated with a first seat in the vehicle in which the first passenger is seated.

[0156] Clause 41: A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and at least one other passenger includes at least a second microphone and a second speaker associated with a second seat in the vehicle where the second passenger is seated.

[0157] Clause 42: A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein establishing a bidirectional communication link between a first passenger and at least one other passenger includes establishing a bidirectional communication link between at least a first microphone and a first speaker associated with a first seat in the vehicle where the first passenger is seated, and at least a second microphone and a second speaker associated with a second seat in the vehicle where the second passenger is seated.

[0158] Clause 43: A non-transient computer-readable medium pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second passenger is included among at least one other passenger.

[0159] Clause 44: A non-transient computer-readable medium pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the step further includes, in response to a communication request, calling the at least one other passenger to obtain communication consent.

[0160] Clause 45: A non-transient computer-readable medium pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein calling the at least one other passenger to obtain consent to communication comprises playing a tone with gradually increasing volume until the at least one other passenger responds to the communication request.

[0161] Clause 46: A non-transient computer-readable medium pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein calling the at least one other passenger to obtain communication consent includes displaying a reminder on at least one screen of the vehicle or on at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger.

[0162] Clause 47: A non-transient computer-readable medium pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein calling the at least one other passenger to obtain communication consent comprises requesting communication consent via at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger.

[0163] Clause 48: A non-transient computer-readable medium pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a request for consent to communication would suspend any media playing on the at least one mobile device.

[0164] Clause 49: A non-transient computer-readable medium pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein calling at least one other passenger to obtain consent to communication comprises requesting consent to communication via at least one mobile device associated with at least one other passenger, and wherein the request for consent to communication suspends any media playing on said at least one mobile device and provides the request for consent to communication to said at least one other passenger via said at least one mobile device.

[0165] Clause 50: A non-transient computer-readable medium pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a passenger ID is assigned to each of the plurality of passengers using an artificial intelligence algorithm.

[0166] Clause 51: A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the received data further indicates at least one passenger trait of at least one of the plurality of passengers.

[0167] Clause 52: A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein assigning a passenger identifier (ID) to each of the plurality of passengers includes comparing received data indicating at least one passenger trait of the at least one passenger with a plurality of passenger profiles, and identifying at least one passenger profile associated with the data indicating at least one passenger trait of the at least one passenger.

[0168] Clause 53: A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein assigning a passenger identifier (ID) to each of the plurality of passengers includes assigning the at least one passenger profile to the at least one of the plurality of passengers based on an association between the identified at least one passenger and the at least one passenger profile.

Claims

1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored in at least one memory, the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to perform the following steps: Receive data from multiple passengers instructing them to take their seats inside the vehicle; Based on the received data, a passenger identifier (ID) is assigned to each of the multiple passengers; Receive a communication request from a first passenger among the plurality of passengers, the communication request indicating at least one passenger ID of at least one other passenger among the plurality of passengers; as well as In response to the at least one other passenger providing affirmative communication consent, a two-way communication link is established between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger.

2. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein, The steps also include: Based on the received data, determine the number of passengers seated in the vehicle and the position of each passenger relative to the preset passenger seat availability.

3. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 2, wherein, The steps also include: Based on the determined position of each passenger relative to the preset passenger seat availability and the passenger ID assigned to each passenger, a visual sign of the current vehicle passenger map is generated via at least one display integrated with the vehicle.

4. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 3, wherein, Receiving a communication request from a first passenger among the plurality of passengers includes vehicle interface input, which is associated with the at least one display integrated with the vehicle and indicates the at least one passenger ID of the at least one other passenger among the plurality of passengers mapped relative to the current vehicle passenger.

5. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein, Receiving a communication request from a first passenger among a plurality of passengers includes a natural language statement indicating the at least one passenger ID of the at least one other passenger among the plurality of passengers.

6. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein, The received data further indicates at least one mobile device associated with at least one of the multiple passengers seated inside the vehicle.

7. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein, The bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes a video bidirectional communication link.

8. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein, Establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger.

9. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein, Establishing a bidirectional communication link between a first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes establishing a bidirectional communication link between at least a first microphone and a first speaker of a first seat in a vehicle where the first passenger is seated, and at least a second microphone and a second speaker of a second seat in a vehicle where the second passenger is seated, the second passenger being included among the at least one other passenger.

10. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein, The steps also include: In response to the communication request, at least one other passenger is called to obtain the communication consent.

11. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 10, wherein, Calling the at least one other passenger to obtain communication consent includes requesting communication consent via at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger, wherein the request for communication consent causes any media playing on the at least one mobile device to pause, and the request for communication consent is made to the at least one other passenger via the at least one mobile device.

12. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein, An artificial intelligence algorithm is used to assign passenger IDs to each of the multiple passengers.

13. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein, The received data further indicates at least one passenger trait of at least one of the plurality of passengers, and wherein assigning a passenger ID to each of the plurality of passengers includes: The received data indicating at least one passenger trait of the at least one passenger is compared with multiple passenger profiles, and at least one passenger profile associated with the data indicating at least one passenger trait of the at least one passenger is identified; and Based on the association between the identified at least one passenger and the at least one passenger profile, the at least one passenger profile is assigned to the at least one of the plurality of passengers.

14. A system for controlling the operation of an internal mesh communication network for a vehicle, the system comprising: A passenger identification module includes instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the passenger identification module to perform the following operations: Based on data indicating multiple passengers seated within the vehicle, a passenger identifier (ID) is assigned to each of the multiple passengers; and A communication module includes instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the communication module to perform the following operations: Receive a communication request from a first passenger among the plurality of passengers, the communication request indicating at least one passenger ID of at least one other passenger among the plurality of passengers; and In response to the at least one other passenger providing affirmative communication consent, a two-way communication link is established between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The passenger identification module also includes instructions stored in the at least one memory and executable by the one or more processors to cause the passenger identification module to perform the following operations: Based on the data of the multiple passengers seated in the vehicle, the number of passengers seated in the vehicle and the position of each passenger relative to the preset passenger seat availability are determined.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The passenger identification module also includes instructions stored in the at least one memory and executable by the one or more processors to cause the passenger identification module to perform the following operations: Based on the determined position of each passenger relative to the preset passenger seat availability and the passenger ID assigned to each passenger, a visual marker of the current vehicle passenger map is generated via at least one display integrated with the vehicle. Receiving a communication request from a first passenger among the plurality of passengers includes vehicle interface input, which is associated with at least one display integrated with the vehicle and indicates at least one passenger ID of at least one other passenger among the plurality of passengers mapped relative to the current vehicle passenger.

17. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The data indicating multiple passengers seated within the vehicle also indicates at least one mobile device associated with at least one of the multiple passengers seated within the vehicle, and Establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes establishing a bidirectional communication link between the first passenger and the at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger.

18. The system according to claim 14, wherein, Establishing a bidirectional communication link between a first passenger and the at least one other passenger includes establishing a bidirectional communication link between at least a first microphone and a first speaker of a first seat in a vehicle where the first passenger is seated, and at least a second microphone and a second speaker of a second seat in a vehicle where the second passenger is seated, the second passenger being included among the at least one other passenger.

19. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The communication module also includes instructions stored in the at least one memory and executable by the one or more processors to cause the communication module to perform the following operations: In response to a communication request, call at least one other passenger to obtain their consent to the communication.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein, Calling the at least one other passenger to obtain communication consent includes requesting communication consent via at least one mobile device associated with the at least one other passenger, wherein the request for communication consent causes any media playing on the at least one mobile device to pause, and the request for communication consent is made to the at least one other passenger via the at least one mobile device.

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