Wireless connectivity and application methods and systems for vehicles

Abstract

This invention provides a wireless connection and application method and system for vehicles, applicable to a target vehicle and a specific electronic device. First, a target vehicle is selected from multiple candidate vehicles using a first wireless communication technology via the specific electronic device. Next, a wireless connection is established with the target vehicle using a second wireless communication technology via the specific electronic device, wherein the first and second wireless communication technologies are different. Then, through the wireless connection, vehicle information corresponding to the target vehicle is obtained from the target vehicle via the specific electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wireless connection and application method and system for a vehicle, and more particularly to a method and system that can simultaneously utilize two different wireless communication technologies to wirelessly connect and apply between a vehicle and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the advancement of electronic information technology, vehicle development has become increasingly intelligent. Beyond basic transportation functions, improvements in safety and other peripheral applications have become key areas of focus for the industry.

[0003] On the other hand, with rising environmental awareness and advancements in electric vehicle technology, developing electric vehicles to replace traditional vehicles powered by fossil fuels has gradually become an important goal in the automotive industry, leading to the increasing popularity of electric vehicles. Generally speaking, electric vehicles are equipped with a greater number of electronic components / devices and can be combined with the user's mobile devices to provide more personalized applications and experiences.

[0004] For example, electric vehicles and mobile devices can both have wireless communication capabilities. Electric vehicles and mobile devices can connect via wireless networks, providing related vehicle applications and management functions. However, when multiple wirelessly-enabled vehicles are simultaneously in the same area, identifying and assigning specific vehicles can cause confusion for users or administrators. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a wireless connection and application method and system for vehicles.

[0006] This invention discloses a wireless connection and application method for a vehicle, applicable to a target vehicle and a specific electronic device. First, the target vehicle is selected from multiple candidate vehicles using a first wireless communication technology via the specific electronic device. Next, a wireless connection is established with the target vehicle using a second wireless communication technology via the specific electronic device, wherein the first and second wireless communication technologies are different. Then, through the wireless connection, vehicle information of the target vehicle is obtained from the target vehicle via the specific electronic device.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless connection and application system for a vehicle, comprising a target vehicle and a specific electronic device. The target vehicle possesses a first wireless communication technology and a second wireless communication technology, and also possesses vehicle information. The first and second wireless communication technologies are different. The specific electronic device possesses both the first and second wireless communication technologies. The specific electronic device uses the first wireless communication technology to select the target vehicle from a plurality of candidate vehicles, and uses the second wireless communication technology to establish a wireless connection with the target vehicle, thereby obtaining the corresponding vehicle information from the target vehicle via the wireless connection.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication technology is an Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, and the method for designating a target vehicle involves using a specific electronic device to obtain location information from each candidate vehicle using UWB technology. Then, based on the location information of each candidate vehicle, a display unit of the specific electronic device displays a candidate vehicle or an illustration of each candidate vehicle. Subsequently, at least one candidate vehicle is selected from the candidate vehicles or illustrations of each candidate vehicle displayed on the display unit to designate the target vehicle.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication technology is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, and a specific electronic device obtains the vehicle information of the target vehicle from the target vehicle via a wireless connection using Bluetooth Low Energy technology, and uses an Augmented Reality (AR) technology to display the vehicle information of the target vehicle on the display unit based on the location information of each candidate vehicle.

[0010] In some embodiments, identification data is obtained from each candidate vehicle using a specific electronic device and a first wireless communication technology, and the identification data of each candidate vehicle is used for screening to exclude at least one specific vehicle that does not belong to a specific service.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication technology is an ultra-wideband technology, and a specific electronic device obtains corresponding location information from each candidate vehicle using the ultra-wideband technology, and filters according to the location information of each candidate vehicle to exclude at least one specific vehicle, wherein a distance between the specific vehicle and the specific electronic device is greater than a specific distance.

[0012] In some embodiments, the power level of at least one battery inside the target vehicle is obtained using the target vehicle, wherein vehicle information includes the power level, and the power level of the target vehicle is transmitted to a specific electronic device via a wireless connection using a second wireless communication technology.

[0013] In some embodiments, a target vehicle connects to a remote server via a network and obtains a specific service or service information of the target vehicle from the remote server via a network route, wherein the vehicle information includes service information. The target vehicle then transmits the specific service or service information of the target vehicle to a specific electronic device via a wireless connection using a second wireless communication technology.

[0014] In some embodiments, a vehicle firmware update file is transmitted to a target vehicle via a wireless connection using a specific electronic device and a second wireless communication technology, and the target vehicle updates at least one firmware of the target vehicle according to the vehicle firmware update file.

[0015] In some embodiments, a particular electronic device includes a smartphone, a head-mounted display, or a vehicle.

[0016] The method described above can exist in the form of program code. When the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, the machine becomes an apparatus for implementing the present invention.

[0017] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a wireless connection and application system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a wireless connection and application system for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates the wireless connection and application method of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 The flowchart illustrates a vehicle exclusion method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 The flowchart illustrates a vehicle exclusion method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 This flowchart illustrates a method for designating a target vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 The flowchart illustrates a method for wireless connection and application of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10 The flowchart illustrates a method for wireless connection and application of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11 The flowchart illustrates a method for wireless connection and application of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] List of reference numerals

[0030] 100: Vehicle wireless connectivity and application systems

[0031] 110: Vehicles

[0032] 112: First Wireless Network Connection Unit

[0033] 114: Second Wireless Network Connection Unit

[0034] 116: Processing Unit

[0035] 120: Specific electronic devices

[0036] 130: First Wireless Network

[0037] 140: Second wireless network

[0038] 150: Remote Server

[0039] 160: Internet

[0040] 300: Electric vehicles

[0041] 310: Battery storage unit

[0042] BA: Battery

[0043] 320: First Wireless Network Connection Unit

[0044] 330: Second Wireless Network Connection Unit

[0045] 340: Motor Unit

[0046] 350: Processing Unit

[0047] S510, S520, S530: Steps

[0048] S610, S620: Steps

[0049] S710, S720: Steps

[0050] S810, S820, S830: Steps

[0051] S910, S920: Steps

[0052] S1010, S1020, S1030: Steps

[0053] S1110, S1120: Steps. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Figure 1 This invention illustrates a wireless connectivity and application system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless connectivity and application system 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one vehicle 110 and a specific electronic device 120. The vehicle 110 and the specific electronic device 120 may each have a first wireless communication technology and a second wireless communication technology, and are interconnected via a first wireless network 130 and a second wireless network 140, respectively. It is noteworthy that the first wireless communication technology and the second wireless communication technology are different. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication technology may be Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, and the second wireless communication technology may be Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. It is also noteworthy that in some embodiments, the specific electronic device 120 may include a smartphone, a head-mounted display, or a vehicle.

[0055] Figure 2 The figure shows a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the vehicle 110 includes at least a first wireless network connection unit 112, a second wireless network connection unit 114, and a processing unit 116. The first wireless network connection unit 112 can implement a first wireless communication technology, such as ultra-wideband technology, and the second wireless network connection unit 114 can implement a second wireless communication technology, such as Bluetooth Low Energy technology. The processing unit 116 can control the operation of relevant hardware and software within the vehicle and execute the wireless connection and application method of the vehicle according to this invention, the details of which will be described later. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the electric vehicle 110 may include a storage unit (not shown in the figure). The storage unit can store relevant information about the vehicle.

[0056] It should be noted that the vehicle 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention can be any vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle 110 can be an electric vehicle, such as an electric motorcycle. Figure 3This figure shows an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the electric vehicle 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be an electric vehicle based on a battery as a power source, such as an electric motorcycle. As shown, the electric vehicle 300 includes at least a battery storage unit 310, a first wireless network connection unit 320, a second wireless network connection unit 330, a motor unit 340, and a processing unit 350. The battery storage unit 310 can store at least one battery BA. The battery BA can be a battery module having at least one battery cell for storing and releasing electrical energy. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, at least one battery can be connected in series or parallel to provide electrical energy to the motor unit 340 of the electric vehicle 300 for operation. The first wireless network connection unit 320 can implement a first wireless communication technology, such as ultra-wideband technology, and the second wireless network connection unit 330 can implement a second wireless communication technology, such as Bluetooth Low Energy technology. The first wireless network connection unit 320 and the second wireless network connection unit 330 enable the electric vehicle 300 to have network connectivity. In some embodiments, the network can be a wired network, a telecommunications network, and a wireless network, such as an ultra-wideband network, a Bluetooth network, or a Wi-Fi network. The motor unit 340 can operate to drive the vehicle and other vehicle components that require rotation. The processing unit 350 can control the operation of all hardware and software in the electric vehicle 300. Notably, in some embodiments, the electric vehicle 300 may include a storage unit (not shown). The storage unit can store information related to the electric vehicle and / or battery, such as vehicle identification data for the corresponding electric motorcycle and battery identification data for the corresponding battery.

[0057] Figure 4This invention illustrates a wireless connectivity and application system for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. The wireless connectivity and application system for a vehicle according to this embodiment includes a vehicle 110, a specific electronic device 120, and a remote server 150. Notably, in some embodiments, the specific electronic device 120 may include a smartphone, a head-mounted display, or a vehicle. The vehicle 110 and the specific electronic device 120 may be coupled to the remote server 150 via a network 160, respectively. Notably, in some embodiments, the network may be a wired network, a telecommunications network, or a wireless network, such as ultra-wideband, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. It must be noted that in some embodiments, the vehicle 110 may directly connect to the remote server 150 via the network 160. In some embodiments, the vehicle 110 may connect to the specific electronic device 120 via a wireless network, and the specific electronic device 120 may connect to the remote server 150 via the network 160. It should be noted that the remote server 150 may be an electronic device. Remote server 150 can simultaneously manage vehicles located in the same or different locations via network 160. In some embodiments, remote server 150 can simultaneously manage battery power stations (not shown) located in the same or different locations via network 160. A battery power station may have multiple batteries to supply power to at least one electrical device, such as an electric motorcycle or electric vehicle.

[0058] Figure 5 This invention illustrates a wireless connection and application method for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless connection and application method for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to a specific electronic device.

[0059] First, as in step S510, a target vehicle is designated from among multiple candidate vehicles using a specific electronic device and a first wireless communication technology. It is worth noting that the first wireless communication technology can be ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. It is also noted that in some embodiments, both the specific electronic device and the candidate vehicles have corresponding transmitting and receiving modules for the first wireless communication technology. The specific electronic device can obtain identification data and related information for each vehicle via the first wireless communication technology.

[0060] It should be noted that in some embodiments, a particular electronic device may perform a screening procedure based on the data received by each vehicle. Figure 6 This illustrates a vehicle exclusion method according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, as in step S610, identification data is obtained from each candidate vehicle using a specific electronic device and a first wireless communication technology. Then, as in step S620, the identification data of each candidate vehicle is used for filtering to exclude at least one specific vehicle that does not belong to a specific service. Note that in some embodiments, identification data with a predetermined identification code or conforming to a predetermined encoding rule will be retained. Figure 7 This illustrates a vehicle exclusion method according to another embodiment of the present invention. First, as in step S710, a specific electronic device obtains location information from each candidate vehicle using ultra-wideband technology. Then, as in step S720, the device filters based on the location information of each candidate vehicle to exclude at least one specific vehicle, wherein the distance between the specific vehicle and the specific electronic device is greater than a specific distance. For example, the specific distance could be 30 centimeters. When the distance between the specific vehicle and the specific electronic device exceeds 30 centimeters, the specific vehicle will be excluded. In other words, when the distance between the specific vehicle and the specific electronic device is within 30 centimeters, the specific vehicle will be retained.

[0061] Figure 8 A method for specifying a target vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, candidate vehicles can be displayed in a display unit and selected. First, as in step S810, location information for each candidate vehicle is obtained using a specific electronic device with ultra-wideband technology. Next, as in step S820, based on the location information of each candidate vehicle, a candidate vehicle or an illustration of each candidate vehicle is displayed by a display unit of the specific electronic device. Notably, in some embodiments, the specific electronic device may include a smartphone or a head-mounted display. Then, as in step S830, at least one candidate vehicle is selected from the candidate vehicles or illustrations of each candidate vehicle displayed in the display unit to specify the target vehicle. Notably, in some embodiments, a user can select the target vehicle from these candidate vehicles using an input device. In some embodiments, the display position of the candidate vehicles in the display unit can be moved by moving the display unit, and when a specific vehicle among the candidate vehicles is located in the center of the display unit, this specific vehicle can be selected as the target vehicle. In some embodiments, all candidate vehicles displayed in the display unit can be selected as the target vehicle. It must be noted that the aforementioned method for specifying the target vehicle is merely an example of this case, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0062] Once the target vehicle is designated, as in step S520, a wireless connection is established with the target vehicle using a specific electronic device employing a second wireless communication technology. Note that the first and second wireless communication technologies are different. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication technology may be Bluetooth Low Energy technology. Then, as in step S530, vehicle information of the target vehicle is obtained from the target vehicle via the specific electronic device through the wireless connection.

[0063] Figure 9This invention illustrates a wireless connection and application method for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. First, as in step S910, a specific electronic device obtains vehicle information of the target vehicle from the target vehicle via Bluetooth Low Energy technology through a wireless connection. Then, as in step S920, using augmented reality technology, the vehicle information of the target vehicle is displayed on the display unit based on the location information of each candidate vehicle. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, based on the location information of each candidate vehicle, the display unit of the specific electronic device can display the candidate vehicle or an illustration of each candidate vehicle. The vehicle information of the target vehicle can be displayed next to the candidate vehicle or the illustration of each candidate vehicle.

[0064] It must be noted that this invention is not limited to any vehicle information. In some embodiments, the target vehicle can obtain the charge level of at least one battery inside the target vehicle. In other words, vehicle information may include the charge level. The target vehicle can transmit the corresponding target vehicle charge level to a specific electronic device via a wireless connection using a second wireless communication technology.

[0065] Figure 10 This invention illustrates a wireless connection and application method for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, vehicle information may be service-related information for a specific service. First, as in step S1010, the target vehicle connects to a remote server via a network, and as in step S1020, obtains information about a specific service, such as vehicle rental or a service of the target vehicle, from the remote server via a network route. The vehicle information includes service information. In some embodiments, the service information may include battery level, service hours, service rates, etc. Next, as in step S1030, the target vehicle transmits the information about the specific service or the target vehicle to a specific electronic device via a wireless connection using a second wireless communication technology. It should be noted again that the aforementioned vehicle information is merely an example of this invention, and the invention is not limited thereto.

[0066] Figure 11This invention illustrates a wireless connection and application method for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a specific electronic device can be used to update the firmware of a target vehicle. First, as in step S1110, a vehicle firmware update file is transmitted to the target vehicle via a wireless connection using a second wireless communication technology, such as Bluetooth Low Energy. Then, as in step S1120, the target vehicle updates at least one firmware version of the target vehicle based on the vehicle firmware update file. Notably, in some embodiments, the specific electronic device can be a smartphone. The smartphone can obtain the vehicle firmware update file by connecting to a remote server via a network. In some embodiments, the specific electronic device can be a specific vehicle. The specific vehicle may have already undergone firmware updates by a smartphone. In some embodiments, a target vehicle within a specific distance, such as 30 centimeters, can be used by this specific vehicle to perform firmware updates.

[0067] Therefore, the vehicle wireless connection and application method and system of this case can simultaneously utilize two different wireless communication technologies, such as ultra-wideband technology and Bluetooth low power technology, to wirelessly connect and apply between the vehicle and electronic devices, thereby increasing the accuracy of vehicle positioning and designation, and enabling various applications while maintaining low power consumption.

[0068] The method, or a specific form or part thereof, of the present invention may exist in the form of program code. The program code may be contained in physical media, such as floppy disks, optical discs, hard disks, or any other machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage media, or may be a computer program product, not limited to an external form. When the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes an apparatus for participating in the present invention. The program code may also be transmitted via transmission media, such as wires or cables, optical fibers, or any transmission method. When the program code is received, loaded, and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes an apparatus for participating in the present invention. When implemented in a general-purpose processing unit, the program code, in conjunction with the processing unit, provides a unique apparatus that operates similarly to an application-specific logic circuit.

[0069] Although the present invention has been disclosed with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless connection and application method for a vehicle, characterized in that, Applicable to a target vehicle and a specific electronic device, including the following steps: The target vehicle is selected from a plurality of candidate vehicles using the specific electronic device via a first wireless communication technology. A wireless connection is established with the target vehicle using the specific electronic device and a second wireless communication technology, wherein the first wireless communication technology and the second wireless communication technology are different. as well as Through the wireless connection, the specific electronic device is used to obtain vehicle information corresponding to the target vehicle.

2. The wireless connection and application method for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first wireless communication technology is an ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, and the method for designating the target vehicle includes the following steps: Using the specific electronic device and the ultra-wideband technology, a corresponding location information is obtained from each of the candidate vehicles; Based on the location information of each candidate vehicle, a display unit of the specific electronic device displays the candidate vehicle or an illustration of each candidate vehicle. as well as The target vehicle is designated by selecting at least one of the candidate vehicles displayed in the display unit or the corresponding illustration of each candidate vehicle.

3. The wireless connection and application method for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second wireless communication technology is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, and the method further includes the following steps: Through the wireless connection, the vehicle information of the target vehicle is obtained from the target vehicle by the specific electronic device using the Bluetooth Low Energy technology; as well as Using augmented reality (AR) technology, vehicle information of the corresponding target vehicle is displayed on the display unit based on the location information of each candidate vehicle.

4. The wireless connection and application method for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: Using the specific electronic device and the first wireless communication technology, identification data is obtained from each of the candidate vehicles; and Based on the identification data of each candidate vehicle, at least one specific vehicle that does not belong to a specific service is excluded.

5. The wireless connection and application method for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first wireless communication technology is an ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, and the method further includes the following steps: Using the specific electronic device and the ultra-wideband technology, a corresponding location information is obtained from each of the candidate vehicles; as well as The candidate vehicles are filtered based on their location information to exclude at least one specific vehicle, wherein the distance between the specific vehicle and the specific electronic device is greater than a specific distance.

6. The wireless connection and application method for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: Using the target vehicle, obtain the charge level of at least one battery inside the target vehicle, wherein the vehicle information includes the charge level; and Using the target vehicle, the second wireless communication technology is used to transmit the battery power of the target vehicle to the specific electronic device via the wireless connection.

7. The wireless connection and application method for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: The target vehicle is connected to a remote server via a network. The target vehicle obtains a specific service or service information of the target vehicle from the remote server via the network route, wherein the vehicle information includes the service information. as well as Using the target vehicle, the second wireless communication technology is used to transmit the corresponding specific service or the service information of the target vehicle to the specific electronic device via the wireless connection.

8. The wireless connection and application method for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: Using the specific electronic device and the second wireless communication technology, a vehicle firmware update file is transmitted to the target vehicle via the wireless connection. as well as The target vehicle is used to update at least one firmware of the target vehicle according to the vehicle firmware update file.

9. The wireless connection and application method for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific electronic device includes a smartphone, a head-mounted display, or a vehicle.

10. A wireless connection and application system for a vehicle, characterized in that, include: A target vehicle has a first wireless communication technology and a second wireless communication technology, and has vehicle information, wherein the first wireless communication technology and the second wireless communication technology are different. as well as A specific electronic device having a first wireless communication technology and a second wireless communication technology, using the first wireless communication technology to designate a target vehicle from a plurality of candidate vehicles, using the second wireless communication technology to establish a wireless connection with the target vehicle, and using the wireless connection to obtain vehicle information of the target vehicle.

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