Method for operating a local network by a motor vehicle depending on the state of charge of an electrical energy storage device, as well as system

Abstract

Method for operating a local network (12) for at least one terminal device (16) by means of a first communication device (22) of a first motor vehicle (18), wherein a first mobile network connection (24) is established between the first motor vehicle (18) and a network (26) external to the motor vehicle by means of the first communication device (18), and wherein the local network (12) for at least one terminal device (16) is generated depending on the first mobile network connection (24), wherein a current first state of charge of a first electrical energy storage device (28) of the first motor vehicle (18) is determined by means of the first communication device (22) and at least the local network (12) is generated depending on the determined first state of charge, characterized in thatthat, depending on the determined initial state of charge of the first electrical energy storage device (28), an initial availability forecast for generating the local network (12) by means of the first communication device (22) is generated, and wherein an actual initial energy demand is determined and stored in a first storage device of the first communication device (22), and depending on a plurality of stored initial energy demands, an average initial energy demand is determined, wherein the initial availability forecast is generated depending on the average initial energy demand. (S5)

Description

[0001] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a local network for at least one terminal device by means of a first communication device of a first motor vehicle, in which a first mobile network connection is established between the first motor vehicle and a network external to the motor vehicle by means of the first communication device and in which the local network for at least one terminal device is generated depending on the first mobile network connection.

[0002] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a local network for at least one terminal device by means of at least one first communication device of a first motor vehicle or at least one second communication device of a second motor vehicle, wherein a first mobile network connection between the first motor vehicle and a network external to the motor vehicle is established by means of the first communication device and a second mobile network connection between the second motor vehicle and the network external to the motor vehicle is established by means of the second communication device, wherein the local network is generated by the first communication device or by the second communication device.

[0003] A further aspect of the invention relates to a system for generating a local network.

[0004] In today's world, it is particularly important to be able to establish a reliable data connection, for example to the internet, across a wide area. It is well known that in urban areas, so-called public hotspots are increasingly available, often provided by businesses. However, there are also areas where no hotspot coverage exists at all, such as in urban residential areas or rural regions. In these areas, freely available hotspots are currently either nonexistent or rare. Furthermore, the continued expansion of networking for various technical devices (IoT - Internet of Things) requires the most comprehensive internet access possible, which is not currently available.

[0005] US 9,439,121 B2 discloses a wireless network data router for a vehicle and an operating method therefor, comprising a multi-connection interface for wireless access in vehicle environments, a wireless local area network, which may in particular be configured as Wi-Fi, a mobile purpose data interface, a downlink data connection for the motor vehicle and / or the user in the motor vehicle and its environment, a data processing unit for routing data between the interfaces, wherein the data processing unit is configured to calculate a score for each reachable network, and to switch the uplink connection of the wireless network router to the reachable network with the best score.Furthermore, a wireless network data router for vehicles for connecting vehicles to the Internet via a multi-network device is disclosed, wherein the router is a mobile router suitable for forming a network of connected vehicles, and wherein the router is arranged for use with parked vehicles to redistribute Wi-Fi signals from fixed hotspots.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2016 121 384 A1 discloses a system and method for commissioning a mobile hotspot near a vehicle. The system comprises the use of a vehicle containing a battery and a charging port, wherein the charging port connects the vehicle to an external power source and is electrically connected to the battery to supply the battery with electrical current from the external power source when connected; a wireless access point powered by the vehicle's battery, providing wireless internet access to one or more wireless devices located in or near the vehicle; and a control unit that enables the operation of the access point while the vehicle is switched off and connected to the external power source via the charging port.

[0007] US Patent 2005 / 0 148 334 A1 describes a method and device for improving a network. The network uses power from a vehicle battery or generator to operate an intermediate transmitter that receives the signal from a portable wireless device and relays the information in the signal to a base station. The intermediate transmitter also receives information from the base station and forwards it to the portable wireless device. The described system expands the range of applications for a wireless device.

[0008] US Patent 2014 / 0 269 466 A1 describes a method for controlling a vehicle-provided Wi-Fi service, comprising detecting at the vehicle that the vehicle's ignition switch is off; wirelessly receiving a message at the vehicle that controls the operation of the Wi-Fi service while the vehicle's ignition switch is off; and activating or deactivating the vehicle-provided Wi-Fi service in response to the wirelessly received message while the vehicle's ignition switch is off. The object of the present invention is to provide methods for operating a local network and a system by which an improved local network can be created for at least one terminal device.

[0009] This problem is solved by a method and a system according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a local network for at least one terminal device by means of a first communication device of a first motor vehicle, in which a first mobile network connection is established between the first motor vehicle and a network external to the motor vehicle by means of the first communication device, and in which the local network for at least one terminal device is generated depending on the first mobile network connection.

[0011] It is intended that the first communication device will be used to determine the current initial state of charge of a first electrical energy storage device of the first motor vehicle and that, depending on the determined initial state of charge, at least the local network will be generated.

[0012] This allows the local network to be established depending on the state of charge of the electrical energy storage system. In other words, if the state of charge of the electrical energy storage system is sufficiently high, the local network is established via the communication device. If the state of charge of the electrical energy storage system is sufficiently low, the local network is not established. In particular, this prevents the vehicle's electrical energy storage system from being discharged too much, which could prevent driving, while simultaneously allowing the local network, which is typically a wireless local area network (Wi-Fi network), to be established to improve access for end devices across the entire area.In other words, depending on the charge level of the electrical energy storage device, a hotspot can be provided for at least one end device using the first communication device.

[0013] Furthermore, it is planned that, depending on the initial charge level of the first electrical energy storage device, an initial availability forecast for generating the local network via the first communication device will be generated. In other words, a corresponding forecast will be performed based on the electrical energy still available in the electrical energy storage device. Specifically, a time period will be predicted for which a hotspot function, i.e., the provision of the local network, can be offered or maintained. This determination is based on current energy demand. This ensures that the local network can be reliably generated for at least one end device.

[0014] Furthermore, a current initial energy demand is determined and stored in a primary storage unit of the primary communication unit. Based on a multitude of stored initial energy demands, an average initial energy demand is calculated, and the initial availability forecast is generated based on this average initial energy demand. Specifically, the availability forecast is thus determined based on the average energy demand required to maintain a hotspot. The function for determining the average energy demand for maintaining a hotspot always runs in the background during the generation of the hotspot function. The value for the average energy demand is therefore constantly updated and adjusted to ensure high forecast accuracy. This enables the reliable establishment of the local network.

[0015] Preferably, the communication device includes an electronic computing unit that can control communication with the external vehicle network and monitor the state of charge of the electrical energy storage device. For this purpose, a corresponding state-of-charge signal can be transmitted to the electronic computing unit, for example, by means of a sensor in the electrical energy storage device, enabling the electronic computing unit to reliably determine the current state of charge of the electrical energy storage device.

[0016] In particular, the invention takes advantage of the fact that motor vehicles are generally equipped from the factory with the necessary communication device, which connects the vehicle to an external network (which may be configured as a back-end, for example) and thereby enables a connection to the internet. It is proposed to use this available technology to expand the availability of hotspots that provide internet access for end devices. Specifically, this enables internet access for any communication partner, i.e., the end device. This is particularly important for the increasing networking of any device via the internet, the so-called IoT (Internet of Things). The higher the density of vehicles equipped with this communication device, the greater the coverage of the corresponding hotspots.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the local network is created when the first vehicle is parked. In particular, it can be verified beforehand whether the vehicle possesses the basic requirements for generating a hotspot. Furthermore, a parked vehicle is particularly preferred for the method, as the local network can then be stably provided within the vicinity for at least one end device.

[0018] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the local network is generated based on the initial connection quality of the first mobile network connection, determined by the first communication device. In other words, a check is performed to see if a connection-side communication device exists with the external network of the vehicle, i.e., a back-end device or the internet, and whether the connection quality is sufficient to generate the local network for the terminal device. This ensures that the necessary quality for generating the hotspot for the terminal device can be achieved.

[0019] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to generate the local network based on an initial ignition state of the first vehicle, determined by the first communication device. In other words, it is specifically checked whether the vehicle is switched off and, in particular, parked, and thus in a resting state. This ensures that the local network can provide service within the local area for a corresponding time interval.

[0020] In another advantageous configuration, the local network is created for a large number of end devices. In other words, a large number of end devices, such as mobile phones, especially smartphones, or tablets or computers, can connect to the local network. Thus, the local network can provide a hotspot for these numerous end devices. This, in particular, enables the end devices to connect to the internet. Especially in areas where the end device has a poor connection, this creates a convenient internet connection for that device. Furthermore, this expands the hotspot functionality for a large number of end devices.

[0021] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a local network for at least one terminal device by means of at least one first communication device of a first motor vehicle or at least one second communication device of a second motor vehicle, wherein a first mobile network connection between the first motor vehicle and a network external to the motor vehicle is established by means of the first communication device and a second mobile network connection between the second motor vehicle and the network external to the motor vehicle is established by means of the second communication device, wherein the local network is generated by the first communication device or by the second communication device.

[0022] It is envisaged that communication takes place between the first communication device and the second communication device via a local network, and that, depending on a first state of charge of a first electrical energy storage device of the first motor vehicle and a second state of charge of a second electrical energy storage device, a decision is made as to which of the communication devices will be used to generate the local network for at least one terminal device.

[0023] This ensures that if a number of vehicles, especially the first and second vehicles in this case, are equipped with a corresponding hotspot function, a basic level of coverage is always available, even in a residential area where vehicles are parked for several hours. Vehicles with the hotspot function can communicate with each other via a local network, particularly a Wi-Fi connection. This allows for the conservation of energy reserves in the respective electrical energy storage systems of the vehicles. For example, if the first and second vehicles with the hotspot function are located in close proximity, the vehicle with the lowest energy reserve can conserve its electrical system by, for instance, not establishing a hotspot connection.This allows for an improved local network to be implemented for at least one end device.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, it could be provided, for example, that the local network is first created using the first communication device, and that when a threshold value of the first electrical energy storage device is reached, a decision is made to create the local network using the second communication device. The threshold value can be chosen, for example, in such a way that reliable operation of the first vehicle can continue to be ensured.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of this method, the local network is only generated by the other motor vehicle when the motor vehicle that first generates the local network has reached a predetermined state of charge of the respective electrical energy storage device or when this motor vehicle has left a predetermined environment for the local network.

[0026] In other words, the plan is that the local network will only be established by another vehicle once the vehicle leaves the area or its onboard electrical system or available energy reserve is depleted. By networking the vehicles, an intelligent data network is thus created, enabling efficient and, ideally, comprehensive hotspot coverage.

[0027] A further aspect of the invention relates to a system for generating a local network for an end device, wherein the system is configured to perform a method according to the first aspect and / or to perform a method according to the second aspect. In particular, the method according to the first aspect and / or according to the second aspect is carried out by means of the system.

[0028] Advantageous design forms of the procedures are to be regarded as advantageous design forms of the system. The system possesses tangible characteristics that enable the procedure to be carried out according to the first aspect and / or according to the second aspect.

[0029] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the single figure alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0030] This shows: Fig. 1. A schematic top view of an embodiment of a system; and Fig. 2 a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of a method.

[0031] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of system 10. System 10 is configured to generate a local network 12, 14 for an end device 16. A method for operating the local network 12 is described below. These descriptions apply analogously to the local network 14. The local network 12 is generated by a first vehicle 18, and the local network 14 is generated by a second vehicle 20.

[0033] In the method for generating the local network 12 for the at least one terminal device 16 by means of a first communication device 22 of the first motor vehicle 18, a first mobile network connection 24 is established between the first motor vehicle 18 and the motor vehicle-external network 26 by means of the first communication device 22, and the local network 12 is generated depending on the first mobile network connection 24.

[0034] It is intended that by means of the first communication device 22 a current state of charge of a first electrical energy storage device 28 of the first motor vehicle 18 is determined and, depending on the determined first state of charge, at least the local network 12 is generated.

[0035] In particular, it may be provided that the local network 12 is created for a large number of terminal devices 16.

[0036] As already mentioned, the local network 14 can be generated analogously by the second vehicle 20. For this purpose, the second vehicle 20 has, in particular, a second communication device 30. Furthermore, the second vehicle 20 has a second electrical energy storage device 32. In particular, the previously mentioned procedure can then be applied analogously, whereby a second mobile network connection 34 is established between the second communication device 30 and the network 26 external to the vehicle.

[0037] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating the local network 12, 14 for the terminal device 26 by means of at least the first communication device 22 of the first motor vehicle 18 or at least the second communication device 30 of the second motor vehicle 20, in which the first mobile network connection 24 between the first motor vehicle 18 and the motor vehicle-external network 26 is established by means of the first communication device 22 and the second mobile network connection 34 between the second motor vehicle 20 and the motor vehicle-external network 26 is established by means of the second communication device 30, wherein the local network 12, 14 is generated by the first communication device 22 or by the second communication device 30.

[0038] It is provided that communication takes place between the first communication device 22 and the second communication device 30 by means of a local network and, depending on a first state of charge determined by means of the respective communication devices 22, 30 between the first electrical energy storage device 28 of the first motor vehicle 18 and a second state of charge of the second electrical energy storage device 32, a decision is made as to which communication device 22, 30 generates the local network 12, 14 for the at least one terminal device 16.

[0039] In particular, the Fig. 1, that the local network 12, 14 is only generated by the other motor vehicle 18, 20 when the motor vehicle 18, 20, which first generates the local network 12, 14, has reached a predetermined state of charge of the respective energy storage device 28, 32 and / or this motor vehicle 18, 20 has left a predetermined environment for the local network 12, 14.

[0040] In particular, the invention is applicable according to Fig. 1. It is taken advantage of the fact that motor vehicles 18, 20 are generally equipped from the factory with communication devices 22, 30, which can establish a connection between the motor vehicles 18, 20 and the external network 26, thereby enabling a connection to the Internet. It is now proposed to use this available technology to expand the availability of hotspots, which correspond to local networks 12, 14 and provide access to the Internet. In particular, parked motor vehicles 18, 20 are used as hotspots, through which any communication partner can establish an Internet connection. This is also particularly useful for the ever-increasing networking of any end devices 16 via the Internet. The higher the density of parked motor vehicles 18, 20, the greater the hotspot coverage.

[0041] For example, if a large number of vehicles 18, 20 are equipped with a hotspot function, a basic level of service is always guaranteed, even in a residential area where the vehicles 18, 20 are parked for several hours. The vehicles 18, 20 with hotspot functionality can also communicate with each other via Wi-Fi. This makes it possible to conserve energy resources. For example, if many vehicles 18, 20 with hotspot functionality are located in close proximity, the vehicle 18, 20 with the lowest energy reserves can conserve its electrical system by not establishing a hotspot function until another vehicle 18, 20 has to deactivate its hotspot because it leaves the area or its electrical system or available energy reserve is depleted.By networking the motor vehicles 18, 20, an intelligent data network is built, which enables efficient and as comprehensive a hotspot supply as possible.

[0042] Fig.Figure 2 shows a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the method. In particular, in a first step S1, the method is started. In a second step S2, it is checked whether the respective motor vehicle 18, 20 has a corresponding module by means of which a local network 12, 14 can be established. In other words, it is checked whether the motor vehicle 18, 20 has the basic requirements to provide a hotspot. In a step S3, it is checked whether a connection exists between the communication device 22, 30 and the external network 26 or the Internet. In particular, it is also provided that the local network 12 is created depending on the initial connection quality of the first mobile network connection 24, which is determined by the first communication device 22.In other words, the third step S3 also includes checking the connection quality and whether it is sufficient. The fourth step S4 then checks whether the vehicle 18, 20 is parked and in a standby state, and specifically whether the ignition is switched off. In other words, the fourth step S4 provides for the creation of the local network 12, 14 when the first vehicle 18, 20 is parked. Furthermore, the fourth step S4 provides for the creation of the local network 12 depending on the initial ignition state of the first vehicle 18, determined by the first communication device 22. The same applies to the second vehicle 20.

[0043] In a fifth step S5, a first availability forecast for generating the local network 12 by means of the first communication device 22 is generated, depending on the determined initial state of charge of the first electrical energy storage device 28. Specifically, in the fifth step S5, a current initial energy demand is determined and stored in a first storage device of the first communication device 22. Depending on a multitude of stored initial energy demands, an average initial energy demand is determined, and the first availability forecast is generated based on this average initial energy demand. In other words, the fifth step S5 determines whether the electrical energy reserve currently available in the electrical energy storage device 28, 32 of the vehicle 18, 20 is sufficient to establish the local network 12, 14.Based on this information, the time period for which a hotspot function can be offered or maintained can be predicted. The calculation is performed based on the average energy consumption required to maintain a hotspot.

[0044] In other words, in a sixth step (S6), the system checks how long the vehicle (18, 20) can establish and maintain the Wi-Fi hotspot. In a seventh step (S7), it then checks whether the hotspot is active for the aforementioned period. In other words, the function for determining the average energy consumption for maintaining the hotspot runs continuously in the background while the hotspot function is active. The value for the average energy consumption is thus constantly updated and adjusted to ensure high forecast accuracy. If all checks are successful and a valid forecast for the hotspot duration is available, the vehicle (18, 20) will establish and maintain the hotspot in the sixth step (S6). Now, any communication partners, especially the mobile device (16), can connect to the hotspot and access the internet.Once the time actively transmitted by the hotspot has elapsed, the hotspot is deactivated in a seventh step (S7). Simultaneously, the current state of the vehicle's electrical system (18, 20) is continuously monitored. If the electrical system's state drops into a critical range, the hotspot function is immediately interrupted to protect the electrical system and ensure the vehicle (18, 20) can be started. The entire process is then terminated in an eighth step (S8).

[0045] In particular, this approach demonstrates that the technology available in motor vehicles 18, 20 can be used effectively and that motor vehicles 18, 20 can also be used effectively, especially outside their original intended purpose. The increasing networking of various technical devices, especially end devices 16, offers significant opportunities for networking, for example, devices for parking space monitoring, parking meters, or other applications that can establish an internet connection via parked motor vehicles 18, 20 in the vicinity.

[0046] In particular, this significantly increases the availability of internet access in public spaces by utilizing widely available systems already installed in most vehicles. Furthermore, a noticeable increase in hotspot and internet access availability is also possible in rural areas, residential areas, and anywhere else with a large number of parked vehicles, as every household typically owns at least one vehicle. Finally, a network of hotspots for IoT devices, which generally do not have their own mobile communication modules, will also be established.

[0047] Overall, the invention shows a use of motor vehicles 18, 20 to set up a mobile or variable hotspot network for mobile data processing in public space. Reference symbol list 10 System 12 local network 14 local network 16 End device 18 first motor vehicle 20 second motor vehicle 22 first communication device 24 first network connection 26 motor vehicle-external network 28 first electrical energy storage 30 second communication device 32 second electrical energy storage 34 second network connection S1 first step S2 second step S3 third step S4 fourth step S5 fifth step S6 sixth step S7 seventh step S8 eighth step

Claims

[1] Method for operating a local network (12) for at least one terminal device (16) by means of a first communication device (22) of a first motor vehicle (18), wherein a first mobile network connection (24) is established between the first motor vehicle (18) and a network (26) external to the motor vehicle by means of the first communication device (18), and wherein the local network (12) for at least one terminal device (16) is generated depending on the first mobile network connection (24), wherein a current first state of charge of a first electrical energy storage device (28) of the first motor vehicle (18) is determined by means of the first communication device (22) and at least the local network (12) is generated depending on the determined first state of charge, characterized by, that, depending on the determined initial state of charge of the first electrical energy storage device (28), an initial availability forecast for generating the local network (12) by means of the first communication device (22) is generated, and wherein an actual initial energy demand is determined and stored in a first storage device of the first communication device (22), and depending on a plurality of stored initial energy demands, an average initial energy demand is determined, and the initial availability forecast is generated depending on the average initial energy demand. (S5) [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the local network (12) is generated in a parked state of the first motor vehicle (18). (S4) [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that depending on the initial connection quality of the first mobile network connection (24) determined by means of the first communication device (22), the local network (12) is created. (S3) [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that depending on a first ignition state of the first motor vehicle (18) determined by means of the first communication device (22), the local network (12) is generated. (S4) [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the local network (12) is created for a large number of terminal devices (16). [6] Method for operating a local network (12, 14) for at least one terminal device (16) by means of at least one first communication device (22) of a first motor vehicle (18) or at least one second communication device (30) of a second motor vehicle (20), wherein a first mobile network connection (24) between the first motor vehicle (18) and a motor vehicle-external network (26) is established by means of the first communication device (22) and a second mobile network connection (34) between the second motor vehicle (20) and the motor vehicle-external network (26) is established by means of the second communication device (30), wherein the local network (12, 14) is generated by the first communication device (22) or by the second communication device (30), characterized by, that communication takes place between the first communication device (22) and the second communication device (30) via a local network and, depending on a first state of charge of a first electrical energy storage device (28) of the first motor vehicle (18) and a second state of charge of a second electrical energy storage device (32) of the second motor vehicle (20) determined by means of the respective communication devices (22, 30), a decision is made as to which of the communication devices (22, 30) the local network (12, 14) for the at least one terminal device (16) is generated. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by, that the local network (12, 14) is only generated by the other motor vehicle (18, 20) when the motor vehicle (18, 20) which first generates the local network (12, 14) has reached a predetermined state of charge of the respective electrical energy storage device (28, 32) and / or this motor vehicle (18, 20) has left a predetermined environment for the local network (12, 14). [8] System (10) for generating a local network (12, 14) for an end device (16), wherein the system (10) is configured to perform a method according to one of claims 1 to 5 and / or to perform a method according to one of claims 6 or 7.

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