Selection of wireless offload opportunity networks that respect personal data

Abstract

This document discusses a technology that enables the selection of offloading wireless networks while respecting personal data. The technology involves tracking the wireless network environment of a parked vehicle and selecting qualified candidate wireless networks as offloading networks. The technology further includes joining the selected wireless network upon confirmation by the user.

Description

introduction

[0001] Over-the-air (OTA) vehicle updates allow manufacturers to update vehicle software and firmware wirelessly. This process eliminates the need for owners to visit a service center for software updates. OTA updates provide convenience, enable software improvements and bug fixes, and improve cybersecurity. Not all vehicles support OTA updates, but many modern electric vehicles and some conventional vehicles are equipped with the necessary technology.

[0002] Many modern vehicles can connect wirelessly via cellular or mobile networks, satellite communications, and / or wireless local area networks (WLAN). Vehicles transmit data over at least one of these wireless connections.

[0003] CN 1 11 867 052 ​​A describes a system that determines a vehicle's position to determine whether it is in a parking space, especially when GPS signals are weak or disrupted. Wireless signals are analyzed to determine the parking position. This helps ensure orderly parking and reduce messy parking.

[0004] DE 10 2016 115 967 A1 describes a system that optimizes a vehicle's wireless communication along a planned route. It selects the appropriate communication type based on signal metrics and optimization goals and activates it in the appropriate geographical areas to ensure optimal connectivity.

[0005] US 2018 / 0 027 504 A describes a vehicle-based device that enables wireless communication with mobile devices within a specific area. When the system detects that the vehicle is parked, the wireless unit's communication range is reduced to more precisely restrict communication to nearby devices. This can help save energy and prevent unwanted connections. Description

[0006] According to one embodiment, a method comprising: detecting that a vehicle is parked; in response to detecting that the vehicle is parked, initiating a parking session of the vehicle, wherein initiating the parking session comprises: scanning for, identifying, and tracking one or more wireless local area networks, WLANs, within range of the vehicle; detecting that the vehicle is activated; in response to detecting activation of the vehicle, terminating the parking session of the vehicle, wherein terminating the parking session comprises: calculating a duration of the parking session; scanning for and identifying one or more WLANs within range of the vehicle; selecting one or more of the WLANs identified during both initiating the parking session and terminating the parking session;and determining that one or more of the selected WLANs meet one or more qualification criteria; in response to the duration of the parking session exceeding the threshold for the parking session, evaluating one or more of the determined WLANs; based on the evaluating, designating one of the one or more evaluated WLANs as an offload opportunity network open for joining; requesting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the offload opportunity network; and in response to the requesting, joining the offload opportunity network to communicate thereover.

[0007] In this embodiment of the method, one or more qualification criteria of the selected WLANs include a signal strength exceeding a signal strength threshold and a secure security status.

[0008] In this embodiment, the method further comprises, in response to the duration of the parking session exceeding the parking session threshold, updating a set of data fields in a score data structure, the set associated with at least one of the determined WLANs.

[0009] In this embodiment of the method, wherein one of the data fields of the set comprises an encounter counter, and the updating further comprises incrementing the value of the encounter counter.

[0010] In this embodiment of the method, the data fields of the set are selected from a group consisting of an encounter counter, a signal measurement, a security status, a parking session duration, a parking session time of day (e.g., morning, afternoon, evening, night, early morning), a last encounter date (e.g., last seen), and an operating channel.

[0011] In this embodiment of the method, the scoring comprises calculating a score based on the set associated with at least one of the particular WLANs and storing the calculated score in the score data structure in association therewith.

[0012] In this embodiment of the method, the evaluating comprises calculating a score associated with at least one of the evaluated WLANs and storing the calculated score in a score data structure associated therewith.

[0013] In this embodiment of the method, the designating comprises: accessing a score data structure containing sets of data fields, each set associated with a WLAN of a collection of WLANs, each set having a score data field, and updating the score data field of a set associated with a WLAN that matches one of the determined WLANs.

[0014] In this embodiment of the method, the designating further comprises: comparing values ​​of the score data fields of the sets of the score data structure; based on the comparing, determining that a specific WLAN is associated with the highest score; and nominating a specific WLAN as the offload opportunity network open for joining.

[0015] According to another embodiment, a non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium is encoded with instructions executable by one or more processors that, when executed, instruct one or more processors to perform operations comprising: detecting that a vehicle is parked; in response to detecting that the vehicle is parked, initiating a parking session of the vehicle, wherein initiating the parking session comprises: scanning for, identifying, and tracking one or more wireless local area networks, WLANs, within range of the vehicle; detecting that the vehicle is activated; in response to detecting activation of the vehicle, terminating the parking session of the vehicle, wherein terminating the parking session comprises: calculating a duration of the parking session; scanning for and identifying one or more WLANs within range of the vehicle;Selecting one or more of the WLANs identified during both the initiation of the parking session and the termination of the parking session; and determining that one or more of the selected WLANs meet one or more qualification criteria; in response to the duration of the parking session exceeding the parking session threshold, evaluating one or more of the identified WLANs; based on the evaluating, designating one of the one or more evaluated WLANs as an offload opportunity network open for joining;

[0016] Another embodiment of a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, wherein the operations further comprise, in response to the duration of the parking session exceeding the threshold for the parking session, updating a set of data fields in a score data structure, the set associated with at least one of the determined WLANs.

[0017] Another embodiment of a non-transferable machine-readable storage medium, wherein one of the data fields of the set includes an encounter counter, wherein updating further comprises incrementing the value of the encounter counter.

[0018] Another embodiment of a non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium, wherein the scoring operation comprises calculating a score associated with at least one of the scored WLANs and storing the calculated score in a score number data structure associated therewith.

[0019] In another embodiment of a non-transferable machine-readable storage medium, the operations further comprise requesting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the offload opportunity network.

[0020] In another embodiment of a non-transferable, machine-readable storage medium, the operations further comprise, in response to the request, joining the offload opportunity network to communicate thereover.

[0021] In another embodiment of a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, the operations further comprise: requesting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the offload opportunity network; and in response to the request, resetting values ​​in one or more of the data fields in the score number data structure.

[0022] According to another embodiment, a method is provided that enables selection of a wireless offload opportunity network that respects personal data of a user of a vehicle, the method comprising: detecting that a vehicle is parked; in response to detecting that the vehicle is parked, initiating a parking session of the vehicle, wherein initiating the parking session comprises scanning for, identifying, and tracking one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs) within range of the vehicle; detecting that the vehicle is activated; in response to detecting activation of the vehicle, terminating the parking session of the vehicle, wherein terminating the parking session comprises calculating a duration of the parking session; scanning for and identifying one or more WLANs within range of the vehicle;Selecting one or more of the WLANs identified during both the initiation of the parking session and the termination of the parking session; and determining that one or more of the selected WLANs meet one or more qualification criteria; in response to the duration of the parking session exceeding the parking session threshold, evaluating one or more of the identified WLANs; based on the evaluation, determining one of the one or more evaluated WLANs as an offload opportunity network open for joining; requesting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the offload opportunity network; and in response to the requesting, joining the offload opportunity network to communicate thereover.

[0023] Another embodiment of the method further comprises: requesting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the offload opportunity network; in response to the request, to join the offload opportunity network to communicate thereover.

[0024] Another embodiment of the method further comprises accessing a set of data fields in a score data structure, the set associated with at least one of the particular WLANs, the data fields of the set being selected from a group consisting of an encounter counter, a signal measurement, a security status, a parking duration, a parking session time of day, a last encounter date, and an operating channel.

[0025] A further embodiment of the method in which the method is carried out without access to the personal data of the user of the vehicle. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 illustrates an example scenario of a parked vehicle configured to enable selection of wireless networks with offloading capabilities that respect personal data, in accordance with one or more implementations described herein. Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of a computer architecture for a computer system that can execute the technology described here. Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process for performing an example method that enables selection of wireless networks with offloading capabilities that respect personal data, in accordance with one or more implementations described herein. Detailed description

[0026] The technology described here enables the selection of wireless networks with offloading capability that respect personal data. The technology and technique described here identifies a offloadable wireless local area network (WLAN) and suggests that the vehicle user select this WLAN for connection to a data network (for example, the Internet). It is hoped that the user has authorized access to the identified WLAN, for example, a WLAN at home or work. The technology described here achieves this without determining location-based information based on personal information about the user. Thus, personal data is respected.

[0027] In the drawings, where like numbers refer to like parts throughout the different views, various systems and approaches are shown and described. The presented approaches may be suitable for use in motor vehicles that include manual, autonomous, and semi-autonomous driving.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example scenario 100 with a map 110, a satellite 160, and a remote communications center 170 suitable for implementing the technology described herein. Map 110 shows a geographic region with various parking spaces, such as 120, 122, 124, and 126. A parking space is a location where a vehicle can be parked. In some cases, the parking spaces may be mutually exclusive. In other cases, the parking spaces may overlap.

[0029] As shown in map 110, the locations are separated by intersecting roads 112 and 114. Sometimes the roads may be part of the location or one or more locations. As the arrow coming from the front indicates, motor vehicles 136 and 138 travel on roads 114 and 112, respectively. For ease of illustration, a parking space is shown for each parking option with a capital P in a rounded square.

[0030] A parking location may have one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs) within range of a vehicle parked in that location's parking space. WLANs offer convenience and mobility by allowing users to connect to the internet or other network resources without the need for physical cables. They have become widespread in homes, offices, cafes, airports, and other public spaces, providing wireless connections for various devices.

[0031] WLANs use radio waves to send and receive data, allowing devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and others to connect to the network. WLANs typically use the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standards, commonly referred to as WI-FI™ standards. These standards define the specifications for wireless communication, including frequency bands, data rates, and security protocols.

[0032] WLANs are set up using wireless access points (WAPs) or routers, which serve as central hubs for wireless connections. The access points transmit and receive data between the wireless devices and the wired network infrastructure, such as the internet or a local server. In this context, a WLAN can also be referred to as a "hotspot."

[0033] As in Fig.1, location 120 includes office buildings, one or more WLANs (represented as WAPs with radio waves emanating therefrom), and a motor vehicle 130 parked therein. Location 122 includes a shopping mall, one or more WLANs, and a motor vehicle 132 parked therein. Location 124 includes government buildings, one or more WLANs, and a motor vehicle 134 parked therein. Location 126 includes a house 150, one or more WLANs 152, and a parked vehicle 140.

[0034] The vehicles (130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140) may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the communications center 170. This wireless communication may include, for example, one or more of the following: satellite communication (as represented by satellite 160), Wi-Fi™, Bluetooth™, cellular communication, radio communication, and / or internet communication.

[0035] The communication center 170 includes one or more computer systems 172 and one or more databases 174. Although Fig. 1 depicted as a single location, the components and functions of the communications center 170 may be geographically distributed and distributed across multiple data centers. The "central" part of the name refers to the virtual appearance of the vehicles. The command center 170 is remote or separate from the vehicles.

[0036] Once stopped, the parked vehicle 140 detects that it is no longer moving (i.e., stationary) and has been shifted into a "Park" gear. The vehicle can be shifted into "Park" gear. This is accomplished by selecting "Park" or "P" using the gear selector buttons. When doing so, the automatic transmission decouples the engine from the transmission and locks the transmission with a pawl, preventing the transmission from rotating while still engaged with the wheels. In some cases, a parking brake may be engaged when the vehicle is parked. The parking brake is associated with the brake discs or drums and, when engaged, limits and / or prevents wheel spin. The parking brake is separate from the transmission. Defined parking operations include one or more of the "Park" shifts, the transmission pawl, or the parking brake.

[0037] Once the vehicle is parked, the parked vehicle 140 initiates a parking session. Presumably, the driver of the vehicle exits the vehicle. This typically deactivates the parked vehicle 140. That is, the parked vehicle 140 is "turned off." In some cases, this may be referred to as "turning off" the vehicle's engine. Under normal operating conditions, a vehicle can be deactivated while parked. In this case, a deactivated vehicle is parked.

[0038] Once the vehicle 140 is in the parking session, it performs an initial inventory of the WLANs within range of the vehicle. During the initial inventory, the vehicle 140 scans, identifies, and tracks one or more WLANs within range. Tracking involves creating an initial inventory list that documents each detected WLAN and its associated properties, such as its identifiers (e.g., Service Set Identifier (SSID) and Media Access Control (MAC) address), signal measurement, security status, current time and date, and operating channel.

[0039] Once the driver returns to the parked vehicle 140, the driver activates the vehicle (e.g., "turns on the ignition"). Once the parked vehicle 140 detects this activation, the parking session ends (i.e., is terminated). Thus, in response to detecting the activation of the vehicle, the parked vehicle 140 terminates the vehicle's parking session.

[0040] As part of the parking session termination, the parked vehicle 140 calculates the duration of the parking session. The duration of the parking session is the difference between the time the parking session was initiated and the time it was terminated.

[0041] The parked vehicle 140 determines whether the duration of the parking session exceeds a minimum parking time, for example, four, five, or six hours. Because this technology attempts to identify a Wi-Fi network to which the user is authorized to access (for example, a home or work Wi-Fi network), the minimum parking time is typically a time when the vehicle is parked for an extended period (for example, at work or at home) rather than a transitional period (for example, while shopping or visiting a friend).

[0042] If the duration of the parking session exceeds the minimum parking time, the parked vehicle 140 inventories the WLANs within range of the vehicle. As with the initial inventory at the beginning of the parking session, the parked vehicle 140 searches for, identifies, and tracks one or more WLANs within range. This includes documenting each discovered WLAN and its associated properties, such as its identifiers (e.g., Service Set Identifier (SSID) and Media Access Control (MAC) address), signal measurement, security status, current time and date, and operating channel.

[0043] Furthermore, during the termination of the parking session, parked vehicle 140 determines which of the WLANs were identified both during the initiation of the parking session and during the termination of the parking session. These WLANs are selected as candidates for an offload opportunity WLAN that respects the personal data of a user (e.g., the driver) of parked vehicle 140.

[0044] Further, as part of terminating the parking session, the parked vehicle 140 determines whether one or more of the candidate WLANs meet one or more qualification criteria. Examples of qualification criteria for a candidate WLAN may include one or more of the following criteria: 1) Exceeding a signal strength threshold; 2) Maintaining a secure security status.

[0045] Signal strength is typically measured in decibel milliwatts (dBm). Depending on the specifics of a Wi-Fi network, a signal strength of -30 dBm to -60 dBm is often considered reliable, and -80 dBm is often the minimum signal strength required to establish a connection. An example of a signal strength threshold is -70 dBm, which is not very strong but is usually sufficient for downloading OTA updates.

[0046] A WLAN is considered secure if its communications are encrypted and access is restricted, for example, by a password. For example, a WLAN can encrypt its communications using Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), Wi-Fi Protected 2 (WPA2), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), or similar encryption.

[0047] After this data is collected, the parked vehicle 140 evaluates one or more of the qualified candidates. The evaluation may include additional determinations and updates to a score data structure as needed. Depending on the determination of each parking session, the parked vehicle 140 updates the score data structure accordingly to track and ultimately identify a WLAN that offers an offload opportunity and suggest to the vehicle user that they select that WLAN for connecting to a data network (e.g., the Internet).

[0048] The score data structure can contain one or more sets of associated data fields. Specifically, each set is associated with a WLAN that is considered a qualified candidate for an offload opportunity WLAN. The following is an example score data structure: Table 1 Identification Result Encounter counter Time range parked Last seen channel HomeNet 30 Family network 1 WorkNet 20

[0049] If a qualified WLAN is already included in the score data structure, the parked vehicle 140 updates the data fields associated with that WLAN in the score data structure and adjusts the associated score. For example, if HomeNet is a qualified WLAN, as determined during the parking session termination process, the parked vehicle 140 updates the data fields associated with the HomeNet set, as shown in Table 1 above. In this example, the parked vehicle 140 may increment HomeNet's "encounter counter" by one. Thus, the value of the encounter counter (e.g., the cardinality) may be incremented by one. Consequently, in this example, the parked vehicle 140 may increment HomeNet's score by one, from thirty to thirty-one.

[0050] If a qualified WLAN is not already included in the score data structure, the parked vehicle 140 adds a new record for the new qualified WLAN to the score data structure. The parked vehicle 140 updates the data fields associated with this new WLAN in the score data structure and adjusts the associated score. For example, assume that FamilyNet is a qualified WLAN, as determined during the termination of the parking session. In this case, the parked vehicle 140 adds a new record for FamilyNet and updates the data fields associated with the FamilyNet record, as shown in Table 1 above. In this example, the parked vehicle 140 may increment FamilyNet's score by one, from zero to one.

[0051] In other implementations, other factors may influence the rating in one way or another. For example, the rating of a qualified Wi-Fi network may be increased if the network was last seen ninety days or less ago.

[0052] Note that in the described implementation, the parked vehicle 140 updates the score data structure in response to exceeding the minimum parking time of the parking session (e.g., six hours) and updates only those WLANs that meet the qualification criteria, e.g., exceeding a signal strength threshold and / or having a secure security status.

[0053] The parked vehicle 140 analyzes the updated score data structure, and based on the score, the vehicle may designate a WLAN of one or more rated WLANs in the score data structure as an offload opportunity network open for joining that it may join. The designation may involve comparing values ​​of the score data fields of the sets of the score data structure. Based on the comparison, it may be determined that a particular WLAN has the highest score assigned to it. As a result, that particular WLAN may be nominated as the offload opportunity network to be joined.

[0054] The parked vehicle 140 may indicate the WLAN with the highest score in the score data structure that exceeds a minimum score. For example, if the minimum score is 30, then HomeNet (with its updated score of 31) exceeds the threshold and is the WLAN with the highest score in the data structure.

[0055] One reason for setting a minimum rating is to increase the likelihood that the user will visit the designated Wi-Fi network frequently, stay there for extended periods (to maximize availability for offloading), and be likely to access that Wi-Fi network. Another reason is to minimize the number of times the user is asked to join a network.

[0056] In response to the WLAN designating an offload opportunity network to be joined, the parked vehicle 140 requests the user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the opportunity network.

[0057] In response to the user's affirmative response to the prompt, the parked vehicle 140 joins the WLAN designated as the offloading opportunity network for communication. In response to the user's negative or no response to the prompt, the parked vehicle 140 does not connect to the WLAN designated as the offloading opportunity network for communication. Furthermore, the parked vehicle 140 adjusts the score data structure. In some cases, the score for the rejected WLAN is decremented. In other cases, the rejected WLAN is removed from the data structure.

[0058] Note that in the described implementation, the parked vehicle 140 neither detects its location nor identifies an associated user to implement the technology described herein. Therefore, the parked vehicle 140 does not use traditional location-determining technologies, such as Global Positioning Services (GPS), Wi-Fi™ location, cellular location, Bluetooth location, radio frequency identification (RFID), fixed beacons (geobeacons), or the like. Therefore, this technology does not use location-based information based on personal information about the user. Thus, personal data is respected.

[0059] Fig.Figure 2 shows an example of a computer architecture for a computer system 200 that can execute the technology described herein. The computer architecture shown in this figure illustrates a typical computer, a server computer, a workstation, a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet, a network device, an e-reader, a smartphone, an embedded system, or other computing device. The computer system 200 may be part of the parked vehicle 140 and may be used to perform the functions presented herein.

[0060] Computer system 200 includes a processor 202 (e.g., a central processing unit or "CPU"), system memory (e.g., storage) 204, input / output (I / O) devices 206—such as a display, keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera, and associated controls, a secondary storage system 208 (e.g., a hard drive), and various other subsystems 210. In various embodiments, computer system 200 also includes a communications port 212 that can connect to a communications system 220. Computer system 200 may include or be associated with an interactive passenger system 222 that manages interactions with passengers of parked vehicle 140. The aforementioned components may be associated with one another via one or more buses 216 and / or a communications system 220.

[0061] The communication system 220 enables internal communication within the parked vehicle 140 and external wireless communication, for example, with the communication center 170. The internal communication may, for example, be via a local area network. The external wireless communication may, for example, include one or more of the following: satellite communication (as provided by the satellite 160 in Fig. shown), WI-FI™, BLUETOOTH™, cellular communications, radio communications and / or Internet communications.

[0062] System memory 204 may store data and machine-readable instructions (e.g., computer-readable instructions). Machine-readable instructions may configure computing system 200. Machine-readable instructions may include one or more command modules. The command modules may include computer program modules. The instruction modules may include one or more parking session managers 230, a WLAN environment monitor 232, a scoring director 234, a WLAN data store manager 236, a WLAN data store 238, a WLAN supervisor 240, and / or other instruction-based modules.

[0063] While the modules in the example shown in this figure are implemented with machine-readable instructions, other, similarly functioning modules can be implemented with few or no machine-readable instructions. Such modules are implemented using hardware (for example, circuitry) and analog and / or digital signals. In other cases, such modules can be implemented using a combination of hardware and machine-implemented instructions.

[0064] The parking session manager 230 detects the start and end of the parking session. Once the vehicle 140 is actually parked, the parking session manager 230 determines that the vehicle is no longer moving (i.e., stationary) and has been placed in a "park" gear. The vehicle can be shifted into the "park" gear. This initiates a parking session.

[0065] After the parking session, the Wi-Fi environment monitor 232 performs an initial inventory of the Wi-Fi networks within range of the vehicle. As part of the initial inventory, the Wi-Fi environment monitor 232 searches for and identifies one or more Wi-Fi networks within range. The off-load Wi-Fi data store manager 236 tracks the identified one or more Wi-Fi networks within range, for example, by creating an initial inventory that documents each discovered Wi-Fi network and its associated properties, such as its identifiers (e.g., Service Set Identifier (SSID) and Media Access Control (MAC) address), signal measurement, security status, current time and date, and operating channel. The initial inventory may be located in the underutilized Wi-Fi data store 238.

[0066] Once the driver returns to the parked vehicle 140, the driver activates the vehicle (e.g., "turns on the ignition"). Once the parking session manager 230 detects this activation, the parking session ends (i.e., is terminated). Thus, in response to detecting the activation of the vehicle, the parking session manager 230 terminates the vehicle's parking session.

[0067] As part of the parking session termination, the parking session manager 230 calculates the duration of the parking session. The duration of the parking session is the difference between the time the parking session was initiated and the time it ended.

[0068] The parking session manager 230 determines whether the duration of the parking session exceeds a minimum parking time. Assuming that the duration of the parking session exceeds the minimum parking time, the parking session manager 230 instructs the WLAN environment monitor 232 to perform an inventory of the WLAN environment, i.e., the WLANs within range of the parked vehicle 140.

[0069] As with the initial session inventory at the beginning of the parking session, the WLAN environment monitor 232 searches for and identifies one or more WLANs within range and unloads the WLAN data store manager 236, which documents each discovered WLAN and its associated properties. These properties may include the WLAN identifiers, signal measurement, security status, current time and date, and operating channel. The post-session inventory list may be located in the off-site WLAN data store 238.

[0070] After the parking session ends, the WLAN data storage manager 236 determines which WLANs were identified in both the initial inventory and the post-session inventory. These WLANs are selected as candidates for an offload opportunity WLAN that respects the personal data of a user of the parked vehicle 140.

[0071] After the parking session ends, the off-load WLAN data storage manager 236 determines whether one or more of the candidate WLANs meet one or more qualification criteria. Examples of qualification criteria for a candidate WLAN may include one or more of the following criteria: 1) Exceeding a signal strength threshold; 2) Maintaining a secure security status.

[0072] After this data has been collected, the scoring director 234 scores one or more of the qualified candidates. The scoring may include additional determinations and updates to a score data structure of the Wi-Fi data store 238 as needed. Based on these determinations for each parking session, the scoring director 234 updates the score data structure accordingly to track and ultimately identify a Wi-Fi with offloading opportunities and suggest to the vehicle user that they select that Wi-Fi for connecting to a data network.

[0073] The score data structure of the offload WLAN data store 238 may contain one or more sets of associated data fields. Specifically, each set is associated with a WLAN that is already a qualified candidate for an offload opportunity WLAN. An example score data structure is shown above in Table 1.

[0074] If a qualified WLAN is already included in the score data structure, the off-load WLAN data storage manager 236 updates the data fields associated with that WLAN in the score data structure and adjusts the associated score. If a qualified WLAN is not yet included in the score data structure, the off-load WLAN data storage manager 236 adds a new record for the new qualified WLAN to the score data structure. The parked vehicle 140 updates the data fields associated with the new WLAN in the score data structure and adjusts the associated score.

[0075] Note that in the described implementation, the score data structure is updated in response to the parking session exceeding the minimum parking time (e.g., six hours) and when the WLANs meet the qualification criteria, for example, exceeding a signal strength threshold and / or having a secure security status.

[0076] The offload WLAN monitor 240 analyzes the updated score data structure, and based on the score, the vehicle may designate a WLAN from among one or more rated WLANs in the score data structure as an offload opportunity network open for joining. The offload WLAN supervisor 240 may designate the highest rated WLAN in the score data structure that exceeds a minimum threshold.

[0077] In response to the Wi-Fi being designated as an offload opportunity network open for joining, the Wi-Fi monitor 240 requests the vehicle user to authorize the vehicle to join the offload opportunity network. This may be done, at least in part, via the passenger interactive system 222.

[0078] In response to the user's affirmative response to the prompt, the offload WLAN monitor 240 instructs the communication ports 212 and associated systems to join the WLAN designated as the offload opportunity network for communication over it. In response to the user's negative or no response to the prompt, the offload WLAN monitor 240 instructs the communication ports 212 and associated systems not to join the WLAN designated as the offload opportunity network for communication over it. Furthermore, the scoring director 234 adjusts the score data structure. In some cases, the score for the rejected WLAN is decremented. In other cases, the rejected WLAN is removed from the data structure.

[0079] The functionality of the example modules shown in this figure can be organized differently. For example, the functionality of these example models can be distributed across various commonly implemented vehicle systems, such as body control modules (BCMs), telematics units (TCPs), infotainment control units (VCUs), and vehicle display units (VCDs).

[0080] The BCM is an electronic control unit in a vehicle that manages and controls various electrical and electronic functions within the vehicle body. It typically controls systems such as lighting, power windows, central locking, windshield wipers, climate control, safety features, audio systems, instrument clusters, and security systems. Typically, the BCM receives inputs from sensors and switches and sends commands to the appropriate components or systems to ensure the proper functioning of these functions in the vehicle.

[0081] The TCP is an electronic device in vehicles that combines telecommunications and information technology. It can collect and transmit data about vehicle performance, location, and driver behavior. Typically, the TCP utilizes the Global Positioning System (GPS) or other positioning systems for vehicle tracking and location determination, enables communication and connectivity via cellular or satellite networks, provides vehicle diagnostic and maintenance information, incorporates safety features, monitors driver behavior, and enables connected services and applications. TCP increases vehicle functionality, enables data-driven insights, and improves safety and efficiency in areas such as fleet management, vehicle tracking, and connected vehicle services.

[0082] The VCU is an electronic device in vehicles that combines entertainment and information functions into a single interface. It typically serves as the central control hub for various multimedia and communication functions. The VCU typically consists of hardware, such as a screen and control buttons or a touchscreen, as well as software that provides access to entertainment options, navigation systems, communication functions, and vehicle settings. It offers features such as audio and video playback, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and music streaming, integration with smartphone applications, GPS navigation, and access to vehicle settings and information.

[0083] The VCD is the interface or screen in a vehicle that displays information and allows the driver to control various vehicle functions. This can include digital instrument clusters, infotainment screens, or dedicated control panels. The display provides vehicle data such as speed, fuel level, and warning messages and allows the driver to interact with functions such as audio, navigation, climate control, vehicle settings, and diagnostics. The specific design and features of the VCD can vary from vehicle to vehicle, but its purpose is to provide a user-friendly interface for monitoring and managing vehicle functions.

[0084] Fig.3 is a flowchart illustrating the process 300 for performing an example method that enables the selection of wireless networks with offloading capabilities that respect personal data. For simplicity, the process 300 may be described as being performed by a system described herein. Such a system may be, for example, the parked vehicle 140 or the computer system 200 described herein. However, the process 300 may also be performed by other devices or a combination of devices and systems.

[0085] Process 300 enables the selection of wireless networks that offer offloading capability and respect personal data. Process 300 includes tracking a parked vehicle's wireless network environment and selecting eligible wireless networks that are eligible to be offloading wireless networks. The technology further includes joining the selected wireless network in response to a user's affirmative confirmation to do so.

[0086] At operation 310, the system monitors the vehicle to determine whether it is parked. Once the vehicle is parked, the system detects that it is no longer moving and has been shifted into a "Park" gear. If the vehicle is not parked, function 310 does not detect that the vehicle is parked and continues monitoring. Once the vehicle is detected as parked, process 300 proceeds to operation 312.

[0087] At operation 312, the system initiates a parking session 314 of the parked vehicle in response to detecting that the vehicle is parked (as detected by operation 310). Initiating the parking session in this operation includes performing an initial inventory of the WLANs within range of the vehicle. The system scans and identifies one or more WLANs within range as part of the initial inventory. The system tracks the identified one or more WLANs within range by, for example, creating an initial inventory list that documents each detected WLAN and its associated characteristics. The initial inventory list may be located in an on-vehicle data store, such as WLAN data store 238, or uploaded to an off-vehicle data store. After parking, the vehicle is presumably deactivated during the parking session 314.

[0088] At operation 316, the system monitors the vehicle to detect that the vehicle is armed. Once the driver returns to the vehicle, the driver activates the vehicle. If the vehicle remains parked and deactivated, operation 316 does not detect that the vehicle is armed, and monitoring continues. Once the vehicle is parked, process 300 proceeds to operation 318.

[0089] At operation 318, the system terminates the vehicle's parking session 314 in response to detecting the vehicle's activation (as detected at operation 316). As part of terminating the parking session, operation 318 includes calculating the duration of the parking session 314. The duration of the parking session is the difference between the time the parking session 314 was initiated (at operation 312) and the time it was terminated (at operation 318).

[0090] At operation 320, the system determines whether the duration of the parking session exceeds a minimum parking time. If the duration of the parking session does not exceed the minimum parking time, process 300 returns to operation 310 once the vehicle is no longer parked. Otherwise, if the duration of the parking session exceeds the minimum parking time, process 300 proceeds to operation 322.

[0091] At operation 322, the system performs an inventory of the WLAN environment, i.e., the WLANs within range of the vehicle. As with the initial session inventory at the beginning of the parking session, the system searches for and identifies one or more WLANs within range and documents each detected WLAN and its associated properties, such as its identifiers, signal measurement, security status, current time and date, and operating channel. The post-session inventory list may be located, for example, in the off-load WLAN data store 238.

[0092] At operation 324, the system determines which of the WLANs were identified in both the initial session inventory and the post-session inventory list. These WLANs are selected as candidates for an offload opportunity WLAN that respects the personal data of a user of the vehicle.

[0093] At operation 326, the system determines whether one or more candidate WLANs meet one or more qualification criteria. Examples of qualification criteria for a candidate WLAN may include one or more of the following: 1) exceeding a signal strength threshold; 2) having a secure security status. If one or more candidate WLANs do not meet one or more qualification criteria, or if no candidate WLAN exists, process 300 returns to operation 310 once the vehicle is no longer parked. Otherwise, process 300 proceeds to operation 328.

[0094] In operation 328, the system evaluates one or more of the qualified candidates. The evaluation may include additional determinations and updates to a score data structure as needed. Based on these determinations for each parking session, the system updates the score data structure accordingly to track and ultimately identify a Wi-Fi network with offloading capability and suggest to the vehicle user that they select that Wi-Fi network for connecting to a data network.

[0095] The score data structure can contain one or more associated data fields. Specifically, each record is associated with a WLAN that is already a qualified candidate for an offload opportunity WLAN. An example score data structure is shown above in Table 1.

[0096] If a qualified WLAN is already contained in the score data structure, the system updates the data fields associated with that WLAN in the score data structure and adjusts the associated score as part of operation 328.

[0097] If a qualified WLAN is not yet in the score data structure, the system adds a new record for the new qualified WLAN to the score data structure. The system updates the data fields associated with this new WLAN in the score data structure and adjusts the assigned score.

[0098] Note that in the described implementation, the score data structure is updated in response to the parking session exceeding the minimum parking time (for example, six hours) and is updated when the WLANs meet the qualification criteria, for example, exceeding a signal strength threshold and / or having a secure security status.

[0099] As part of operation 328, the system analyzes the updated score data structure, and based on the score, the system may designate a WLAN of one or more rated WLANs in the score data structure as a network with an offload opportunity to join. For example, the system may designate the highest rated WLAN in the score data structure that exceeds a minimum score threshold.

[0100] In operation 330, the system determines whether a WLAN has been designated as the offload opportunity network to join. If not, the process 300 returns to operation 310 once the vehicle is no longer parked. Otherwise, the process 300 continues with operation 332. The designation may include comparing values ​​of the score data fields er of the sets of the score data structure, determining, based on the comparison, that a particular WLAN has the largest (i.e., the most significant) score associated with it, and nominating the particular WLAN as the offload opportunity network open for joining.

[0101] At operation 332, the system requests the vehicle user to authorize the vehicle to join the offload opportunity network. This may be done, at least in part, using, for example, the passenger interactive system 222.

[0102] At operation 334, the system determines the user's response to the prompt. Suppose the user's response is negative or absent (for example, after a timeout). In this case, the system does not cause the WLAN designated as the offloading opportunity network to join through that network. The system also adjusts the score data structure. In some cases, the score for the rejected WLAN is decremented. In other cases, the rejected WLAN is removed from the data structure. Furthermore, once the vehicle is no longer parked, the process 300 returns to operation 310. Otherwise, in response to the user's positive response to the prompt, the process 300 continues to operation 336.

[0103] In operation 336, the system joins the WLAN, known as the offload opportunity network, to communicate over it.

[0104] The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. The dimensions and material types described herein are intended to be illustrative but in no way restrictive and represent exemplary embodiments. In the following claims, the terms "first," "second," "upper," "lower," etc., are used for identification purposes only and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. An element or step mentioned in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" does not exclude the plurality of such elements or steps unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, the phrase "at least one of A and B" and the phrase "A and / or B" should each be understood to mean "only A, only B, or both A and B."Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments that "comprise" or "have" an element or a plurality of elements with a particular property may include additional elements that do not have that property. And, when general descriptive adverbs such as "essentially" and "generally" are used herein to modify an adjective, these adverbs mean "largely," "mainly," "for the most part," "to a considerable extent," "to a great extent," and / or "at least 51% to 99% of a possible 100%," and do not necessarily mean "perfectly," "completely," "strictly," "fully," or "100%."Furthermore, the word "near" may be used herein to describe the location of one object or part thereof with respect to another object or part thereof and / or to describe the positional relationship of two objects or their respective parts to one another, and may mean "near," "adjacent," "close to," "near," "at," or the like. And the phrase "approximately equal," as used herein, may have one or more of the following meanings: "exactly equal," "almost equal," "equal to anywhere between 90% and 110% of," or the like.

[0105] In this written description, examples, including the best mode, are used to enable those skilled in the art to make and use devices, systems, and compositions of matter, and to perform methods, in accordance with the present disclosure. It is the following claims, including equivalents, that define the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Method comprising: Detecting that a vehicle is parked; in response to detecting that the vehicle is parked, initiating a parking session of the vehicle, wherein initiating the parking session comprises: scanning for, identifying, and tracking one or more wireless local area networks, WLANs, within range of the vehicle; Detecting that the vehicle is activated; in response to detecting activation of the vehicle, terminating the parking session of the vehicle, wherein terminating the parking session comprises: calculating a duration of the parking session; scanning for and identifying one or more WLANs within range of the vehicle; selecting one or more of the WLANs identified during both initiation of the parking session and termination of the parking session; and determining that one or more of the selected WLANs meet one or more qualification criteria; in response to the duration of the parking session exceeding the parking session threshold, evaluating one or more of the identified WLANs; based on the evaluating, designating one of the one or more evaluated WLANs as an offload opportunity network open for joining; Requesting a user of the vehicle to authorize the vehicle to join the offload opportunity network; and in response to the request to join the Offload Opportunity Network in order to communicate through it. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein one or more qualification criteria of the selected WLANs include a signal strength exceeding a signal strength threshold and a secure security status. [3] The method of claim 1, further comprising, in response to the duration of the parking session exceeding the parking session threshold, updating a set of data fields in a score data structure, the set associated with at least one of the determined WLANs. [4] The method of claim 3, wherein one of the data fields of the set comprises an encounter counter and updating further comprises incrementing the value of the encounter counter. [5] The method of claim 3, wherein the data fields of the set are selected from a group consisting of an encounter counter, a signal measurement, a security status, a parking session duration, a parking session time of day, a last encounter date, and an operating channel. [6] The method of claim 3, wherein the scoring comprises calculating a score based on the set associated with at least one of the particular WLANs and storing the calculated score in the score data structure in association therewith. [7] The method of claim 1, wherein the evaluating comprises calculating a score associated with at least one of the evaluated WLANs and storing the calculated score in a score data structure in association therewith. [8] The method of claim 1, wherein the designating comprises: Accessing a score data structure containing sets of data fields, each set being associated with a WLAN of a collection of WLANs, each set having a score data field; and Update the score data field of a set associated with a WLAN that matches one of the discovered WLANs. [9] The method of claim 8, wherein the designating further comprises: Comparing values ​​of the rating number data fields of the records of the rating number data structure; based on the comparison, determining that a specific WLAN is assigned the highest rating; and Nominate a specific Wi-Fi network as the offload opportunity network open for joining. [10] A non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by one or more processors that, when executed, instruct one or more processors to perform operations, comprising: Detecting that a vehicle is parked; in response to detecting that the vehicle is parked, initiating a parking session of the vehicle, wherein initiating the parking session comprises: scanning for, identifying, and tracking one or more wireless local area networks, WLANs, within range of the vehicle; Detecting that the vehicle is activated; in response to detecting activation of the vehicle, terminating the parking session of the vehicle, wherein terminating the parking session comprises: calculating a duration of the parking session; scanning for and identifying one or more WLANs within range of the vehicle; selecting one or more of the WLANs identified during both initiation of the parking session and termination of the parking session; and determining that one or more of the selected WLANs meet one or more qualification criteria; in response to the duration of the parking session exceeding the parking session threshold, evaluating one or more of the identified WLANs; based on the evaluating, designating one of one or more evaluated WLANs as an offload opportunity network open for joining.

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