SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTED COEXISTENCE AND GENTLE ATTENTION BY A VEHICLE NETWORK FOR IN-VEHICLE MODULES

Abstract

A vehicle comprises a Wi-Fi network containing at least one Wi-Fi antenna module, which includes a Wi-Fi antenna in communication with an integrated Wi-Fi circuit (Wi-Fi IC), and a Bluetooth Low Energy network (BLE network), which includes at least one BLE antenna module, which includes a BLE antenna and a BLE IC, wherein the BLE IC is configured to detect in-band noise, characterize the in-band noise, and send the characterization of the in-band noise to the Wi-Fi IC.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information provided in this section is intended to provide a general context for the disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this section, as well as those aspects of the description that do not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicular networks, and more particularly to a system and method for employing soft mitigation techniques to permit simultaneous use of multiple networks.

[0003] Modern vehicles are required to employ networks that enable a vehicle to communicate with external devices, other vehicles, and remote servers. Such communications enable the vehicle to receive software updates, communicate vehicle diagnostic data to a remote server and / or a cloud-based computer, and send and receive signals to a user device to enable the user to remotely start the vehicle, lock and unlock vehicle doors, and monitor the current status of the vehicle (i.e., parking location, mileage, fuel or charge level, etc.). In addition, such networks also provide communications within a vehicle's passenger compartment. For example, internal networks often provide local Wi-Fi™ hotspots for use by vehicle occupants, as well as connectivity for external devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and / or speakers.

[0004] Conventional networks adequately provide external communication between the vehicle and / or vehicle occupants and external networks and systems. These networks also adequately provide internal communication within the vehicle by providing the ability for vehicle occupants to connect external devices to vehicle systems. While such conventional networks adequately provide internal and external communication, such networks typically cannot be used in conjunction with one another. For example, a Wi-Fi network, a Bluetooth Low Energy™ (BLE) network, and an ultra-wideband (ULB) network will often interfere with each other because these networks operate in the same or nearby frequency bands.

[0005] In conventional systems, when multiple networks operate simultaneously, a so-called hard mitigation is performed, which shuts down one of the networks to allow the remaining network to operate without interference. While performing hard mitigation allows one of the networks to operate properly, it completely shuts down one or more other networks, thereby preventing the operation of functions performed on those networks. Accordingly, there remains a need for a system that provides simultaneous operation of multiple vehicle networks to ensure that all vehicle functions can be performed properly at all times. SUMMARY

[0006] A vehicle is provided that includes a Wi-Fi network including at least one Wi-Fi antenna module including a Wi-Fi antenna in communication with a Wi-Fi integrated circuit (Wi-Fi IC), and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network including at least one BLE antenna module including a BLE antenna and a BLE IC, wherein the BLE IC is configured to detect in-band noise, characterize the in-band noise, and send the characterization of the in-band noise to the Wi-Fi IC.

[0007] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the Wi-Fi IC may be configured to determine whether the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network. Further, if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi IC may be configured to determine a corrective action to reduce the in-band noise. The corrective action may include changing a band or a channel of the Wi-Fi network, and / or changing from a multiple-input / multiple-output (MIMO) state having more than one active Wi-Fi antenna to a single-input / single-output (SISO) state having one active Wi-Fi antenna, and / or reducing a Tx power of signals transmitted by the Wi-Fi network.

[0008] In one configuration, the corrective action taken by the Wi-Fi IC may be communicated to a control module having memory hardware, wherein the memory hardware stores the corrective action for future use by the Wi-Fi IC in mitigating in-band noise caused by the Wi-Fi network.

[0009] The BLE IC may be configured to remove the in-band noise by changing a frequency and / or a bandwidth of the BLE network if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is not generated by the Wi-Fi network.

[0010] An ultra-wideband (UWB) network may be provided, which may include at least one UWB antenna module having a UWB antenna and a UWB IC. The UWB IC may be in communication with the BLE IC and the Wi-Fi IC. Additionally or alternatively, the UWB IC may be configured to remove the in-band noise by changing a frequency and / or a bandwidth of the UWB network if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is not generated by the Wi-Fi network.

[0011] In one configuration, the Wi-Fi antenna can be a passive antenna.

[0012] In another configuration, a vehicle is provided that includes a Wi-Fi network including at least one Wi-Fi antenna module including a Wi-Fi antenna in communication with a Wi-Fi integrated circuit (Wi-Fi IC), and an ultra-wideband (UWB) network including at least one UWB antenna module including a UWB antenna and a UWB IC, wherein the UWB IC is configured to detect in-band noise, characterize the in-band noise, and send the characterization of the in-band noise to the Wi-Fi IC.

[0013] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the Wi-Fi IC may be configured to determine whether the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network. Further, if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi IC may be configured to determine a corrective action to reduce the in-band noise. The corrective action may include changing a band or a channel of the Wi-Fi network, and / or changing from a multiple-input / multiple-output (MIMO) state having more than one active Wi-Fi antenna to a single-input / single-output (SISO) state having one active Wi-Fi antenna, and / or reducing a Tx power of signals transmitted by the Wi-Fi network.

[0014] In one configuration, the corrective action taken by the Wi-Fi IC may be communicated to a control module having memory hardware, wherein the memory hardware stores the corrective action for future use by the Wi-Fi IC in mitigating in-band noise caused by the Wi-Fi network.

[0015] The UWB IC may be configured to remove the in-band noise by changing a frequency and / or a bandwidth of the UWB network if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is not generated by the Wi-Fi network.

[0016] In yet another configuration, a vehicle is provided that includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network including at least one BLE antenna module including a BLE antenna and a BLE integrated circuit (BLE IC), an ultra-wideband (UWB) network including at least one UWB antenna module including a UWB antenna and a UWB IC, wherein the UWB IC is in communication with the BLE IC, and a Wi-Fi network including at least one Wi-Fi antenna module including a Wi-Fi antenna in communication with a Wi-Fi IC, wherein the Wi-Fi IC is in communication with the BLE IC and the UWB IC and is configured to determine whether detected in-band noise is caused by the Wi-Fi network, and to mitigate the detected in-band noise using a corrective action if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise generated by the Wi-Fi network.

[0017] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, at least one of the BLE IC and the UWB IC may be configured to detect the in-band noise, characterize the in-band noise, and send the characterization of the in-band noise to the Wi-Fi IC for use by the Wi-Fi IC in determining whether the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network. Additionally or alternatively, if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is not generated by the Wi-Fi network, the BLE IC and / or the UWB IC may be configured to remove the in-band noise by changing a frequency and / or a bandwidth of the BLE network or the UWB network, respectively.

[0018] In one configuration, the corrective action may include changing a band or a channel of the Wi-Fi network and / or changing from a multiple input / multiple output (MIMO) state having more than one active Wi-Fi antenna to a single input / single output (SISO) state having one active Wi-Fi antenna, and / or reducing a Tx power of signals transmitted through the Wi-Fi network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure; they show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a distributed coexistence system according to the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a body control module in communication with a vehicle telematics unit, a plurality of antenna modules, and a cloud-based computer, wherein the body control module is configured to control the distributed coexistence system of Fig. 1 to save and execute; and Fig. 3 a flowchart illustrating the operation of the distributed coexistence system of Fig. 1 describes exactly.

[0020] In all drawings, corresponding reference symbols designate corresponding parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0022] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "including," "containing," and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0023] When an element or layer is described as being "on," "engaging with," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaging with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to the another element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly engaging with," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there need not be any intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.).As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0024] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not intended to be limited by these terms. These terms may be used solely to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0025] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced with the term "circuit." The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field-programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0026] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware, and / or microcode and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" includes a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "shared memory" includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium."The term "computer-readable medium" encompasses non-transitory electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium and can therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory storage. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory storage include tangible computer-readable medium, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0027] The devices and methods described in this application may be implemented, in part or in whole, by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or access stored data.

[0028] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that causes a computing device to perform a task. In certain examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," an "app," or a "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0029] Non-transitory memory may be physical devices used to store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) on a temporary or permanent basis for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory may be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (which, for example, is typically used for firmware such as boot programs).Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0030] These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, or code) contain machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language and / or assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to a computer program product, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, an apparatus, and / or a device (e.g., magnetic disks, optical disks, memories, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, which contains a machine-readable medium that embodies machine instructions as a machine-readable signal.The term “machine-readable signal” refers to a signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0031] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein may be realized in digital electronics and / or optical circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable in a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special-purpose or general-purpose and coupled to receive data and instructions from and send data and instructions to a memory system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0032] The processes and logic sequences described in this application text may be performed by one or more programmable processors, also referred to as data processing hardware, which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic sequences may also be performed by special-purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Processors suitable for executing a computer program include, by way of example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors and one or more processors of any type of digital computer. In general, a processor will receive instructions and data from read-only memory and / or random access memory.The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes, or is operatively coupled to, receiving data from and / or sending data to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer is not required to include such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0033] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), an LCD (liquid crystal display monitor), or a touch screen for displaying information to the user, and optionally a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or trackball, with which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with a user; e.g., feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, e.g.,visual feedback, auditory feedback, or haptic feedback; and input may be received from the user in any form including auditory, verbal, or tactile input. Additionally, a computer may interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; e.g., by sending web pages to an internet browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the internet browser.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 1, a vehicle 10 is provided that includes a vehicle cabin 12, an instrument panel (IP) 14 disposed within the vehicle cabin 12, and a pair of doors 16 that provide selective access to the vehicle cabin 12. The vehicle 10 may be an electric vehicle (EV) powered by one or more electric motors (none of which are shown), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powered by one or more electric motors in conjunction with an internal combustion engine (ICE), or may be powered solely by an ICE.

[0035] The vehicle 10 additionally includes a number of networks that provide external and internal communication. For example, the vehicle 10 may include a Wi-Fi™ network, a Bluetooth Low Energy™ (BLE) network, and an ultra-wideband (UWB) network that operate to provide external and / or internal communication during operation of the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle 10 may include a vehicle telematics unit 18 ( Fig. 2), which is in communication with a mobile radio tower 20. While the vehicle telematics unit 18 in Fig. 2 as being in communication with a single cellular tower 20, the vehicle telematics unit 18 could be in communication with more than one cellular tower 20 and may further be in communication with different cellular towers 20 during movement of the vehicle 10.

[0036] Communication between the vehicle telematics unit 18 and the cellular tower 20 enables the vehicle 10 to receive and communicate with a cellular network via the vehicle telematics unit 18 and the cellular tower 20. During operation of the vehicle 10, the Wi-Fi network may receive data from and provide data to the vehicle telematics unit 18 to allow vehicle occupants to receive data from and send data to the cellular network. Specifically, a body control module (BCM) 22 of the vehicle 10 may be in communication with the vehicle telematics unit 18 and may include a Wi-Fi integrated circuit (Wi-Fi IC) 24. The Wi-Fi IC 24 may be in communication with Wi-Fi antenna modules 26 located at various locations on the vehicle 10 and includes a microprocessor. The Wi-Fi antenna modules 26 can receive data from and / or send data to vehicle occupants, as described in detail below.

[0037] The Wi-Fi antenna modules 26 are shown as including a Wi-Fi antenna 28 and may be located at any location of the vehicle 10 where communication with a cellular network is required. For example, a Wi-Fi antenna module 26 may be located in the IP 14 at a first location 30. Additionally or alternatively, a Wi-Fi antenna module 26 may be located in an A-pillar 32 of the vehicle 10 at a second location 34, may be located in a B-pillar 36 of the vehicle 10 at a third location 38, or may be located in a headliner (not shown) of the vehicle 10 near a vehicle roof 40 at a fourth location 42 or a fifth location 44.

[0038] The Wi-Fi antennas 28 of the Wi-Fi antenna modules 26 are shown as passive antennas. Therefore, none of the Wi-Fi antennas 28 are powered, and none are controlled at the various locations 30, 34, 38, 42, 44. Rather, the Wi-Fi IC 24 of the BCM 22 controls each of the Wi-Fi antenna modules 26. Specifically, if the vehicle 10 includes two Wi-Fi antenna modules 26, the two Wi-Fi antenna modules 26 and the associated Wi-Fi antennas 28 are controlled by the Wi-Fi IC 24. Control of the Wi-Fi modules 26 by the Wi-Fi IC 24 can be achieved by establishing a wired connection between each module 26 and the BCM 22. In one example, communication between the Wi-Fi modules 26 and the BCM 22, and thus the Wi-Fi IC 24, may be achieved through a controller area network (CAN) bus (not shown).While the Wi-Fi antenna modules 26 are shown as passive and controlled by a Wi-Fi IC 24 associated with the BCM 22, one or more of the Wi-Fi modules 26 could include a dedicated integrated circuit (IC) containing a microprocessor. In such a configuration, the Wi-Fi modules 26 having a dedicated IC would be controlled by the dedicated IC, which in turn would be in communication with the BCM 22.

[0039] The Wi-Fi antenna modules 26 receive and transmit data at the Wi-Fi antennas 28 associated with each module 26. Specifically, the antennas 28 either receive data from the vehicle telematics unit 18 for distribution to a vehicle occupant or receive data from a vehicle occupant for transmission to the vehicle telematics unit 18. As previously described, the vehicle telematics unit 18 is in communication with a cellular network via the cellular tower 20 and therefore serves as a bridge between each Wi-Fi antenna 28 and the cellular network. The data received from and transmitted to vehicle occupants can be received by and transmitted to an external device, such as a cellular phone or tablet, associated with the vehicle occupant.

[0040] In addition to receiving and transmitting cellular data to vehicle occupants, the Wi-Fi antenna modules 26 can also receive software updates for the vehicle 10, can send historical operating data regarding the vehicle 10 to a cloud-based computer 46, and can communicate with a global positioning system (GPS) to receive and transmit data regarding a location of the vehicle 10. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and may additionally include any data for use by the vehicle 10, by vehicle systems, or by vehicle occupants. For example, the Wi-Fi antenna modules 26 can receive weather data, radio signals, audio files, video files, etc.Regardless of the type of data sent to or from the vehicle 10 via the Wi-Fi antenna modules 26, the data is sent to or from the Wi-Fi antenna modules 26 via the vehicle telematics unit 18 and the cellular network via one or more cellular towers 20.

[0041] With continued reference to Fig. 2, the BCM 22 is shown in communication with BLE / UWB antenna modules 48. The BLE / UWB antenna modules 48 may be located at any of the first location 30, the second location 34, the third location 38, the fourth location 42, and the fifth location 44. In the present example, the BCM is shown in communication with three (3) BLE / UWB antenna modules 48. As with the Wi-Fi modules 26, the BCM 22 could be in communication with any number of BLE / UWB antenna modules 48. In the present example, the BCM 22 is shown in communication with three (3) BLE / UWB antenna modules 48 and four (4) Wi-Fi antenna modules 26. Since only five (5) locations 30, 34, 38, 42, 44 are disclosed in this example, one or more of the BLE / UWB antenna modules 48 and the Wi-Fi antenna modules 26 may be located at the same location 30, 34, 38, 42, 44 or at a location near the locations 30, 34, 38, 42, 44.

[0042] Each BLE / UWB antenna module 48 includes a BLE antenna 50, a UWB antenna 52, and an integrated circuit (IC) 54 that controls the BLE antenna 50 and the UWB antenna 52. Since the modules 48 include an IC 54 that includes a microprocessor, these modules 48 can be considered an "anchor" ( Fig. 3). While the BLE / UWB antenna modules 48 are shown as including a single IC 54 that controls the BLE antenna 50 and the UWB antenna 52, each of the BLE antenna 50 and the UWB antenna 52 could include a dedicated IC, or alternatively, the BLE antenna 50 and the UWB antenna 52 could be controlled by an IC associated with the BCM 22, as described above with respect to the Wi-Fi antenna modules 26. Regardless of whether the BLE / UWB modules 48 include zero (0), one (1), or two (2) ICs 54, communication between the BLE / UWB modules 48 and the BCM 22 can be achieved by establishing a wired connection between all of the modules 48 and the BCM 22. In one example, communication between the BLE / UWB modules 48 and the BCM 22 may be achieved through the CAN bus described above with respect to the Wi-Fi antenna modules 26.Finally, all of the Wi-Fi IC 24, the BLE IC 54 and the UWB IC 54 (if separated from the BLE IC 54) are in communication with each other.

[0043] The BLE network and the UWB network are low-power networks and are used for short-range, high-bandwidth communications. In the case of the vehicle 10, the BLE network and the UWB network can be used for passive access, remote starting of the vehicle 10, remote unlocking and locking of the vehicle doors 16, locating an external device such as a mobile phone or a tablet in the vehicle cabin 12, or for distance measurement. In the case of passive access, remote starting, and unlocking / locking of the vehicle doors 16, the BLE network and / or the UWB network can establish a connection between a key fob (not shown) and / or a user device such as a mobile phone carried by a user and the BCM 22. Specifically, when a signal to unlock a door 16, e.g.sent from a key fob, the signal may be detected by one of the BLE antennas 50 and the UWB antennas 52. The antenna 50, 52 that receives the signal will send the command (i.e., to unlock a door 16) to the BCM 22 for use by the BCM 22 in unlocking the door 16. Specifically, the IC 54 associated with the BLE / UWB antenna module 48 that received the unlock command from the key fob will send the command to a system-on-chip (SOC) 56 of the body control module 22. The SOC 56 will send an unlock signal to the door 16 to unlock a latch (not shown) associated with the door 16.

[0044] The Wi-Fi network, the BLE network, and the UWB network are all associated with the vehicle 10 and perform functions and / or control vehicle functions that must operate concurrently. Accordingly, these networks often must perform functions concurrently. As described, the BLE network and the UWB network are low-power networks that perform short-range tasks in and around the vehicle 10. The Wi-Fi network, on the other hand, performs tasks that consume higher power and bandwidth, such as communicating data to and from a cellular network. Because the Wi-Fi network, the BLE network, and the UWB network all operate in the same or nearby frequency bands (i.e., the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz / 6 GHz band), using two or more of these networks may result in one or more of the networks experiencing noise caused by one or more of the other networks.

[0045] The BCM 22, and in particular the Wi-Fi IC 24 and the individual ICs 54 associated with the BLE / UWB modules 48, communicate with each other using an in-vehicle communications network, such as the CAN bus, to determine which network(s) need to adapt to reduce the noise caused by two or more of the networks operating simultaneously. In doing so, the Wi-Fi IC 24 and the individual ICs 54 associated with the BLE / UWB modules 48 communicate with each other to mitigate only the amount of noise necessary to allow the Wi-Fi network, the BLE network, and the UWB network to coexist and operate simultaneously. Accordingly, the Wi-Fi IC 24 and the individual ICs 54 cooperate to provide the vehicle 10 with a distributed coexistence system that allows these networks to coexist.

[0046] As described below, one or more of the ICs 24, 54 and / or the BCM 22 may determine a corrective action to mitigate the noise associated with the simultaneous operation of the Wi-Fi network, the BLE network, and the UWB network. The corrective action may include changing a band or channel of one or more of the networks, changing from a multiple-input / multiple-output (MIMO) state using multiple antennas 28 to a single-input / single-output (SISO) state using only one antenna 28, and / or reducing the Tx power (i.e., the strength of a transmitted signal) of the Wi-Fi network.

[0047] Specifically referring to Fig. 3, a flowchart and details are provided of how the ICs 24, 54 and / or the BCM 22 mitigate noise caused by the simultaneous operation of the Wi-Fi network and / or the BLE network and / or the UWB network. If the BCM 22 performs any or all of the steps described in Fig. 3, the instructions for performing the steps may be stored in memory hardware 58.

[0048] The method starts at 60. At 62, the Wi-Fi network, the BLE network, and the UWB network are continuously monitored by the ICs 24, 54, and / or the BCM 22. Furthermore, the ICs 24, 54, and / or the BCM 22 perform a learning function to better determine the presence of static and dynamic in-band Wi-Fi noise. Static Wi-Fi noise is defined as Wi-Fi noise that occurs when the vehicle 10 is stationary, while dynamic Wi-Fi noise is defined as Wi-Fi noise that occurs when the vehicle 10 is moving.

[0049] At 64, a determination is made as to whether in-band noise is detected by the BLE / UWB IC 54. If not, operation stops at 66. If in-band noise is detected by the BLE / UWB IC 54, the BLE / UWB IC 54 characterizes the in-band noise based on an occurrence, frequency, bandwidth, amplitude, and timestamp at 68. At 70, the noise characterization performed by the BLE / UWB IC 54 is sent to the Wi-Fi IC 24. The Wi-Fi IC 24 determines at 72 whether the Wi-Fi network is the cause of the noise. Specifically, the Wi-Fi IC 24 determines at 74 whether the in-band noise is generated by in-vehicle Wi-Fi. If so, the Wi-Fi IC 24 performs a noise analysis, where the Wi-Fi IC 24 determines at 76 a corrective action such as changing a band or channel, changing to SISO from MIMO, and / or reducing the Tx power.Further, at 76, the Wi-Fi IC 24 may then store the corrective action, as well as the conditions requiring the corrective action, in the memory hardware 58 to enable the Wi-Fi IC 24 to learn and improve over time. Furthermore, this information may be communicated to the cloud-based computer 46 via the vehicle telematics unit 18 and the cellular network.

[0050] If it is not determined at 74 that the in-band noise is generated by in-vehicle Wi-Fi, the IC 54 and / or the BCM 22 may schedule the frequencies of the BLE communications or the UWB communications around the noise at 78. If the noise is mitigated at 80—either due to the corrective actions taken at 76 or due to the IC 54 and / or the BCM 22 scheduling frequencies of the BLE communications or the UWB communications around the noise—the method stops at 66. If the noise is not mitigated at 80, the BCM 22 may communicate the detected interference (i.e., noise) to the one or more vehicle occupants at 82 to warn the one or more vehicle occupants of a potential application performance degradation or disruption. After the communication is issued at 80, the method stops at 66.

[0051] As described, the system and method of the present disclosure attenuate only the portion of the noise required to enable the Wi-Fi network, the BLE network, and the UWB network to operate simultaneously, without having to completely shut down the BLE network or the UWB network. For example, if the BLE / UWB IC 54 sees noise from a Wi-Fi radio module in the 40 MHz band, the IC 54 will inform the Wi-Fi IC 24 of the noise it sees. If the Wi-Fi radio module is not currently in use, the Wi-Fi IC 24 may update the bandwidth (BW) to a lower BW to exclude the 40 MHz band. Alternatively, the Wi-Fi IC 24 may reduce the power of the Wi-Fi radio module by an amount equal to the added noise. On the other hand, if the Wi-Fi radio module is currently in operation, the Wi-Fi IC 24 will inform the BLE / UWB IC 54, which will attenuate 20 MHz of the noise.The Wi-Fi IC 24 will then update the Wi-Fi radio module's bandwidth to remove the remaining 20 MHz of noise. The Wi-Fi IC 24 and the BLE / UWB IC 54 communicate with each other and cooperate to reduce or eliminate the detected noise without completely shutting down a device or network. Such wireless communication between the various ICs 24, 54 allows the ICs 24, 54 to mitigate only the portion of the noise that is necessary, preventing the need to completely shut down a device or network.

[0052] Several implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0053] The foregoing description has been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are, where applicable, interchangeable and may be used in a chosen configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. They may also be varied in many respects. Such variations are not to be considered a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] Vehicle that includes: a Wi-Fi network including at least one Wi-Fi antenna module including a Wi-Fi antenna in communication with a Wi-Fi integrated circuit (Wi-Fi IC); and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network including at least one BLE antenna module including a BLE antenna and a BLE IC, wherein the BLE IC is configured to detect in-band noise, characterize the in-band noise, and send the characterization of the in-band noise to the Wi-Fi IC. [2] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the Wi-Fi IC is configured to determine whether the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network. [3] The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the Wi-Fi IC is configured to determine a corrective action to reduce the in-band noise if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is generated by the Wi-Fi network. [4] The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the corrective action includes changing a band or a channel of the Wi-Fi network and / or changing from a multiple input / multiple output (MIMO) state having more than one active Wi-Fi antenna to a single input / single output (SISO) state having one active Wi-Fi antenna and / or reducing a Tx power of signals transmitted through the Wi-Fi network. [5] The vehicle of claim 3, further comprising communicating the corrective action taken by the Wi-Fi IC to a control module having memory hardware, wherein the memory hardware stores the corrective action for future use by the Wi-Fi IC in mitigating in-band noise caused by the Wi-Fi network. [6] The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the BLE IC is configured to remove the in-band noise by changing a frequency and / or a bandwidth of the BLE network if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is not generated by the Wi-Fi network. [7] The vehicle of claim 2, further comprising an ultra-wideband (UWB) network including at least one UWB antenna module having a UWB antenna and a UWB IC. [8] The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the UWB IC is in communication with the BLE IC and the Wi-Fi IC. [9] The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the UWB IC is configured to remove the in-band noise by changing a frequency and / or a bandwidth of the UWB network if the Wi-Fi IC determines that the in-band noise is not generated by the Wi-Fi network. [10] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the Wi-Fi antenna is a passive antenna.

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