Method for operating a radio-based transceiver unit and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a radio-based transceiver unit (1) in a vehicle (2), wherein the manner in which the transceiver unit (1) receives and / or transmits radio signals is switched depending on at least one first (B1) and one second operating mode (B2). The method according to the invention is characterized by the following process steps: A: Determining the opening status (3) of a cabin shell separating a passenger cabin (4) of the vehicle (2) from the environment by means of an in-vehicle computing unit (5); and B: Switching the transmitter-receiver unit (1) into the first operating mode (B1) for an opening status (3) with the value CLOSED and switching the transmitter-receiver unit (1) into the second operating mode (B2) for an opening status (3) with the value OPEN.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a radio-based transmitter-receiver unit in a vehicle of the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1, and to a vehicle for carrying out the method.

[0002] To enhance user comfort, more and more functions are being integrated into modern vehicles. Some functions may rely on wireless data exchange with peripheral devices, for example, using the WLAN communication standard. This allows the vehicle's onboard network to be connected to mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or similar devices, or to the internet via a hotspot. A user's smartphone can act as a mobile access point, enabling tethering. Vehicle functions can be operated via a suitable WLAN connection, particularly through a dedicated application running on a smartphone. Data such as user profiles can also be transmitted.

[0003] Several frequency bands are available for Wi-Fi. These are the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and, in the case of Wi-Fi 6, the 6 GHz band. The use of these frequency bands may be subject to regulations, such as the CEPT regulation; see ECC Decision (04)08, The harmonized use of the 5 GHz frequency band for Wireless Access Systems including Radio local area networks (WAS / RLAN).

[0004] Methods for automatic channel assignment for WLAN devices are known, for example, from WO 2014 / 028369 A2. This publication describes how channels are determined for a first and a second, geographically overlapping WLAN network, thus avoiding interference due to bandwidth overlap.

[0005] The automatic selection of WLAN channels is also known as Dynamic Frequency Search (DFS).

[0006] Furthermore, US 2015 / 0003318A1 discloses the adjustment of the output power of a radio transmitting entity. The document describes increasing the transmit / receive power of a WLAN router in a vehicle when a body panel, such as a window or door, is closed, and reducing the transmit / receive power when the body panel is opened.

[0007] Furthermore, Regulation 49 / 2023 discloses the general allocation of frequencies in the 5150 MHz - 5250 MHz, 5250 - 5350 MHz and 5470 MHz - 5725 MHz bands for wireless access systems including local area networks (LANs). [https: / / www.bundesnetzagentur.de / Shared / Docs / Downloads / DE / Sachgebiete / Telekommunikation / Unternehmen_Institutione n / Frequenzen / Allgemeinzuteilungen / MobilfunkDectWIanCBFunk / WLAN 5GHz_pdf.pdf?_ _blob=publicationFile](https: / / www.bundesnetzagentur.de / Shared / Docs / Downloads / DE / Sachgebiete / Telekommunikation / Unternehmen_Institutione n / Frequenzen / Allgemeinzuteilungen / MobilfunkDectWIanCBFunk / WLAN 5GHz_pdf.pdf?_ _blob=publicationFile) This regulation also specifies the adjustment of the maximum mean equivalent isotropic radiated power for in-band emissions of a wireless LAN when changing frequency bands.

[0008] Furthermore, US 2006 / 0193271A1 discloses a repeater configuration located at the physical layer to increase MIMO performance. The document describes the operation of a WLAN repeater in slave mode.

[0009] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved method for operating a radio-based transceiver unit in a vehicle, with the help of which the reliability in data transmission can be increased.

[0010] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method for operating a radio-based transceiver unit in a vehicle with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments, as well as a vehicle for carrying out the method, are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] A generic method for operating a radio-based transceiver unit in a vehicle, wherein the manner in which the transceiver unit receives and / or transmits radio signals is switched depending on at least a first and a second operating mode, comprises the following method steps: A: Determining the opening status of a cabin shell separating a vehicle's passenger compartment from the environment by means of an in-vehicle computing unit; and B: Switching the transmitter-receiver unit to the first operating mode for an opening status with the value CLOSED and switching the transmitter-receiver unit to the second operating mode for an opening status with the value OPEN, wherein, according to the invention, the computing unit switches predictively between the first and second operating modes when a change for the opening status is planned within a future time window of a defined first duration; or The computing unit switches retrospectively between the first and second operating modes if a defined second duration has elapsed after changing the opening status.

[0012] According to the invention, the radio operating mode of the transceiver unit is configured depending on the opening status of the cabin shell. This allows the transceiver unit to operate as needed to improve the received signal strength. The vehicle's cabin shell thus acts like a Faraday cage. Radio signals generated within the cabin shell are therefore shielded from the surrounding environment, and radio signals coming from the surrounding environment are shielded from the vehicle interior. However, if the cabin shell is at least partially opened, radio signals can be transmitted between the vehicle interior and the surrounding environment with less attenuation.

[0013] For example, the transmit / receive power of the transceiver unit can be increased when the cabin is closed to reliably enable data transmission to an external peripheral device. However, this increases the energy consumption of the transceiver unit and the exposure of vehicle occupants to electromagnetic radiation. Conversely, with the cabin open, the transmit / receive power of the transceiver unit can be reduced because the radio signals are attenuated less by passing through the opening. This improves energy efficiency and reduces the exposure of vehicle occupants.

[0014] Furthermore, this allows regulations for the operation of the transceiver unit to be implemented.

[0015] The opening status of the cabin shell can be detected using suitable sensors and / or a control signal specifying the opening status can be received from a control unit in the vehicle via a fieldbus system. The processing unit can be connected to the fieldbus system in the vehicle to receive and process the corresponding signals. The processing unit and the transceiver unit also communicate via a data bus, such as a CAN bus or an Ethernet data line. To change the operating mode of the transceiver unit, the processing unit can send a corresponding control signal to the transceiver unit. For example, a configuration file can be stored in the transceiver unit, which is then adjusted accordingly. Individual configuration files can also be stored for different operating modes, which can then be loaded or activated as needed.The transmitter / receiver unit can also read the opening status from the processing unit and switch the operating mode itself.

[0016] As already described, the computing unit is designed to proactively switch between the first and second operating modes if a change to the opening status is planned within a future time window of a defined duration; or The computing unit switches retrospectively between the first and second operating modes if a defined second duration has elapsed after changing the opening status.

[0017] Thus, two different possibilities exist for determining the timing of switching the operating mode of the transceiver unit, depending on the opening status of the cabin shell. According to one embodiment, which is not covered by the scope of protection, the operating mode can be changed instantly when the opening status changes. According to the invention, however, if it is known when the opening status will change or has changed, the switching of the operating mode is also carried out before or after. The associated advantages are described in more detail below.

[0018] An advantageous further development of the method according to the invention provides that the transceiver unit does not receive or transmit any radio signals within a first time window before, during, and / or after a change in operating mode. This increases the safety during the operation of the transceiver unit. Opening and closing the vehicle's cabin shell represents a sensitive moment. Due to external constraints, it may be necessary to prevent the exchange of any radio signals with peripheral devices in the vicinity during the opening or closing process. To increase safety, the transmission and reception of radio signals can be omitted before, during, and after such an opening or closing process.

[0019] A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the computing unit for determining the opening status takes into account the open state of a window, a door, a trunk lid, and / or a convertible top of the vehicle. The cabin shell of a vehicle, for example, a passenger car, typically includes various openings. These include the doors, the trunk lid such as a boot lid, or the area in which windows are installed. The windows themselves, especially when fitted with appropriate heat-insulating glazing, can be highly effective at blocking radio signals. Side windows or roof windows such as panoramic sunroofs can be opened. Particularly good access to the vehicle interior can be achieved by opening the convertible top. The convertible top can be designed as a hard top or a soft top.Each opening in the cabin shell can be individually analyzed by the processing unit, or the opening status can be determined for all such openings. The opening status is always a binary value, either CLOSED or OPEN. If all openings in the cabin shell are completely closed, the opening status is CLOSED. If at least one opening in the cabin shell is at least partially open, the opening status is OPEN. The total area of ​​an opening facing the environment can be increased, for example, by the degree or number of times the vehicle windows are opened. For instance, an opening status such as 50% open can be determined. The opening status is therefore OPEN when an opening percentage greater than 0% is detected.The state of being 100% open is reached when, in particular, all openings provided in the cabin shell are fully open.

[0020] It is also conceivable to switch the transmitter-receiver unit into at least one further operating mode depending on the exact degree of the opening state, e.g. 35%, 75% and the like, in which radio signals are received or transmitted differently compared to the first and second operating modes.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is further provided that the computing unit switches the transmitter-receiver unit from the first to the second operating mode only when the convertible top of the vehicle is fully open; and The processing unit switches the transceiver unit from the second to the first operating mode as soon as the vehicle's convertible top begins to close. This represents a conservative way of operating the transceiver unit.

[0022] A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the transceiver unit switches the frequency band for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals between the first and second operating modes. This allows for particularly reliable operation of the transceiver unit. When the cabin shell opens, the transmit / receive rate to the vehicle's external peripheral devices increases. By adjusting the frequency band used for transmitting and / or receiving, the transmit and receive quality of the transceiver unit to various peripheral devices can thus be selectively adjusted depending on the opening status.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the transmitter-receiver unit is further provided to transmit and / or receive WLAN signals. Various frequency bands, such as the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz bands, can be used for this purpose. WLAN, or Wi-Fi, is a particularly widely used wireless standard, enabling reliable communication with a large number of different end devices.

[0024] A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the transceiver unit is connected to the frequency band of 5150 to 5250 MHz in the first operating mode and to the frequency band of 5470 to 5725 MHz in the second operating mode. This allows the transceiver unit to operate in compliance with CEPT regulations. The applicant has recognized that with a completely closed vehicle cabin, so-called "indoor operation" of a WLAN communication network is possible, while when the cabin is opened, particularly when the convertible top of a convertible is fully opened, so-called "outdoor operation" is possible. The method according to the invention enables the transceiver unit to be operated in compliance with regulations.

[0025] Within each frequency band, any number of available channels can be used for data exchange. Multiple channels can also be combined. For example, channels with a bandwidth of 20 MHz can be used, such as the 40 or 44 MHz channels. To increase the data rate, communication can take place simultaneously over several channels, as when using channels with bandwidths of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or even 160 MHz. For example, the 38 MHz, 110 MHz, 42 MHz, 106 MHz, or 114 MHz channels can be used.

[0026] It is also preferred that the transceiver unit operates as a slave in the second operating mode. The so-called master / slave principle involves a hierarchical management of access to shared resources. The master / slave principle is also referred to as the controller / peripheral principle. In this model, the master regulates the use of available resources for multiple slaves, thus preventing conflicts when using shared resources.

[0027] In the second operating mode, the cabin shell is open, increasing the likelihood of exchanging radio signals with a greater number of external peripherals. In this mode, it has proven advantageous to operate the transceiver unit inside the vehicle as a slave to avoid conflicts with the external peripherals. The master unit used for control can also be located inside the vehicle or externally.

[0028] In a vehicle of this type, comprising a computing unit and at least one transceiver unit, the computing unit and the at least one transceiver unit are configured, according to the invention, to carry out a method described above. The vehicle can be any road vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, bus, or the like. A convertible is particularly preferred. The convertible top or roof can be designed as a hardtop or softtop. It is also conceivable that the vehicle has more than one transceiver unit. One, several, or all of the transceiver units can have antennas that are arranged inside the cabin or attached to the vehicle's outer skin.

[0029] Further advantageous embodiments of the inventive method for operating a radio-based transmitter-receiver unit in a vehicle and of the vehicle itself also result from the exemplary embodiment, which is described in more detail below with reference to the figure.

[0030] This shows Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a vehicle according to the invention in a first and a second state. Fig. Figure 1 shows an advantageous embodiment of a vehicle 2 according to the invention, which carries out a method according to the invention for operating a radio-based transmitter-receiver unit 1. The vehicle 2 is designed as a convertible. Fig. 1a) The convertible top 6 of vehicle 2 is closed. In Fig. 1b) However, the convertible top 6 is open.

[0031] Vehicle 2 is equipped with a transceiver unit 1, primarily for transmitting and receiving WLAN signals. In particular, the 5 GHz frequency band is used.

[0032] According to the invention, an in-vehicle computing unit 5 determines the opening status 3 of a cabin shell that separates a passenger compartment 4 of the vehicle 2 from the surroundings. Since the convertible top 6 in Fig. 1a) is closed, so the opening status 3 here is also CLOSED. In Fig. 1b) If, however, the convertible top 6 is open, the opening status 3 is OPEN. It should be noted that a partially open state of the convertible top 6 is also considered OPEN, for example, during the opening or closing of the convertible top 6.

[0033] According to the invention, the computing unit 5 switches the transmitter-receiver unit 1 into a first operating mode B1 when the opening status 3 is CLOSED and switches the transmitter-receiver unit 1 into a second operating mode B2 when the opening status 3 is OPEN.

[0034] The way in which this transceiver unit receives and / or transmits radio signals differs between the first and second operating modes B1 and B2. How Fig.As depicted in Figure 1, the transceiver unit 1 preferably switches between a frequency band 7 for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals between the first operating mode B1 and the second operating mode B2. The representation of the frequency band 7 is purely qualitative. In the diagram, the frequency f is shown on the beam. In particular, the transceiver unit 1 switches to the frequency band from 5150 to 5250 MHz in the first operating mode B1 and to the frequency band from 5470 to 5725 MHz in the second operating mode B2. Particularly preferably, the transmit or receive power can also be changed, in particular increased, when switching from the first B1 to the second operating mode B2. This allows even more distant peripheral devices to be contacted.

[0035] The method according to the invention increases the reliability of communication with the transmitter-receiver unit 1. The transmitter-receiver unit 1 can be operated in compliance with regulations.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a radio-based transceiver unit (1) in a vehicle (2), wherein the manner in which the transceiver unit (1) receives and / or transmits radio signals is switched depending on at least one first (B1) and one second operating mode (B2), comprising the following method steps: A: Determining the opening status (3) of a cabin shell separating a passenger cabin (4) of the vehicle (2) from the environment by means of an in-vehicle computing unit (5); and B: Switching the transmitter-receiver unit (1) into the first operating mode (B1) for an opening status (3) with the value CLOSED and switching the transmitter-receiver unit (1) into the second operating mode (B2) for an opening status (3) with the value OPEN, characterized by , that the computing unit (5) switches proactively between the first (B1) and second operating modes (B2) when a change to the opening status (3) is planned within a future time window of a specified first duration; or the computing unit (5) switches retrospectively between the first (B1) and second operating mode (B2) when a specified second duration has elapsed after changing the opening status (3). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the transceiver unit (1) does not receive and / or transmit any radio signals within a first time window before the change of operating mode (B1, B2), during the change of operating mode (B1, B2) and / or after the change of operating mode (B1, B2). [3] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by, that the computing unit (5) for determining the opening status (3) takes into account the opening state of a window, a door, a tailgate and / or a convertible top (6) of the vehicle (2). [4] Method according to claim 1 and 3 or 2 and 3, characterized by , that the computing unit (5) switches the transceiver unit (1) from the first (B1) to the second operating mode (B2) only when the convertible top (6) of the vehicle (2) is fully open; and The computing unit (5) switches the transmitter-receiver unit (1) from the second (B2) to the first operating mode (B1) as soon as the convertible top (6) of the vehicle (2) begins to close. [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the transceiver unit (1) switches the frequency band (7) for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals between the first (B1) and second operating mode (B2). [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the transmitter / receiver unit (1) sends and / or receives WLAN signals. [7] Method according to claims 5 and 6, characterized by , that the transmitter-receiver unit (1) is switched to the frequency band of 5150 - 5250 MHz in the first operating mode (B1) and to the frequency band of 5470 - 5725 MHz in the second operating mode (B2). [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by , that the transmitter-receiver unit (1) is operated as a slave in the second operating mode (B2). [9] Vehicle (2) comprising a computing unit (5) and at least one transceiver unit (1), characterized by , that the computing unit (5) and the at least one transmitter-receiver unit (1) are configured to perform a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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