LIGHT ARRANGEMENT INTEGRATED WITH A UWB ANTENNA, NO EMI NOISE

Abstract

A method includes applying a voltage to a light source of a vehicle lighting assembly in accordance with a duty cycle. The light source emits light in response to the applied voltage. The method includes transmitting an outgoing short-range wireless communication to a user device while a voltage is applied to the light source and during an off-cycle of the duty cycle. The outgoing short-range wireless communication is transmitted from an antenna at the vehicle lighting assembly. The method includes receiving an incoming short-range wireless communication at the antenna at the vehicle lighting assembly during the off-cycle of the duty cycle. The incoming short-range wireless communication is transmitted by the user device in response to the outgoing short-range wireless communication.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a short-range wireless communications antenna in a vehicle lamp assembly, and more particularly to a computer-implemented method for controlling operation of the antenna to transmit and receive wireless communications at the antenna and for controlling operation of the lamp assembly to emit light from the lamp assembly without electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the lamp assembly interfering with wireless communications at the antenna.

[0002] DE 10 2009 040 326 A1 discloses a method for operating a lighting device of a vehicle in combination with an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio signals. The lighting device is operated with a pulsed voltage, which can lead to interference with the transmitted or received signals via the antenna.

[0003] Furthermore, the documents DE 10 2016 007 410 A1, DE 100 24 666 A1 and US 5 963 172 A each disclose methods for operating a lighting device of a vehicle in combination with an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio signals.

[0004] Vehicles are typically equipped with a short-range wireless communications antenna configured to communicate with devices remote from the vehicle using short-range wireless communications protocols such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, low frequency (LF), and ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies. For example, the vehicle communicates with a key fob associated with the vehicle using short-range communications to determine the presence of the key fob at or near the vehicle. Traditionally, these antennas are positioned around the vehicle in a variety of locations, such as in the vehicle's door handles, to increase the likelihood of detecting the key fob. However, this increases the complexity of the vehicle's wiring harness and increases material and maintenance requirements.Furthermore, accommodating the antenna and associated electronics in a confined space within vehicle structures presents a significant challenge.

[0005] To enable the vehicle to communicate more reliably with devices remote from the vehicle using short-range wireless communication protocols by housing the antenna and associated electronics in optimal locations around the vehicle, and to reduce wiring harness complexity, a short-range wireless antenna is positioned at or near one or more of the vehicle's light assemblies. As a mounting location, the light assembly allows the antenna to have a more seamless area of ​​coverage around the vehicle. However, if the light assembly is electrically powered to emit light, EMI from the light assembly can interfere with communication to and from the antenna. SUMMARY

[0006] According to the invention, a computer-implemented method is presented which is characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0007] The method may be performed by computing hardware that causes the computing hardware to perform operations. The operations include applying a voltage to a light source of a vehicle lamp assembly in accordance with a duty cycle. The light source emits light in response to a voltage being applied thereto. The operations include sending an outgoing short-range wireless communication to a user device while a voltage is applied to the light source and during an off-cycle of the duty cycle. The outgoing short-range wireless communication is sent from an antenna at the vehicle lamp assembly. The operations include receiving an incoming short-range wireless communication at the antenna at the vehicle lamp assembly during the off-cycle of the duty cycle.The incoming short-range wireless communication is sent by the user device in response to the outgoing short-range wireless communication.

[0008] Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following optional features. According to some implementations, the operations further include setting the duty cycle from a first duty cycle to a zero (0) percent duty cycle while a voltage is applied to the light source. According to these implementations, transmitting the first short-range wireless communication and receiving the second short-range wireless communication occur during the zero (0) percent duty cycle. According to further implementations, the operations further include setting the duty cycle to the first duty cycle in response to receiving the incoming short-range wireless communication.

[0009] According to some examples, applying a voltage to the light source of the vehicle lighting assembly occurs in response to determining the presence of the user device at a distance from the vehicle lighting assembly that is less than a first threshold distance. According to further examples, sending the outgoing short-range wireless communication to the user device occurs in response to determining the presence of the user device at a distance from the vehicle lighting assembly that is less than a second threshold distance. The second threshold distance is less than the first threshold distance.

[0010] In some aspects, the light source includes a light-emitting diode (LED) disposed on a circuit element. In further aspects, the antenna is disposed on the circuit element.

[0011] According to some implementations, the antenna includes a conductive trace disposed on at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) a light guide of the vehicle lamp assembly, (ii) a reflector of the vehicle lamp assembly, (iii) a housing of the vehicle lamp assembly, and (iv) a bezel of the vehicle lamp assembly. According to further implementations, at least a portion of the conductive trace forms a graphic design on the light guide or on the reflector of the vehicle lamp assembly.

[0012] According to some examples, the outgoing short-range wireless communication and the incoming short-range wireless communication include ultra-wideband (UWB) communications.

[0013] Further described is a system that includes computing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the computing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions that, when executed in the computing hardware, cause the computing hardware to perform operations. The operations include applying a voltage to a light source of a vehicle lamp assembly in accordance with a duty cycle. The light source emits light in response to a voltage being applied to it. The operations include sending an outgoing short-range wireless communication to a user device while a voltage is applied to the light source and during an off cycle of the duty cycle. The outgoing short-range wireless communication is sent from an antenna at the vehicle lamp assembly.The operations include receiving an incoming short-range wireless communication at the antenna at the vehicle lamp assembly during the off-cycle of the duty cycle. The incoming short-range wireless communication is transmitted by the user device in response to the outgoing short-range wireless communication. Aspects of the invention may include one or more of the following optional features.

[0014] According to some implementations, the operations further include adjusting the duty cycle from a first duty cycle to a zero (0) percent duty cycle while a voltage is applied to the light source. According to these implementations, transmitting the first short-range wireless communication and receiving the second short-range wireless communication occur during the zero (0) percent duty cycle.

[0015] According to some examples, applying a voltage to the light source of the vehicle lighting assembly occurs in response to determining the presence of the user device at a distance from the vehicle lighting assembly that is less than a first threshold distance. According to these examples, sending the outgoing short-range wireless communication to the user device occurs in response to determining the presence of the user device at a distance from the vehicle lighting assembly that is less than a second threshold distance. The second threshold distance is less than the first threshold distance.

[0016] In some aspects, the light source includes a light-emitting diode (LED) disposed on a circuit element. The antenna is disposed on the circuit element.

[0017] According to some implementations, the antenna includes a conductive trace disposed on at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) a light guide of the vehicle lamp assembly, (ii) a reflector of the vehicle lamp assembly, (iii) a housing of the vehicle lamp assembly, and (iv) a bezel of the vehicle lamp assembly.

[0018] According to some examples, the outgoing short-range wireless communication and the incoming short-range wireless communication include ultra-wideband (UWB) communications.

[0019] Further described is a vehicle that includes a lamp assembly, computing hardware disposed adjacent the lamp assembly, and memory hardware in communication with the computing hardware. The lamp assembly includes a light-emitting diode (LED) disposed on a circuit element, a light guide, and a reflector. The memory hardware stores instructions that, when executed in the computing hardware, cause the computing hardware to perform operations. The operations include applying a voltage to the light source of a lamp assembly in accordance with a duty cycle. The light source emits light in response to a voltage being applied to it.The operations include sending an outgoing ultra-wideband wireless (UWB) communication to a user device while a voltage is applied to the light source and during an off-cycle of the duty cycle. The outgoing UWB wireless communication is sent from an antenna at the light assembly. The operations include receiving an incoming UWB wireless communication at the antenna at the light assembly during the off-cycle of the duty cycle. The incoming UWB wireless communication is sent by the user device in response to the outgoing UWB wireless communication. Aspects of the invention may include one or more of the following optional features.

[0020] According to some implementations, the operations further include adjusting the duty cycle from a first duty cycle to a zero (0) percent duty cycle while a voltage is applied to the light source. According to these implementations, transmitting the first UWB wireless communication and receiving the second short-range UWB wireless communication occur during the zero (0) percent duty cycle.

[0021] According to some examples, applying a voltage to the light source of the lamp assembly occurs in response to determining the presence of the user device at a distance from the vehicle less than a first threshold distance. According to these examples, transmitting the outgoing UWB wireless communication to the user device occurs in response to determining the presence of the user device at a distance from the lamp assembly less than a second threshold distance. The second threshold distance is less than the first threshold distance.

[0022] In some aspects, the antenna includes a conductive trace disposed at a selected one of the group consisting of (i) the circuit element, (ii) the light guide, (iii) the reflector, (iv) a housing of the light assembly, and (v) a bezel of the light assembly.

[0023] The details of one or more implementations of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings described here are for illustrative purposes only and show selected configurations; Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with lamp assemblies that house respective antennas for transmitting and receiving short-range wireless communications between the vehicle and a user device associated with the vehicle; Fig. 2A is a plan view of a lighting assembly having an antenna configured to transmit and receive short-range wireless communications disposed at the circuit element housing the light source of the lighting assembly; Fig. 2B is a plan view of another luminaire assembly with the antenna arranged near a light guide of the luminaire assembly; Fig. 2C is a plan view of another lamp assembly with the antenna arranged at a reflector of the lamp assembly; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic view of the power source and control module that operate the light source and antenna of the luminaire assembly; Fig. 4 is a schematic view of short-range wireless communications between the vehicle and the user device; Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a window of the vehicle with a welcome message projected onto the window; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the vehicle with a welcome message projected onto a floor surface along one side of the vehicle; Fig. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for controlling the operation of the light source and the antenna in the luminaire assembly; Fig. 8 is a flowchart of another exemplary method for controlling the operation of the light source and the antenna in the luminaire assembly.

[0025] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Referring now to the figures and the illustrative configurations shown therein, a vehicle 100 communicates with a user device 10, such as a key fob, a mobile device, a smartwatch, associated with the vehicle 100 ( Fig. 1). For example, the vehicle 100 wirelessly communicates with the user device 10 to send and receive signals via a short-range wireless communication protocol to determine the presence of the user device 10 at or near the vehicle 100. Based on determining the presence of the user device 10 at or near the vehicle 100, the vehicle 100 may initiate a welcoming sequence (e.g., electronically operate welcoming lights on the vehicle 100), permit the use of a keyless entry system (where the vehicle 100 is unlocked, e.g., based on determining the presence of the user device 10 at or near the vehicle 100, such as at or near a door of the vehicle 100 or within a threshold distance of the vehicle 100), and the like.For example, the vehicle 100 communicates with the user device 10 via one or more short-range wireless communication protocols including Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi®, low frequency (LF), and ultra wideband (UWB).

[0027] Although vehicle 100 is described herein as using UWB communication protocols, it should be understood that it may communicate with user device 10 via one or more suitable short-range wireless communication protocols, such as those listed above. UWB is a short-range wireless communication protocol that uses radio waves at a high bandwidth to improve application capabilities and security levels compared to conventional radio technologies. UWB communication provides highly accurate and robust localization within 10 centimeters or less in a multi-path environment, is secure against relay attacks, and provides lower latency and high data rates of up to 100 megabits per second or more. Furthermore, UWB communications enable real-time updates with update rates of up to 1,000 times per second or more.To enable UWB communications between the vehicle 100 and the user device 10, one or more UWB transceivers and / or antennas are positioned on both the vehicle 100 and the user device 10.

[0028] The vehicle 100 includes one or more light assemblies 200, 200a-c that house the transceivers and / or antennas for enabling short-range wireless communications with the user device 10. Because the light assemblies 200 are mounted at or near each corner region of the vehicle 100, the light assemblies 200 provide a superior position within a generally unbroken area surrounding the vehicle 100 for transmitting and receiving the short-range wireless communications of the user device 10. That is, the headlights and taillights in the vehicle 100 may provide the most suitable position for the short-range wireless communication transceiver and / or antenna for communicating with the user device 10.Furthermore, incorporating electrical components to enable short-range wireless communications in the lamp assembly 200 reduces the complexity of the vehicle wiring harness, resulting in reduced materials and easier assembly.

[0029] Because short-range wireless communications are frequently sent between the vehicle 100 and the user device 10 during operation of the light assembly 200 (such as when the light assembly 200 is electrically powered to provide welcoming illumination as the user approaches the vehicle 100), the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated during operation of the light assembly 200 creates a risk of causing a communication error, such as a block error rate (BLER) increase, between the vehicle 100 and the user device 10. In other words, the EMI from the light source and / or the controller of the light assembly 200 may cause communication interference from the transceiver and / or the short-range wireless communication antenna of the light assembly 200.Thus, and as further described below, the operation of the lamp assembly 200 and the communication between the vehicle 100 and the user device 10 are synchronized or otherwise controlled relative to each other to provide EMI-free UWB communication between the vehicle 100 and the user device 10. For example, the antenna for transmitting outgoing short-range wireless transmissions is operated during an off cycle of the duty cycle powering the lamp assembly 200 to avoid interference during operation of the lamp assembly 200.

[0030] Now based on Fig. 2A, a lamp assembly 200, 200a includes one or more light sources 202, 202a, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), disposed adjacent to a circuit element such as a printed circuit board (PCB) 204, 204a. When electrically powered, the LED 202a emits light along a light pipe 206, 206a, which in turn directs the light through a light guide 208, 208a. The lamp assembly 200a may further include a reflector 210, 210a to direct the light from the lamp assembly 200a to illuminate an area at or near the vehicle 100, such as an area in front of the vehicle 100 when the lamp assembly 200a provides a headlight of the vehicle 100.According to some examples, the one or more LEDs 202a, the light pipe 206a, the light guide 208a, and the reflector 210a are received between a housing and a lens of the lamp assembly 200a (not shown) such that the housing may be mounted on the vehicle 100, and light emitted from the LEDs 202a may be directed along the light pipe 206a, through the light guide 208a, and through the lens by the reflector 210a to illuminate the area proximate the vehicle 100. The lens may be attached to the housing via a bezel circumscribing the lens.

[0031] According to the example shown in Fig. 2A, a UWB transceiver 212, 212a and a UWB antenna 214, 214a are disposed at PCB 204a and configured to transmit and receive short-range wireless UWB communications with user device 10. That is, UWB transceiver 212a and UWB antenna 214a are disposed at PCB 204a that houses LED 202a. Optionally, UWB transceiver 212a and / or UWB antenna 214a are disposed at another PCB that is separate and remote from LED PCB 204a housed by lamp assembly 200a. UWB transceiver 212a generates UWB communications that are transmitted from vehicle 100 via UWB antenna 214a at PCB 204a. Furthermore, the antenna 214a receives UWB communications, which can be converted into electrical signals via the UWB transceiver 212a. For example, the UWB antenna 214a includes a conductive trace or other suitable conductor disposed adjacent to the PCB 204a.

[0032] The lamp assembly 200a is electrically connected, such as via a connection to the wiring harness of the vehicle 100, to a power source or power supply 316 on the vehicle 100 for applying voltage to the light source 202a and to the UWB transceiver 212a on the lamp assembly 200a. Based on electrical signals from the power source 316, the UWB transceiver 212a generates short-range wireless communications that are transmitted from the vehicle 100 via the UWB antenna 214a. A control module or controller 318 of the vehicle 100 controls the electrical current from the power supply 316 to the lamp assembly 200a.Thus, when the light source 202a of the lamp assembly 200a is electrically powered to emit light and illuminate the area at or near the vehicle 100, electrical current is supplied from the power source 316 to the LED 202a at the PCB 204a, and electrical current is supplied from the power source 316 to the UWB transceiver 212a at the PCB 204a to generate signals from the antenna 214a at the PCB 204a when the UWB transceiver 212a is electrically powered to transmit UWB communications via the antenna 214a.

[0033] Based on Fig. 2B, the light assembly 200, 200b includes one or more light sources or LEDs 202, 202b disposed adjacent to a circuit element such as a PCB 204, 204b. When electrically powered, the LED 202b emits light along a light pipe 206, 206b, which in turn directs the light through a light guide 208, 208b. Furthermore, the light assembly 200b includes a reflector 210, 210b for directing the light from the light assembly 200b to illuminate the area at or near the vehicle 100. The light assembly 200b may include a housing and a lens (not shown), with the components of the light assembly 200b being housed between the housing and the lens. Thus, the housing may be mounted on the vehicle 100 and light emitted by the LEDs 202b may be directed along the light pipe 206b, through the light guide 208b, and through the lens by the reflector 210b to illuminate the area near the vehicle 100.

[0034] In the example shown from Fig. 2B, a UWB transceiver 212, 212b is disposed at the PCB 204b, while the UWB antenna 214, 214b is disposed at the light guide 208b. The UWB transceiver 212b and the UWB antenna 214b are configured to transmit and receive short-range wireless UWB communications with the user device 10. That is, the UWB transceiver 212b is disposed at the PCB 204b housing the LED 202b and is electrically connected to the UWB antenna 214b, which is disposed remotely from the PCB 204b and at a surface of the light guide 208b. The UWB transceiver 212b generates UWB communications that are transmitted from the vehicle 100 via the UWB antenna 214b at the optical fiber 208b. Furthermore, the antenna 214b receives UWB communications, which are converted into electrical signals via the UWB transceiver 212b. For example, the UWB antenna 214b includes a conductive trace or other suitable conductor.which is embedded in the light guide 208b or otherwise arranged on a surface thereof.

[0035] Because the light guide 208b and the electrical trace or conductor of the UWB antenna 214b may be visible to a person viewing the light assembly 200b, the UWB antenna 214b may be stylized or otherwise configured to appear as a pattern, graphic character, symbol, logo, trademark, and the like on the surface of the light guide 208b. A portion of the UWB antenna 214b may include a dummy trace or non-conductive trace 220, 220b to allow the conductive portion of the UWB antenna 214b or the non-conductive portion 220b to cooperate to form the graphic design without the shape or form of the graphic design affecting the transmission characteristics of the UWB antenna 214b.

[0036] The lamp assembly 200b is electrically connected to the power source 316 on the vehicle 100 to apply voltage to the light source 202b and to the UWB transceiver 212b on the lamp assembly 200b. Based on electrical signals from the power source 316, the UWB transceiver 212b generates short-range wireless communications that are transmitted from the vehicle 100 via the UWB antenna 214b, with the control module 318 of the vehicle 100 controlling the electrical current from the power supply 316 to the lamp assembly 200b.Thus, when the light source 202b of the lamp assembly 200b is electrically operated to emit light, electrical current is supplied from the power source 316 to the LED 202b at the PCB 204b, and when the UWB transceiver 212b is electrically operated to transmit UWB communications via the antenna 214b, electrical current is supplied from the power source 316 to the UWB transceiver 212b at the PCB 204b to generate signals from the antenna 214b disposed at the light guide 208b.

[0037] Based on Fig. 2C, a light assembly 200, 200c includes one or more light sources or LEDs 202, 202c disposed adjacent to a circuit element such as a PCB 204, 204c. When electrically powered, the LED 202c emits light along a light pipe 206, 206c, which in turn directs the light through the light guide 208, 208c. Further, the light assembly 200c includes a reflector 210, 210c for directing the light from the light assembly 200c to illuminate the area at or near the vehicle 100. The light assembly 200c may include a housing and a lens (not shown), with the components of the light assembly 200c housed between the housing and the lens. Thus, the housing may be mounted on the vehicle 100 and light emitted by the LEDs 202c may be directed along the light pipe 206c, through the light guide 208c, and through the lens by the reflector 210c to illuminate the area near the vehicle 100.

[0038] In the example shown from Fig. 2C, a UWB transceiver 212, 212c is disposed at the PCB 204c, while the UWB antenna 214, 214c is disposed at the reflector 210c. The UWB transceiver 212c and the UWB antenna 214c are configured to transmit and receive short-range wireless UWB communications with the user device 10. That is, the UWB transceiver 212c is disposed at the PCB 204c housing the LED 202c and is electrically connected to the UWB antenna 214c, which is disposed remotely from the PCB 204c and at a surface of the reflector 210c. The UWB transceiver 212c generates UWB communications that are transmitted from the vehicle 100 via the UWB antenna 214c at the reflector 210c. Furthermore, the antenna 214c receives UWB communications, which are converted into electrical signals via the UWB transceiver 212c. For example, the UWB antenna 214c includes a conductive trace or other suitable conductor.which is embedded in the reflector 210c or otherwise arranged on a surface.

[0039] Because the reflector 210c and the electrical trace or conductor of the UWB antenna 214c may be visible to a person viewing the light assembly 200c, the UWB antenna 214c may be stylized or otherwise configured to appear on the surface of the reflector 210c as a pattern, graphic design, symbol, logo, wordmark, and the like. A portion of the UWB antenna 214c may include a dummy trace or non-conductive trace 220, 220c to allow the conductive portion of the UWB antenna 214c and the non-conductive portion 220c to cooperate to form the graphic design without the shape or form of the graphic design affecting the transmission characteristics of the UWB antenna 214c.

[0040] The lamp assembly 200c is electrically connected to the power source 316 on the vehicle 100 to apply voltage to the light source 202c and to the UWB transceiver 212c on the lamp assembly 200b. Based on electrical signals from the power source 316, the UWB transceiver 212c generates short-range wireless communications that are transmitted from the vehicle 100 via the UWB antenna 214c, with the control module 318 of the vehicle 100 controlling the electrical current from the power supply 316 to the lamp assembly 200c.Thus, when the light source 202c of the lamp assembly 200c is electrically operated to emit light, electrical current is supplied from the power source 316 to the LED 202c at the PCB 204c, and when the UWB transceiver 212c is electrically operated to transmit UWB communications via the antenna 214c, electrical current is supplied from the power source 316 to the UWB transceiver 212c at the PCB 204c to generate signals from the antenna 214c disposed at the reflector 210c.

[0041] Thus, the lamp assembly 200 includes the UWB transceiver 212, which generates wireless UWB communications at the lamp assembly 200 for transmission from the antenna 214. The antenna 214 may be disposed at any suitable location on or near the lamp assembly 200, such as at the PCB 204 housing the LED 202, at the light guide 208, at the reflector 210, at a surface of the housing, at a surface of the lens, and / or at a surface of the bezel of the lamp assembly 200. Installing the antenna 214 at the light guide 208 and / or at the reflector 210 may further reduce the packaging for the antenna 214 and the controller or transceiver 212 in a confined space. Furthermore, dummy antenna sections or non-conductive sections 220 of the antenna 214 may be arranged at the light guide 208 and / or the reflector 210 in order to stylize the illumination appearance of the light guide 208 and / or the reflector 210.Since the operation of the light source 202 generates EMI that can interfere with communications to and from the antenna 214, the operation of the light source 202 and the UWB transceiver 212 and / or the UWB antenna 214 is controlled by a common control unit 318 of the vehicle 100 to synchronize the operation of the light source 202 and the UWB antenna 214 to avoid interference with the UWB communications to and from the antenna 214.

[0042] Based on Fig. 3, during operation of the LED 202, the power source 316 drives electrical current to the LED 202 to apply a voltage to the LED 202 to emit light from the lamp assembly 200. A voltage is applied to the light source 202 via pulse width modulation (PWM), such as minimal loss discontinuous PWM (MLD-PWM), in accordance with a duty cycle 322, wherein electrical current is driven to the light source 202 during an on cycle 324 of the duty cycle 322 and no electrical current is driven to the light source 202 during an off cycle 326 of the duty cycle 322. For example, a voltage having a duty cycle 322 of zero (0) percent, between 8 percent and 93 percent, 100 percent, and the like may be applied to the light source 202 by electrical current having a PWM frequency of 100 Hertz, 105 Hertz, 210 Hertz, 420 Hertz, and the like.

[0043] When a voltage is applied to LED 202, EMI noise may interfere with signals from antenna 214. Since UWB communications are generally transmitted between 3 gigahertz and 5 gigahertz, for example, EMI noise higher than -174 dBm may cause a communication error between antenna 214 and user device 10.

[0044] To avoid communication errors between the vehicle 100 and the user device 10 during operation of the lighting assembly 200 (such as during illumination of welcome lights), the control module 318 controls the antenna 214 to transmit outgoing UWB wireless communications 402 during an off duty cycle 326 of the duty cycle 322 that applies a voltage to the light source 202. That is, if a voltage corresponding to a 50 percent duty cycle 322 is applied to the LED 202 by electrical current, the LED 202 emits light in response to having a voltage applied to it through the 50 percent on cycle 324, and the antenna 214 transmits the outgoing wireless communications during the 50 percent off cycle 326. During the off cycle 326, no EMI noise interferes with communications to and from the antenna 214.

[0045] According to some examples and as in Fig. 3, the control module 318 may determine or anticipate the transmission of the outgoing wireless communication 402 from the vehicle 100. For example, based on the initial determination of the presence of the user device 10 at or near the vehicle 100 by transmitting outgoing UWB communications 402 to the user device 10 and receiving incoming UWB communications 404 from the user device 10, the control module 318 may begin tracking the position of the user device 10 relative to the vehicle 100. To adjust for the outgoing UWB communication 402, the control module 318 introduces a PWM hold 328 into the duty cycle 322, where the PWM hold 328 causes the duty cycle 322 to be set to a duty cycle 322 of zero (0) percent. During the zero (0) percent duty cycle 322, no EMI noise interferes with the outgoing UWB communication 402 and any incoming UWB communication 404.After receiving an incoming UWB communication 404, the control module 318 may enable the PWM hold 328 to set the duty cycle 322 to the original duty cycle 322 (e.g., 50 percent). Optionally, the PWM hold 328 may only set one cycle of the duty cycle 322 to a duty cycle 322 of zero (0) percent. Thus, any interruption of illumination from the lighting assembly 200 is visually imperceptible. The outgoing UWB communication 402 is synchronized to the duty cycle 322 during the off cycle 326 and / or the PWM hold 328 of the duty cycle 322 to be transmitted by the antenna 214.

[0046] Based on Fig. 4, the speed of the UWB communication between the vehicle 100 and the user device 10 allows the outgoing UWB communication 402 to be sent from the vehicle 100 to the user device 10 and the incoming UWB communication 404 to be received from the user device 10 at the vehicle 100 within one off cycle 326 and / or one PWM hold 328 of the duty cycle 322. For example, it may take 10 nanoseconds for the outgoing UWB communication 402 to travel from the vehicle 100 to the user device 10 when the user device 10 is at or within 3 meters of the vehicle 100. Receiving the outgoing communication 402 and generating the incoming communication 404 at the user device 10 may take 400 nanoseconds. It may take 10 nanoseconds for the incoming UWB communication 404 to travel from the user device 10 to the vehicle 100, so the total cycle time may be 420 nanoseconds or less.Thus, the EMI noise from the operation of the LED 202 during the off cycle 326 and / or the PWM hold 328 of the duty cycle 322 does not interfere with the transmission or reception of UWB communications.

[0047] Thus, the control module 318, such as a central controller or an electronic control unit (ECU), controls the operation of the light source 202 and the UWB transceiver 212 and / or the UWB antenna 214 in the lamp assembly 200 to illuminate the area at or near the vehicle 100 and to send and receive short-range wireless communications to a user device 10 without EMI noise from the operation of the light source 202 interfering with communications. The control module 318 includes computing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the computing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions that, when executed in the computing hardware, perform operations.For example, the memory hardware stores instructions for controlling the simultaneous operation of the light source and the UWB antenna to avoid EMI noise interfering with the operation of the UWB antenna, such as in accordance with method 700 of FIG. Fig. 7 and / or with the method 800 from Fig. 8, which are discussed below.

[0048] Based on Fig. 1, the control module 318 may control the operation of the light source 202 and the antenna 214 in the light assemblies 200 as the user device 10 approaches the vehicle 100. For example, the vehicle 100 may passively search for the user device 10 by intermittently or routinely transmitting short-range wireless communications within a range of the vehicle 100. Based on the receipt of the short-range wireless communication from the vehicle 100, the user device 10 associated with the vehicle 100 transmits a return communication so that the vehicle 100 can determine the presence and / or a relative position of the user device 10 at or near the vehicle 100. In response to determining the presence of the user device 10 at or near the vehicle 100, the control module 318 may apply a voltage to a light source 202 (e.g.,to initiate a greeting sequence and illuminate the area at or near the vehicle 100) and further initiate outgoing short-range wireless communications 402 from the vehicle 100. According to some examples, the vehicle 100 sends short-range wireless communications via a first protocol (e.g., BLE) when the light sources 202 are not operating and via a second protocol (e.g., UWB) when the light sources 202 are operating.

[0049] The vehicle 100 may continue to send outbound short-range wireless communications 402 to the user device 10 during operation of the light sources 202 to track the position of the user device 10 relative to the vehicle 100. For example, the control module 318 may apply a voltage to the light sources 202 to illuminate the area at or near the vehicle 100 to provide welcome lighting when it is determined that the user device 10 is within the first zone 110 or closer than a first threshold distance (e.g., closer than 20 meters or less, closer than 15 meters or less, closer than 10 meters or less, and the like). That is, applying a voltage to the light source 202 is in response to determining the presence of the user device 10 at a distance from the vehicle 100 or the lamp assembly 200 that is less than the first threshold distance 110.After applying a voltage to the light sources 202, the control module 318 may continue to track the position of the user device 10 using the first protocol (e.g., BLE), and based on determining the presence of the user device 10 within a second zone 112 or closer than a second threshold distance that is less than the first threshold distance (e.g., closer than 10 meters or less, closer than 5 meters or less, closer than 3 meters or less, and the like), the control module 318 may send the outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 via the second protocol (UWB) to determine a more accurate position of the user device 10 relative to the vehicle 100. The outgoing short-range communication 402 is sent by the antenna 214 during the off cycle 326 of the duty cycle 322 that applies a voltage to the light source 202.

[0050] Optionally, determining the presence of the user device 10 within the second zone 112 may cause the vehicle to initiate a second phase of a greeting sequence. For example, a graphic image 502 may be projected onto a window 102 of the vehicle 100 or displayed on a display screen at or near the window 102 of the vehicle 100 to provide a greeting message ( Fig. 5). According to some examples, a graphic image or road surface illumination 602 may be projected onto a ground surface on one side of the vehicle 100 to provide a welcome message ( Fig. 6).

[0051] Fig. 7 provides a flowchart of an example arrangement of operations for a method 700 for controlling operation of the light source 202 and the UWB antenna 214 at the lamp assembly 200. The computing hardware of the control module 318 may execute instructions stored in the memory storage to cause the computing hardware to perform the operations for the method 700. In operation 702, the method 700 includes applying a voltage to a light source 202 of a vehicle lamp assembly 200 in accordance with a duty cycle 322. The light source 202 emits light in response to the voltage being applied. In operation 704, the method 700 includes sending an outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 to a user device 10 while a voltage is applied to the light source 202 and during an off cycle 326 of the duty cycle 322.The outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 is transmitted from an antenna 214 at the lighting assembly 200. In operation 706, the method 700 includes receiving an incoming short-range wireless communication 404 at the antenna 214 at the lighting assembly 200 during the off cycle 326 of the duty cycle 322. The incoming short-range wireless communication 404 is transmitted by the user device 10 in response to the outgoing short-range wireless communication 402.

[0052] Fig.8 provides a flowchart of an example arrangement of operations for another method 800 for controlling operation of the light source 202 and the UWB antenna 214 in the lighting assembly 200. The computing hardware of the control module 318 may execute instructions stored in the memory storage to cause the computing hardware to perform the operations for the method 800. In operation 802, the method 800 is initiated as the user device 10 approaches the vehicle 100. In operation 804, the method 800 includes determining a distance of the user device 10 from the vehicle 100. During operation 804, the method 800 may determine the distance of the user device 10 from the vehicle 100 via short-range wireless communications using a first protocol (e.g., BLE).Using a first short-range wireless communication protocol, such as BLE, has low power consumption compared to UWB, but also provides lower accuracy and communication speed. At operation 806, the method 800 includes determining whether the user device 10 is within a first zone or a first threshold distance 110 from the vehicle 100. If the user device 10 is not within the first threshold distance 110 from the vehicle 100, the vehicle 800 further determines the distance of the user device 10 from the vehicle 100 using the first short-range wireless communication protocol. If the user device 10 is within the first threshold distance 110 from the vehicle 100, the method 800 initiates a greeting sequence at operation 808, such as by applying a voltage to the light source 202 at the lamp assembly 200.In operation 810, the method 800 includes determining whether the user device 10 is within a second zone or second threshold distance 112 from the vehicle 100 that is less than the first threshold distance 110. During operation 810, the method 800 may determine the distance of the user device 10 from the vehicle 100 via short-range wireless communications using the first protocol. If the user device 10 is not within the second threshold distance 112 from the vehicle 100, the method 800 further determines the distance of the user device 10 from the vehicle 100 using the first short-range wireless communication protocol. If the user device 10 is within the second threshold distance 112 from the vehicle 100, the method 800 transmits using the second short-range wireless communication protocol (e.g.,UWB) an outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 to the user device 10.

[0053] In other words, the method 800 includes, at operation 812, sending the outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 to the user device 10 while a voltage is applied to the light source 202. The outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 is sent from the antenna 214 at the vehicle lamp assembly 200. As shown at operation 814, the method 800 includes setting the duty cycle 322 that applies a voltage to the light source 202 to a duty cycle 322 of zero (0) percent, such as using a PWM hold signal 328, such that the outgoing short-range wireless communication 402 is sent to the user device 10 during an off cycle 326 and / or the PWM hold 328 of the duty cycle 322. The duty cycle 322 of zero (0) percent does not cause any noticeable interruption of the lighting.

[0054] At operation 816, method 800 includes setting a timer to track the response time from user device 10. The timer may be set, for example, based on the length of off cycle 326 and / or PWM hold 328 of duty cycle 322 such that a return signal can be received from user device 10 during off cycle 326 and / or PWM hold 328 of duty cycle 322. At operation 818, method 800 determines whether the time has expired. If the timer has expired, the method 800 may set the duty cycle 322 to the normal duty cycle 322, such as by removing the PWM hold 328, to apply a voltage to the LED 202, and the method 800 returns to step 804 and continues to determine the distance of the user device 10 from the vehicle 100 using the first short-range wireless communication protocol.If the time has not expired, in operation 820, the method 800 determines whether an incoming short-range wireless communication 404 has been received from the user device 10. The incoming short-range wireless communication 404 is received by the user device 10 at the antenna 214 at the light assembly 200. If the incoming short-range wireless communication 404 is not received, the method 800 returns to step 818 until the timer expires or the incoming short-range wireless communication 404 is received. If the incoming short-range wireless communication 404 is received, in operation 822, the method 800 sets the duty cycle 322 to the normal duty cycle 322, such as by removing the PWM hold 328, to apply a voltage to the LED 202.At operation 824, method 800 includes performing a function of the vehicle 100 based on the UWB communications and / or the proximity of the user device 10 to the vehicle 100, such as performing a digital key entry function or keyless entry function to unlock the vehicle, generating a welcome image 502 at the window 102 of the vehicle 100, generating a welcome image 602 on the ground at or near the vehicle 100, and the like.

[0055] Thus, the lamp assembly 200 with the short-range wireless communication antenna 214 provides an exterior lighting lamp assembly 200 capable of UWB communication using the antenna 214 incorporated into the lamp assembly 200 without EMI effects. The UWB antenna 214 is integrated with the reflector 210 or with the light guide 208 or with the circuit element 204 in the lamp assembly 200 in each corner region of the vehicle 100 for optimal communication performance that is EMI-free for the antenna 214. The duty cycle 322, which applies a voltage to the LEDs 202, is controlled such that the outgoing UWB communication signal 402 is generated during an off cycle 326 of the PWM duty cycle 322 to prevent EMI problems for the communication.Further, the vehicle 100 may include a monitoring system that utilizes BLE to initiate the welcome lighting at the vehicle 100 when it is determined that the user device 10 is within a first distance 110 from the vehicle 100. The UWB communication is initiated during the illumination of the light sources 202 and when it is determined that the user device 10 is within a second distance 112 from the vehicle 100.

Claims

[1] A computer-implemented method performed by data processing hardware, the method causing the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising: Applying a voltage to a light source (202) of a vehicle lamp assembly (200) in accordance with a duty cycle, the light source (202) emitting light in response to a voltage being applied thereto; Sending an outgoing short-range wireless communication to a user device (10) while a voltage is applied to the light source (202) and during an off-cycle of the duty cycle, wherein the outgoing short-range wireless communication is sent from an antenna (214) at the vehicle lamp assembly (200); and Receiving an incoming short-range wireless communication at the antenna (214) at the vehicle lamp assembly (200) during the off cycle of the duty cycle, wherein the incoming short-range wireless communication is transmitted by the user device (10) in response to the outgoing short-range wireless communication. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein: the operations further comprise adjusting the duty cycle from a first duty cycle to a duty cycle of 0 percent while a voltage is applied to the light source (202); and the transmission of the first short-range wireless communication and the reception of the second short-range wireless communication take place during the duty cycle of 0 percent of the duty cycle. [3] The method of claim 2, wherein the operations further comprise setting the duty cycle to the first duty cycle in response to receiving the incoming short-range wireless communication. [4] The method of claim 1, wherein applying a voltage to the light source (202) of the vehicle lamp assembly (200) is responsive to determining the presence of the user device (10) at a distance from the vehicle lamp assembly (200) less than a first threshold distance. [5] The method of claim 4, wherein sending the outgoing short-range wireless communication to the user device (10) is in response to determining the presence of the user device (10) at a distance from the vehicle lamp assembly (200) less than a second threshold distance, the second threshold distance being less than the first threshold distance. [6] The method of claim 1, wherein the light source (202) comprises a light-emitting diode (LED) arranged on a circuit element (204). [7] The method of claim 6, wherein the antenna (214) is arranged on the circuit element (204). [8] The method of claim 1, wherein the antenna (214) comprises a conductive trace disposed on at least one of the assemblies selected from the group comprising: a light guide (208) of the vehicle light assembly (200); a reflector (210) of the vehicle lamp assembly (200); a housing of the vehicle lamp assembly (200); and a surround of the vehicle lighting arrangement (200). [9] The method of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the conductive path in the light guide (208) or in the reflector (210) of the vehicle lamp assembly (200) forms a graphic design. [10] The method of claim 1, wherein the outgoing short-range wireless communication and the incoming short-range wireless communication comprise an ultra-wideband communication.

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