Method and system for pattern-based intelligent range measurement and connection feedback to wireless systems

Abstract

A method for operating a digital key configured to wirelessly connect to a vehicle includes receiving wireless communication signal data and vehicle data. The method further includes ranking a plurality of wireless communication technologies for wirelessly connecting a mobile device to the vehicle using a machine learning model and selecting one of the plurality of wireless communication technologies based on the ranking of the plurality of wireless communication technologies. The method further includes establishing wireless communication between the mobile device and the vehicle using the selected wireless communication technology.A digital key application runs on a mobile device, allowing the digital key application to act as a digital key for the vehicle after wireless communication is established between the mobile device and the vehicle.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for establishing wireless communication between a wireless device, such as a smartphone, and a vehicle system. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and systems for pattern-based intelligent ranging and connectivity of wireless systems and feedback to wireless devices.

[0002] DE 10 2016 120 414 A1 describes a method using a digital key for a vehicle. The key is detected upon approach using a radio signal.

[0003] Sometimes it's useful to wirelessly connect a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to a vehicle. For example, a mobile device can operate a digital key that a driver can use to lock and unlock their vehicle. In such cases, it's desirable to establish a strong wireless connection between the vehicle and the mobile device. SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention relates to a method with the features of claim 1 for operating a digital key configured for a wireless connection to a vehicle. The method comprises receiving wireless communication signal data. The wireless communication signal data contains information about a plurality of wireless communication signals within a predetermined distance from the vehicle, forming a network pattern. The wireless communication signal data includes a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for each of the plurality of wireless communication signals within the predetermined distance from the vehicle. The method also comprises receiving vehicle data. The vehicle data contains information about the vehicle and the parking location of the vehicle.The method also includes triggering a digital key system of a vehicle to establish a wireless connection with a digital key of a mobile device in response to matching the network pattern and determining that a distance between the mobile device and the vehicle is less than a predetermined distance threshold. The method also includes ranking a plurality of wireless communication technologies (i.e., wireless communication networks) for wirelessly connecting a mobile device to the vehicle using a machine learning model (e.g., deep neural network). The vehicle data and the wireless communication signal data are inputs to the machine learning model. The method also includes selecting one of the plurality of wireless communication technologies (i.e.,Wireless communication networks) based on the ranking of the plurality of wireless communication technologies determined by the machine learning model. The method also includes establishing wireless communication between the mobile device and the vehicle using the selected one of the plurality of wireless communication technologies (i.e., wireless communication networks). The wireless communication technologies may be referred to as wireless communication networks (e.g., cellular network, Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth network, UWB network, etc.). The mobile device runs a digital key application such that the digital key application can function as a mobile digital key for the vehicle after wireless communication is established between the mobile device and the vehicle.The method described in this section improves vehicle technology by establishing a strong wireless connection between a mobile device and a vehicle, thereby minimizing the time during which the digital key fails to function.

[0005] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method may include receiving navigation data. The navigation data includes the position or location of the vehicle as the vehicle moves toward the parking position or location. The method further comprises: determining a distance from a location of the vehicle to the parking position using the navigation data, comparing the distance between the location of the vehicle and the parking position to a predetermined distance threshold to determine if the distance between the location of the vehicle and the parking position is less than the predetermined distance threshold, and collecting the wireless communication signal data in response to determining that the distance between the location of the vehicle and the parking location is less than the predetermined distance threshold.The wireless communication signal data includes the RSSI of each of the plurality of wireless communication signals at a plurality of locations as the vehicle moves toward the parking location, and the plurality of locations are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and form the network map or pattern. The method further includes collecting parking infrastructure data solely in response to determining that the distance between the location of the vehicle and the parking location is less than the predetermined distance threshold. The parking infrastructure data is information about the parking infrastructure near the parking location. The method may also include uploading the wireless communication signal data and the surrounding network pattern to the digital key application running on the mobile device and uploading the wireless communication signal data to a remote server.The wireless communication signal data includes the RSSI of each of the plurality of wireless communication signals at multiple locations as the vehicle driver moves away from the vehicle after the vehicle has been parked at the parking location. The different locations are arranged at a specific distance from each other. The method further includes uploading the wireless communication signal data and the network pattern to the vehicle and uploading the wireless communication signal data to a remote server. The wireless communication signal data includes the RSSI of each of the plurality of wireless communication signals at multiple locations as the vehicle driver moves away from the vehicle after the vehicle has been parked at the parking location. The different locations are arranged at a specific distance from each other.The method may include analyzing the observed and current network pattern, determining that a vehicle operator is continuously moving toward the vehicle, determining a distance from the vehicle operator to the vehicle while the vehicle operator is continuously moving toward the vehicle to determine if the distance from the vehicle operator to the vehicle is less than a predetermined proximity threshold, and in response to determining that the distance from the vehicle operator to the vehicle while the vehicle operator is continuously moving toward the vehicle is less than the predetermined proximity threshold.The method may include triggering the vehicle's wireless system to establish the wireless connection, and the trigger may be a P2P communication or by a remote server, and in response, ranking the available communication technologies using the machine learning (ML) model, wherein the plurality of wireless communication technologies are used to wirelessly connect a mobile device to the vehicle. The user profile pattern should be part of the ML training and serves as one of the inputs for the machine learning model. The plurality of wireless communication technologies include near-field communication (NFC), ultra-wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a cellular network. The method may include various functions of the digital key, such as operating the digital key to perform vehicle functions (e.g.,Locking or unlocking a door, opening a vehicle, activating ambient lighting, adjusting the infotainment system, etc.) after establishing wireless communication between the mobile device and the vehicle using the selected wireless communication technology from the plurality of technologies. The method may include selecting the highest-ranked wireless communication technology.

[0006] Furthermore, a vehicle is described. The vehicle includes a body, a plurality of vehicle receivers coupled to the body, a plurality of sensors coupled to the body, and a vehicle controller that communicates with the vehicle receivers and the sensors. The vehicle controller is programmed to execute the method described above.

[0007] Further described is a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable medium containing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method described above.

[0008] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are provided for purposes of illustration only.

[0009] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the presently disclosed system and method, are readily apparent from the following detailed description, including the claims, and exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention will become more fully apparent from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for operating a digital key configured for wireless connection to a vehicle. Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method for operating a digital key configured for wireless connection to a vehicle. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart for a method for ranking wireless communication technologies. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to several examples of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and description to refer to the same or similar parts or steps.

[0012] Fig. 1 shows a system 20 for operating a digital key configured for wireless connection to a vehicle 10. The system 20 may also be referred to as the digital key system. The vehicle 10 generally includes a body 12 and a plurality of wheels 14 connected to the body 12. The vehicle 10 may be an autonomous vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 is shown as a sedan, but it should be understood that other vehicles, such as trucks, coupes, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), boats, airplanes, mobile homes (RVs), drones, e-bikes, as well as any security systems, such as home security systems, computer security systems, lock box systems, etc., may be used.

[0013] The vehicle 10 also includes one or more sensors 24 connected to the body 12. The sensors 24 sense observable conditions of the external environment and / or the internal environment of the vehicle 10. As non-limiting examples, the sensors 24 may include one or more cameras, one or more LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors, one or more proximity sensors, one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more thermal imaging sensors, GPS (Global Positioning System) transceivers, and / or other sensors. Each sensor 24 is configured to generate a signal indicative of the sensed observable conditions (i.e., sensor data) of the external environment and / or the internal environment of the vehicle 10. The signal is an indicator of the sensor data sensed by the sensors 24.

[0014] The system 10 includes a vehicle controller 34 that communicates with the sensors 24. The vehicle controller 34 includes at least one vehicle processor 44 and a non-transitory computer-readable vehicle storage device or medium 46. The vehicle processor 44 may be a custom or off-the-shelf processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among multiple processors connected to the vehicle controller 34, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, a combination thereof, or generally an instruction-executing device. The computer-readable vehicle storage device or medium 46 may include volatile and non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM).KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables while the vehicle processor 44 is powered off. The vehicle computer-readable storage device or medium 46 can be implemented using a variety of storage devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memories), EPROMs (electrical PROMs), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROMs), flash memory, or other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination storage devices capable of storing data, some of which are executable instructions used by the vehicle controller 34 in controlling the vehicle 10. The vehicle controller 34 is specifically configured to perform the method 300 (. Fig. 2) which is described in detail below.

[0015] The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each containing an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by the vehicle processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from the sensors, perform logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms to automatically control the components of the vehicle 10, and generate control signals to automatically control the components of the vehicle 10 based on the logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms. Although in Fig. 1, embodiments of the vehicle 10 may include a plurality of vehicle controllers 34 that communicate and cooperate via a suitable communication medium or combination of communication media to process the sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control functions of the vehicle 10.

[0016] The vehicle 10 further includes one or more actuators 26 that communicate with the vehicle controller 34. The actuators 26 control one or more vehicle functions, such as, but not limited to, the drive system, transmission system, steering system, radio, air conditioning, and braking system of the vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the vehicle features may also include interior and / or exterior vehicle features, such as doors, a trunk, and cabin features such as ventilation, music, lighting, etc.

[0017] The host vehicle 10 also includes one or more vehicle receivers 36 that communicate with the vehicle controller 34. Each of the vehicle receivers 36 is configured to wirelessly communicate information to and from other units, e.g., using one or more wireless communication technologies. Examples of wireless communication technologies include near-field communication (NFC), ultra-wideband (UWB), BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi, and a cellular network. As non-limiting examples, the vehicle receivers 36 can send and / or receive information from other vehicles ("V2V" communication), infrastructure ("V2I" communication), remote systems at a remote call center (e.g., ON-STAR from GENERAL MOTORS), and / or personal electronic devices, such as a cellular phone.In certain embodiments, the communication transceivers 36 may be configured to communicate via a wireless local area network (WLAN) conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard or via cellular data communication. However, additional or alternative communication methods, such as a dedicated short-range communication channel (DSRC), are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention. DSRC channels refer to short- to medium-range, one-way or two-way wireless communication channels specifically designed for use in motor vehicles, as well as a range of corresponding protocols and standards.

[0018] The system 20 includes a mobile device 100 that communicates with the vehicle 10. In the present invention, the term "mobile device" is a portable electronic device that can communicate with another device, at least via wireless signals. As non-limiting examples, the mobile device 100 may be a smartphone or smart tablet, a smart watch, or an embedded chip that can communicate with the vehicle 10. The mobile device 100 runs a digital key application and includes one or more device transceivers 136 that communicate with the vehicle controller 34. Each device transceiver 36 is configured to wirelessly transmit information to and from other devices, e.g., using one or more wireless communication technologies. Examples of wireless communication technologies include near-field communication (NFC), ultra-wideband (UWB), BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi, and a cellular network.The mobile device 100 includes a device controller 134. The device controller 134 includes at least one device processor 144 and a non-transitory computer-readable storage device or medium 146 for the device. The device processor 144 may be a custom or off-the-shelf processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among multiple processors coupled to the device controller 134, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, a combination thereof, or generally an instruction-executing device. The computer-readable storage device or medium 146 for the device may include volatile and non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM).KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables while the device processor 144 is powered off. The computer-readable storage device or medium 146 for the device can be implemented using a variety of storage devices such as PROMs (Programmable Read-Only Memories), EPROMs (Electrical PROMs), EEPROMs (Electrically Erasable PROMs), flash memory, or other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination storage devices capable of storing data, some of which are executable instructions used by the device controller 134 in controlling the vehicle 10. For example, a digital key application runs on the mobile device 100. The digital key application operates a digital key that allows the vehicle operator to control one or more actuators 26 (e.g.,Vehicle door) of vehicle 10 remotely via mobile device 100. For example, the vehicle operator may use mobile device 100 to lock or unlock a door via the digital key application. In another example, the vehicle operator may start an internal combustion engine of vehicle 10 via mobile device 100 using the digital key application.

[0019] The system 20 also includes a remote server 200 that communicates with the vehicle 10 and the mobile device 100. As non-limiting examples, the remote server 200 may be a cloud-based system or an edge-based system. The remote server 200 includes a server controller 234. The server controller 234 includes at least one server processor 244 and a non-transitory computer-readable server storage device or medium 246. The server processor 244 may be a custom or off-the-shelf processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among a plurality of processors coupled to the server controller 234, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, a combination thereof, or generally an apparatus for executing instructions.The computer-readable server storage device or medium 246 may include volatile and non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables while the server processor 244 is powered off. The computer-readable server storage device or medium 246 may be implemented using a variety of storage devices, such as PROMs (programmable read-only memories), EPROMs (electrical PROMs), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROMs), flash memory, or other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination storage devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions used by the server controller 234 in controlling the vehicle 10.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method 300 for operating a digital key configured to wirelessly connect to the vehicle 10. The method 300 begins at block 302. At block 302, a triggering event occurs to initiate the method 300. The triggering event may occur in a variety of ways. The vehicle controller 34 may determine that a triggering event has occurred based on received vehicle data (e.g., navigation data). The vehicle data may include navigation data, which may include the current location of the vehicle 10 as the vehicle 10 approaches a parking space, map data, GPS data, navigation destinations, and others. To do so, the vehicle controller 34 uses the navigation data or the vehicle data to determine the distance from the current location of the vehicle 10 to the parking location, such as a frequent parking location or a navigation destination.The vehicle controller 34 then compares the distance from the current position of the vehicle 10 to the parking position with a predetermined distance threshold (e.g., two hundred meters or three hundred and fifty meters) to determine if the distance from the current position of the vehicle 10 to the parking position is less than the predetermined distance threshold. If the distance from the current position of the vehicle 10 to the parking position is less than the predetermined distance threshold, the vehicle controller 34 determines that a triggering event has occurred. The vehicle operator may also initiate a triggering event through a manual request (e.g., by pressing a button). In response to determining that a triggering event has occurred, the method 300 proceeds to block 304.

[0021] In block 304, the vehicle 10, using the sensors 24, collects wireless communication signal data within a predetermined distance from the vehicle 10. The wireless communication signal data includes the signal strength (e.g., RSSI or received signal strength indicator) and channel condition information (e.g., Channel State Information (CSI) and Channel Quality Information (CQI)) of each of the plurality of wireless communication signals (e.g., NFC, Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH, and / or cellular signals) at multiple locations as the vehicle 10 moves toward a parking space. These multiple locations are spaced a certain distance apart (e.g., ten meters), and the wireless communication signal data from each location is collected in a moving window of a certain size (e.g., ten windows). Once the vehicle is parked, the moving window information is acquired as part of the network pattern map.In block 304, the vehicle 10 uses the sensors 24 to collect parking infrastructure data, which only becomes part of the map information in response to a triggering event, as described above. The parking infrastructure data is information about the parking infrastructure in the vicinity of the parking space. For example, parking infrastructure includes data about whether the parking space is a covered parking space, a multi-story parking garage, an underground parking garage, a curbside parking space, a public parking space, a valet parking space, etc. Method 300 then proceeds to block 306.

[0022] In block 306, the vehicle controller 34 detects the parking position using the sensors 24 (e.g., camera), the automatic parking assist (APA), the steering of the vehicle 10, the transmission mode, the GPS, etc. To this end, the vehicle controller 34 may detect the activation and termination of the APA, the parking markings, the speed, steering, and movement of the vehicle 10, and a transmission mode change and / or a manual request. Once the parking position is detected and confirmed, the vehicle controller 34 may analyze, store, and filter the wireless communication signal data to obtain only the data relevant to the nearest slots (e.g., five positions) of the movable window closest to the parking position. The method 300 then proceeds to block 308.

[0023] In block 308, the vehicle controller 34 evaluates, qualifies, sorts, and orders the filtered wireless communication signal data and uploads it to the digital key application running on the mobile device 100 and / or the remote server 200. The method 300 then continues with block 310. Specifically, in block 308, the vehicle controller 34 evaluates the wireless communication signal data in various wireless communication technology formats (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi, UWB, NFC, cellular phone). For each wireless communication technology, the vehicle controller 34 evaluates the wireless communication technologies (e.g., networks) with an individual technology score. The score may have a yellow, a green, and a red metric score. Each wireless communication technology may be evaluated based on the metrics specific to that technology.For example, UWB signals can be evaluated based on angle of arrival accuracy, signal strength, distance accuracy, communication range, positioning reliability, and power consumption (green, red, or yellow). NFC signals can be evaluated based on uptime, signal strength, Rayleigh distance, spatial effects, grating orientation and size, and near-field beam split. Wi-Fi signals can be evaluated based on uptime, signal strength, packet loss and retransmission, latency, bandwidth and throughput, and jitter. The vehicle controller 34 then considers environmental, vehicle, and user factors to determine a dynamic and historical pattern. These dynamic and historical patterns are then communicated as feedback to the remote server 200 and the digital key application running on the mobile device 100.Execution of block 308 may result in . Fig. 3 include methods 400 shown.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method 400 for ranking wireless communication technologies. The method 400 begins at block 402 and proceeds to block 404. At block 404, as the vehicle 10 approaches the parked position, the vehicle controller 34 monitors the SOH, or state of health, of the signals of each available wireless communication technology (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, UWB) used to establish communication between the mobile device 100 and the vehicle 10. The method 400 then proceeds to block 406, which is used to operate the digital key.

[0025] In block 406, the vehicle controller 34 determines whether the SOH status of the signals of each available wireless communication technology has changed while the vehicle 10 is moving toward the park position. If there have been no changes in the SOH status of the signals of the available wireless communication technologies, the method 400 continues to block 408. No action is taken in block 408. If there have been any changes in the SOH status of the signals of the available wireless communication technologies while the vehicle 10 is moving toward the park position, the method 400 continues to block 410. In block 410, the vehicle controller 34 determines whether a wireless communication signal of a wireless communication technology has been classified as red, as explained above. The red marking indicates that the signal is not suitable for digital key operation.If a wireless communication signal of a wireless communication technology has been determined to be red, the method 400 proceeds to block 412.

[0026] In block 412, the vehicle controller 34 eliminates the wireless communication signal of the wireless communication technology classified as red from a priority ranking matrix. The method 400 then continues with block 414. The method 400 ends in block 414.

[0027] If the vehicle controller 34 determines at block 410 that no wireless communication signal of a wireless communication technology has been classified as red, the method 400 proceeds to block 416. At block 416, the vehicle controller 34 determines whether the change in the SOH status of the wireless communication signals is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If the change in the SOH status of the wireless communication signals is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the method 400 proceeds to block 418. No action is taken at block 418.

[0028] If the change in the SOH status of the wireless communication signals is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the method 400 proceeds to block 420. In block 420, the wireless communication technology for which the SOH value has changed is re-evaluated. That is, this wireless communication technology is re-ranked and re-evaluated in a priority ranking matrix. The new priority ranking matrix is ​​uploaded to the digital key application running on the mobile device 100 and to the remote server 200. The method 400 then proceeds to block 414.

[0029] Back to Fig.2: In block 310, the device controller 134 determines that the vehicle operator holding the mobile device 100 is moving away from the vehicle 10. By detecting that the mobile device 100 is moving away from the parked position, the device controller 134 can determine that the vehicle operator is moving away from the vehicle 10. At this point, the digital key application running on the mobile device 100 collects data for wireless communication signals at multiple locations as the vehicle operator moves away from the vehicle 10. As described above, the wireless communication signal data includes the signal strength (e.g., RSSI) of each of the wireless communication signals at multiple locations as the vehicle operator moves away from the vehicle 10 after the vehicle 10 is parked at the parked position. These multiple locations are spaced a certain distance (e.g., ten meters) apart.Alternatively or additionally, the remote server 200 may collect wireless communication signal data from one or more remote vehicles approaching the parking location from different directions as the vehicle operator moves away from the vehicle 10 after the vehicle 10 has been parked at the parking location. This wireless communication signal data is uploaded to the vehicle 10 and the remote server 200. Method 300 then proceeds to block 312.

[0030] In block 312, the device controller 134 determines whether the vehicle operator is continuously moving toward the vehicle 10 by detecting and monitoring the location of the mobile device 100. Further, the device controller 134 determines the distance between the vehicle operator and the vehicle 10 while the vehicle operator is continuously moving toward the vehicle to determine if the distance between the vehicle operator and the vehicle 10 is less than a predetermined proximity threshold (e.g., ten meters). If the distance between the vehicle operator and the vehicle 10 while the vehicle operator is continuously moving toward the vehicle 10 is less than a predetermined proximity threshold, the application of the digital key is triggered. The method 300 then proceeds to block 314.

[0031] In block 314, the mobile device 100 uses the digital key application to estimate the user profile patterns (i.e., the vehicle operator's patterns) during each digital key interaction for each wireless communication technology as the vehicle operator moves away from and / or toward the vehicle 10. The user profile pattern estimates include the wireless communication signal data (e.g., signal strength) for each wireless communication technology each time the vehicle operator (while holding the mobile device 100) moves away from or toward the vehicle 10 toward a known frequently visited location. The user profile pattern is estimated for each approach to or movement away from the vehicle 10 based on known, historically visited locations (e.g., movement between a frequently visited parking space and a frequently visited meeting point by the vehicle operator).The user profile estimates are divided based on the vehicle driver's direction of travel (e.g., movement toward vehicle 10 and movement away from vehicle 10). Then, each wireless communication technology (e.g., the wireless communication network) is ranked by the vehicle driver in a priority ranking matrix for each direction of travel. The priority ranking matrix then serves as input to a machine learning model (e.g., a deep neural network), and method 300 proceeds to block 316.

[0032] In block 316, the vehicle controller 34 uses a machine learning model, such as a deep neural network, to evaluate the wireless communication technologies for wirelessly connecting the mobile device 100 to the vehicle 10 and operating the digital key. The machine learning model may perform a vectorization of various dynamic factors for the location segment. As previously mentioned, the wireless communication signal data is collected at multiple spaced-apart locations (i.e., location segments). These dynamic factors may include traffic, location, time of day, seasonality, range of the wireless communication technology, number of users, etc. These various dynamic factors may be obtained from the user profile pattern and the previously collected wireless communication signal data. The machine learning model (e.g.,a deep neural network) then creates a ranking of the available wireless communication technologies or networks (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, UWB, etc.), e.g., using a priority ranking matrix. As non-limiting examples, the inputs to the machine learning models include wireless communication signal data, dynamic vector representation of external factors, best network vector sampling, intelligent situational awareness data, and a tolerance window. The tolerance window is the average information from the sliding window described above. The output of the machine learning model is a priority ranking matrix containing a confidence value and a rank for each wireless communication technology (i.e., wireless communication networks such as NFC, UWB, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Wi-Fi, as well as cellular networks). The priority ranking matrix and the digital key can be obtained from the vehicle driver's mobile device 100 (i.e.,The vehicle owner's mobile device 100 may be shared with the mobile devices of family members, friends, or other individuals. Some other mobile devices may be part of a dynamic whitelist, and these other mobile devices 100 may provide dynamic feedback to the tech matrix, just as the vehicle owner's mobile device 100 would. Then, the method 400 proceeds to block 318.

[0033] In block 318, the digital key application then selects and searches for the highest-ranked wireless communication technology (i.e., wireless communication networks). Furthermore, the information about the selected wireless communication technology is uploaded to the remote server 200 and distributed to other vehicles. Method 300 then continues with block 320.

[0034] In block 320, the digital key application commands the vehicle 10 to search for the highest-ranked wireless communication technology (i.e., wireless communication networks) via the remote server 200. Next, wireless communication is established between the mobile device 100 and the vehicle 10 using the selected wireless communication technology (i.e., network), allowing the digital key application to function as a digital key for the vehicle 10. The vehicle operator can then operate the digital key of the digital key application to operate one or more actuators 26 (e.g., door) of the vehicle 10. For example, the digital key can be operated to unlock a door of the vehicle 10 after wireless communication is established between the mobile device 100 and the vehicle 10 using the selected wireless communication technology (i.e., wireless communication network).

[0035] The drawings are simplified and not to scale. For the sake of simplicity and clarity, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, on, over, above, below, beneath, behind, and front may be used with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to variously employ the presently disclosed system and method. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various features illustrated and described with reference to one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments not expressly illustrated or described.The depicted feature combinations represent representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this invention may be desirable for particular applications or implementations.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may be implemented by a variety of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of the present invention may utilize various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, or the like, capable of performing a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.Furthermore, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be used in connection with a variety of systems and that the systems described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] For the sake of brevity, techniques for signal processing, data fusion, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) are not described in detail here. Furthermore, the connecting lines depicted in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical connections between the various elements. It should be noted that alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

[1] A method of operating a digital key configured to establish a wireless connection with a vehicle (10), comprising: Receiving wireless communication signal data, the wireless communication signal data including information about a plurality of wireless communication signals within a predetermined distance from the vehicle (10), and the wireless communication signal data including a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and channel state information (CSI) and channel quality information (CQI) of each of the plurality of wireless communication signals within the predetermined distance from the vehicle (10) forming a network pattern; Receiving vehicle data, wherein the vehicle data contains information about the vehicle (10) and the vehicle data includes a parking location of the vehicle (10); Triggering a digital key system of a vehicle (10) to establish a wireless connection with a digital key of a mobile device (100) in response to matching the network pattern and determining that a distance between the mobile device (100) and the vehicle (10) is less than a predetermined distance threshold; Creating, using a machine learning model, a ranking of a plurality of wireless communication technologies for wirelessly connecting a mobile device (100) to the vehicle (10), wherein the vehicle data and the wireless communication signal data are inputs to the machine learning model; Selecting one of the plurality of wireless communication technologies based on the ranking of the plurality of wireless communication technologies determined by the machine learning model; and Establishing wireless communication between the mobile device (100) and the vehicle (10) using the selected one of the plurality of wireless communication technologies, wherein a digital key application runs on the mobile device (100), whereby the digital key application can function as the digital key for the vehicle (10) after the wireless communication between the mobile device (100) and the vehicle (10) is established. [2] The method of claim 1, further comprising: Receiving navigation data, the navigation data comprising a location of the vehicle (10) as the vehicle (10) moves toward the parking location; Determining a distance from a location of the vehicle (10) to the parking position using the navigation data; Comparing the distance between the location of the vehicle (10) and the parking position with a predetermined distance threshold to determine whether the distance between the location of the vehicle (10) and the parking position is less than the predetermined distance threshold; and Collecting the wireless communication signal data in response to determining that the distance from the location of the vehicle (10) to the parking location is less than the predetermined distance threshold, wherein the wireless communication signal data includes the RSSI and the channel state information (CSI) and the channel quality information (CQI) of each of the plurality of wireless communication signals at a plurality of locations as the vehicle (10) moves to the parking location, and the plurality of locations are spaced apart by a predetermined distance; and Collecting parking infrastructure data solely in response to determining that the distance from the location of the vehicle (10) to the parking location is less than the predetermined distance threshold, wherein the parking infrastructure data is information about a parking infrastructure at the parking location. [3] The method of claim 2, further comprising: Uploading the wireless communication signal data to the digital key application running on the mobile device (100); and Uploading the wireless communication signal data to a remote server (200). [4] The method of claim 3, further comprising: Determining that the vehicle (10) has parked at the parking location; in response to determining that the vehicle (10) has parked at the parking location: collecting the wireless communication signal data using the mobile device (100) while a vehicle operator moves away from the vehicle (10) after the vehicle (10) has parked at the parking location, wherein the wireless communication signal data includes the RSSI and the channel state information (CSI) and the channel quality information (CQI) of each of the plurality of wireless communication signals at a plurality of locations while the vehicle operator moves away from the vehicle (10) after the vehicle (10) has parked at the parking location, and the plurality of locations are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance; Uploading the wireless communication signal data to the vehicle (10); and Uploading the wireless communication signal data to a remote server (200). [5] The method of claim 3, further comprising: Determining that the vehicle (10) has parked at the parking location; in response to determining that the vehicle (10) has parked at the parking location: collecting the wireless communication signal data from a plurality of remote vehicles as a vehicle operator moves away from the vehicle (10) after the vehicle (10) has parked at the parking location, the wireless communication signal data comprising the RSSI and the channel state information (CSI) and the channel quality information (CQI) of each of the plurality of wireless communication signals at a plurality of locations as the vehicle operator moves away from the vehicle (10) after the vehicle (10) has been parked at the parking location, the plurality of locations being spaced apart by a predetermined distance; Uploading the wireless communication signal data to the vehicle (10); and Uploading the wireless communication signal data to a remote server (200). [6] The method of claim 3, further comprising: Detecting that a driver is constantly moving towards the vehicle (10); Determining a distance between the vehicle operator and the vehicle (10) while the vehicle operator is continuously moving toward the vehicle to determine whether the distance between the vehicle operator and the vehicle (10) is less than a predetermined proximity threshold; and in response to determining that the distance between the vehicle operator and the vehicle (10) while the vehicle operator is continuously moving toward the vehicle is less than the predetermined proximity threshold: ranking the plurality of wireless communication technologies for wirelessly connecting a mobile device (100) to the vehicle (10) using the machine learning model. [7] The method of claim 6, further comprising determining a user profile pattern of the vehicle operator while the vehicle operator is moving relative to the vehicle (10), the user profile pattern serving as one of the inputs of the machine learning model. [8] The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wireless communication technologies comprises near field communication (NFC), ultra wideband (UWB), Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as well as a cellular network. [9] The method of claim 1, further comprising operating the digital key to perform vehicle operations after wireless communication between the mobile device (100) and the vehicle (10) has been established using the selected one of the plurality of wireless communication technologies. [10] The method of claim 1, wherein a technology selected from the plurality of wireless communication technologies has the highest rank.

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