Method for verifying the communication quality of a communication link in at least one specified region using a communication device of a motor vehicle, computer program product and communication link

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for verifying the communication quality (4) of a communication link in at least one predetermined region (5) using a communication device (2) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising the steps of: providing a map (8) for a target communication quality for the at least one predetermined region (5) using an electronic computing unit (6) of the communication device (2); recording the actual communication quality (9) in the predetermined region (5) using a recording unit (7) of the communication device (2); comparing the actual communication quality (9) with the target communication quality using the electronic computing unit (6); and verifying the communication quality (4) as a function of the comparison using the electronic computing unit (6). The invention further relates to a computer program product and a communication device (2).

Description

[0001] The following invention relates to a method for verifying the communication quality of a communication link in at least one predetermined region by means of a communication device of a motor vehicle according to claim 1. The invention further relates to a computer program product and a communication device.

[0002] Offering in-vehicle functions can be done using both locally available resources and those in a remote cloud, which offers advantages in terms of scalability and the use of additional data sources. For remote resources to be used, they must be accessible via a communication interface that is as continuous as possible; otherwise, interruptions or failures of the functions could occur. Typical applications today are in the areas of entertainment, infotainment, and navigation. However, it cannot be ruled out that in the future, safety-relevant functions from the vehicle could also be migrated to the cloud, provided a connection with guaranteed quality is available.

[0003] US Patent 2021 / 029 7881 A1 describes a method, a computer program, a device, and a transport vehicle for generating a service quality card. A radio link is used between a first and a second mobile transceiver.The procedure involves determining information regarding the density of mobile receivers in an area surrounding the first mobile receiver, information regarding the availability of different radio access technologies in the area surrounding the first mobile receiver, and information regarding the distance between the first and second mobile receivers; obtaining information relating to the quality of service of the radio link for the different RATs, and determining a relationship between the information relating to density, the information relating to distance, and the information relating to the QoS of the radio link for the different RATs; and storing the information relating to the relationship for the different locations of the first mobile receiver to obtain the QoS map.

[0004] US Patent 2020 / 00 77 278 A1 discloses a method for predicting the quality of service (QoS) for communication between at least two moving communication partners, wherein the prediction is based on at least one connection-based QoS map that is updated in a connection-based QoS map generation process. Because traditional radio cards are node-based, they are not suitable for estimating end-to-end latency for communication links. End-to-end latency is needed to determine whether safety-critical messages should be exchanged over this communication link.

[0005] A disadvantage of the current state of the art is that a QoS can change over time, and therefore there is a need to verify and, if necessary, adjust this QoS.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a method, a computer program product and a communication device by means of which a verification of the communication quality of a communication link in at least a given region can be carried out, for example also with certain communication requirement profiles.

[0007] This problem is solved by a method, a computer program product, and a communication device according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for verifying the communication quality of a communication link in at least one predetermined region using a communication device of a motor vehicle. A map representing the target communication quality for the at least one predetermined region is provided by means of an electronic computing unit of the communication link. The actual communication quality in the predetermined region is then recorded by means of a recording device of the communication link. The actual communication quality is then compared with the target communication quality by means of the electronic computing unit, and the communication quality is verified based on this comparison.

[0009] In particular, the target communication quality specified by the map can thus be verified by the communication device or the vehicle. For example, the detection device can be configured as a communication antenna and communication receiver. The vehicle can drive into the specified region and thus detect the communication quality, which can also be referred to as Quality of Service (QoS). Specifically, the corresponding map for the communication quality can be provided and downloaded beforehand, for example, from an external electronic computing device, such as a cloud. The map contains the target communication quality value for the specified region.The vehicle can then use the detection device to determine whether the actual communication quality corresponds to the target communication quality according to the specified map. This allows for verification of the communication quality.

[0010] For example, if there is no deviation between the actual and target communication quality, no action is required; in other words, the communication device does not need to transmit a corresponding deviation to, for example, the vehicle's external electronic computing unit. However, if a deviation does occur, particularly one corresponding to a predefined threshold, the communication device can transmit a corresponding warning or deviation message to the external electronic computing unit, enabling the external unit to adjust the communication quality value accordingly within the specified range.

[0011] This makes it possible to continuously adapt the map to the actual communication quality values.

[0012] In particular, the map provided by the cloud enables predictions about the future quality of the communication connection. A vehicle acts as a "sensor," transmitting parameters that allow for an assessment of the expected quality at that location in the future. The process aims to be as accurate as possible while minimizing data usage. This means the vehicle can report deviations between the expected actual quality and the predicted quality to the external electronic computing unit. This avoids uploading identical measurements and confirms the validity of the prediction. Deviations can occur, for example, due to temporary load balancing measures at certain times of day or the installation of an additional cell tower by the mobile network operator.

[0013] The map generated from the measurement data, which can also be called a Quality of Service (QoS) map, can be used in vehicle functions that depend on the availability of a communication connection, particularly a mobile network connection. This can range from route planning, for example, selecting a route only along areas with good connection quality, to adapting functions to tolerate low data rates or higher latency. For instance, this can be used to inform the vehicle that it is about to enter an area with poor network coverage, thus preventing phone calls or video calls. Furthermore, the complexity of these functions can be reduced, thereby minimizing the amount of data sent and received.In particular, if certain functions allow it, measures can be taken, such as preloading / caching data, for example, video or music data. Furthermore, the database can then be used for technical oversight, for example, for introducing so-called remote operators, or for defining regions where autonomous driving is possible, as it must be ensured that technical oversight can intervene at any time.

[0014] Different communication connection requirements can exist, for example, very high quality for automated driving, high quality for telephony, and less so for infotainment / entertainment, where the highest quality / speed is not critical. Profiles can be defined, and the quality assigned to each can be displayed on the map. This allows the map to show profiles for different requirements and enables quality checks to be performed for each profile.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, deviation information is only transmitted to an external electronic computing device when a specific predetermined deviation exists between the actual communication quality and the target communication quality. This external electronic computing device is responsible for generating the map. In other words, if the deviation is below the threshold value, the generation and transmission of deviation information is suppressed. Deviation information is only generated when the predetermined threshold value is exceeded. This has the advantage that data is only transmitted when a deviation actually exists. Therefore, the amount of data to be transmitted can be reduced accordingly.

[0016] Another advantageous design involves verifying the communication quality based on a verification request received by an external electronic computing device. Specifically, the system can be configured so that the data acquisition device only checks the communication quality after receiving the corresponding verification request. This prevents unnecessary processing within the vehicle, and especially avoids unnecessary data acquisition and transmission, for example, if the communication quality of other vehicles has already been recently determined. This allows for a more efficient verification of communication quality.

[0017] Another advantageous implementation involves generating the verification request based on the vehicle's route. For example, the vehicle's route can be transmitted to an external electronic computing unit. This unit then determines, along the route, which predefined regions the vehicle will travel through. It's possible, for instance, that some regions have already been monitored while others along the route have not. The verification request can then be configured so that it is only sent to the vehicle in the poorly monitored regions. This reduces both the computational and data transmission overhead.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, a route can be created in such a way that the vehicle can carry out the necessary verifications. In other words, the vehicle can be instructed to drive to a predefined region and check the quality. A route will then be adjusted and suggested.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the verification order is generated based on the map's recency. For example, if a communication quality verification has recently taken place in the specified region, it is no longer necessary to generate a verification order for a vehicle. However, if the communication quality was verified some time ago, the electronic computing system can generate the corresponding verification order accordingly. This prevents unnecessary processing and data transmission capacity.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment, the actual communication quality is determined by taking into account the position and / or type of the detection device within the vehicle. For example, the position of the detection device can affect the communication quality. Depending on whether the detection device, such as the antenna, is located in an upper part, such as the roof of the vehicle, or in other body parts, the communication quality may be reduced accordingly. By considering the position, the actual communication quality can be adjusted and advantageously compared with the target communication quality.Furthermore, the type of data collection device can also be taken into account, for example, what type of mobile communication connection can be recorded by the device. For instance, it can be considered which mobile communication technologies are available at a location. Thus, different communication types can be considered accordingly.

[0021] Another advantageous design approach involves evaluating communication quality based on the data rate and / or latency of the communication link. This allows for the consideration of different link characteristics, such as upload and download data rates and latency. Consequently, a detailed assessment of communication quality within the region can be conducted.

[0022] It is also advantageous to consider at least one environmental condition when determining the actual communication quality. For example, the vehicle's geolocation, weather conditions, vehicle orientation, the time of measurement, and other environmental factors can be taken into account. This allows for a detailed verification of the communication quality.

[0023] The presented method is, in particular, a computer-implemented method. Therefore, a further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product with program code means which, when the program code means are executed by the electronic computing device, cause a method according to the preceding aspect to be carried out.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention therefore also relates to a computer-readable storage medium containing the computer program product according to the preceding aspect.

[0025] A further aspect of the invention relates to a communication device of a motor vehicle for verifying the communication quality of a communication link in at least a predetermined region, comprising at least one electronic computing device and a recording device, wherein the communication device is configured to carry out a method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is carried out by means of the communication device.

[0026] The invention again relates to a motor vehicle with a communication device according to the previous aspect.

[0027] Advantageous embodiments of the process are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the computer program product, the computer-readable storage medium, the communication device, and the motor vehicle. The communication device and the motor vehicle possess tangible features to enable the corresponding process steps to be carried out.

[0028] In the present disclosure, a computing unit / electronic computing device can be understood, for example, as a data processing device with processing circuits. A computing unit can therefore perform arithmetic operations to process data. These arithmetic operations can also include indexed access to a data structure, such as a lookup table (LUT).

[0029] A computing unit may, in particular, comprise one or more computers, one or more microcontrollers, and / or one or more integrated circuits, for example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more systems on a chip (SoCs). The computing unit may also include one or more processors, for example, one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), and / or one or more signal processors, in particular one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). The computing unit may also comprise a physical or virtual cluster of computers or other units of the aforementioned type.

[0030] A processing unit can also include one or more hardware and / or software interfaces and / or one or more memory units. A memory unit can be implemented as volatile data storage, for example as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static random access memory (SRAM), or as non-volatile data storage, for example as read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or flash EEPROM, or ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM).a magnetoresistive random access memory, MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory), or a phase-change random access memory, PCRAM (phase-change random access memory).

[0031] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the procedure and are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the procedure, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0032] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0033] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the invention. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1. A schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of a communication device; and Fig. 2 a schematic block diagram for generating a card according to the invention in an embodiment of the method.

[0034] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0035] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 1 with an embodiment of a communication device 2. The communication device 2 is configured to communicate with, for example, an external electronic computing device 3. Furthermore, the communication device 2 is configured to provide, for example, a mobile communication connection for telephony or for data upload and download. The communication device 2 is also configured to verify the communication quality 4 of a communication connection in at least a predefined region 5. For this purpose, the communication device 2 has at least one electronic computing device 6 and a detection device 7. The detection device 7 can, in particular, be configured as a transmitting or receiving antenna for the communication connection or a mobile communication connection / technology.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the verification of the communication quality 4 is carried out by first providing S1 with a card 8 for a target communication quality for the at least one predetermined region 5 by means of the electronic computing device 6, wherein this particularly means receiving the card 8 by the communication device 2 and providing the received card 8 to the electronic computing device 7.

[0038] In a second step S2, the actual communication quality 9 in the specified region 5 is then recorded using the recording device 7.

[0039] The actual communication quality (9) is then compared with the target communication quality using the electronic computing device (6). The communication quality (4) is then verified based on this comparison using the electronic computing device (6).

[0040] In a third step S3, it can then be provided, for example, that only in the case of a certain predetermined deviation between the actual communication quality 9 and the target communication quality, deviation information is transmitted to the vehicle-external electronic computing device 3, wherein the vehicle-external electronic computing device 3, as already mentioned, is designed to generate the card 8.

[0041] In particular, it may be provided that the communication quality 4 is verified depending on a received verification order 10 from the vehicle-external electronic computing device 3. The verification order 10 can be generated depending on a driving route 11 of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the verification order 10 can be generated depending on the currency of the map 8.

[0042] It may also be provided that when determining the actual communication quality 9, the position of the recording device 7 on the motor vehicle 1 and / or the type of recording device 7 is taken into account.

[0043] Communication quality 4 can be assessed in particular by the data rate and / or the latency of the communication connection.

[0044] Furthermore, at least one environmental condition can also be taken into account when determining the actual communication quality 9.

[0045] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment of the invention. The illustration describes Fig. 2 in particular also an aspect which can be considered independently of the first aspect of the invention, namely the verification of map 8.

[0046] The Fig. 2 describes in particular the structure of the map 8, which can also be referred to as the Quality of Service map, wherein the region 5 to be examined is provided with a grid, for example with 100 meter x 100 meter squares, whereby the size of the squares has an influence on the accuracy and the occupied memory within the database of the vehicle-external electronic computing device 3.

[0047] Each square is assigned an index by which it can be uniquely identified. A moving vehicle or a fleet of vehicles 12 collects the relevant parameters during a journey and transmits them to the vehicle-external electronic computing device 3. There, the data is assigned to a square, and the parameters are individually weighted and averaged. The averaged values ​​can then be used to predict the quality of the parameter in the respective square. As already mentioned, the vehicle-external electronic computing device 3, which is primarily configured as a cloud, can inform the vehicle 1 before the journey whether prediction data is already available and what the expected quality for comparison will be, or whether no data is yet available for the planned route and must be collected by the vehicle 1. This allows, in particular, the provision of a kind of self-learning map 8.

[0048] The following parameters are used for each position. Vehicle parameters include, for example, the platform (especially the antenna position), the measurement time, a GPS position, and the vehicle's heading. Modem parameters include, for example, RSSI, RSRP, RSRQ, the available mobile communication technology, the cell used, and the number of available cells. Application parameters such as data rate and latency can also be used.

[0049] In particular, it is therefore necessary to differentiate the relevant system performance data with regard to radio link data, system performance, and the application area. The aforementioned parameters are then measured and aggregated to the corresponding predefined region 5. Specifically, it is intended that data will only be collected in vehicle 1 or vehicle fleet 12 if measurement data at the geolocation is required. A prediction of the expected radio link quality along route 11 can then be made based on data from individual vehicles as well as the system performance data determined by the vehicle fleet.

[0050] Data aggregation can take place, in which five specific statistical parameters are grouped together for each geographic region, while preserving their properties during aggregation. For example, the following values ​​can be stored for each tile: the tile index, the sum of the weights of the contributing measurements, the sum of the values ​​of the contributing measurements, and the sum of the squares of the values ​​of the contributing measurements. From this, the mean of the measurement in the tile, the variance of the measurements in the tile, the sum of the weights of the contributing measurements, and a name or identifier for the tile can be determined for each tile.

[0051] In particular, this involves a collective collection of quality data from a communication connection, which is aggregated for a specific location and then provided as a prediction. Additional data sources, such as those from the Federal Network Agency or mobile network operators, can also be used for this purpose.

[0052] This allows, in particular, an integrated solution to be implemented in vehicle 1 with identical measuring sensors, for example, the same vehicle platform. This increases the significance of the measured data and its comparability with other data.

[0053] In particular, a strategy is proposed for when a measurement in motor vehicle 1 should be carried out with as little data transmission as possible.

[0054] Different strategies can be used. For example, an intuitive strategy can be employed, using a fixed sampling rate to generate and upload the measurement data. This has the advantage of ensuring highly up-to-date data. Alternatively, data collection can be performed randomly, meaning that a measurement is taken at random intervals and transmitted from vehicle 1 to the external electronic computing device 3, depending on the comparison. This approach can also be used as a backup strategy.

[0055] Geofencing can also be implemented. During route planning, the vehicle 1 is informed by the vehicle-external electronic computing device 3 of areas or squares where no data has yet been collected or where an update is required. When the vehicle 1 then drives through these areas, a measurement is taken and can be transmitted to the vehicle-external electronic computing device 3.

[0056] During route planning, the expected quality can be communicated to vehicle 1 in a square. Vehicle 1 then compares this with the experienced quality. If there is a discrepancy, the data is updated in the vehicle's external electronic computing unit 3; if the experience is identical, the corresponding information is confirmed.

[0057] When planning a route, the probability of a measurement being taken within a square can also be assigned to the vehicle. This probability can depend on the time of the last measurement and the number of measurement points already available for that square; that is, if the last measurement was some time ago and there are few measurement points for that square, the probability of a measurement being taken is correspondingly high. In particular, a suitably parameterized Bernoulli distribution can be used for a "yes or no" measurement (similar to a coin toss with a fair or unfair coin). The actual measurement time within the square can then be random.

[0058] Key factors to consider include the amount of data to be transferred to and from vehicle 1 per strategy, the accuracy of the estimated data, the fleet size or vehicle platform, and the desired update interval. Furthermore, the resolution of the time component per square, for example, morning, evening, or according to the season, may need to be taken into account.

[0059] Overall, the figures thus demonstrate a procedure for the construction and operation of a Quality of Service card 8 for mobile functions. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle 2 Communication device 3. External electronic computing device for motor vehicles 4 Communication quality Region 5 6 electronic computing equipment 7. Recording device 8 cards 9. Current Communication Quality 10 Verification order 11 Route 12 vehicle fleet S1 to S3 steps of the procedure

Claims

[1] Method for verifying the communication quality (4) of a communication link in at least one specified region (5) using a communication device (2) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising the steps: - Providing a map (8) for a target communication quality for at least one specified region (5) by means of an electronic computing device (6) of the communication device (2); - Recording the actual communication quality (9) in at least one specified region (5) by means of a recording device (7) of the communication device (2); - Comparing the actual communication quality (9) with the target communication quality using the electronic computing device (6); and - Verifying the communication quality (4) depending on the comparison using the electronic computing device (6). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by, that only in the event of a certain predetermined deviation between the actual communication quality (9) and the target communication quality, deviation information is transmitted to a vehicle-external electronic computing device (3), wherein the vehicle-external electronic computing device (3) is designed to generate the card (8). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the communication quality (4) is verified depending on a received verification order (10) of an external electronic computing device (3). [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by , that the verification order (10) is created depending on a driving route (11) of the motor vehicle (1). [5] Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the verification order (10) is created depending on the currency of the card (8). [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that when determining the actual communication quality (9) a position of the recording device (7) on the motor vehicle (1) and / or a type of recording device (7) is taken into account. [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that communication quality (4) is assessed as a data rate and / or a latency of the communication link. [8] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one environmental condition is taken into account when determining the actual communication quality (9). [9] Computer program product comprising program code means which cause an electronic computing device (6) to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 when the program code means are executed by the electronic computing device (6). [10] Communication device (2) of a motor vehicle (1) for verifying a communication quality (4) of a communication link in at least a predetermined region (5), comprising at least one electronic computing device (6) and a recording device (7), wherein the communication device (2) is configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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