VEHICLE TELEMATICS SYSTEM AND OPERATING PROCEDURES

Abstract

Telematics system (4) for a vehicle (2), comprising a Wi-Fi module (6), wherein the telematics system (4) is configured to selectively activate or maintain the Wi-Fi module (6) in an operating state when the vehicle (2) is not in use, depending on at least two predetermined vehicle states, wherein which include at least two predetermined vehicle states and the availability of an alternative communication channel; and wherein the vehicle (2) is coupled to an electrical power supply, characterized in that the telematics system (4) is configured to periodically activate the Wi-Fi module (6) to check whether an authorized Wi-Fi host is available when the Wi-Fi module (6) is in an inactive state.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle telematics system and an operating method. Aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle telematics system, a vehicle, and a method. BACKGROUND

[0002] A large number of modern vehicles, such as modern cars, are equipped with at least one telematics system capable of transmitting data to and from the vehicle. This data typically includes vehicle diagnostic information, vehicle status information, and data intended for use with onboard communication and entertainment systems. Therefore, a telematics system typically comprises a number of separate modules that can operate either independently or in combination. Increasingly, these modules will include one or more communication modules designed for the actual transmission of data to and from the vehicle. Examples of such modules include a cellular module and a Wi-Fi module.

[0003] It is also becoming increasingly desirable for telematics systems to enable at least some data communication from the vehicle, even when the vehicle is not in use. For example, it may be desirable for the vehicle to be able to transmit the interior temperature to a driver, typically via a mobile app, while the vehicle is not in use, possibly also allowing the user to remotely control the vehicle's interior cooling or heating systems. Similarly, it may be desirable for electric vehicles to be able to transmit the state of charge of an energy storage device to an owner while the vehicle is inactive. However, it is not desirable for the entire telematics system to remain active while the vehicle is otherwise not in operation, as this is a generally unacceptable requirement for the vehicle's electrical power supply.

[0004] From DE 10 2016 121384 A1, a system and method for commissioning a mobile hotspot near a vehicle are known. The system comprises a vehicle containing a battery and a charging port, wherein the charging port connects the vehicle to an external energy source and is electrically connected to the battery to supply the battery with electrical current from the external energy source; and a wireless access point, which is powered by the battery in the vehicle and provides wireless internet access to one or more wireless devices located in or near the vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Aspects and embodiments of the invention include a vehicle telematics system according to claim 1, a vehicle according to claim 7 and a method for operating a vehicle telematics system according to claim 8.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a telematics system is provided for a vehicle which includes a Wi-Fi module, wherein the telematics system is configured to selectively activate the Wi-Fi module or to keep it in an operating state when the vehicle is not in use, depending on at least one predetermined vehicle state (certain vehicle condition).

[0007] Activating or maintaining the activation of a Wi-Fi module of the telematics system in response to a specific vehicle condition enables data communication with and from the vehicle when the vehicle is not in use at times that would otherwise not be possible.

[0008] When the vehicle is not in use, the telematics system can be configured to selectively deactivate or keep another telematics module in a sleep state, depending on at least one predetermined vehicle condition. This at least one predetermined condition can be the same as the one that activates the Wi-Fi module, or it can be a different condition. Deactivating telematics modules other than the Wi-Fi module reduces the power consumption required to maintain data communication.

[0009] At least one predetermined vehicle state can be the availability or lack thereof of an alternative communication channel. For example, if the vehicle is within range of a mobile network, it may be preferable to maintain data communication via the mobile network and not activate the Wi-Fi module, as the power requirements of mobile systems are generally lower.

[0010] At least one predetermined vehicle state can be that the vehicle is connected to an electrical power supply. In this case, the power required by the Wi-Fi module is irrelevant.

[0011] At least one predefined vehicle state can be that the telematics system receives a control signal to activate the Wi-Fi module. This allows the Wi-Fi module to be manually activated, for example, to demonstrate one or more other vehicle features when no other communication network is available.

[0012] The telematics system can be configured to activate the Wi-Fi module for a predetermined period of time after receiving the control signal.

[0013] At least one predetermined vehicle condition may be that the vehicle is within range of an authorized Wi-Fi host. If the vehicle has previously connected to a Wi-Fi host, it is assumed that this Wi-Fi host is trusted by the vehicle operator.

[0014] The telematics system can be configured to disable the Wi-Fi module when no authorized Wi-Fi host is available. This minimizes the likelihood of excessive power consumption while the Wi-Fi module repeatedly searches for an available Wi-Fi host.

[0015] If the Wi-Fi module is in a non-inactive state, the telematics system can be configured according to the invention to periodically activate the Wi-Fi module to check whether an authorized Wi-Fi host is available. In this way, the Wi-Fi module may connect to a newly discovered Wi-Fi host.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided which includes a telematics system according to one of the above aspects of the present invention.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a telematics system for a vehicle is provided, wherein the telematics system includes a Wi-Fi module, and wherein the method comprises selectively activating or keeping the Wi-Fi module in an operating state when the vehicle is not in use, depending on at least one predetermined vehicle state.

[0018] The procedure may involve the selective deactivation or holding of another telematics module depending on at least one predetermined vehicle state.

[0019] At least one predetermined vehicle state may include the availability of an alternative communication channel.

[0020] At least one predetermined vehicle state can be that the vehicle is connected to an electrical power supply.

[0021] At least one predefined vehicle state can be that the telematics system receives a control signal to activate the Wi-Fi module.

[0022] The procedure may include activating the Wi-Fi module for a predetermined period upon receiving the command signal to activate it.

[0023] At least one predetermined vehicle condition may include the vehicle being within range of an authorized Wi-Fi host.

[0024] The Wi-Fi module can be deactivated if no authorized Wi-Fi host is available. When the Wi-Fi module is inactive, it can also be periodically activated to check for the availability of an authorized Wi-Fi host.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is provided which comprises computer-readable instructions which, when executed on a signal processor of a vehicle, cause the signal processor to perform the method of the preceding aspect of the invention.

[0026] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly provided that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following descriptions and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be adopted independently or in any combination. That is to say, all embodiments and / or features of an embodiment may be combined in any way and / or combination, unless these features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to amend an originally filed claim or to file a new claim accordingly, including the right to amend an originally filed claim to be dependent on another claim and / or to include a feature of another claim, even if it was not originally asserted in this manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle with a telematics system according to the embodiments of the present invention; and Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a method for operating a vehicle telematics system according to the embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle 2 with a telematics system 4. In embodiments of the present invention, the telematics system comprises a Wi-Fi module 6, a system control module 8, an input / output module 10, and a cellular module 12. The individual modules are interconnected via a communication bus 14. Naturally, it is appreciated by those skilled in the art that the telecommunications system can include one or more further modules and that the functions of the control module 8 and the input / output module 10 can also be distributed among the various modules of the telematics system.

[0029] The telematics system is configured to monitor the status of one or more predefined vehicle states. For example, in embodiments of the present invention, the telematics system is configured to detect whether the vehicle is connected to an external power supply. This can be achieved by supplying a signal to the input / output module 10 from a charging unit 16. The telematics system 4 is also configured to determine or receive an indication that the vehicle is not in use, e.g., when the vehicle is completely switched off (except for a built-in alarm or other security system) and stationary. When it is determined that the vehicle is not in use, the Wi-Fi module 6 is selectively activated or kept in an operating state so that the Wi-Fi module 6 acts as a Wi-Fi client and connects to an available, authorized Wi-Fi host and establishes a Wi-Fi connection.An example of such a Wi-Fi host could be the vehicle owner's home Wi-Fi network when the vehicle is on the owner's property. The Wi-Fi module 6 is capable of providing data about the vehicle status via the Wi-Fi connection.

[0030] In some embodiments, when the telematics system detects that the vehicle is not in use and activates or maintains the Wi-Fi module 6 in an operating state, the control unit 8 also deactivates several of the other system modules, thus reducing the power consumed by the active telematics modules. The number of remaining system modules that are deactivated varies from vehicle to vehicle, but they are typically the modules that are not actively required to keep the vehicle in its deactivated state. For example, the modules required for the vehicle security system are expected to remain active. Furthermore, any modules required to support energy charging when the vehicle is connected to a power supply also remain active.Consequently, the number of modules to be deactivated can be arbitrary, but it is advantageous, and depending on the vehicle configuration, the number of modules to be deactivated should be at least half of the total number of modules.

[0031] In some embodiments, and as shown, a telematics system may also include a cellular module 12. In these circumstances, the cellular module 12 will be a preferred means of providing data communication to and from the vehicle when the vehicle is not in use. Consequently, the control unit 8 is configured to activate the Wi-Fi module 6 only when the vehicle is not in operation, provided that no data communication via the cellular module 12 is detected. Alternatively, or in addition to activating or maintaining the Wi-Fi module 6 in an operating state when the vehicle is connected to an external power supply, the Wi-Fi module 6 may also be activated in response to a control signal received from the telecommunications system 4.An example of where a command signal can be issued is at a service location where it is desired to query the diagnostic information stored in the vehicle. Another example is when one or more vehicle functions need to be demonstrated, for example, by a sales or marketing manager, without activating the vehicle in the normal way, such as in a showroom or exhibition hall. In some embodiments, the Wi-Fi module 6 can be activated only for a specific period of time to prevent excessive power consumption. The Wi-Fi module 6 can remain activated indefinitely if it is determined that an external power supply is powering the vehicle 2, either via the charging unit 16 or by other suitable means (not shown).

[0032] In some embodiments, the system checks whether an authorized Wi-Fi host is available for the Wi-Fi module 6 to which a connection can be established. If no such Wi-Fi host is available, the Wi-Fi module 6 is deactivated to prevent further depletion of the vehicle's energy storage charge. In some embodiments, the system periodically activates the Wi-Fi module 6 to check the availability of the Wi-Fi host. For example, the Wi-Fi module can be reactivated every 15 minutes, every hour, every 4 hours, once a day, or at another desired interval.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates a procedure for operating the in Fig. The vehicle telematics system 4, as illustrated in Figure 1, operates according to the embodiments of the present invention. The process begins at step 20 when the vehicle is deactivated, for example, at the end of a journey. Subsequently, at step 22, the telematics system 4 determines whether the specified vehicle state is true or false. If it is determined that the vehicle state is false, i.e., not met, the Wi-Fi module 6 of the telematics system is deactivated. However, if it is determined that the vehicle state is true, the Wi-Fi module 6 is activated or its activation is maintained, as shown in step 24. In some embodiments, at step 26, a further determination is made as to whether an authorized Wi-Fi host is available or not. If a Wi-Fi host is available, the Wi-Fi module 6 is kept in an operating state. However, if no authorized Wi-Fi host is available, the Wi-Fi module 6 is deactivated, as shown in step 28.In some embodiments and as in . Fig. 2, Step 26, shows that the determination of whether a Wi-Fi host is available or not is repeated at regular intervals, such as every 15 minutes, every hour, every 4 hours, once a day, or any other desired time period.

[0034] The invention is not limited to the details of the aforementioned embodiments. The invention extends to any new or novel combination of the features disclosed in this specification (including all related claims, abstractions, and drawings) or to any new or novel combination of the steps of a method or process disclosed therein. The claims are to be interpreted not only as referring to the aforementioned embodiments but also as referring to all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

[1] Telematics system (4) for a vehicle (2), comprising a Wi-Fi module (6), wherein the telematics system (4) is configured to selectively activate or keep the Wi-Fi module (6) in an operating state when the vehicle (2) is not in use, depending on at least two predetermined vehicle states, wherein which include at least two predetermined vehicle states and the availability of an alternative communication channel; and wherein the vehicle (2) is coupled to an electrical power supply, characterized by , that the telematics system (4) is configured to periodically activate the Wi-Fi module (6) to check if an authorized Wi-Fi host is available when the Wi-Fi module (6) is in an inactive state. [2] Telematics system (4) according to claim 1, wherein the telematics system (4) is configured to selectively deactivate or keep in a sleep state another telematics module depending on at least one predetermined vehicle state. [3] Telematics system (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two predetermined vehicle states comprise that the telematics system (4) receives a command signal to activate the Wi-Fi module (6). [4] Telematics system (4) according to claim 3, wherein the telematics system is configured upon receipt of the control signal to activate the Wi-Fi module (6) for a predetermined period of time. [5] Telematics system (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two predetermined vehicle states include that the vehicle is within range of an authorized Wi-Fi host. [6] Telematics system (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the telematics system (4) is configured to disable the Wi-Fi module (6) when no authorized Wi-Fi host is available. [7] Vehicle comprising a telematics system (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Method for operating a telematics system (4) for a vehicle (2), wherein the telematics system (4) includes a Wi-Fi module (6), the method comprising selectively activating or maintaining the Wi-Fi module (6) in an operating state when the vehicle is not in use, depending on at least two predetermined vehicle states, wherein the at least two predetermined vehicle states include the availability of an alternative communication channel; and wherein the vehicle (2) is coupled to an electrical power supply, characterized by, that the telematics system (4) is configured to periodically activate the Wi-Fi module (6) to check if an authorized Wi-Fi host is available when the Wi-Fi module (6) is in an inactive state. [9] Method according to claim 8, comprising selectively deactivating or keeping a further telematics module in an inactive state depending on at least one predetermined vehicle state. [10] Method according to one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the at least two predetermined vehicle states comprise that the telematics system (4) receives a command signal to activate the Wi-Fi module (6). [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the Wi-Fi module is activated for a predetermined period of time upon receipt of the control signal. [12] Method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the at least two predetermined vehicle states comprise that the vehicle is within range of an authorized Wi-Fi host. [13] Method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the Wi-Fi module is deactivated when no authorized Wi-Fi host is available. [14] Method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, comprising, when the Wi-Fi module (6) is in an inactive state, periodically activating the Wi-Fi module (6) to check if an authorized Wi-Fi host is available. [15] Computer program product comprising computer-readable instructions which, when executed on a signal processor of a vehicle (2), cause the signal processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

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