Communication device, communication method, and computer program

Abstract

The invention relates to communication device (10), to a communication method, to a corresponding computer program, to a vehicle (200), and to a portable communication device (300) comprising such a communication device. The communication device (10) comprises at least one interface (12) for communicating with a first wireless transceiver (16). The communication device (10) comprises one or more processors (14) which are designed to obtain information on an upcoming communication via a second wireless transceiver (18) and control the first wireless transceiver so as to transmit a signal prior to the upcoming communication via the second wireless transceiver.

Description

[0001] Communication device, communication method and computer program

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The present invention relates to a communication device, to a communication method and to a corresponding computer program, as well as to a vehicle and a portable communication device with such a communication device.

[0004] background

[0005] Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a wireless system that can be used for highly accurate localization. One important use case for UWB is in keyless entry systems for vehicles. UWB can locate the key fob using time-of-flight (ToF) measurements, which can prevent relay attacks on the keyless entry system. UWB has also been integrated into smartphones (a mobile phone capable of running mobile applications), opening up the possibility of the smartphone replacing traditional key fobs. UWB generally uses four radio frequency channels (5-8-9) with a center frequency between 6.5 GHz and 8 GHz.

[0006] Wi-Fi (a wireless communications standard in the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 family of communications standards, also called Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or Wireless Local Access Network) is also used in vehicles for various applications, such as Internet access points. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission of the United States) has decided to open the 6 GHz communications band for Wi-Fi applications, which means that the coexistence of UWB (channels 5-6) and Wi-Fi in vehicles is unavoidable.

[0007] The four UWB channels could be randomly selected in different vehicles to reduce the problem of channel congestion between UWB systems. However, Wi-Fi interference from surrounding access points (such as office access points or residential access points) can have a significant impact on UWB operation on channels 5 and 6.

[0008] There is a need for an improved concept for the coexistence of multiple communication systems.

[0009] Summary

[0010] This need is met by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0011] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are based on the realization that, when multiple communication systems are used simultaneously, for example in a vehicle, a certain degree of coordination can be carried out between the otherwise independently operating communication systems. In particular, if it is known that communication is pending via one of the communication systems, communication via the other communication system can be adjusted accordingly. In the present invention, this is achieved by a first and a second wireless transceiver that communicate in a first and a second communication system. If communication is pending via the second wireless transceiver, the first wireless transceiver can send out a type of "warning signal" or "buoy signal".A signal beacon (also known as a signal beacon) that causes the other wireless transceivers communicating via the first communication system to temporarily stop communicating. This allows communication via the second transceiver and the second communication system to proceed without disruption.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a communication device. The communication device comprises at least one interface for communication with a first wireless transceiver. The communication device comprises one or more processors configured to obtain information about an upcoming communication via a second wireless transceiver. The one or more processors are configured to control the first wireless transceiver to transmit a signal prior to the upcoming communication via the second wireless transceiver. By transmitting the signal, communication from other wireless transceivers communicating in the same communication system as the first wireless transceiver can be inhibited, so that the upcoming communication via the second wireless transceiver can be carried out without interference.

[0013] For example, the one or more processors may be configured to control the first wireless transceiver to transmit the signal prior to the upcoming communication via the second wireless transceiver if a first frequency band in which the first wireless transceiver communicates overlaps with a second frequency band in which the second wireless transceiver communicates. In scenarios where two wireless transceivers communicate in the same or overlapping frequency bands, the proposed warning or buoy signal is useful.

[0014] The first wireless transceiver may, for example, be configured to communicate according to a listen-before-talk-based communication standard or according to a carrier-sense multiple access-based communication standard. The signal transmitted via the first wireless transceiver may be configured to prevent other wireless transceivers communicating according to the listen-before-talk-based communication standard or according to the carrier-sense multiple access-based communication standard from communicating via the second transceiver at the same time as the pending communication. The signal is received by the other wireless transceivers and interpreted as an indication that another transceiver is about to communicate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pending communication via the second wireless transceiver is an ultra-wideband (UWB)-based communication. The one or more processors may be configured to control the first wireless transceiver to transmit the signal according to a communication standard for communication over a local area wireless communication network (WLAN / Wi-Fi) in a 6 GHz-based frequency range. The coexistence of UWB and 6 GHz Wi-Fi is a possible application scenario for the present invention.

[0016] For example, the signal transmitted by the first wireless transceiver can use messages and signals defined in the communication protocol according to which the first wireless transceiver communicates. For example, the signal can comprise a beacon signal or a beacon message according to the communication standard for communication via the Local Wireless Communications Network in the 6 GHz-based frequency range. Thus, the communication of the first wireless transceiver can be carried out according to the relevant communication standard.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pending communication comprises a transmit signal to be transmitted by the second wireless transceiver. Transmit signals may be known in advance, for example, by the presence of data to be transmitted in a transmit buffer or by a predefined communication schedule.

[0018] In some cases, the communication device can further be configured to conduct the communication via the second wireless transceiver. Thus, the at least one interface can further be suitable for communication with the second wireless transceiver. The one or more processors can be configured to control the second wireless transceiver to transmit the transmission signal of the pending communication after the signal has been transmitted via the first wireless transceiver. This facilitates coordination between the transmission processes via the first and second transceivers.

[0019] Under certain conditions, the proposed concept can also be applied to received signals. For example, the pending communication can include a received signal to be received by the second wireless transceiver. The information about the pending communication can include information about an expected reception time or reception period (for the received signal to be received). The one or more processors can be configured to control the first wireless transceiver to transmit the signal based on the information about the expected reception time or reception period. Such a procedure is possible, for example, for periodic signals, such as periodic time-of-flight measurement signals, for example in the context of keyless access to a vehicle.

[0020] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle having the previously presented communication device, the first wireless transceiver, and the second wireless transceiver. In particular, the communication device can be used to improve the coexistence of the first and second wireless transceivers in the vehicle.

[0021] On the other hand, the proposed technology can also be used in portable communication devices, such as smartphones or smart watches. One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a portable communication device comprising the previously presented communication device, the first wireless transceiver, and the second wireless transceiver. The proposed technology can also be advantageously used in portable communication devices, for example, to avoid interference during a time-of-flight measurement.

[0022] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a corresponding communication method. The communication method comprises obtaining information about an upcoming communication via a second wireless transceiver. The communication method comprises controlling a first wireless transceiver to transmit a signal prior to the upcoming communication via the second wireless transceiver.

[0023] The communication method comprises a program having program code for performing the above method when the program code is executed on a computer, a processor, a control module, or a programmable hardware component.

[0024] Short character description

[0025] Some examples of devices and / or methods are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show:

[0026] Fig. 1a shows a block diagram of an example of a communication device;

[0027] Fig. 1b shows a flowchart of an example of a communication method; Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a vehicle with a communication device; and

[0028] Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a portable communication device with a communication device.

[0029] Description

[0030] Some examples will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of these detailed embodiments. These may include modifications of the features, as well as equivalents and alternatives to the features. Furthermore, the terminology used herein to describe specific examples is not intended to be limiting of other possible examples.

[0031] Throughout the description of the figures, identical or similar reference numerals refer to identical or similar elements or features, which may be implemented identically or in a modified form while providing the same or a similar function. Furthermore, the thickness of lines, layers, and / or regions in the figures may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0032] When two elements A and B are combined using "or," this is to be understood as disclosing all possible combinations, i.e., only A, only B, and both A and B, unless explicitly defined otherwise in the individual case. Alternative wording for the same combinations may be "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B." This applies equivalently to combinations of more than two elements.

[0033] If a singular form is used, such as "a," "an," and "the," and the use of only a single element is neither explicitly nor implicitly defined as mandatory, further examples may also use multiple elements to implement the same function. If a function is described below as being implemented using multiple elements, further examples may implement the same function using a single element or a single processing entity.It is further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has" and / or "having" when used herein describe the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or a group thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or a group thereof.

[0034] Fig. 1a shows a block diagram of an example of a communication device 10. The communication device 10 includes at least one interface 12 for communicating with a first wireless transceiver 16. The communication device 10 further includes one or more processors 14 coupled to the at least one interface 12. Generally, the one or more processors 14 are configured to provide the functionality of the communication device 10, for example, in interaction with the at least one interface 12 (for communicating with other units). In some examples, the at least one interface 12 is further configured to communicate with a second wireless transceiver 18.For example, the communication device 10 may include the first 16 and / or the second 18 wireless transceivers, or the wireless transceiver(s) may be located outside the communication device 10. In both cases, at least the first wireless transceiver 16, and optionally also the second wireless transceiver 18, may be coupled to the communication device 10, for example via the at least one interface 12.

[0035] The one or more processors 12 are configured to receive information about an upcoming communication via the second wireless transceiver 18. The one or more processors are configured to control the first wireless transceiver to transmit a signal prior to the upcoming communication via the second wireless transceiver.

[0036] Fig. 1b shows a flowchart of an example of a corresponding communication method. The communication method can be executed, for example, by the communication device of Fig. 1a, or by another communication device, such as a vehicle (shown in Fig. 2) or a portable communication device (shown in Fig. 3). The communication method includes receiving 110 the information about the upcoming communication via the second wireless transceiver. The communication method includes controlling 120 the first wireless transceiver to transmit the signal prior to the upcoming communication via the second wireless transceiver.

[0037] The following explains the features of the communication device, the communication method, and a corresponding computer program with reference to the communication device. Features introduced or explained in connection with the communication device can also be incorporated into the corresponding communication method or computer program.

[0038] The proposed concept is based on the knowledge that a communication via the second wireless transceiver (i.e., a communication to be performed via the second transceiver) is pending. This is made known to the communication device via information about the pending communication. This information can originate from multiple sources. For this purpose, a distinction is made below between three different groups of cases: transmitted signals that are not based on a predefined schedule, transmitted signals that are based on a predefined schedule, and received signals that are based on a predefined schedule.

[0039] For transmit signals, i.e., when the pending communication includes a transmit signal to be transmitted by the second wireless transceiver, which is not based on a predetermined schedule, the information about the pending communication can be based on a transmit buffer of the second wireless communication device. The one or more processors can be configured to determine the information about the pending communication by monitoring the transmit buffer or by receiving a corresponding notification about the transmit buffer from the second wireless transceiver. The communication device can further coordinate the (transmit) communication of the second wireless transceiver.For example, the one or more processors may be configured to control the second wireless transceiver to transmit the transmission signal of the pending communication to be transmitted after the signal has been transmitted via the first wireless transceiver.

[0040] A similar approach can be taken for transmission signals based on a predefined schedule. Additionally, the predefined schedule can serve as information about the upcoming communication. The information about the upcoming communication can include information (such as a schedule) about an expected transmission time or period, and the one or more processors can trigger the signal based on the information about the expected transmission time or period. Here, too, the one or more processors can be configured to control the second wireless transceiver to transmit the transmission signal of the upcoming communication to be transmitted after the signal has been transmitted via the first wireless transceiver.

[0041] In the case of received signals, i.e., when the pending communication includes a received signal to be received by the second wireless transceiver, the procedure can again be carried out according to a schedule. Thus, the information about the pending communication can include information (i.e., a schedule) about an expected reception time or reception period. The one or more processors can be configured to control the first wireless transceiver, based on the information about the expected reception time or reception period, to transmit the signal, for example, such that the signal (just) precedes the expected reception time or reception period.

[0042] The one or more processors are configured to trigger the transmission of the signal by the first wireless transceiver, so that the signal is transmitted before the upcoming communication performed via the second wireless transceiver. This is done to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a collision between the upcoming communication via the second wireless transceiver and another communication taking place in a different communication system. Such a collision is particularly likely if the upcoming communication via the second wireless transceiver and the other communication are based on the same frequency resources.For example, the one or more processors can be configured to control the first wireless transceiver to transmit the signal prior to the upcoming communication via the second wireless transceiver if a first frequency band in which the first wireless transceiver communicates overlaps with a second frequency band in which the second wireless transceiver communicates. For example, the first wireless transceiver can be configured for communication in a first communication system, and the second wireless transceiver can be configured for communication in a second communication system. If the first communication system and the second communication system use the same or overlapping frequency resources, the signal can be transmitted.This applies in particular if the communication via the second communication system is based on a lower signal strength (e.g. less than 50%, less than 20% or less than 10% of the signal strength of the first communication system) calculated on a carrier frequency.

[0043] Such a scenario prevails in particular with the coexistence of WiFi in the 6 GHz frequency range and ultra-wideband (UWB). For example, the upcoming communication via the second wireless transceiver (i.e., via the second communication system) can be an ultra-wideband-based communication. The first wireless transceiver, on the other hand, can be suitable or configured to communicate via a local wireless communication network (Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN, also called Wi-Fi) in a 6 GHz-based frequency range. Thus, the one or more processors can be configured to control the first wireless transceiver to transmit the signal according to a communication standard for communication via a local wireless communication network in a 6 GHz-based frequency range.As the name suggests, UWB-based communication is based on the use of very wide frequency bands, with low signal strengths relative to the individual carrier frequency. In this scenario, the "listen-before-talk" technique used by WLAN / Wi-Fi may fail because the signal strength of the UWB-based communication may be too weak to be detected by the listen-before-talk detection of the other wireless transceivers of the first communication system. Therefore, the present concept can be used in particular in listen-before-talk-based communication systems or the conceptually similar carrier-sense multiple access (CSMA)-based communication systems. In other words, the first communication system can be a listen-before-talk-based communication system or a carrier-sense multiple access-based communication system.Accordingly, the first wireless transceiver can be configured to communicate according to a listen-before-talk-based communication standard or according to a carrier-sense multiple access-based communication standard. The signal transmitted via the first wireless transceiver is intended, for example, to prevent other wireless transceivers communicating according to the listen-before-talk-based communication standard or according to the carrier-sense multiple access-based communication standard from communicating via the second transceiver at the same time as the pending communication.

[0044] The WLAN / Wi-Fi communication standard specifies possible signals, messages, and packets that can be used as the previously mentioned signal. The signal may include or conform to a beacon signal or beacon message (also called a beacon frame) according to the communication standard for communication over the Local Wireless Communications Network in the 6 GHz frequency range.

[0045] The at least one interface 12 can, for example, correspond to one or more inputs and / or one or more outputs for receiving and / or transmitting information, for example in digital bit values ​​based on a code, within a module, between modules, or between modules of different entities. The at least one interface 12 can, for example, comprise an interface circuit configured to implement the communication of the interface 12.

[0046] For example, the one or more processors 14 can correspond to any controller or processor or a programmable hardware component. For example, the one or more processors 14 can also be implemented as software programmed for a corresponding hardware component. In this respect, the one or more processors 14 can be implemented as programmable hardware with appropriately adapted software. Any processors, such as digital signal processors (DSPs), can be used. Embodiments are not limited to a specific type of processor. Any processor or even multiple processors are conceivable for implementation.

[0047] The first wireless transceiver 16 and the second wireless transceiver 18 may include typical transmitter and receiver components, respectively. These may include, for example, one or more antennas, one or more filters, one or more mixers, one or more amplifiers, one or more diplexers, one or more duplexers, etc. More details and aspects of the wireless transceivers, the communication device, the communication method, and the computer program will be mentioned in connection with the concept or examples described earlier or later (such as in Figs. 2 and 3). The wireless transceivers, the communication device, the communication method, and the computer program may include one or more additional optional features corresponding to one or more aspects of the proposed concept or the described examples, as described earlier or later.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a vehicle 200 with a communication device 10, such as the communication device 10 introduced in connection with Fig. 1a. The vehicle 200 further includes the first wireless transceiver 16 and the second wireless transceiver 18, each coupled to the communication device 10.

[0049] In at least some embodiments, the vehicle 200 may correspond to, for example, a land vehicle, a watercraft, an aircraft, a rail vehicle, a road vehicle, a car, an off-road vehicle, a motor vehicle, or a truck.

[0050] More details and aspects of the wireless transceivers, the communication device, and the vehicle are mentioned in connection with the concept or examples described before or after (such as in Figures 1a to 1b and 3). The wireless transceivers, the communication device, and the vehicle may include one or more additional optional features corresponding to one or more aspects of the proposed concept or the described examples as described before or after.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a portable communication device 300 with a communication device 10, such as the communication device 10 introduced in connection with Fig. 1a. The portable communication device 300 further comprises the first wireless transceiver 16 and the second wireless transceiver 18, which are each coupled to the communication device 10. In Fig. 3, the portable communication device is shown as a smartphone. In addition, the portable communication device can also take other forms. For example, the portable communication device can be a so-called smartwatch (a smart watch), a tablet computer, or an identification chip. In some embodiments, the portable communication device can be a communication device capable of general communication, i.e., a communication device that is not intended for a single application, such as a vehicle key.Key Fob). In other embodiments, the portable communication device may be a communication device intended for a single application, such as a key fob.

[0052] More details and aspects of the wireless transceivers, the communication device, and the portable communication device are mentioned in connection with the concept or examples described before or after (such as in Figures 1a to 2). The wireless transceivers, the communication device, and the portable communication device may include one or more additional optional features corresponding to one or more aspects of the proposed concept or the described examples as described before or after.

[0053] The present disclosure is concerned with improving the coexistence of using different communication technologies, and in particular with improving the coexistence of UWB and Wi-Fi in motor vehicles. Wi-Fi operating in the 6 GHz band can severely interfere with UWB and lead to performance degradation, especially when Wi-Fi hotspots in homes and offices are considered indoor spaces that allow high transmission power.

[0054] Wi-Fi uses the "listen-before-talk" method for transmission to achieve fair spectrum sharing. However, because UWB uses very weak signal power, the UWB signal cannot be detected by a Wi-Fi transceiver in many cases. The present disclosure is based on the finding that the 6 GHz Wi-Fi unit in the vehicle can be used to transmit a high-power signal before each UWB transmission. In this case, the surrounding Wi-Fi access points can postpone their transmission for a short period of time, allowing interference-free UWB transmission. Because the UWB signal is very short, the impact on the surrounding Wi-Fi hotspots is very limited.

[0055] The present invention can be used, for example, in vehicles that support UWB and Wi-Fi applications or in portable communication devices.

[0056] More details and aspects of the concept for improving the coexistence of using different communication technologies are mentioned in connection with the concept or examples described before or after (for example in Figs. 1a to 1b and 3). The concept for improving the coexistence of using different communication technologies may include one or more additional optional features corresponding to one or more aspects of the proposed concept or the examples described before or after.

[0057] The aspects and features described in connection with a particular one of the previous examples may also be combined with one or more of the further examples to replace an identical or similar feature of that further example or to additionally introduce the feature into the further example.

[0058] Examples may further be or relate to a (computer) program with program code for carrying out one or more of the above methods when the program is executed on a computer, a processor, or other programmable hardware component. Steps, operations, or processes of various of the methods described above may therefore also be carried out by programmed computers, processors, or other programmable hardware components. Examples may also cover program storage devices, e.g., digital data storage media, that are machine-, processor-, or computer-readable and encode or contain machine-executable, processor-executable, or computer-executable programs and instructions. The program storage devices may, for example,Digital storage, magnetic storage media such as magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. Further examples may also include computers, processors, control units, field-programmable logic arrays ((F)PLAs = (Field) Programmable Logic Arrays), field-programmable gate arrays ((F)PGA = (Field) Programmable Gate Arrays), graphics processors (GPU = Graphics Processor Unit), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC = application-specific integrated circuit), integrated circuits (IC = Integrated Circuit), or system-on-a-chip (SoC) programmed to perform the steps of the methods described above.

[0059] It is further understood that the disclosure of multiple steps, processes, operations, or functions disclosed in the specification or claims should not be construed as necessarily being in the described order, unless explicitly stated in the individual case or technically required. Therefore, the foregoing description does not limit the performance of multiple steps or functions to any particular order. Furthermore, in further examples, a single step, function, process, or operation may include and / or be broken down into multiple sub-steps, functions, processes, or operations.

[0060] If some aspects in the preceding sections were described in connection with a device or system, these aspects are also to be understood as a description of the corresponding method. For example, a block, a device, or a functional aspect of the device or system can correspond to a feature, such as a method step, of the corresponding method. Accordingly, aspects described in connection with a method are also to be understood as a description of a corresponding block, a corresponding element, a property, or a functional feature of a corresponding device or system.

[0061] The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, and each claim may stand on its own as a separate example. It should also be noted that although a dependent claim in the claims refers to a particular combination with one or more other claims, other examples may include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent claim. Such combinations are hereby explicitly contemplated unless it is specifically stated that a particular combination is not intended. Furthermore, features of a claim for any other independent claim are also intended to be included, even if that claim is not directly defined as dependent on that other independent claim.

[0062] Reference symbol

[0063] 10 Communication device 12 Interface

[0064] 14 processor

[0065] 16 First wireless transceiver

[0066] 18 Second wireless transceiver

[0067] 110 Receiving information about pending communication via a second transceiver

[0068] 120 Controlling a first wireless transceiver to transmit a signal 00 Vehicle

[0069] 300 Portable Communication Device

Claims

Claims Communication device (10) comprising: at least one interface (12) for communication with a first wireless transceiver (16); one or more processors (14) configured to: Receiving information about an upcoming communication via a second wireless transceiver (18); and Controlling the first wireless transceiver to transmit a signal prior to pending communication via the second wireless transceiver. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to control the first wireless transceiver to transmit the signal prior to pending communication via the second wireless transceiver if a first frequency band in which the first wireless transceiver communicates overlaps with a second frequency band in which the second wireless transceiver communicates.The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first wireless transceiver is configured to communicate according to a listen-before-talk based communication standard or according to a carrier-sense multi-access communication standard, wherein the signal transmitted via the first wireless transceiver is designed to prevent other wireless transceivers communicating according to the listen-before-talk based communication standard or according to the carrier-sense multi-access communication standard from communicating simultaneously with the pending communication via the second transceiver. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pending communication via the second wireless transceiver is an ultra-. Broadband-based communication, and one or more processors configured to control the first wireless transceiver to transmit the signal according to a communication standard for communication over a local wireless communication network in a 6 GHz-based frequency range. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the signal comprises a beacon signal or a beacon message according to the communication standard for communication over the local wireless communication network in the 6 GHz-based frequency range. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pending communication comprises a transmit signal to be sent by the second wireless transceiver.The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the at least one interface is further suitable for communication with the second wireless transceiver, wherein the one or more processors are configured to control the second wireless transceiver to transmit the transmit signal of the pending communication after the signal has been transmitted via the first wireless transceiver. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pending communication comprises a receive signal to be received by the second wireless transceiver, wherein the information about the pending communication includes information about an expected time or period of reception, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to control the first wireless transceiver to transmit the signal based on the information about the expected time or period of reception.A vehicle (200) comprising the communication device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, the first wireless transceiver (16) and the second wireless transceiver (18).

10. A portable communication device (300) comprising the communication device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the first wireless transceiver (16) and the second wireless transceiver (18).

11. Communication procedures, comprehensive: Receiving (110) information about an impending communication via a second wireless transceiver; and Control (120) of a first wireless transceiver to transmit a signal prior to the pending communication via the second wireless transceiver.

12. Program comprising program code for carrying out the method according to claim 11, wherein the program code is executed on a computer, a processor, a control module, or a programmable hardware component.

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