Method for controlling a radio transceiver of a motor vehicle, and associated electronic device and motor vehicle
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024713521
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-04-04
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-11
AI Technical Summary
There is a need to ensure continuous and flexible communication between a motor vehicle and remote devices at controlled costs, particularly in scenarios where the vehicle moves out of mobile telephone network coverage, requiring an efficient method to switch between satellite and terrestrial communication.
A method for controlling a radio transceiver in a motor vehicle that verifies a criterion to determine whether to configure the transceiver to emit a radio signal towards a satellite or a terrestrial mobile telephone network, using a spatial filter and electronic circuits to switch between satellite and mobile communication protocols, allowing seamless communication as the vehicle moves.
This method enables cost-effective, continuous communication by alternating between satellite and mobile telephone networks using a single transceiver, ensuring reliable connectivity even when the vehicle is outside mobile network coverage, with the ability to switch between different communication protocols and frequencies.
Smart Images
Figure FR2024050269_10102024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DESCRIPTION
[0002] TITLE OF THE INVENTION: Method for controlling a radio transceiver of a motor vehicle, associated electronic device and motor vehicle.
[0003] [0001.] The present invention claims priority from French application 2303358 filed on 04.04.2023, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference. The invention relates to a radio transceiver of a motor vehicle capable of communicating with remote devices via a mobile telephone network.
[0004] [0002.] There is a need to ensure continuity or flexibility of communication between the vehicle and remote devices at controlled costs.
[0005] [0003.] For this purpose, the invention relates to a method for controlling a radio transceiver, implemented in a motor vehicle comprising the transceiver, the transceiver being capable of carrying out a transmission of a radio signal, the transceiver comprising an antenna (capable of transmitting the radio signal) and a spatial (radio) filter, the filter being capable of receiving a first command and, upon receipt of the first command, of configuring itself (electronically) to concentrate the transmission of the radio signal (transmitted by the antenna or, in other words, the transceiver) (in other words: being capable of configuring itself to form a transmission beam of the radio signal) in a direction determined by the first command, the transmission method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
[0006] - Verification of a criterion, then, sending to the filter (in other words: to the antenna), of the first command (commanding the spatial filter to configure itself so that it (ie: the spatial filter) concentrates the emission, in other words: forms an emission beam, of the radio signal in the direction), the direction being:
[0007] - If the criterion is satisfied, that (i.e. the direction) of a satellite (artificial in orbit around the earth) (from the vehicle),
[0008] - If the criterion is not satisfied, that (i.e. the direction) of a terrestrial radio station of a mobile telephone network (from the vehicle). [0004.] Thus, the invention makes it possible, with a single transmitter-receiver, therefore with limited additional cost, to alternate communication with remote devices via a mobile telephone network and a satellite.
[0009] [0005.] In other words, the invention relates to a method for controlling a radio transceiver, comprising an antenna, the transceiver being capable of transmitting a radio signal, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
[0010] - Verification of a criterion, then sending to the filter, a first command, the first command ordering the spatial filter to configure itself so that it concentrates the emission of the radio signal in one direction, the direction being:
[0011] - If the criterion is satisfied, that of a satellite,
[0012] - If the criterion is not met, that of a terrestrial radio station of a mobile telephone network
[0013] [0006.] The method according to the invention can be repeated as the vehicle moves.
[0014] [0007.] The method according to the invention may also comprise the following steps:
[0015] - Reception of the first command by the spatial filter, then
[0016] - Filter configuration (in other words: the filter configures itself) to concentrate the radio signal emission in the direction, the direction being determined by the first command.
[0017] [0008.] The method according to the invention may also comprise the following step:
[0018] - Emission, by the transceiver, of the radio signal (for example, after the filter configuration step).
[0019] [0009.] If the criterion is satisfied, the transceiver can transmit a radio signal according to a satellite communication protocol.
[0020] [0010.] If the criterion is not satisfied, the transceiver can transmit a radio signal according to a mobile telephone communication protocol, for example according to the protocol conforming to the so-called “5G” standard. [0011.] Other protocols are of course conceivable (in particular, a protocol conforming to the so-called 4G standard).
[0021] [0012.] The method according to the invention may also comprise the following step:
[0022] - Reception, by the transceiver, of another radio signal (for example, after the filter configuration step).
[0023] [0013.] According to one embodiment, the transceiver comprising a first electronic circuit capable of producing a first electrical signal from first digital data and / or producing second digital data from a second electrical signal, a second electronic circuit (different from the first circuit) capable of producing a third electrical signal from third digital data and / or producing fourth digital data from a fourth electrical signal, and a switch, the method for transmitting digital data further comprising the following steps:
[0024] - If the criterion is satisfied, sends a third command to the switch so that the switch connects the first electronic circuit to the antenna (and disconnects the second circuit from the antenna), so that the transceiver is configured so that the antenna receives the first electrical signal (to produce the radio signal) from the first electronic circuit and / or the first circuit receives the second electrical signal from the antenna, and
[0025] - If the criterion is not satisfied, sends a fourth command to the switch so that the switch connects the second electronic circuit to the antenna (and disconnects the second circuit from the antenna), so that the transceiver is configured so that the antenna receives the third electrical signal (to produce the radio signal) from the second electronic circuit and / or the second circuit receives the fourth signal from the antenna.
[0026] [0014.] Thus, it is possible to construct a transceiver on the basis of a first existing circuit for satellite communications and a second existing circuit for mobile telephone communications. [0015.] Alternatively, a single circuit, therefore without a switch, can be used for satellite communication and communication with a mobile telephone network.
[0027] [0016.] According to one embodiment, the verification step comprises the following step:
[0028] - First determination whether the vehicle is in or outside (or outside) a mobile telephone network coverage area, the criterion being satisfied if it is determined that the vehicle is outside the mobile telephone network coverage area, the criterion not being satisfied if it is determined that the vehicle is in the mobile telephone network coverage area (otherwise).
[0029] [0017.] Alternatively, the criterion may be satisfied if (A message is received that):
[0030] - the station is connected to a high number of mobiles (which therefore slows down the communication speed),
[0031] - If we are in a predetermined time slot,
[0032] - A quality of service higher than that offered by the mobile telephone network is necessary.
[0033] [0018.] According to one embodiment, the first determination step further comprises the following steps:
[0034] - Receiving a geographic location of the vehicle (for example from a satellite geographic location module of the vehicle capable of determining the position of the vehicle), then
[0035] - Second Determination:
[0036] - That the vehicle is outside the coverage area of the mobile telephone network, if the geographical location of the vehicle is outside the coverage area of the mobile telephone network (for example, from an initial geographical map, stored in memory, including the coverage area), or
[0037] - That the vehicle is within the coverage area of the mobile telephone network, if the geographical location of the vehicle is within the coverage area of the mobile telephone network (for example, from an initial geographical map including the coverage area stored in memory).
[0038] [0019.] The method may comprise a step of fourth determination of the direction from the geographical location of the vehicle.
[0039] [0020.] During the fourth determination step, the direction can be determined, by geometric calculations within the reach of those skilled in the art, for example:
[0040] - If the criterion is satisfied, from a position of the satellite (for example in the sky),
[0041] - If the criterion is not satisfied, from a geographical location of the station.
[0042] [0021.] For example, during the fourth determination step, the position of the satellite is obtained from a message, transmitted by the satellite, received (by and) from the transceiver (in other words: the first circuit) (the reception range is generally greater than that of transmission, which is why this information can be received at this step) or from an orbital trajectory of the satellite (stored in memory, for example of the electronic device).
[0043] [0022.] For example, the geographical location of the station is obtained from a message, transmitted by the station, received (by and) from the transceiver (in other words: the second circuit) (the reception range is generally greater than that of transmission, which is why this information can be received at this stage) or a second geographical map locating stations of the mobile telephone network.
[0044] [0023.] According to one embodiment, the geographical location of the vehicle can be received from a geographical location module of the motor vehicle (and the method can comprise such a reception step). The geographical location module can be a satellite location module of the vehicle, for example of the so-called “GPS” type. A satellite location module is capable of determining the position of the vehicle from messages (or signals) received from a geographical positioning satellite constellation (and the method can comprise such a step). Alternatively, the geographical location module can receive the location from the road infrastructure.
[0045] [0024.] The geographical location of the vehicle or station may, for example, include a latitude, a longitude and possibly an altitude (or an elevation) relative to mean sea level (alternatively, it is a postal address).
[0046] [0025.] According to one embodiment, the first determination step further comprises the following steps:
[0047] - Sending a request (to the transceiver) to the mobile telephone network (in other words: to the station), (then, sending by the transceiver of the request to the mobile telephone network, or, in other words, to the station), then
[0048] - Third determination:
[0049] - If no response to the request is received (from the transceiver, from) the mobile telephone network (in other words: from the station), the vehicle is outside the coverage area of the mobile telephone network, or
[0050] - If a response is received (from the transceiver, from) the mobile telephone network (in other words: from the station), that the vehicle is within the coverage area of the mobile telephone network.
[0051] [0026.] According to one embodiment, the radio signal is in a millimeter frequency band.
[0052] [0027.] On a mobile telephone network, such a frequency band allows high-speed radio communications, but with a limited range. The fact of being able to use the same receiver to communicate in this frequency band via a satellite, when the mobile telephone network is out of range, is particularly advantageous.
[0053] [0028.] The millimeter frequency band is for example between 24 and 40 GHz. Such a band is for example a so-called “Ka” band.
[0054] [0029.] For example, the satellite has a low Earth orbit, that is to say, one that goes up to 2000 kilometers in altitude, especially when the radio signal is in a millimeter frequency band. Other orbits are of course possible.
[0055] [0030.] According to one embodiment, the transceiver and / or the antenna is on the roof of the vehicle. Alternatively, the transceiver and / or the antenna may be located elsewhere in or on the vehicle (for example, on the engine hood).
[0056] [0031.] According to one embodiment, the filter is a transmitter array (in English: “transmit-array”) (with electronic beam reconfiguration).
[0057] [0032.] A transmitter array comprises a matrix of unit cells. The filter configuration may include a step of electronically controlling the phase of each unit cell to focus the emission of the radio signal in the direction determined by the control (the control may determine the phase of each unit cell, for example).
[0058] [0033.] Such a transmitter network has the advantage of being able to operate in temperature ranges that are sufficiently wide for application to a motor vehicle.
[0059] [0034.] Alternatively, it is a liquid crystal antenna such as that described in the following publication:
[0060] [0035.] “Enabling A Hyper-Connected World: Advanced Antenna Design Using Liquid Crystals And LCD Manufacturing, R. Stevenson, November 19, 2020, Proceedings of the International Display Workshops”.
[0061] [0036.] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions, executable by a microprocessor or a microcontroller or a computer, for implementing the steps of the method according to the invention, when it is executed by the microprocessor or the microcontroller or the computer. [0037.] A second aspect of the invention relates to an electronic device or a motor vehicle comprising a memory associated with at least one microprocessor and / or a microcontroller configured to implement the method according to the invention.
[0062] [0038.] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising the device.
[0063] [0039.] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the electronic device or the motor vehicle according to the second aspect of the invention, lead the latter to implement the method according to the invention.
[0064] [0040.] The method according to the invention can be implemented by an electronic device or a motor vehicle.
[0065] [0041.] The invention also relates to an electronic device (and a vehicle comprising the device) or a motor vehicle configured to implement the steps of the method according to the invention.
[0066] [0042.] The characteristics and advantages of the electronic device, the motor vehicle, or the computer program are identical to those of the method, which is why they are not repeated here.
[0067] [0043.] It is understood that the electronic device, the motor vehicle, the transceiver, the filter or another element is "configured to" (or "capable of") performing or implementing a step or an operation, by the fact that the element comprises means for (in other words "is shaped to" or "is adapted to") performing the step or the operation. These are preferably electronic means, for example a computer program, data in memory, specialized electronic circuits, wired or wireless connections, a microprocessor and / or a microcontroller.
[0068] [0044.] When a step or operation is performed (in other words: implemented) by such an element, this generally implies that the element comprises means for (in other words “is shaped for” or “is adapted for” or “is configured for”) performing the step or operation. This also includes, for example, electronic means, for example, a computer program, data in memory, specialized electronic circuits, wired or wireless connections, a microprocessor and / or a microcontroller.
[0069] [0045.] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows, comprising embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which.
[0070] [0046.] [Fig. 1] and [Fig.2] represent a motor vehicle and electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0071] [0047.] [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4] show the detail of the transmitter-receiver of figures 1 and 2.
[0072] [0048.] [Fig. 5] represents an implementation of the method according to the invention, according to a first exemplary embodiment, by the electronic device and the vehicle of figures 1 and 2.
[0073] [0049.] In Figures 1 to 4, certain elements are, of course, seen through transparency.
[0074] [0050.] Detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0075] [0051.] With reference to figures 1, 3 and 5, in step S00, a motor vehicle 100 is traveling. The motor vehicle comprises, on its roof, a transceiver 120 connected to an electronic device 110 (which may for example have the architecture of the microprocessor or a microcontroller) of the vehicle 100.
[0076] [0052.] In step S10, the electronic device 110, in order to communicate with a remote device connected to an artificial satellite 200 in orbit around the earth or to a mobile telecommunications network 300, receives the geographical location of the vehicle 100 from a satellite geographical location module 130, of the so-called “GPS” type, of the vehicle 100 capable of determining the position of the vehicle from messages received from a geographical positioning satellite constellation 400.
[0077] [0053.] In step S20, the electronic device 110 determines that the vehicle 100 is outside the coverage area of the mobile telephone network 300 from a geographical map 113 stored in the memory of the electronic device 110. Alternatively, the electronic device 110 can determine that the vehicle 110 is outside the coverage area if the electronic device 110 sends a request to the mobile telephone network 130 without any response from the mobile telephone network 300.
[0078] [0054.] In step S30, the electronic device 110 sends, to the transceiver 120, more precisely to the switch 123 of the transceiver 120, for example via the microcontroller 122 of the transceiver 120, a third command controlling the switch 123 so that the electronic circuit 128 is connected to the antenna 124 by the switch 123, FIG. 3.
[0079] [0055.] In step S40, the electronic device 110 determines a position of the satellite 200 (for example in the sky) for example from an orbital trajectory 111 of the satellite 200 stored in memory. The electronic device 110 determines the direction of the satellite 200 from the geographical location of the vehicle 100 and the position of the satellite 200.
[0080] [0056.] In step S50, the electronic device 110 sends, to the transceiver 120, more precisely to the filter 121 of the transceiver 120 via the microcontroller 122 of the transceiver 120, a first command commanding the spatial filter 121 to configure itself so that it concentrates the transmission of a radio signal by the antenna 124, in the direction of the satellite 200.
[0081] [0057.] In step S60, the electronic device 110 transmits digital data to the transceiver 120, more precisely to the electronic circuit 128. This digital data is converted into an electrical signal by the electronic circuit 128. This electrical signal is then transmitted by the switch 123 to the antenna 124 which then produces a radio signal according to a satellite communication protocol. The filter 121 forms a transmission beam 125 of the radio signal produced by the antenna 124 in the direction of the satellite 200, FIG. 1, thus allowing the vehicle 100 to communicate with a remote device connected to the satellite 200. A radio signal, according to a satellite communication protocol, can also be received from the satellite 200 by the antenna 124, transformed into an electrical signal by the antenna and then transmitted to the electronic circuit 128 by the switch 123.The electrical signal is then converted, by the electronic circuit 128, into digital data which is then transmitted to the electronic device 110. [0058.] For example, the satellite 200 has a low Earth orbit, that is to say which goes up to 2000 kilometers in altitude.
[0082] [0059.] In step S70, the vehicle has moved and its geographical location has changed. The electronic device 110, in order to continue communicating with the remote device, receives the geographical location of the vehicle 100 from the satellite geographical location module 130.
[0083] [0060.] In step S80, the electronic device 110 determines that the vehicle 100 is in the coverage area of the mobile telephone network 300 from the geographic map 113. Alternatively, the electronic device 110 may determine that the vehicle 110 is in the coverage area if the electronic device 110 sends a request to the mobile telephone network 130 and a response is received from the mobile telephone network 300.
[0084] [0061.] In step S90, the electronic device 110 sends, to the transceiver 120, more precisely to the switch 123 of the transceiver 120 via the microcontroller 122 of the transceiver 120, a fourth command controlling the switch 123 so that the electronic circuit 129 is connected to the antenna 124 by the switch 123, FIG. 4.
[0085] [0062.] In step S100, the electronic device 110 determines a position of the station 301, for example, the nearest, from the geographical map 112 locating stations of the mobile telephone network 300 or from a message, transmitted by the station 301. The electronic device 110 then determines the direction of the station 301 from the geographical location of the vehicle 100 and the station 301.
[0086] [0063.] The geographical location of the vehicle 100 or of the station 301 may for example include a latitude, a longitude and possibly an altitude (or an elevation) relative to the mean sea level (alternatively, it is a postal address).
[0087] [0064.] In step S110, the electronic device 110 sends, to the antenna 120, more precisely to the filter 121 of the transceiver 120 via the microcontroller 122 of the transceiver 120, a second command commanding the spatial filter 121 to configure itself so that it concentrates the transmission of a radio signal by the antenna 124 in the direction of the station 301.
[0088] [0065.] In step S120, the electronic device 110 transmits digital data to the transceiver 120, more precisely to the electronic circuit 129. This digital data is then converted (in other words: transformed) by the electronic circuit 129, into an electrical signal transmitted by the switch 123 to the antenna 124 which then produces a radio signal according to, for example, the so-called “5G” protocol. The filter 121 forms a transmission beam 126 of the radio signal transmitted by the antenna in the direction of the station 301, FIG. 2, thus allowing the vehicle 100 to communicate with a remote device connected to the mobile telephone network 300 to which the station 301 belongs.A radio signal, according to a so-called “5G” protocol, can also be received from the station 301 by the antenna 124, transformed into an electrical signal and transmitted to the electronic circuit 129 by the antenna 124, then transformed into digital data and transmitted to the electronic device 110 by the electronic circuit 129.
[0089] [0066.] The radio signal is for example in a millimeter frequency band between 24 and 40 GHz. Such a band is for example a so-called “Ka” band.
[0090] [0067.] The filter 121 is for example a network of transmitters.
Claims
CLAIMS
1. A method for controlling a radio transceiver (120), implemented in a motor vehicle (100) comprising the transceiver (120), the transceiver (120) being capable of transmitting a radio signal, the transceiver (120) comprising an antenna (124) and a spatial filter (121), the filter (121) being capable of receiving a first command and of being configured to concentrate the transmission of the radio signal in a direction determined by the first command, the transmission method being implemented by a microprocessor or a microcontroller, the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - Verification of a criterion, then, sending (S50, S110) to the spatial filter (121), of the first command, the direction being: - If the criterion is satisfied, that of a satellite (200), - If the criterion is not satisfied, that of a terrestrial radio station (301) of a mobile telephone network (300), the transceiver (120) comprising a first electronic circuit (128) capable of producing a first electrical signal from first digital data, a second electronic circuit (129) capable of producing a third electrical signal from third digital data, and a switch (123), the method for transmitting digital data further comprising the following steps: - If the criterion is satisfied, sends a third command (S30) to the switch (124) so that the switch (123) connects the first electronic circuit (128) to the antenna (124), so that the transceiver (120) is configured so that the antenna (124) receives the first electrical signal from the first electronic circuit (128), and
2. If the criterion is not satisfied, sends a fourth command (S90) to the switch so that the switch (123) connects the second electronic circuit (129) to the antenna (124), so that the transceiver (120) is configured so that the antenna (124) receives the third electrical signal from the second electronic circuit 129. Method for controlling the radio transceiver (120) according to the preceding claim in which the verification step comprises the following step: - First determining whether the vehicle (100) is in or outside a coverage area of the mobile telephone network (300), the criterion being satisfied if it is determined that the vehicle (100) is outside the coverage area of the mobile telephone network (300).
3. A method of controlling the radio transceiver (120) according to the preceding claim wherein the first determining step further comprises the following steps: - Receiving a geographic location (S10) of the vehicle (100), then - Second Determination (S20, S80): That the vehicle (100) is outside the coverage area of the mobile telephone network (300), if the geographical location of the vehicle (100) is outside the coverage area of the mobile telephone network (300), or That the vehicle (100) is in the coverage area of the mobile telephone network (300), if the geographical location of the vehicle (100) is in the coverage area of the mobile telephone network (300).
4. A method of controlling the radio transceiver (120) according to claim 2 wherein the first determining step comprises the following steps: - Sending a request to the mobile telephone network (300), then - Third determination: If no response to the request is received from the mobile telephone network (300), the vehicle (100) is outside the coverage area of the mobile telephone network (300), or If a response is received from the mobile telephone network (300), that the vehicle (100) is within the coverage area of the mobile telephone network (300). [Claim s] A method of controlling the radio transceiver (120) according to any preceding claim wherein the radio signal is in a millimeter frequency band.
6. A method of controlling the radio transceiver (120) according to any preceding claim wherein the filter (121) is an array of transmitters.
7. Electronic device (110) comprising the transceiver (120) according to claim 1, a memory associated with at least one microprocessor and / or a microcontroller configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. Motor vehicle (100) comprising the electronic device (110) according to the preceding claim.
9. Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the device according to claim 7, cause the latter to implement the method according to one of claims 1 to 6.