Method for controlling a radio transceiver of a motor vehicle, associated electronic device and motor vehicle.

Abstract

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 configuring itself to focus the radio signal transmission in a direction determined by the first command, the transmission method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: Verification of a criterion, then sending the first command to the spatial filter (121), the direction being: If the criterion is met, that of a satellite (200), If the criterion is not met, that of a terrestrial radio station (301) of a mobile telephone network (300). Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method for controlling a radio transceiver of a motor vehicle, associated electronic device and motor vehicle.

[0001] The invention relates to a radio transceiver for a motor vehicle capable of communicating with remote devices via a mobile telephone network.

[0002] There is a need to ensure continuity or flexibility of communication between the vehicle and remote devices at controlled costs.

[0003] To this end, the invention relates to a method for controlling a radio transceiver, implemented in a motor vehicle comprising the transceiver, the transceiver being capable of transmitting 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 receiving the first command, of configuring itself (electronically) to concentrate the emission of the radio signal (emitted by the antenna or, in other words, the transceiver) (in other words: being capable of configuring itself to form a beam of radio signal emission) in a direction determined by the first command, the transmission method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - Verification of a criterion, then sending the first command to the filter (in other words: to the antenna), commanding the spatial filter to configure itself so that it (i.e., the spatial filter) concentrates the emission, in other words: forms a beam of the radio signal in the direction), the direction being: - If the criterion is met, that (i.e., the direction) of a satellite (artificial in orbit around the Earth) (from the vehicle), - If the criterion is not met, 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 transceiver, therefore with a limited additional cost, to alternate communication with remote devices via a mobile telephone network and a satellite.

[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: - Verification of a criterion, then sending to the filter, a first command, the first command instructing the spatial filter to configure itself so that it concentrates the radio signal emission in a direction, the direction being: - If the criterion is met, that of a satellite, - If the criterion is not met, that of a terrestrial radio station of a mobile telephone network

[0006] The method according to the invention can be repeated as the vehicle moves.

[0007] The method according to the invention may also include the following steps: - Reception of the first command by the spatial filter, then - Filter configuration (in other words: the filter is configured) to concentrate the radio signal emission in the direction, the direction being determined by the first command.

[0008] The method according to the invention may also include the following step: - Emission, by the transceiver, of the radio signal (for example, after the filter configuration step).

[0009] If the criterion is met, the transceiver can transmit a radio signal according to a satellite communication protocol.

[0010] If the criterion is not met the transceiver can emit a radio signal according to a mobile telephony 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).

[0012] The method according to the invention may also include the following step: - Reception, by the transceiver, of another radio signal (for example, after the filter configuration step).

[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 of 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 of producing fourth digital data from a fourth electrical signal, and a switch, the digital data transmission method further comprising the following steps: - If the criterion is met, send 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 - If the criterion is not met, send 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.

[0014] Thus, it is possible to construct a transceiver based on 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.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the verification step includes the following step: - First determination whether the vehicle is in or outside (or outside) a mobile phone network coverage area, the criterion being satisfied if it is determined that the vehicle is outside the mobile phone network coverage area, the criterion not being satisfied if it is determined that the vehicle is in the mobile phone network coverage area (in the opposite case).

[0017] Alternatively, the criterion can be satisfied if (A message is received stating that): - the station is connected to a large number of mobile phones (which therefore slows down the communication speed), - If we are within a predetermined time range, - A quality of service superior to that offered by the mobile phone network is required.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the initial determination step further comprises the following steps: - Receiving a geographical location of the vehicle (for example from a satellite-based vehicle geolocation module capable of determining the vehicle's position), then - Second Determination: - That the vehicle is outside the mobile network coverage area, if the vehicle's geographical location is outside the mobile network coverage area (for example, based on a first geographical map, stored in memory, including the coverage area), where - That the vehicle is within the coverage area of ​​the mobile phone network, if the geographical location of the vehicle is in the coverage area of ​​the mobile phone network (for example, from a first geographical map including the coverage area stored in memory).

[0019] The method may include a fourth step of determining the direction from the geographical location of the vehicle.

[0020] During the fourth determination step, the direction can be determined, by geometric calculations within the reach of a person skilled in the art, for example: - If the criterion is met, based on a satellite position (for example, in the sky), - If the criterion is not met, based on a geographical location of the station.

[0021] For example, during the fourth determination step, the position of the satellite is obtained from a message, emitted by the satellite, received (by and) from the transceiver (in other words: the first circuit) (the range in reception is generally greater than in transmission, which is why this information can be received at this stage) or from an orbital trajectory of the satellite (stored in memory, for example of the electronic device).

[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 range in reception is generally greater than in transmission, which is why this information can be received at this stage) or a second geographical map locating stations of the mobile telephone network.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the vehicle's geographic location can be received from a vehicle's geographic location module (and the method may include such a reception step). The geographic location module may be a satellite vehicle location module, for example, of the so-called "GPS" type. A satellite location module is capable of determining the vehicle's position from messages (or signals) received from a satellite constellation for geographic positioning (and the method may include such a step). Alternatively, the geographic location module may receive the location from the road infrastructure.

[0024] The geographical location of the vehicle or station may, for example, include a latitude, a longitude and possibly an altitude (or elevation) relative to mean sea level (alternatively, it is a postal address).

[0025] According to one embodiment, the initial determination step further comprises the following steps: - Sending a request (to the transceiver) to the mobile phone network (in other words: to the station), (then, sending by the transmitter- receiver of the request to the mobile telephone network, or, in other words, to the station), then - Third determination: - If no response to the request is received (from the transceiver, on the part of) the mobile phone network (in other words: from the station), and the vehicle is outside the mobile phone network coverage area, or - If a response is received (from the transceiver, from) the mobile phone network (in other words: from the station), that the vehicle is in the coverage area of ​​the mobile phone network.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the radio signal is in a millimeter frequency band.

[0027] On a mobile telephone network, such a frequency band allows for high-speed radio communications, but with a limited range. The ability 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.

[0028] The millimeter frequency band is, for example, between 24 and 40 GHz. Such a band is, for example, a so-called "Ka" band.

[0029] For example, the satellite has a low Earth orbit, that is to say, one which goes up to 2,000 kilometers in altitude, particularly when the radio signal is in a millimeter frequency band. Other orbits are of course possible.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the transceiver and / or antenna is on the roof of the vehicle. Alternatively, the transceiver and / or antenna may be located elsewhere in or on the vehicle (for example, on the engine hood).

[0031] According to one embodiment, the filter is a transmit-array (with electronic beam reconfiguration).

[0032] A transmitter network comprises a matrix of unit cells. The filter configuration may include an electronic phase control step for each unit cell to focus the radio signal emission in the direction determined by the control (the control may determine the phase of each unit cell, for example).

[0033] Such a transmitter network has the advantage of being able to operate in sufficiently wide temperature ranges for application to a motor vehicle.

[0034] Alternatively, it is a liquid crystal antenna such as that described in the following publication:

[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”.

[0036] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions, executable by a microprocessor or a microcontroller or a computer, to implement the steps of the process according to the invention, when executed by the microprocessor or the microcontroller or the computer.

[0037] The method according to the invention can be implemented by an electronic device or a motor vehicle.

[0038] 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 process according to the invention.

[0039] The characteristics and advantages of the electronic device, the motor vehicle, or the computer program are identical to those of the method, therefore they are not repeated here.

[0040] An electronic device, motor vehicle, transceiver, filter, or other element is understood to be "configured to" (or "suitable to") perform or implement a step or operation by the fact that the element includes means to (in other words, "is designed to" or "is adapted to") perform the step or 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.

[0041] When a step or operation is carried out (in other words: implemented) by such an element, this generally implies that the element has means for (in other words, "is designed for" or "is adapted for" or "is configured for") carrying out the step or operation. These means may include, for example, electronic means, such as a computer program, data in memory, specialized electronic circuits, wired or wireless connections, a microprocessor, and / or a microcontroller.

[0042] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which includes embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which.

[0043] [Fig-1] and [Fig.2] represent a motor vehicle and electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0044] [Fig.3] and [Fig.4] represent the detail of the transceiver of figures 1 and 2.

[0045] [Fig. 5] represents an implementation of the process according to the invention, according to a first example of implementation, by the electronic device and the vehicle of figures 1 and 2.

[0046] In figures 1 to 4, certain elements are, of course, seen through transparency.

[0047] Detailed description of an example embodiment of the invention.

[0048] With reference to Figures 1, 3 and 5, in step S00, a motor vehicle 100 is in motion. The motor vehicle includes, on its roof, a transceiver 120 connected to an electronic device 110 (which may, for example, have the architecture of a microprocessor or a microcontroller) of the vehicle 100.

[0049] 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 type known as "GPS", of the vehicle 100 capable of determining the position of the vehicle from messages received from a satellite constellation 400 of geographical positioning.

[0050] At 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.

[0051] At 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 directing the switch 123 so that the electronic circuit 128 is connected to the antenna 124 by the switch 123, [Fig.3].

[0052] In step S40, the electronic device 110 determines a position of the satellite 200 (for example, in the sky) based, for example, on an orbital trajectory 111 of the satellite 200 stored in memory. The electronic device 110 determines the direction of the satellite 200 based on the geographical location of the vehicle 100 and the position of the satellite 200.

[0053] At 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 directing the spatial filter 121 to configure itself so that it concentrates the emission of a radio signal by the antenna 124, in the direction of the satellite 200.

[0054] At step S60, the electronic device 110 transmits digital data to the transceiver 120, more precisely to the electronic circuit 128. This data Digital signals are converted into an electrical signal by electronic circuit 128. This electrical signal is then transmitted by switch 123 to antenna 124, which produces a radio signal according to a satellite communication protocol. Filter 121 forms a beam 125 of the radio signal produced by antenna 124 in the direction of satellite 200 [Fig. 1], thus enabling vehicle 100 to communicate with a remote device connected to satellite 200. A radio signal, according to a satellite communication protocol, can also be received from satellite 200 by antenna 124, converted into an electrical signal by the antenna, and then transmitted to electronic circuit 128 by switch 123. The electrical signal is then converted by electronic circuit 128 into digital data, which is then transmitted to electronic device 110.

[0055] For example, satellite 200 has a low Earth orbit, that is to say, one which goes up to 2,000 kilometers in altitude.

[0056] At step S70, the vehicle moved and its geographical location 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 geographic positioning module 130.

[0057] At step S80, the electronic device 110 determines that the vehicle 100 is in the coverage area of ​​the mobile telephone network 300 from the geographical map 113. Alternatively, the electronic device 110 can 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.

[0058] At 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 directing the switch 123 so that the electronic circuit 129 is connected to the antenna 124 by the switch 123, [Fig.4].

[0059] At step S100, the electronic device 110 determines a position of station 301, for example, the nearest one, from the geographical map 112 locating stations of the mobile telephone network 300 or from a message, transmitted by station 301. The electronic device 110 then determines the direction of station 301 from the geographical location of vehicle 100 and station 301.

[0060] The geographical location of vehicle 100 or station 301 may, for example, include a latitude, a longitude and possibly an altitude (or elevation) relative to mean sea level (alternatively, it is a postal address).

[0061] In step SI 10, 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 directing the spatial filter 121 to configure itself to focus the emission of a radio signal by the antenna 124 in the direction of station 301.

[0062] At 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, for example, to the so-called "5G" protocol. The filter 121 forms a beam 126 of the radio signal emitted by the antenna in the direction of the station 301, [Fig. 2], thus enabling 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 station 301 by antenna 124, transformed into an electrical signal and transmitted to electronic circuit 129 by antenna 124, then transformed into digital data and transmitted to electronic device 110 by electronic circuit 129.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Filter 121 is, for example, a network of transmitters.

Claims

Demands

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) capable of transmitting the radio signal, and a spatial radio filter (121), the spatial radio filter (121) being capable of receiving a first command and configuring itself to focus the transmission of the radio signal emitted by the antenna in a direction determined by the first command, the transmission method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps implemented by an electronic device (110) of the motor vehicle (100): - Verification of a criterion, then, sending (S50, SI 10) to the spatial radio filter (121),of the first command instructing the space radio filter to configure itself so that the space radio filter concentrates the emission of the radio signal emitted by the antenna in a direction, this direction being: - If the criterion is met, that of a satellite (200), - If the criterion is not met, that of a terrestrial radio station (301) of a mobile telephone network (300).

2. A method for controlling the radio transceiver (120) according to the preceding claim, 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

3. (123), the digital data transmission process further comprising the following steps: - If the criterion is met, 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 - If the criterion is not met, 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 any one of the preceding claims, wherein the verification step comprises the following step: - First determination 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).

4. Method of controlling the radio transceiver (120) according to the preceding claim wherein the first determination step further comprises the following steps: - Receiving a geographical location (S 10) of the vehicle (100), then - Second Determination (S20, S 80): 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 within the coverage area of ​​the mobile telephone network (300), if the geographical location of the vehicle (100) is within the coverage area of ​​the mobile telephone network (300).

5. Method of controlling the radio transceiver (120) according to claim 3 wherein the first determination 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), that 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).

6. Method of controlling the radio transceiver (120) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the radio signal is in a millimeter frequency band.

7. Method of controlling the radio transceiver (120) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the space radio filter (121) is an array of transmitters.

8. A computer program comprising instructions, executable by a microprocessor or microcontroller, for carrying out the steps of the process according to any one of the 13 claims 1 or 5, when executed by the microprocessor or microcontroller.

9. Electronic device (110) of a motor vehicle configured to carry out the steps of the process according to any one of claims 1 or 5.

10. Motor vehicle (100) comprising an electronic device (110) configured to carry out the steps of the process according to any one of claims 1 to 7.