On-board vehicle communication system

Abstract

A vehicle 1 comprising a wireless communication system 3 providing wireless communication between a first vehicle sub-system (5A, fig.3) and a second vehicle sub-system (5C, fig.3) on-board the vehicl

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to an on-board vehicle communication system. Aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle comprising a wireless communication system. BACKGROUND It is known to provide a cable harness (loom) in a vehicle, such as an automobile, to establish electrical connections between vehicle sub-systems. The harness is custom produced for each vehicle and, since the manufacturing process is difficult to automate, is typically manufactured by hand. This process involves routing wires through sleeves; taping with fabric tape, in particular on branch outs from wire strands; crimping terminals onto wires, particularly for so-called multiple crimps; inserting one sleeve into another; and fastening strands with tape, clamps or cable ties. It would be desirable to reduce the size and / or complexity of the wiring loom to help reduce the weight of the vehicle. One option would be to incorporate wireless (radio frequency) communication between some of the vehicle sub-systems. However, the resulting increase in wireless communication on the vehicle may cause interference, both with on-board systems and potentially with other vehicles. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a wireless communication system to provide wireless communication between a first vehicle sub-system and a second vehicle sub-system provided on-board the vehicle; the wireless communication system comprising: a waveguide having a closed hollow profile; a radio frequency transmitter disposed at a first end of the waveguide and electrically connected to the first vehicle sub-system; and a radio frequency receiver disposed at a second end of the waveguide and electrically connected to the second vehicle sub-system; wherein the radio frequency transmitter is configured to transmit a first signal to be conveyed within the waveguide to the radio frequency receiver to provide wireless communication between the first and second vehicle sub-systems. The waveguide has a closed hollow profile which, at least in certain embodiments, reduces or inhibits the transmission of the signal externally to the waveguide. This may provide improved security for the system, and / or may reduce interference. The wireless communication system may be used instead of or in addition to a physical harness communication. The wireless communication system transmits electromagnetic radio spectrum waves within the waveguide. The waveguide may, for example, comprise a metal tube or conduit, to which vehicle sub-systems can be connected. The radio frequency transmitter and receiver may utilise miniature antennas that broadcast inside the waveguide. The vehicle sub-systems (such as electronic control units) may be connected directly to the radio frequency transmitter / receiver or may be connected to a hub. At least in certain embodiments, the waveguide can comprise or consist of an existing body section, for example formed integrally with a body of the vehicle. The first signal may be a radio frequency (RF) signal. The electrical connection between the radio frequency transmitter and the first vehicle subsystem may be a wired connection or a wireless connection. The electrical connection between the radio frequency receiver and the second vehicle sub-system may be a wired connection or a wireless connection. The waveguide may be configured to confine the first signal through total internal reflection. The waveguide is closed in transverse section. In other words, the waveguide may have a continuous perimeter in transverse section. The waveguide may comprise a sidewall having a closed profile. The waveguide may comprise a conduit elongated along a central axis. The waveguide may have a cross-section comprising or consisting of a closed polygon. The waveguide may have a cross-section comprising or consisting of a closed curve. The radio frequency transmitter disposed at a first end of the waveguide may be a first radio frequency transmitter. A radio frequency transmitter may be disposed at a second end of the waveguide. The radio frequency transmitter disposed at the second end of the waveguide may be a second radio frequency transmitter. A radio frequency receiver may be disposed at the first end of the waveguide. The radio frequency receiver disposed at the first end of the waveguide may be a first radio frequency transmitter. The radio frequency receiver disposed at the second end of the waveguide may be a second radio frequency transmitter. The vehicle may comprise a first radio frequency transceiver disposed at the first end of the waveguide. The first radio frequency transceiver may comprise the radio frequency transmitter and the radio frequency receiver disposed at the first end of the waveguide. The first radio frequency transceiver may comprise the first radio frequency transmitter and the first radio frequency receiver. The vehicle may comprise a second radio frequency transceiver disposed at the second end of the waveguide. The second radio frequency transceiver may comprise the radio frequency transmitter and the radio frequency receiver disposed at the second end of the waveguide. The second radio frequency transceiver may comprise the second radio frequency transmitter and the second radio frequency receiver. At least in certain embodiments, the vehicle may comprise first and second radio frequency transceivers disposed at the first and second ends respectively of the waveguide. This arrangement may enable two-way wireless communication between the first vehicle subsystem and the second vehicle sub-system. The radio frequency transmitter disposed at the second end of the waveguide may be configured to transmit a second signal to be conveyed within the waveguide to the radio frequency receiver disposed at the first end of the waveguide. The second signal is a radio frequency (RF) signal. This may enable two-way (i.e., bi-directional) wireless communication between the first and second vehicle sub-systems. The waveguide may comprise a closed channel made of metal. The waveguide may comprise or consist of a body section of the vehicle body. The body section may be formed integrally with the vehicle body. The body section may have a closed hollow profile. The wireless communication system may be integrated into a body of the vehicle. The body may comprise one or more body sections. The one or more body sections may form the waveguide of the wireless communication system. The one or more body sections may comprise a closed hollow profile. The one or more body sections may have an elongated profile. The wireless communication system may be integrated into a chassis of the vehicle. The body of the vehicle may be mounted to the chassis. The chassis may comprise one or more body sections. The one or more body sections may form the waveguide of the wireless communication system. The one or more body sections may comprise a closed hollow profile. The one or more body sections may have an elongated profile. The body section may extend in a longitudinal direction within the vehicle. The one or more body section extending in the longitudinal direction may, for example, comprise a (front or rear) longitudinal beam, a side sill or a tunnel reinforcement. The one or more body section may be formed in a roof structure of the vehicle body. The body section may extend in a transverse direction within the vehicle. The body section extending in the transverse direction may comprise one or more of the following: a cross member, a rear cross member (disposed under a rear seat of the vehicle), a front cross member (disposed under a front seat of the vehicle), or a dashboard cross member (disposed under a dashboard of the vehicle). The one or more body section may be formed in a roof structure of the vehicle body. The body section may extend in a vertical direction within the vehicle. The body section extending in the vertical direction may comprise a roof pillar. The body section may comprise one or more of the following: an A-pillar, a B-pillar, a C-pillar or a D-pillar. One or more closure members may be provided to close an aperture formed in the body section. The one or more closure member may comprise or consist of a radio frequency (RF) reflective element. The one or more closure member may comprise a metallic coating for reflecting a radio frequency signal internally within the closure member. The waveguide may comprise a metal liner or a metal insert. The waveguide may comprise a duct configured to reflect radio frequency (RF) signals internally. The metal liner or the metal insert may be disposed inside another conduit or channel. The metal liner or the metal insert may, for example, be disposed inside a body section of the vehicle body. The body section may be any of the body sections described herein, such as the longitudinal, transverse or vertical body sections. The vehicle sub-systems may comprise or consist of one or more electronic control unit (ECU) for controlling one or more vehicle system. A separate electrical connection may be provided to supply electrical power to the one or more vehicle system. The vehicle system may be controlled in dependence on the control signal received from the one or more electronic control unit. Alternatively, or in addition, the vehicle sub-systems may comprise or consist of one or more sensor for measuring an operating parameter. Alternatively, or in addition, the vehicle sub-systems may comprise or consist of one or more input device for receiving a user input. The first vehicle sub-system may comprise a sensor and the second vehicle sub-system may comprise an electronic control unit. The first signal may comprise a sensor signal indicating a measured operating parameter. The electronic control unit may output a control signal in dependence on the measured operating parameter. For example, the electronic control unit may control operation of one or more vehicle systems in dependence on the measured operating parameter. The first vehicle sub-system may comprise an electronic control unit and the second vehicle sub-system may comprise a vehicle system, such as an actuator. The first signal may comprise a control signal to control operation of the vehicle system. The first vehicle sub-system may comprise a first electronic control unit and the second vehicle sub-system may comprise a second electronic control unit. The second control unit may be configured to control operation of a vehicle system in dependence on the first signal received from the first control unit. Any control unit or controller described herein may suitably comprise a computational device having one or more electronic processors. The system may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the controller may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers. As used herein the term “controller” or “control unit” will be understood to include both a single control unit or controller and a plurality of control units or controllers collectively operating to provide any stated control functionality. To configure a controller or control unit, a suitable set of instructions may be provided which, when executed, cause said control unit or computational device to implement the control techniques specified herein. The set of instructions may suitably be embedded in said one or more electronic processors. Alternatively, the set of instructions may be provided as software saved on one or more memory associated with said controller to be executed on said computational device. The control unit or controller may be implemented in software run on one or more processors. One or more other control unit or controller may be implemented in software run on one or more processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. Other suitable arrangements may also be used Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side elevation of a vehicle incorporating a wireless communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the vehicle shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the wireless communication system shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an electronic control unit of the vehicle shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention utilising a body section of the vehicle as a waveguide for wireless communication; and Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the wireless communication system according to a further embodiment of the present invention utilising a dedicated waveguide for wireless communications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A vehicle 1 having a wireless communication system 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. The wireless communication system 3 provides wireless communication between sub-systems provided on the vehicle 1. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 1 in the present embodiment is an automobile. The vehicle 1 is described herein with reference to a reference frame comprising a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y and a vertical axis Z. The vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle body 5 which forms a cabin 7. The vehicle body 5 is formed of metal, such as aluminium, steel or a combination of aluminium and steel. The vehicle body 5 may optionally comprise one or more composite sections, for example formed of a carbon fibre composite. The vehicle 1 is of monocoque construction and the vehicle body 5 is formed integrally with a chassis (denoted generally by the reference numeral 9 in Figure 5). In a variant, the vehicle body 5 and the chassis 9 may be formed separately from each other. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle body 5 comprises a front body section 5A, a middle body section 5B and a rear body section 5C. (The terms front, middle and rear are used herein consistent with the conventional meaning of these terms in relation to the front, middle and rear of a vehicle.) A plurality of wheels W-n (where the n in W-n (and other references used below) refers to any of multiple different integers employed in the drawings to refer to different elements W) are suspended from the vehicle body 5 by an adaptive suspension system 11. The adaptive suspension system 11 may, for example, comprise an adaptive air suspension, a valve-actuated adaptive suspension or magnetorheological damping. The adaptive suspension system 11 comprises separate suspension assemblies 13-n, each suspension assembly 13-n being electrically connected to a respective wheel W-n. A drive unit 15 is provided for generating a traction force to propel the vehicle 1. The drive unit 15 in the present embodiment is an electric drive unit 15 comprising an electric machine for driving one or more of the wheels W-n. The vehicle 1 comprises a traction battery B-1 and an inverter 17 for supplying power to the electric drive unit 15. Alternatively, or in addition, the vehicle 1 may comprise an internal combustion engine (not shown). The vehicle 1 may, for example, be a hybrid vehicle, such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The vehicle 1 comprises a plurality of sub-systems. The wireless communication system 3 is provided to establish wireless communication between two or more of the vehicle sub-systems. The vehicle sub-systems in the present embodiment comprise a plurality of electronic control unit (ECUs) 19-n. The vehicle 1 is illustrated as having seven (7) ECUs 19-1 to 19-7. The vehicle 1 may have less than, or more than, seven (7) ECUs. As shown schematically in Figure 3, three (3) of the ECUs 19-1 to 19-3 are provided in the rear body section 5C of the vehicle body 5; and four (4) of the ECUs 19-4 to 19-7 are provided in the front body section 5A of the vehicle body 5. The ECUs 19-n may, for example, control operation of one or more systems on the vehicle. A first ECU 19-1 is provided to control operation of the electric drive unit 15. A second ECU 19-2 is provided to control operation of the adaptive suspension system 11. The remaining ECUs 19-n may control operation of other vehicle systems. Additional ECUs 19-n may be provided to control operation of other vehicle systems. As shown schematically in Figure 4, the ECUs 19-n each comprise at least one electronic processor 21-n and a memory device 23-n. A set of computational instructions is stored on the memory device 23-n and, when executed, cause the at least one electronic processor 21-n to perform the method(s) described herein. The or each electronic processor 21-n comprises at least one electrical input 25-n for receiving an input signal SIN-n and at least one electrical output 27-n for outputting an output signal SOUT-n. The ECUs 19-n may communicate with each other via a communication bus 29 (shown schematically in Figure 4). The ECUs 19-n may read and / or write data to the communication bus 29. The vehicle sub-systems also comprise a plurality of sensors 31-n. Each of the sensors 31-n is configured to measure an operating parameter of the vehicle 1. The operating parameters may, for example, indicate an operating state or condition of the adaptive suspension system 11 or the electric drive unit 15. The sensors 31-n are configured to generate sensor signals S-n which are output to one or more of the ECUs 19-n. A plurality of first sensors 31-n are provided to measure a rotational speed of the or each wheel W-n of the vehicle 1. One or more second sensors 33 is provided to measure an operating parameter of the electric drive unit 15, for example to measure an operating temperature of the electric drive unit 15. A plurality of third sensors 35-n are provided to measure a travel position of the suspension assembly 13-n associated with each wheel W-n of the vehicle 1. The sensors 31-n described herein are by way of example only. It will be understood that one or more sensors 31-n may be provided in the vehicle 1 to measure other operating parameters of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 2, the first sensors 31-n are associated with each wheel W-n of the vehicle 1 and are distributed between the front and rear body sections 5A, 5C. The second sensor 33 is disposed in the rear body section 5C to measure the operating temperature of the electric drive unit 15. The third sensors 35-n are distributed between the front and rear body sections 5A, 5C of the vehicle 1. The vehicle sub-systems may optionally comprise one or more human machine interface (HMI) input devices 39-n for receiving a user input. The one or more input devices 39-n are configured to generate a control signal SCON which is output to one or more of the ECUs 19-n. The one or more input devices 39-n may be configured to control an ancillary vehicle system. For example, the one or more input devices 39-n may control one or more of the following: an infotainment system; a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system; a central door lock mechanism, an actuator, such as a powered strut for opening / closing a door or tailgate. It will be understood that the one or more input devices 39-n may be distributed throughout the vehicle 1, for example in the front, middle and rear body sections 5A, 5B, 5C. In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 2, a first input device 39-1 is disposed in the rear body section 5C; and a second input device 39-2 is disposed in the front body section 5A. The vehicle body 5 typically comprises a plurality of body sections 41. The body sections 41 comprise a closed channel (or box) section which is elongated along a central axis. The body sections 41 are structural members, for example to strengthen or reinforce the vehicle body 5. The body sections 41 may, for example, be fastened to a roof panel 43 or a floor panel 45. The one or more body sections 41 may have a unitary structure, for example comprising or consisting of an extruded section. Alternatively, the one or more body sections 41 may be formed from a plurality of members fastened together, for example welded, bonded or mechanically fastened. The vehicle body 5 may comprise one or more longitudinal body section 41L. The one or more longitudinal section 41L may, for example, comprise a (front or rear) longitudinal beam, a side sill of the vehicle body 5 (disposed under a door) or a tunnel reinforcement. The or each longitudinal body section 41L may extend in a longitudinal direction. Alternatively, or in addition, the vehicle body 5 may comprise one or more transverse body section 41T. The one or more transverse body section 41T may comprise a cross member. The cross member may, for example, comprise one or more of the following: a rear cross member (disposed under a rear seat of the vehicle 1), a seat cross member (disposed under a front seat of the vehicle 1) or a dashboard cross member (disposed under a dashboard of the vehicle 1). The or each transverse body section 41T may extend in a transverse direction. Alternatively, or in addition, the vehicle body 5 may comprise one or more vertical (or upright) body section 41. The or each vertical body section 41 may extend in a vertical direction. The or each vertical body section 41 may comprise a roof pillar, such as an A-pillar, a B-pillar, a C-pillar or a D-pillar. The body sections 41 preferably have a closed section to reduce or prevent RF leakage. The body apertures 41 may comprise one or more apertures, for example for paint drainage or access. The aperture(s) in the or each body section 41 may be sealed, for example with a closure member configured to reflect RF signals. The closure member may, for example, comprise a metallic label. In a variant, the one or more body sections 41 may be formed in the chassis 9. The longitudinal, transverse and vertical body sections 41L, 41T, 41V are not necessary aligned with the longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes X, Y, Z of the vehicle 1. At least a part of the body sections 41 may be inclined at a non-zero angle relative to the corresponding longitudinal axis X, transverse axis Y and vertical axis Z of the vehicle 1. In certain embodiments, the body section 41 may comprise a combination of two or more of the vehicle body sections. For example, the body section 41 may comprise a longitudinal body section 41L and a vertical body section 41V. Alternatively, the body section 41 may comprise a longitudinal body section 41L and a transverse body section 41T. The wireless communication system 3 is configured to provide intra-vehicle communication between the on-board vehicle sub-systems. The wireless communication system 3 may, for example, provide communication between two or more ECUs 19-n on the vehicle 1. Alternatively, the wireless communication system 3 may provide communication between one of the ECUs 19-n and one or more of the sensors 31-n. The wireless communication system 3 in the present embodiment comprises a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver 51 disposed in the front body section 5A of the vehicle 1 (or a front portion of the middle body section 5B); and a second radio frequency (RF) transceiver 61 disposed in the rear body section 5C of the vehicle 1 (or a rear portion of the middle body section 5B). The first and second RF transceivers 51, 61 operate in the frequency range 20kHz to 300Ghz.The first and second RF transceivers 51, 61 do not transmit and / or receive electromagnetic radiation in the optical, infra-red or near infra-red spectrum. The first RF transceiver 51 comprises a first RF transmitter 53 and a first RF receiver 55. The second RF transceiver 61 comprises a second RF transmitter 63 and a second RF receiver 65. The first RF transmitter 53 is configured to transmit a first RF signal RFS-1 to be received by the second RF receiver 65. The second RF transmitter 63 is configured to transmit a second RF signal RFS-2 to be received by the first RF receiver 55. The first and second RF signal RFS-1, RFS-2 convey data between the vehicle sub-systems. The first and second RF signal RFS-1, RFS-2 are first and second encoded signals respectively. The first and second RF transceivers 51, 61 may comprise a signal encoder and / or a signal decoder for the encoding and decoding the first and second RF signal RFS-1, RFS-2. The first and second RF transceivers 51, 61 are configured to communicate with each other via a waveguide 71. The waveguide 71 comprises a conduit or a duct having a closed, hollow profile which is elongated along a central axis. The waveguide 71 in the present embodiment comprises a closed channel (box) section. The cross-section of the waveguide 71 may comprise or consist of a closed polygon or a closed curve. The waveguide 71 is configured to confine the RF signals transmitted by the first and second RF transceivers 51,61. In use, the waveguide 71 contains the first and second RF signal RFS-1, RFS-2 at least substantially to prevent or inhibit RF leakage. The waveguide 71 in the present embodiment contains the RF signal through total internal reflection. The first and second RF signal RFS-1, RFS-2 are reflected internally within the waveguide 71, thereby preventing or minimising RF leakage to an exterior of the waveguide 71. The waveguide 71 is closed in transverse section, i.e., has a continuous sidewall in transverse section. The first and second RF transceivers 51, 61 are disposed at opposing ends of the waveguide 71. In particular, the first RF transceiver 51 is disposed at a first end 73 of the waveguide 71; and the second RF transceiver 61 is disposed at a second end 75 of the waveguide 61. The first RF transceiver 51 is mounted at the first end 73 of the waveguide 71 and the second RF transceiver 53 is mounted at the second end 75 of the waveguide 71. The waveguide 71 in the present embodiment is open at the first and second ends 73, 75 to receive the first and second RF transceivers 51, 61. In a variant, the first end 73 of the waveguide 71 may be closed and the first RF transceiver 51 installed inside the waveguide 71. Alternatively, or in addition, the second end 75 of the waveguide 71 may be closed and the second RF transceiver 61 installed inside the waveguide 71. The waveguide 71 comprises a conduit formed of a metal, such as steel or aluminium. The waveguide 71 may be formed of the metal or may comprise a metallic liner. The waveguide 71 could be formed as a separate component which is fastened to the vehicle body 5 or may be inserted into a body section 41 of the vehicle body 5. For example, the waveguide 71 may comprise a duct or conduit which is installed inside the body section 41 or may be mounted to the vehicle body 5. In the present embodiment, the waveguide 71 is formed by one or more of the body sections 41. The waveguide 71 is thereby formed integrally in the vehicle body 5. As shown in Figure 5, the waveguide 71 in the present embodiment is formed by the longitudinal body section 41L formed in the vehicle body 5. The first and second RF transceivers 51, 52 are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction X. The waveguide 71 may be formed by one of the transverse body sections 41T or one of the vertical body sections 41V described herein. The wireless communication system 3 in accordance with the present embodiment is operative to enable unidirectional or bidirectional communication within the vehicle 1. For example, the wireless communication system 3 may provide communication between the ECUs 19-n. As shown in Figure 5, the first RF transceiver 51 is disposed at the rear of the waveguide 71 in the rear body section 5C. The first, second and third ECUs 19-1 to 19-3 disposed in the rear body section 5C are electrically connected to the first RF transceiver 51. The second RF transceiver 61 is disposed at the front of the waveguide 71 in the front body section 5A. The fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh ECUs 19-4 to 19-7 disposed in the front body section 5A are electrically connected to the second RF transceiver 61. The first and second RF transceivers 51, 61 are configured to communicate with each other via the waveguide 71. Data can be communicated between the ECUs 19-n in the front and rear body sections 5A, 5C. The waveguide 71 enables communication between two or more of the ECUs 19-n spaced apart from each other in the vehicle 1. The wireless communication system 3 operates as a communication bus or channel to perform intra-vehicle communication. The waveguide 71 may reduce or prevent RF leakage, thereby helping to maintain secure communication. At least in certain embodiments, intra- and inter-vehicle RF interference may be reduced. The wireless communication system 3 may be used to establish communication between one or more of the ECUs 19-n and one or more of the plurality of sensors 31-n. As described herein, the sensors 31-n are distributed around the vehicle 1. The or each sensor 31-n in the rear body section 5C is electrically connected to the first RF transceiver 51. The or each sensor 31-n in the front body section 5A is electrically connected to the second RF transceiver 61. In use, the wireless communication system 3 establishes communication between the sensors 31-n and the ECUs 19-n. For example, the electrical signals S-n generated by the first sensors 31-n associated with the rear wheels W-3, W-4 are output to the first RF transceiver 51; and the electrical signals S-n generated by the first sensors 31-n associated with the front wheels W-1, W-2 are output to the second RF transceiver 61. The electrical signals S-n generated by the sensors 31-n are transmitted by the first and second RF transceivers 51 along the waveguide 71. The measured operating parameter(s) from the sensors 31-n is thereby transmitted between the front and rear body sections 5A, 5C and can be accessed by the appropriate ECU 19-n in the vehicle 1. For example, the measured operating parameter may be received as an input signal by one of the ECUs 19-n. The ECU 19-n may control operation of one or more vehicle systems in dependence on the measured operating parameter. The ECU 19-n may, for example, generate an output signal SOUT-n to control operation of the one or more vehicle systems. The output signal SOUT-n may be transmitted along the waveguide 71 by the first RF transceiver 51 or the second RF transceiver 61. The wireless communication system 3 may be used to establish communication between one or more of the ECUs 19-n and one or more of the plurality of input devices 39-n. As described herein, the input devices 39-n are distributed around the vehicle 1. The or each input device 39-n in the rear body section 5C is electrically connected to the first RF transceiver 51. The or each input device 39-n in the front body section 5A is electrically connected to the second RF transceiver 61. In the illustrated arrangement, the first input device 39-1 is electrically connected to the first RF transceiver 51; and the second input device 39-2 is electrically connected to the second RF transceiver 61. In use, the wireless communication system 3 establishes communication between the input devices 39-n and the ECUs 19-n. The electrical control signals SCON generated by the input devices 39-n are transmitted by the first and second RF transceivers 51 along the waveguide 71. The control signals SCON from the input devices 39-n are thereby transmitted between the front and rear body sections 5A, 5C and can be accessed by the appropriate ECU 19-n in the vehicle 1. The control signals SCON may be received as an input signal of one of the ECUs 19-n. The ECU 19-n may control operation of one or more vehicle systems in dependence on the control signal SCON. The ECU 19-n may, for example, generate an output signal SOUT-n to control operation of a vehicle system. The output signal SOUT-n may be transmitted along the waveguide 71 by the first RF transceiver 51 or the second RF transceiver 61. Rather than integrate the waveguide 71 into the vehicle body 5, the waveguide 71 may be separate from the vehicle body 5. The waveguide 71 may, for example, comprise a conduit which is mounted to the vehicle body 5. This arrangement is shown schematically in Figure 6. The waveguide 71 comprise a conduit which is formed of a metal, such as steel or aluminium. The waveguide 71 is fastened to the vehicle body 5 and provides a communication channel which is separate from the body sections 41. In the illustrated arrangement, the waveguide 71 extends in the longitudinal direction X. It will be understood that the waveguide 71 may extend in a transverse direction Y or a vertical direction Z. In the above embodiments, the first and second RF transceivers 51, 61 are spaced apart from each other at opposing ends of the waveguide 71 and are configured to communicate directly with each other via the waveguide 71. In a variant, a third RF transceiver 81 (represented by broken lines in Figure 3) may optionally be disposed between the first and second RF transceivers 51, 61. The third RF transceiver 81 may operate as a communication relay or bridge to relay the first and second signals RFS1, RFS2 received from the first and second RF transceivers 51, 61. This arrangement may be appropriate to connect or bridge two or more body sections 41. The third RF transceiver 81 may be disposed at the intersection of two of the body sections 41. For example, the third RF transceiver 81 may be disposed at the intersection of a longitudinal body section 41L and a transverse body section 41R. This arrangement may enable the structural integrity of the vehicle body 5 to be maintained while enabling the body sections 41 to form part of the wireless communication system 3. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

26 09 251. A vehicle comprising a wireless communication system to provide wireless communication between a first vehicle sub-system and a second vehicle sub-system provided5 on-board the vehicle; the wireless communication system comprising:a waveguide having a closed hollow profile;a first radio frequency transceiver disposed at a first end of the waveguide, the first radio frequency transceiver comprising a first radio frequency transmitter and a first radio frequency receiver electrically connected to the first vehicle sub-system;10 a second radio frequency transceiver disposed at a second end of the waveguide,the second radio frequency transceiver comprising a second radio frequency transmitter and a second radio frequency receiver electrically connected to the second vehicle sub-system; anda third radio frequency transceiver disposed between the first radio frequency15 transceiver and the second radio frequency transceiver, and disposed at an intersection of two or more body sections of the vehicle;wherein the first radio frequency transmitter is configured to transmit a first signal to be conveyed within the waveguide to the second radio frequency receiver to provide wireless communication between the first and second vehicle sub-systems.

202. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the radio frequency transmitter disposed at the second end of the waveguide is configured to transmit a second signal to be conveyed within the waveguide to the radio frequency receiver disposed at the first end of the waveguide to enable two-way wireless communication between the first and second vehicle sub-systems.

253. A vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the waveguide comprises a closed channel made of metal.

4. A vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a vehicle body, 30 wherein the waveguide comprises or consists of a body section of the vehicle body.

5. A vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a chassis, wherein the waveguide comprises or consists of a body section of the chassis.35 6. A vehicle as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the body section has a closedhollow profile.26 09 257. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 4, 5 or 6, wherein the body section extends in a longitudinal direction within the vehicle.

8. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the body section extends in 5 a transverse direction within the vehicle.

9. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body section extends in a vertical direction within the vehicle.10 10. A vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first vehicle subsystem comprises a sensor and the second vehicle sub-system comprises an electronic control unit; wherein the first signal comprises a sensor signal indicating a measured operating parameter.15 11. A vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first vehicle subsystem comprises an electronic control unit and the second vehicle sub-system comprises a vehicle system; wherein the first signal comprises a control signal to control operation of the vehicle system.20 12. A vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first vehicle subsystem comprises a first electronic control unit and the second vehicle sub-system comprises a second electronic control unit.

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