A method for configuring a local network and apparatus for enabling wireless communication between multiple communication sets of vehicle users.

Abstract

To provide a method for configuring a local area network to allow a wireless communication to be carried out between multiple communication sets of motor vehicle users, and a device.SOLUTION: In a method for configuring a local area network, multiple communication sets 12a to 12d are connected via communication units 11a, 11b to local area networks 10a, 10b. The communication unit comprises a configuration memory for at least one audio channel which defines a voice connection between subsets, comprising at least two communication sets of the multiple communication sets, and is connected to motor-vehicle-based control tools 14a, 14b conditioned for control. The method comprises: receiving a selection pertaining to an audio channel recorded in the configuration memory on the motor-vehicle-based control tool in order to control the communication unit; configuring the local area network according to the selected audio channel; and carrying out the wireless communication via the selected audio channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for configuring a local network to enable wireless communication between multiple communication sets of vehicle users. The present invention also includes an apparatus configured to execute such a method for configuring a local network.

Background Art

[0002] A vehicle user is a driver and, in some cases, at least one passenger. Also, in that case, the term "passenger" includes a person in a vehicle behind or in front of the driver, as in the case of a motorcycle. A passenger on a motorcycle can alternatively be referred to as a rear seat passenger. Therefore, for example, another person can be carried as a passenger in a sidecar of a motorcycle. Communication between users of a single vehicle and / or between users riding in different vehicles is at least very difficult during driving due to background noise caused by, for example, the ambient air flowing around and / or engine noise.

[0003] Therefore, vehicle users usually use a communication set to communicate with each other during driving. Such a communication set includes at least one microphone for acquiring an audio signal and earphones or headphones for outputting the audio signal. The communication set can be attached inside or on the vehicle and, in some cases, can also be attached to the clothes or accessories of the vehicle user, for example, on or inside the vehicle user's helmet. In that case, from the perspective of traffic safety, the operation of the communication set should be such that the vehicle user does not need to reach as far as possible and / or look away from the traffic situation in order to communicate. Therefore, even if a mobile phone includes a microphone and headphones and can communicate, it is not suitable as a communication set during driving on its own.

[0004] To enable communication between multiple such communication sets while driving, the communication sets are typically networked together before driving begins. This network is used to forward call inputs acquired by one of the connected communication sets to other communication sets connected to the network.

[0005] In the following, an active call connection between communication sets will be referred to as a “voice channel,” distinct from a connection to a local network, and this is merely intended to represent the network connectivity or “visibility” for establishing such a voice channel, i.e., the assignment and contactability of communication sets via the local network ID or network address.

[0006] However, two vehicle users equipped with communication sets can communicate without interference as long as the distance between them does not exceed the maximum range. This maximum range is determined by the connection technology to which the two communication sets are connected. Therefore, communication sets can be connected using various connection technologies such as Bluetooth® and / or WLAN. If the distance between the two vehicle users exceeds the range specified by the connection technology, their connection, and consequently their communication, will be interrupted.

[0007] Conventional communication sets, in some cases, need to be connected to a mobile phone as a transceiver unit for telephone calls, thereby allowing vehicle users to make calls while driving. In telephone calls between multiple vehicle users equipped with such communication sets, it is usually necessary to transfer calls from one mobile phone to another. According to prior art, a dedicated intercom standard, such as 802.11p, is typically used for this purpose. If the connection between just two of the multiple vehicle users is interrupted, for example, due to the distance between the users being too great, this usually inevitably causes interference or even interruption of calls between the other users, which is problematic. Furthermore, in such cases, vehicle users can only configure call settings for their own communication set.

[0008] Furthermore, communication sets may be connected to a mesh network (also called a mesh network). In such a mesh network, all communication sets typically transmit and receive voice signals equally. For example, Bluetooth offers a mesh operating mode that connects or links multiple Bluetooth devices to a mesh-like wireless network.

[0009] However, using such mesh technology for communication between vehicle users has drawbacks, as all users have equal rights, meaning there is no central control unit that can configure, for example, two separate voice channels to operate in parallel. Furthermore, vehicle users can typically only change settings for their own communication set (such as volume). Moreover, communication among at least a subset of users is not intended in such a mesh network.

[0010] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a Bluetooth intercom call hub, which includes one or more Bluetooth modules, each connected to an intercom module, which includes a plurality of ports and at least one of the plurality of ports. In this case, at least one of the one or more Bluetooth modules is connected to a Bluetooth headset. This technical teaching focuses on use for communication between subscribers via the hub. Similarly, Patent Document 2 discloses a Bluetooth intercom hub for information sharing. This Bluetooth intercom information exchange hub includes one or more Bluetooth modules, each connected to an intercom module, which includes a plurality of connection points and at least one of the plurality of connection points. At least one Bluetooth module is connected to a host terminal device. That at least one Bluetooth module transmits calls received from the connected host terminal device to the intercom module. That intercom module forwards the transmitted calls to at least some of the one or more Bluetooth modules. However, neither Patent Document 1 nor Patent Document 2 discloses operating equipment that would enable improved control of the hub for flexible subscriber connectivity.

[0011] Patent Document 3 discloses a wireless portable communication device that allows users to communicate within a group. In particular, users can use optional headphones to talk to and listen to other members of the group. In this case, the communication device functions as a wireless transceiver and transmits the user's voice communication to the communication devices of other members of the group, as well as receiving voice communication from other users. In contrast, Patent Document 3 does not disclose the connection of multiple headphones via a central unit. Therefore, users always need at least one communication device to participate in voice communication.

[0012] Patent Document 4 relates to a method, terminal equipment, and system for simultaneously making direct connections with other communication means in other networks for full-duplex voice or data communication in independent networks, thereby enabling a user to converse across multiple independent networks using only one voice device (e.g., a headset with or without noise protection) connected to the terminal equipment via a single connection. The present invention discloses a telegraph network including a plurality of terminals, each individually connected to a terminal device for connection. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 101998152B1 Specification [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent No. 101998153B1 Specification [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 3311626B1 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 014416A1 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] This invention is based on the challenge of enabling the flexible integration of communication sets into wireless communication in a user-friendly manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous further developments of the present invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0016] As a solution, the present invention proposes a method for configuring a local network that allows vehicle users to communicate wirelessly using a communication set. The communication set is connected to the local network via a (shared) communication unit. For this purpose, the communication unit may have multiple connections, for example, via one or more Bluetooth interfaces and / or WLAN interfaces. Furthermore, the communication unit is connected for control of operating devices, for example, provided by a vehicle display.

[0017] Therefore, this method enables wireless communication between multiple communication sets of vehicle users. "Communication" refers to conversations between vehicle users via voice channels.

[0018] Therefore, according to the present invention, multiple communication sets are connected to a local network via a single communication unit. Depending on the radio range, such a communication unit can connect the communication sets of a driver and passenger of a common vehicle to the local network, or even connect the communication sets of multiple vehicles (range extensions for multiple vehicles will be discussed further later). In other words, multiple communication sets can be arranged in a star network topology via the communication unit, with the communication unit as the central node. In this respect, the local network is centralized by the communication unit. The communication unit can be implemented, for example, by a circuit board enclosed in a housing, having a processor circuit, memory, and a hardware-based radio interface. Its memory may include operating software for operating the communication unit via the processor circuit and / or the local network. Advantageously, this allows updates to the local network's operating software to be performed by updating the software in the communication unit's memory. The star network topology also has the advantage that a disruption in the connection of one of the multiple communication sets does not affect the connections between the other communication sets and the communication unit.

[0019] Furthermore, the communication unit includes configuration memory for voice channels. In other words, the communication unit has memory for storing configuration data for voice channels that can be used for configuring the local network. This allows the communication unit to conveniently access the stored voice channels directly and use them for configuring the local network. Thus, the communication unit can delete stored voice channels and store new voice channels in the configuration memory. The configuration memory may exist, for example, as a register database in the processor circuitry and / or as cache memory within the communication unit.

[0020] According to the present invention, at least one of the voice channels recorded in the configuration memory establishes a call connection between all of a subset of a plurality of communication sets, including at least two communication sets, or between one typical (echt) subset. In other words, there exists at least one voice channel recorded in the configuration memory that enables communication via its call connection between all of a plurality of communication sets, or between at least two but not all of them. Thus, a voice channel recorded in the configuration memory can establish a call connection in which one or more vehicle users connected to the communication unit via its communication set do not participate in the communication, thereby allowing this one or more vehicle users to continue to concentrate on driving without being disturbed. For example, connection selection can be stored in the configuration memory of the communication unit for each voice channel, and the communication unit performs its connection selection after acquiring the voice signal, thereby not forwarding the acquired voice signal to all connected communication sets.

[0021] The communication unit according to the present invention is connected to an operation device on the vehicle side configured for control. Thereby, the vehicle user has the advantage that the communication unit can be controlled via the operation device attached to the vehicle for wireless communication without searching or reaching out. For example, the operation device can be connected to the vehicle via a cable and can optionally be attached above the steering wheel. Therefore, the operation device can be, for example, a touch display for controlling the communication unit.

[0022] Performing wireless communication between a plurality of communication sets of a vehicle user according to the present invention includes the following method steps. In the vehicle-side operation device, receiving a selection of one audio channel from a plurality of audio channels recorded in the configuration memory in order to control the communication unit connected to the vehicle-side operation device; Configuring a local network corresponding to the selected audio channel; Performing wireless communication via the selected audio channel.

[0023] In other words, the vehicle user can select an audio channel by input on the operation device, whereby the communication unit adjusts or configures the corresponding call connection so that communication can be performed according to the call connection. Therefore, the vehicle user can advantageously select an audio channel flexibly and / or by a single operation during driving in order to connect a communication set for communication as needed. For this purpose, the operation device can have, for example, a plurality of touch-type or pressure-sensitive operation elements for the selection of audio channels. Therefore, the communication unit can store a protocol or a reference to a protocol in its memory during configuration. During the execution of communication, optionally, the protocol can be executed by a processor circuit to transfer the audio signal received from the communication unit.

[0024] A further solution according to the invention is provided by a device configured for the execution of the method. This device is used for executing the method according to the invention in order to constitute a local network according to the invention for the execution of wireless communication between a plurality of communication sets of a vehicle user.

[0025] The invention also includes further developments which bring further advantages.

[0026] In the following, further developments belonging to the invention of the method for constituting a local network are described. These further developments are also applied as appropriate to a device according to the invention configured to execute this method.

[0027] In a further development, additional crossover voice channels are provided for selection, and these crossover voice channels enable cross-network communication between the local network and the further local network. The local network's communication unit is automatically connected, or after authorization by the vehicle user via the vehicle's control device, to a communication unit connected to a further communication set for the further local network. In other words, both the local network and the further local network are connected to their respective communication sets and can be connected automatically or after authorization by the vehicle user. The automatic connection of the two local networks, or their communication units, can be achieved, for example, by matching identifiers or keys in one of the two communication units. For this purpose, identifiers or keys can be exchanged manually or automatically, for example, during the joining and / or mutual registration of the two communication units. After the connection between the communication units is established, the additional crossover voice channels are stored in the configuration memory of the two communication units. The crossover, in terms of the additional crossover voice channels, is used to enable communication between the vehicle users of the local network and the further network. As a result, if the local network and further local networks are disconnected, such an automatic connection setting has the advantage of allowing flexible reconnection of the two local networks without interrupting, for example, the routing of voice data for the active voice channel. Preferably, GSM, LTE, BT, mobile radio, and / or WLAN are used for the connection between communication units. However, Bluetooth is also a possibility.

[0028] In a further development, a communication unit of a local network is connected to and maintained with a communication unit of a further local network, and in doing so, the further local network is connected to, or maintained with, a further communication set via its communication unit. In other words, both interconnected and maintained local networks can each have a communication set. Advantageously, if one communication unit is insufficient for multiple vehicle users to communicate with each other, a second communication unit can be used. For example, a communication unit may have a finite number of Bluetooth-enabled interfaces, such as 2, 3, 4, ... 10, each of which can connect a communication set to the communication unit via its interface. Thus, multiple communication units may be required to connect a certain number of vehicle users to each other.

[0029] Furthermore, in a single operating step, the vehicle-side operating device may receive a selection of additional cross-channel voice connections to control a communication unit connected to it. These cross-channel voice connections establish at least one call connection between all subsets, including at least two communication sets from multiple communication sets from a local network and multiple communication sets from further local networks, or between one typical subset. In other words, a vehicle user can select a cross-network voice channel, and through that voice channel, vehicle users whose communication sets are directly or indirectly connected to different communication units can communicate. Advantageously, this allows vehicle users whose communication sets belong to different networks to communicate with each other and / or with other vehicle users.

[0030] Furthermore, to configure a further local network by adding at least the crossing voice channels specified by the control to the voice channels recorded in the configuration memory of the communication unit of the further local network, the controlled communication unit can transmit the configuration data of the crossing voice channels specified by the control to the communication unit of the further local network. In other words, the configuration memories of the communication unit of the local network and the communication unit of the further local network are standardized with respect to the crossing voice channels specified by the control. Advantageously, the standardization of the configuration of the further local network with the local network enables centralized management of cross-networking wireless communications. For example, such standardization can be performed according to rules, for example, when a selection is received and / or periodically.

[0031] In a further development, the local network is connected to a mobile terminal. In other words, the communication unit of the local network can be connected to a mobile terminal in order to receive data and / or signals from the mobile radio network and / or transmit them through the mobile radio network. Advantageously, this allows vehicle users to communicate with people outside the local network, and in particular, to make phone calls. Furthermore, there is the advantage of being able to receive data from outside the local network, such as navigation data and / or traffic-related data. The mobile terminal could be, for example, a mobile phone or a tablet. The mobile terminal could then be connected to the communication unit, for example, via Bluetooth. It is also conceivable that such a mobile terminal could provide connectivity between the local network and further local networks.

[0032] Furthermore, the voice channel specified by the received selection can establish at least one call connection by the mobile terminal between all of multiple communication sets or between one typical subset. As a result, for example, teleconferencing becomes possible. Or, in other words, a vehicle user can select a predetermined voice channel via its operating device, and through that voice channel, a vehicle user whose communication set is connected to a local network can communicate with someone outside the local network. For example, a vehicle user within that local network can communicate with another person via an LTE connection while driving.

[0033] In a further development of the present invention, the step of performing wireless communication over a selected voice channel includes the following steps: A step of acquiring an audio signal from one of several communication sets connected by an audio channel, and transferring that audio signal to a communication unit connected to that communication set, A step in which a communication unit connected to this communication set processes its audio signal and determines the connection established by the selected audio channel, A step of transferring the processed audio signal to a designated communication set corresponding to the connection via the audio channel.

[0034] In other words, a vehicle user can transmit voice input (voice utterance) via their own communication set to other communication sets connected to the communication unit, where the voice input can be output as an audio signal. The communication unit then processes the audio signal acquired by the voice input and transfers the processed audio signal to the communication set corresponding to a pre-selected audio channel. This has the advantage that the communication unit always controls the communication as a central unit. For example, the processing of the audio signal may include the application of encryption and / or modulation schemes and / or audio coding schemes according to the protocol used for transmission. It is also conceivable that the communication unit may perform further configuration of the local network when processing the audio signal, such as holding the audio signal or mixing multiple audio signals.

[0035] In a further development, while performing wireless communication via a selected voice channel, the controlled communication unit simultaneously performs another communication via a different voice channel from the voice channels recorded in its configuration memory. In other words, the communication unit can simultaneously and separately receive, process, and transmit two voice signals for different wireless communications corresponding to different voice channels. This has the advantage that two conversations can take place simultaneously on a single local network, with each conversation corresponding to the communication being performed. For example, a vehicle driver can converse with a passenger via a first voice channel, while simultaneously another vehicle driver can communicate with their passenger via the same communication unit.

[0036] In a further development, the vehicle-side control device, acting as a vehicle display, displays vehicle-specific data and / or communication-specific data and receives the selection of an audio channel. In other words, the vehicle display can function as a control device that displays vehicle-specific data and / or communication-specific data. To this end, the vehicle display may have sensors and / or operating elements for the vehicle user to select an audio channel. Thus, the control device has the advantage of being space-saving and easily accessible within the vehicle's instrument cluster. For example, the vehicle display may have a speed display and / or fuel level display and / or oil level display and / or further vehicle settings, as well as a touchscreen for selecting an audio channel. The control device may also include a device that allows the vehicle user to select an audio channel via voice input.

[0037] In a further development, a controlled communication unit receives a predetermined voice signal for at least traffic-related information via a connected operating device, records at least one voice channel in its configuration memory, and outputs such predetermined voice signal to a predetermined number of connected communication sets via that voice channel. In other words, the communication unit may be configured to automatically or on input transfer a predetermined voice signal for at least traffic-related information received via an operating device to a predetermined number of connected communication sets. This enables one or more vehicle users to adapt their driving behavior based on traffic-related information. This allows vehicle users to utilize congestion information and / or weather information while driving, for example, to avoid delays and / or dangerous traffic situations, without losing track of traffic conditions. In some cases, such predetermined voice signals can be automatically or manually transferred to all communication sets on the local network via a broadcast function immediately after receiving the predetermined voice signal. Which voice signals are predetermined can be established and / or changed, for example, by the configuration settings of the communication unit.

[0038] In a further development, the vehicles offered include two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, four-wheeled light vehicles, and / or personal watercraft. In other words, the vehicles used belong to one or more vehicle classes: two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles, four-wheeled light vehicles, or personal watercraft. For example, four-wheeled motorcycles belong to the four-wheeled light vehicle class. Jet skis are also an example of personal watercraft. Examples of two-wheeled vehicles include motorcycles or mopeds in particular. In particular, the set of two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, four-wheeled light vehicles, and / or personal watercraft includes all vehicles in EU vehicle classes (Europaeische Union Fahrzeugklassen) L1 to L7.

[0039] To perform the steps described, a processor circuit, which may optionally have programming or software, may be provided to the communication unit and / or operating device. The programming or software includes program instructions that, upon execution of the program instructions, cause the processor circuit to perform embodiments of the method. Multiple processor circuits may each have at least one microprocessor and / or microcontroller for this purpose. The program instructions may each be stored in the data memory of the processor circuit.

[0040] Depending on the method, it may be provided that, for applications or application conditions that may arise during the method but are not expressly described herein, error messages and / or requests for user feedback are issued, and / or standard settings and / or predetermined initial states are set.

[0041] The present invention also includes combinations of features of the embodiments described.

[0042] Examples of the present invention will be described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1]This diagram shows a single communication unit that is connected to a communication set for a local network, as well as to operating equipment and mobile terminals. [Figure 2] This diagram shows two communication units connected to each other and each connected to a communication set for a local network. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In these embodiments, each component of the described embodiments represents an individual feature of the present invention that should be considered independently of each other, and they also independently form the present invention and are thus considered to be part of the present invention, individually or in combinations other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments may be supplemented by other features of the present invention that have already been described. In the figures, elements having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0045] Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which multiple communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d of vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d are connected to a local network 10 via a communication unit 11. Furthermore, the communication unit 11 is connected (16) to a vehicle-side operating device 14 and a mobile terminal 15.

[0046] In this case, vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d may be the driver of the vehicle or a passenger. For example, vehicle users 13a and 13c may be the driver of the vehicle, and vehicle users 13b and 13d may be, for example, passengers.

[0047] The communication unit 11 may have one or more input elements that allow the vehicle user to directly input to control the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 can be powered by a battery and / or rechargeable battery. Otherwise, the communication unit 11 may be powered by the vehicle and / or recharge its rechargeable battery via possible connections, for example, via the operating device 14. The communication unit 11 functions as a central unit in the execution of communications, thereby simplifying fault correction and updates of the local network 10. Furthermore, for example, the interruption of the connection of one of the connected communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d will not affect the connection of further devices 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 14, 15 to the communication unit 11. For example, connecting further devices such as communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d or a mobile terminal 15 to the communication unit 11 simply requires a connection between the new device and the communication unit 11.

[0048] As already mentioned above, the vehicle-side operating device 14 of the local network 10 can be used to control the communication unit 11. Therefore, the vehicle-side operating device 14 may be provided, for example, by a vehicle display and / or integrated into a vehicle display. However, the operating device 14 may also be connected to the vehicle via a detachable interface. In that case, the operating device 14 may be disconnected from the vehicle for maintenance and / or repair work. Vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d may also, in some cases, receive data and / or signals from and transmit them to parties outside the local network 10 via a mobile terminal 15.

[0049] The individual connections 16 within the local network 10 may all be identical. However, they may preferably be partially different. For example, one or more of the connections 16 may use different Bluetooth specifications, and may provide WLAN or other connections suitable for transmitting signals. Also, some or all of the connections 16 may be provided by cable connections. The connections 16 between the communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and the communication unit 11 may, advantageously, be energy-efficient, such as Bluetooth LE®, to enable persistent and stable communication. In this case as well, the connections 16 between the communication unit 11 and one or more devices, such as a mobile terminal 15, may be configured to enable connections 16 with these one or more devices even if the vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d do not directly carry one or more devices while driving, but rather carry them, for example, in the vehicle's side pockets and / or seat shells. This is particularly advantageous when space is limited, and furthermore, it improves driving safety as none of the vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, or 13d will be directly distracted by the connected devices in the side pockets.

[0050] Vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d can select an audio channel via input to the operating device 14. As already described above, an audio channel can establish a call connection between all subsets of vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, including at least two communication sets, or between one typical subset. For example, an audio channel can enable a call connection between two vehicle users, such as vehicle user 13a and vehicle user 13b. Or, for example, it can enable communication between all vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d. In some cases, all vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, or their communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, may be connected simultaneously, but the call connection can establish a connection that allows communication between all or just one subset, however, between at least two of the vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d.

[0051] The selection on the operating device 14, and the subsequent control of the communication unit 11, may be causally related to the configuration of the local network 10 based on the selected voice channel. When configuring the local network 10, a call connection can be established according to the selected voice channel, for example, based on hardware and / or software. This establishment may include, for example, determining and / or storing the addresses of the communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d established in the call connection. Such addresses may be given, for example, by a name, e.g., a Bluetooth name, and / or an identifier, e.g., a MAC address. Therefore, establishing a configuration connection as part of the configuration of the local network 10 may include, for example, storing one or more addresses for the communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d established in the call connection in a memory area upstream of the processor circuit. This allows for quick access to the selected call connection during further operation of the communication unit. According to the set addresses, the digitized voice samples of the voice signals from the communication sets are routed within the communication unit, resulting in voice channels between the communication sets.

[0052] The local network 10 can have multiple configurations simultaneously for different selected voice channels. For example, in the first selection, a first set of addresses can be stored in memory. In subsequent selections, a second set of addresses for further selections can be stored in memory, in which case the first set can be removed from memory beforehand or, in some cases, remain in memory.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit 11 may receive predetermined voice signals for traffic-related information via the operating device 14 and / or mobile terminal 15. These voice signals can be predetermined, insofar as vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d pre-configure, for example, on the operating device, which voice signals are predetermined. However, alternatively or additionally, to name just a few examples, the communication unit 11 may have a configuration such that voice signals received during the operation of the communication unit 11, such as incoming voice signals from traffic radio and / or weather radio and / or mobile radio networks, are always classified by the communication unit 11 as predetermined voice signals. It is also conceivable that received voice signals have identifiers, thereby allowing the communication unit 11 to classify received voice signals as predetermined voice signals. In any case, the communication unit 11 may have voice channels in its configuration memory, and accordingly, upon receiving such a predetermined voice signal, the communication unit outputs that predetermined voice signal to a predetermined number of connected communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. It is also conceivable that, without receiving such channel selection, the communication unit 11 configures a local network 10 in correspondence with the voice channels associated with a predetermined voice signal, for the purpose of immediately forwarding the received predetermined voice signal to a predetermined number of connected communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d for reception, based on the reception of such a predetermined voice signal. This is advantageous, as it allows the communication unit 11 to automatically and without delay forward incoming traffic messages, such as congestion messages or telephone calls, to a group of vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, for example, the drivers among the vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, in order to ensure improved and safer driving operations. The communication unit 11 may, in some cases, have a voice channel for notifications in its configuration memory, and accordingly, a notification signal such as an emergency call signal is transmitted.This notification can, for example, be forwarded to an emergency call station via a connected mobile terminal 15 and / or to at least other communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. The communication unit 11 can, in some cases, transmit such notification signals via an audio channel automatically and / or upon receiving a corresponding selection, in situations such as an accident detected by the vehicle's sensors. Advantageously, the notification signal may also include the coordinates of the accident location. Thus, the communication unit may, in some cases, function not only as a communication system but also as an in-driving emergency system for the vehicle user.

[0054] Therefore, after the local network 10 is configured, communication can be performed in accordance with the voice channel selected by the input. During such communication, for example, a voice signal emitted by one of the vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, or 13d and acquired by its communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, or 12d is forwarded to the other communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, or 12d specified in accordance with the selected voice channel. For example, if communication set 12a acquires a voice signal from vehicle user 13a, and the local network 10 is configured such that a call connection exists and vehicle users 12a and 12c are connected for communication accordingly, then the voice signal received by the communication unit from vehicle user 12a is forwarded to vehicle user 12c after processing. For this purpose, the acquired voice signal may first be forwarded to the communication unit 11 and processed by the communication unit 11. As already described above, the processing of the voice signal may include, for example, decompression and / or decoding of the voice signal and / or mixing of multiple acquired voice signals. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the communication unit 11 apply a filter to remove background noise when processing the audio signal, so that the processed audio signal has less unwanted background noise than the acquired audio signal. Communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d may also be equipped with such filters, whether hardware-based or software-based, to reduce unwanted background noise, either additionally or alternatively. Such reduction of unwanted background noise in the acquired and / or received audio signals would, advantageously, result in improved and safer communication between vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d.

[0055] The local network 10 may also have multiple configurations. This allows two voice signals, each acquired by different communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, possibly even simultaneously, to be forwarded to the communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d corresponding to different configurations after parallel processing in the same communication unit 11. For example, a first voice signal from vehicle user 13a acquired by communication set 12a may, after processing in the communication unit 11, be forwarded to the vehicle user 13d's communication set 12d according to a first call connection to a first configuration in the local network 10. Simultaneously, a second voice signal acquired by communication set 12b may, after processing in the communication unit 11, be forwarded from vehicle user 13b to vehicle user 13c's communication set 12c according to a first call connection to a first configuration in the local network 10. As a result, the communication unit 11 can advantageously process and forward multiple received voice signals corresponding to potentially different configurations of the local network 10 simultaneously. Therefore, the communication unit 11 can control and enable multiple communications simultaneously.

[0056] As described above, the communication unit 11 can also be connected to a mobile terminal 15. By connecting to the mobile terminal 15, it may be possible to supplement the voice channels already recorded in the configuration memory of the communication unit 11 with additional predetermined voice channels. For example, a vehicle user 13a can select a voice channel for a call connection on the operating device 14, thereby allowing vehicle users 13a and 13c to speak with someone not on the local network via the communication unit 11 and the mobile terminal 15. Furthermore, the communication unit 11 can receive data and / or signals via the mobile terminal, which may be received directly or at the request of one or more vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d via communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. For example, a mobile terminal 15 connected to the communication unit 11 can receive a call from a person outside the local network, in which case one or more vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d are notified. For example, by selecting an audio channel via the operating device 14, one of the vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, or 13d can accept a call for communication. If a vehicle user accepting a call for communication selects an audio channel, a call connection is established between one or more of the vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, or 13d and the mobile terminal 15 for communication.

[0057] Figure 2 shows an embodiment having two local networks 10a and 10b, where voice signals and / or data can be exchanged via a connection 20 between communication units 11a and 11b belonging to the local networks 10a and 10b.

[0058] The first communication unit 11a is connected to two communication sets 12a and 12b of vehicle users 13a and 13b and the first operating device 14a for the first local network 10a, and optionally to the first terminal 15a. The second communication unit 11b is connected to the communication sets 12c and 12d of vehicle users 13c and 13d and the second operating device 14b for the second local network 10b, and optionally to the second terminal 15b.

[0059] The connection 20 between the first and second communication units 11a and 11b is used for the exchange of data and / or signals between the two local networks 10a and 10b and can be established automatically or by authorization of vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, as described above. For example, communication units 11a and 11b can be close enough that one of the two or both communication units 11a and 11b automatically transmits an identifier to the other communication unit for checking. If the check is positive, a connection is established between communication units 11a and 11b; otherwise, it is not. It is also conceivable that the connection be established automatically without checking. This would allow for flexible connection of the communication units 11a and 11b of the two local networks 10a and 10b. This enables communication between numerous vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, where communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are connected to two different communication units 11a and 11b, as long as the distance between the communication units 11a and 11b of the two local networks 10a and 10b allows, with communication units 11a and 11b automatically connecting.

[0060] As described above, once such a connection is established between the two local networks 10a and 10b, the communication units 11a and 11b can record further cross-channel voice calls in their configuration memory. Such cross-channel voice call connections enable, for example, communication between vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d. Such cross-channel voice calls are also provided by cross-network voice call connections between at least one of the mobile terminals 15a and 15b and all or one of at least two communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. For example, a vehicle user 13d on the second local network 10b and a vehicle user 13b on the first local network can use the mobile terminal 15a to make a call to someone outside the two local networks 10a and 10b via the connection 20 between the communication units 11a and 11b. Vehicle users 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d can thereby select such crossing audio channels, for example, via the input of one of the two operating devices 14a and 14b. This selection controls the nearest communication units 11a and 11b. For example, if vehicle user 13a selects a crossing audio channel via operating device 14a, in some cases only communication unit 11a will be controlled and configured initially. In this case, if there is a connection between the first and second communication units 11a and 11b, the first communication unit 11a can transmit the selected crossing audio channel to the second communication unit 11b in order to unify the first network 10a and the second network 10b.

[0061] Particularly preferred embodiments are described below.

[0062] Drivers of motorcycles, jet skis, or quad bikes, as well as vehicles in vehicle classes L1 through L7, typically connect their headsets directly to their mobile phones. In this case, a direct connection exists between the headset and the mobile phone; no additional units are involved. Only one headset can be connected to the mobile phone at a time. Using multiple headsets with a single mobile phone is generally not supported.

[0063] Therefore, conventional technology has the following particular disadvantages. Only one headset can be connected to a single mobile phone link. Unless you initiate a call transfer to another mobile device, you cannot include passengers, such as those in the back seat, or other participants in the call.

[0064] Therefore, the challenge is to enable the flexible integration of additional call participants into existing call connections.

[0065] Therefore, the solution according to the present invention includes communication units 11, 11a, and 11b, also known as CIBs (Connected Infotainment Boxes). These communication units 11, 11a, and 11b initiate connections to mobile phones, also known as mobile terminals 15, 15a, and 15b (via Bluetooth Classic, and possibly via Wi-Fi®), and to various headsets, also known as communication sets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, via Bluetooth Low Energy (LE Audio) and / or Bluetooth EDR / BR (classic). The CIB mixes and switches various audio channels and sends them to the mobile phones. Furthermore, it is also possible to make calls to each other without a mobile phone.

[0066] The advantages of the solution according to the present invention are as follows: For example, vehicle users 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, such as the driver, passengers, and other participants, can connect to their mobile phones and make a shared phone call. In particular, when participants are geographically separated, group calls can be made using a single mobile phone. Simple connection configuration. User guidance is possible via the central unit.

[0067] The present invention is useful for use in off-road vehicles, agricultural vehicles, forestry vehicles (e.g., EU vehicle classes such as L, M, N, O, T, C, etc.), as well as four-wheeled motorcycles or small vehicles with low complexity.

[0068] In one embodiment, the CIB consists of at least one Bluetooth Classic module and one Bluetooth Low Energy module supporting standard 5.2 or later, or a newer Bluetooth Low Energy module that supports the optional LE Audio feature as a central and peripheral. First, a Bluetooth connection is established between the CIB and the mobile phone. Conventional voice profiles are used for communication. The headset is also connected to the CIB. This connection uses LE Audio and, optionally, conventional Bluetooth profiles for transmission. In this process, the CIB is used as a central node for signal conversion, switching, and mixing.

[0069] In a further embodiment, there is the possibility of using a central node (CIB) to connect groups of people (in this case, groups of motorcycles) and enable group conversations. Such communication systems have so far been implemented using 802.11p and are proprietary. The patent-pending approach is based on a predetermined standard and is not a proprietary solution. Commercially available headsets that support LE Audio can be used. Control and authorization of conversation partners are always performed via the CIB. Furthermore, music or voice, as well as navigation announcements, can be transmitted to all participants in the group via the CIB.

[0070] Overall, this embodiment demonstrates how audio signals and / or data for motorcycle infotainment are provided to a mobile phone from multiple headsets on a motorized two-wheeled vehicle via a motorcycle CIB. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10, 10a, 10b Local Network 11, 11a, 11b communication units 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d communication set 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d Vehicle users 14, 14a, 14b Operating equipment 15, 15a, 15b Mobile devices 16 connections 20 Connection between communication units

Claims

1. A method for configuring a local network (10, 10a, 10b) to enable wireless communication between multiple communication sets (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of vehicle users (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d), wherein the multiple communication sets (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) are connected (16) to the local network (10, 10a, 10b) via communication units (11, 11a, 11b), and the communication units (11, 11a, 11b) are configured for voice channels. The system includes memory, and at least one of the multiple voice channels recorded in the configuration memory establishes a call connection between all of the subsets of the multiple communication sets (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), which include at least two communication sets, or between a typical subset of one of those subsets, and the communication units (11, 11a, 11b) are connected (16) to vehicle-side operating devices (14, 14a, 14b) configured for control, This method involves the following steps: In order to control the communication units (11, 11a, 11b) connected to the vehicle-side operating devices (14, 14a, 14b), the vehicle-side operating devices (14, 14a, 14b) receive the selection of one audio channel from the plurality of audio channels recorded in the configuration memory, The steps include configuring the local network (10, 10a, 10b) corresponding to the selected audio channel, The steps include: performing the wireless communication via the selected audio channel, The plurality of communication sets (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) are arranged in a star-shaped network topology with the communication unit (11, 11a, 11b) as the central node, via the communication unit (11, 11a, 11b). method.

2. The communication units (11, 11a, 11b) of the local network (10, 10a, 10b) are connected (20) to and maintained with the communication units (11, 11a, 11b) of a further local network (10, 10a, 10b). The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the further local networks (10, 10a, 10b) are connected to and maintained with further communication sets (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) via their communication units (11a, 11b, 11c).

3. Further crossover audio channels are provided for selection, and these crossover audio channels provide a crossover network connection between the local network (10, 10a, 10b) and the further local network (10, 10a, 10b) to provide a call connection. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication units (11, 11a, 11b) of the local network (10, 10a, 10b) are automatically connected (20) to further communication units (11, 11a, 11b) that connect to a further communication set (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), or after authorization by the vehicle user on the vehicle-side operating device.

4. The vehicle-side operating devices (14, 14a, 14b) receive further selection of crossing voice channels in order to control the communication unit connected to the vehicle-side operating devices (14, 14a, 14b), The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the crossing voice channels establish at least one call connection between all of a subset including at least two communication sets from a plurality of communication sets (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) from the local network (10, 10a, 10b) and a plurality of communication sets (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) from the further local network (10, 10a, 10b), or between a typical example of one of those subsets.

5. To configure the further local network (10, 10a, 10b), by adding at least the crossing voice channels specified by control to the voice channels recorded in the configuration memory of the communication units (11, 11a, 11b) of the further local network (10, 10a, 10b), The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the controlled communication unit (11, 11a, 11b) transmits the crossing voice channels specified by control to the communication unit (11, 11a, 11b) of the further local network (10, 10a, 10b).

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the local network (10, 10a, 10b) is connected (16) to a mobile terminal (15, 15a, 15b).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the voice channel specified by the received selection establishes at least one call connection by the mobile terminal (15, 15a, 15b) among all subsets of the plurality of communication sets (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) or among one typical subset.

8. The step of performing wireless communication over a selected voice channel is: The steps include: acquiring an audio signal from one of the multiple communication sets (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) connected by the aforementioned audio channel, and transferring the audio signal to a communication unit (11, 11a, 11b) connected to that communication set (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d); The steps include processing the voice signal in the communication units (11, 11a, 11b) connected to this communication set and determining the call connection established by the selected voice channel, The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of transferring the processed audio signal to the communication set (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) designated in correspondence with the call connection established by the selected audio channel.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, while performing wireless communication via the selected voice channel, the controlled communication unit (11, 11a, 11b) performs another communication via a voice channel different from the selected voice channel among the voice channels recorded in the configuration memory.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle-side operating devices (14, 14a, 14b) display vehicle-specific data and / or communication-specific data as a vehicle display and receive the selection of the voice channel.

11. The controlled communication units (11, 11a, 11b) receive predetermined voice signals for at least traffic-related information via the connected vehicle-side operating devices (14, 14a, 14b), The controlled communication unit (11, 11a, 11b) records at least one audio channel in its configuration memory, The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined audio signal is output to a predetermined number of connected communication sets (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) via the audio channel.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicles used are a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled light vehicle, and / or a jet ski.

13. At least one vehicle-side operating device (14, 14a, 14b) and Communication set (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) and A communication unit (11, 11a, 11b) configured to perform a method for configuring a local network (10, 10a, 10b) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for performing wireless communication between multiple communication sets (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of vehicle users (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d), A device that includes this.

14. Vehicle-side operating devices (14, 14a, 14b), A communication unit (11, 11a, 11b) having a configuration memory for an audio channel and configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A vehicle equipped with the following features.

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