Method and device for configuring a low-earth-orbit satellite communication system of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for configuring a low-Earth-orbit satellite communication system of a first vehicle (11) configured to communicate data in a first communication mode and a second communication mode, this second communication mode being a low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communication mode. To this end, first data representative of a parameter table for at least one phased-array antenna of the low-Earth-orbit satellite communication system of the first vehicle (11), and second data representative of a map representing a set of zones of a territory in which the low-Earth-orbit satellite communication system of the first vehicle (11) can be activated, are received. The low-Earth-orbit satellite communication system of the first vehicle (11) is configured according to the parameter table data and map data.

Description

DESCRIPTION Title: Method and device for configuring a satellite communication system in low Earth orbit for a vehicle The present invention claims priority from French application No. 2412489 filed on 15.11.2024, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference. technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for optimizing the energy consumption of a low Earth orbit satellite communication system for a vehicle equipped with dual connectivity, comprising a terrestrial communication mode and a satellite communication mode. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and device for configuring a low Earth orbit satellite communication system for a vehicle. Technological background

[0002] Continuous vehicle connectivity has become a major issue in the transportation sector.

[0003] To ensure continuous connectivity with an infrastructure, it is common practice to typically combine two communication modes for a vehicle: a first, terrestrial communication mode with extensive coverage, and a second, non-terrestrial communication mode, enabling vehicle connectivity in areas not covered by the first mode. This provides the vehicle with continuous connectivity.

[0004] This second non-terrestrial communication method generally corresponds to satellite communication. Historically, this satellite communication method uses satellites in geostationary orbits, also known as GEOs (geostationary orbit). More recently, ground vehicles are Equipped with onboard satellite communication systems in low Earth orbit (LEO), these systems communicate via constellations of satellites located in LEO and, thanks to their low altitude (between 500 and 2000 km), enable low communication latency and high data rates. This technology thus makes it possible to offer real-time connectivity services for vehicles, particularly for use in autonomous vehicles requiring constant, low-latency connectivity.

[0005] The global coverage provided by the use of LEO satellites enables continuous monitoring and communication in isolated environments, where terrestrial communication may have limited or no coverage.

[0006] However, using a satellite communication system in low Earth orbit results in high energy consumption. This is because the vehicle must constantly adjust the antenna's direction to maintain a connection with a moving satellite and must manage the frequent transfer from one satellite to another within the LEO satellite constellation.

[0007] The LEO satellite communication system typically uses a phased array antenna mounted on the vehicle, composed of several antenna elements whose phase can be adjusted independently. This reconfiguration of each antenna element is energy-intensive and requires optimization to reduce power consumption.

[0008] Furthermore, the vehicle's communication system prioritizes the terrestrial network in a given geographic area when available. The LEO satellite communication system remains active at that time, consuming power, even though it is not being used for vehicle connectivity. Summary of the present invention

[0009] One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0010] One object of the present invention is, for example, to optimize the energy consumption of a vehicle's LEO satellite communication system.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for configuring a satellite communication system in low Earth orbit for a first vehicle. The method is implemented by at least one processor and comprises the following steps: - reception of initial data representing a parameter table for at least one phased array antenna of the first vehicle's low-Earth orbit satellite communication system, and of second data representing a map showing a set of areas within a territory in which the first vehicle's low-Earth orbit satellite communication system can be activated, - configuration of the vehicle's low-Earth orbit satellite communication system based on the first and second data points.

[0012] Collecting a parameter table for at least one phased array antenna of the first vehicle's low-Earth orbit satellite communication system allows for the generation of specific configuration information for each cell of the phased array antenna(s). Collecting mapping data representing a set of areas within a territory where the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system can be activated enables the rapid storage and retrieval of simple information on the activation zones of the first vehicle's low-Earth orbit communication system, without complex calculations using data and measurements from the various communication systems of the first vehicle.The configuration of the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system of the first vehicle based on the first and second data allows for optimization of the energy consumption of the communication system, for example by activating only certain cells of the phased-array antenna(s), and by maximizing the standby time of the communication system based on the geographic activation / deactivation positions included in the mapping data.

[0013] The first vehicle thus optimizes the use and consumption of the satellite communication system in low Earth orbit while guaranteeing an adequate level of performance.

[0014] According to one variant, the first and second data are generated from satellite communication information in low Earth orbit from a set of second vehicles circulating on the territory.

[0015] According to another variant, communication information includes at least one of the following pieces of information or one combination thereof: - the position of a second vehicle among the set of second vehicles, - the activation status of the satellite communication system in low Earth orbit of the second vehicle, - pointing angle data from at least one antenna cell among a set of antenna cells from the phased-array antenna(s) of the second vehicle.

[0016] According to yet another variant, communication information is transmitted by a second vehicle from among the set of second vehicles at a determined time interval, to one or more remote servers.

[0017] According to another variant, the method further includes a step of receiving third data representative of a current position of the first vehicle, and the configuration includes an activation of the low orbit satellite communication system when the current position of the first vehicle is included in an area among all the areas of the territory in which the low orbit satellite communication system can be activated, and a deactivation of the low orbit satellite communication system when the current position of the first vehicle is not included in an area among all the areas of the territory in which the low orbit satellite communication system can be activated.

[0018] According to another variant, the parameter table includes antenna cell activation information for each of the antenna cells of the phase-controlled array antenna(s) of the first vehicle.

[0019] According to an additional variant, the configuration includes the activation or deactivation of the antenna cell for each of the antenna cells of the phased-array antenna(s) of the first vehicle based on the activation information.

[0020] According to another variant, the first and second data points are received from a remote device via a wireless connection.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which includes instructions adapted for carrying out the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0022] Such a computer program can use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or an intermediate form between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0023] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0024] On the one hand, the recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium can include a storage means, such as a ROM, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit-type ROM, or a magnetic recording means or a hard drive.

[0025] On the other hand, this recording medium can also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or radio frequency, by self-directing laser beam, or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention can, in particular, be downloaded from a network such as the Internet.

[0026] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a configuration device for a low-Earth orbit satellite communication system. vehicle, the configuration device comprising a memory associated with at least one processor configured for implementing the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the invention

[0028] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle, comprising a device as described above according to the fourth aspect of the present invention. Brief description of the figures

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 3, in which:

[0030] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a configuration environment for a low-Earth orbit satellite communication system of a first vehicle, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig. 2] illustrates a device configured for setting up a low-orbit satellite communication system for the first vehicle of Figure 1, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] [Fig. 3] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a process for configuring a low-orbit satellite communication system for the first vehicle of Figure 1, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of achievements

[0033] A method and device for configuring a low-orbit satellite communication system for a vehicle will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 3. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description that follows.

[0034] The terms "first(s)", "second(s)" (or "first(s)", "second(s)", etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to allow for the identification and distinction of different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0035] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of a low-Earth orbit satellite communication system for a first vehicle is implemented by a device embedded in the first vehicle, for example, by one or more processors of one or more computers of the first vehicle or by one or more processors of a wireless communication device included in the first vehicle and moving with the first vehicle. The first vehicle is advantageously configured to communicate data via two wireless communication modes using the embedded computer(s) or the embedded wireless communication device: a first communication mode referred to as "terrestrial," and a second communication mode referred to as "non-terrestrial," the second communication mode being established by a low-Earth orbit satellite communication system.

[0036] For clarity, the implementation of the steps of the process of the invention "by the first vehicle" includes the implementation of steps by one or more processors of one or more computers of the first vehicle or by one or more processors of a wireless communication device included in the first vehicle and moving with the first vehicle.

[0037] To this end, initial representative data from a parameter table for at least one phased array antenna of the first vehicle's low-Earth orbit satellite communication system are obtained, for example, from a remote server-type device to which the first vehicle is wirelessly connected via one of the communication modes. This initial data includes, for example, pointing parameters for a low-Earth orbit satellite communication antenna, or, for example, activation / deactivation information for each cell in a plurality of cells of the vehicle's phased array antenna. Secondary representative data from a map representing a set Areas within a territory where the first vehicle's low-Earth orbit satellite communication system can be activated are identified. This initial and second data points are transmitted, for example, by a remote server-type device to which the first vehicle is wirelessly connected. The vehicle's low-Earth orbit satellite communication system is then configured based on these initial and second data points, for example, by disabling the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system when mapping data indicates that it can be deactivated, or by disabling cells of the phased-array antenna(s).

[0038] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a road environment 1 associated with a wireless communication network, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The road environment 1 of Figure 1 comprises a first vehicle 11 and a set of second vehicles consisting of a plurality of second vehicles, for example four vehicles 12, 13, 14, 15 as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0040] The set of second vehicles illustrated in Figure 1 consists of four vehicles, 12, 13, 14, and 15, for the sake of clarity. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to a set of second vehicles consisting of four vehicles and extends to a set of second vehicles consisting of one or more vehicles, for example, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, or more second vehicles.

[0041] Vehicles 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 each correspond to a land vehicle, for example a car, a truck, a bus.

[0042] The first vehicle 11 travels on a road traffic lane 150, for example a road, following a navigation route proposed by the navigation system, for example a GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation system of the first vehicle 11. According to a variant, the first vehicle 11 travels on the road traffic lane 150 without guidance from the GPS navigation system.

[0043] The first vehicle 11 and the set of second vehicles 12, 13, 14 and 15 are configured to communicate wirelessly according to two communication modes, a terrestrial communication mode TN (TN: Terrestrial Network), called the first communication mode, and a non-terrestrial communication mode NTN (NTN: Non Terrestrial Network), called the second communication mode.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the first communication mode is a terrestrial TN communication mode of the cellular network type, for example a 4G cellular network based on LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced or 5G, or a C-V2X type cellular network based on LTE-based 4G or 5G. According to another example, the first terrestrial communication mode is a communication mode of the Wifi® type ((according to the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, for example according to one of the standards IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g (frequency band 2.4 - 2.5 GHz), IEEE 802.11n (frequency band 2.4 and / or 5 GHz), IEEE 802.11ac (frequency band 5.15 - 5.35 GHz or 5.47 - 8.875 GHz), IEEE 802.11ax (2.4 GHz, 5GHz or 6 GHz) or even 802.11p (frequency band 5.85 - 8.925 GHz for the implementation of V2X type communications (from the English "Vehicle-to-Everything" or in French "Véhicule vers tout").

[0045] According to one embodiment, the second communication mode is a non-terrestrial NTN communication mode of the type satellite connection in low Earth Orbit (LEO).

[0046] The first vehicle 11 and the second vehicle assembly 12, 13, 14, and 15 each include a communication system or interface comprising, for example, one or more communication antennas connected to a telematic control unit (TCU), which is itself connected to one or more computers of the vehicle's onboard system 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. The antenna(s), the TCU, and the computer(s) form, for example, a multiplexed architecture for providing various services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 and for assisting the driver and / or passengers. vehicle 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 in the control of vehicle 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. The computer(s) and the TCU unit communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a CAN (Controller Area Network) data bus, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (according to ISO 17458) or Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802-3).

[0047] The first vehicle 11 and the second vehicle assembly 12, 13, 14 and 15 are equipped, in particular, with one or more phased array antennas, specially configured for communications with low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This antenna or these antennas, integrated into the structure of the first vehicle 11 and the second vehicle assembly 12, 13, 14 and 15, are made up of radiating elements, called "cells", individually controllable in phase and altitude by a phased array antenna controller.

[0048] The first vehicle 11 and the set of second vehicles 12, 13, 14, and 15 each include a geolocation system receiver enabling each vehicle 11, 12 to obtain data representing its geographic position at any given time, for example, in the form of coordinates (latitude and longitude), via a satellite link with a set of satellites. The geolocation system corresponds, for example, to a system such as GPS (Global Positioning System), Galileo, or GLONASS. The geographic position obtained for each vehicle 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 from a geolocation system is said to be absolute in that the coordinates are expressed in the same frame of reference for each vehicle 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, namely the world frame of reference.

[0049] The first vehicle 11 and the set of second vehicles 12, 13, 14 and 15 communicate with a remote server-type device 110, also called server 110, either via a terrestrial network infrastructure communication device 101 enabling terrestrial communication mode, for example a device cellular network infrastructure communication of the 4G or 5G antenna type, either via a non-terrestrial network infrastructure communication device 102, a satellite among a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

[0050] In one embodiment, the first vehicle 11 and the second vehicle group 12, 13, 14, and 15 are equipped with a navigation system associated with an infotainment system, known as IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment), which controls the navigation system's user interface. The navigation system is configured to calculate a set of routes or paths between a starting point (beginning of the journey) and an arrival point (destination of the journey) using road mapping data of the road environment in which the vehicle 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are traveling, as known to a person skilled in the art. The navigation system corresponds, for example, to a navigation system integrated into the vehicle 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 or implemented by a mobile communication device (for example, a smartphone). "Smartphone") in the form of a mobile application, the mobile communication device being installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and for example connected by wired or wireless communication (for example by Bluetooth® or Wifi®) to the vehicle 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

[0051] Network infrastructure communication devices 101, 102 are configured to communicate with a cloud communication infrastructure 100, referred to as "cloud", and to establish communication with server 110. Conversely, server 110 is configured to communicate with vehicles 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 via cloud 100.

[0052] For clarity, only one communication link to the terrestrial network infrastructure communication device 101 and the non-terrestrial network infrastructure communication device 102 is shown for the set of second vehicles 12, 13, 14 and 15, however each of the vehicles in the set of second vehicles 12, 13, 14 and 15 communicates in a terrestrial communication mode to the terrestrial network infrastructure 101 and in a non-terrestrial communication mode to the non-terrestrial network infrastructure 102.

[0053] A process for configuring a low-Earth orbit satellite communication system for the first vehicle 11 circulating in the road environment 1 is implemented by one or more computers of the first vehicle 11, i.e. by one or more processors of this or these computers, or by a mobile communication device on board the first vehicle 11.

[0054] In a first operation of the process, first representative data of a parameter table for at least one phase-controlled array antenna of the low-orbit satellite communication system of the first vehicle 11, and second representative data of a map representing a set of areas of a territory in which the low-orbit satellite communication system of the first vehicle 11 can be activated are obtained, for example received from the remote server-type device 110 via a wireless connection or from a memory of the device implementing the process.

[0055] The initial data corresponds, for example, to a parameter table containing, for example, the following information: - activation or deactivation information for each antenna cell of the phase-controlled array antenna(s) of the first vehicle 11, and / or - amplitude and / or phase values ​​associated with each cell of the phase-controlled array antenna(s) of the first vehicle 11.

[0056] The second set of data corresponds, for example, to: - representative data from a set of areas within the territory; and - data representative of an instruction to activate or deactivate the low-orbit satellite communication system of the first vehicle 11.

[0057] The data representing a set of zones correspond, for example, to a set of closed zones, each zone being delimited by a boundary.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second data are generated from satellite communication information in low Earth orbit from a set of second vehicles 12, 13, 14, 15 circulating within the territory, this communication information is transmitted from the set of vehicles 12, 13, 14, 15 using a communication method (terrestrial or non-terrestrial) with the server(s) 110 via the cloud 100.

[0059] In one embodiment, the communication information includes at least one of the following pieces of information or one combination thereof: - a position of a second vehicle 12, 13, 14, 15 among the set of second vehicles 12, 13, 14, 15, - an activation state of the low Earth orbit satellite communication system of the second vehicle 12, 13, 14, 15, - pointing angle data of at least one antenna cell from a set of antenna cells of the phased array antenna(s) of the second vehicle 12, 13, 14, 15.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the position of the second vehicle (12, 13, 14, 15) comes from the geolocation system receiver of the second vehicle (12, 13, 14, 15).

[0061] The activation state of the low-orbit satellite communication system corresponds, for example, to data indicating an active or inactive state of the low-orbit communication system of the second vehicle 12, 13, 14, 15. According to another example, the activation state corresponds to a signal power level received at the level of the phase-controlled array antenna(s) of the second vehicle 12, 13, 14, 15.

[0062] Pointing angle data corresponds, for example, to: - a pair of pointing angles (6, <p) dans lequel 0 représente un angle polaire, aussi appelé inclinaison, et <p représente un angle azimutal, aussi appelé azimut, dans un repère de coordonnées sphériques, l’axe z de ce repère étant confondu avec l’axe z du véhicule.

[0063] These pointing angle data are useful for example to determine the position of the satellite relative to the second vehicle 12, 13, 14, 15.

[0064] In another example, the pointing angle data corresponds to a phase shift value and an amplitude value applied to the cell.

[0065] For example, communication information includes the geographic position of the second vehicle and the activation status of the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system. In another example, the geographic position of the second vehicle, the activation status of the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system, and the pointing angle data of at least one antenna cell from a set of antenna cells in the phased-array antenna(s) of the second vehicle (12, 13, 14, and 15) are included.

[0066] For example, this communication information is transmitted by each of the second vehicles of the set of second vehicles 12, 13, 14 and 15, for example at the time of establishing a satellite communication if a communication link with the server(s) 110 is established, or stored in memory and transmitted as soon as the communication link with the server(s) 110 is re-established.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, communication information is transmitted by a second vehicle from among the set of second vehicles 12, 13, 14, 15, at a predetermined time interval, to one or more remote server-type devices 110. For example, the second vehicle transmits communication information every 15 minutes. In another example, the second vehicle transmits communication information hourly. The communication data is thus updated regularly, allowing the server 110 to dynamically generate the first and second data points from recent communication information.

[0068] From this communication information, the 110 server(s) dynamically generate the first and second data.

[0069] These first and second data points are updated regularly by the 110 server(s) according to a given time period, as communication information is received from second vehicles 12 to 15. For example, the first data points are updated every 15 minutes. In another example, the first data points are updated hourly.

[0070] These first and second data points are then accessible by the first vehicle 11 via the wireless network infrastructure when all the components of the chain enabling data communication between the first vehicle 11 and the "cloud" 100 are operational. In one example, the first and second data points are received from a remote device via a wireless connection. In another example, the data is stored on removable storage from the remote server 110, for example, a memory card (SD card or USB flash drive). This memory card is then connected to a dedicated port on the vehicle, allowing the first and second data points to be transferred to a controller of the low Earth orbit satellite communication system.

[0071] According to another example, the initial parameter table data is stored in memory accessible by the controller (e.g., a computer) of the low-orbit satellite communication system, with only updates to the parameter table data being downloaded from server 110, either automatically or at the request of the first vehicle 11.

[0072] According to another example, the second mapping data is also stored in memory accessible by the controller (e.g. a computer) of the navigation system, only the mapping data updates being downloaded from the server 110, either automatically or at the request of the first vehicle 11.

[0073] In one embodiment, the initial data is stored in an internal database of the first vehicle 11, in a lookup table-type data structure that associates an identifier for each cell of the phased array antenna(s) with the corresponding data from the parameter table of the initial data. In other words, the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system controller quickly accesses the pointing information for each cell of the phased array antenna(s). This reduces computation time and increases the efficiency of managing the pointing of the phased array antenna(s).

[0074] In a second operation of the process, the low-orbit satellite communication system of the first vehicle 11 is configured according to the first and second data.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the process includes a step of receiving third data representative of a current position of the first vehicle 11.

[0076] For example, this third data comes from the geolocation system receiver of the first vehicle 11.

[0077] When the process is implemented by a mobile communication device embedded in the first vehicle 11, the third data is obtained via the receiver of the integrated geolocation system.

[0078] According to this same embodiment, the configuration includes an activation of the low orbit satellite communication system when the current position of the first vehicle 11 is included in an area among all the areas of the territory in which the low orbit satellite communication system can be activated, and a deactivation of the low orbit satellite communication system when the current position of the first vehicle 11 is not included in an area among all the areas of the territory in which the low orbit satellite communication system can be activated.

[0079] Thus, the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system controller can, from the third position data of the first vehicle 11, determine if the vehicle is currently located in an area where the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system can be deactivated. For example, this information is included in the second data if a significant number (greater than a threshold) of second vehicles 12, 13, 14, 15 have deactivated their low-Earth orbit satellite communication system in the current area of ​​the first vehicle 11, for example, if the terrestrial communication mode allows for high-speed communication, and the satellite communication mode is not required. The low-Earth orbit satellite communication system controller then deactivates the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system. Thus, the standby mode of the Y1 The low-Earth orbit satellite communication system is optimized and reduces energy consumption.

[0080] According to another example, if a significant number (greater than a threshold) of second vehicles 12, 13, 14, 15 have activated their low-orbit satellite communication system in the current area of ​​the first vehicle 11, the second data will instruct the low-orbit satellite communication system controller of the first vehicle 11 to activate the low-orbit satellite communication system.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the configuration includes the activation or deactivation of an antenna cell for each of the antenna cells of the phase-controlled array antenna(s) of the first vehicle 11 according to the activation information.

[0082] For example, if the parameter table indicates a deactivation command for cells within the phased array antenna(s), the low Earth orbit satellite communication system transmits this deactivation command to the antenna controller(s) via one or more data buses connecting the low Earth orbit satellite communication system's computer to the antenna controller(s). The antenna controller(s) then deactivates the affected cells. This avoids unnecessary energy consumption by powering antenna cells that will not be used.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the first vehicle 11 transmits its communication information to the server 110 via its wireless connection, thereby feeding the communication history of the low-orbit satellite communication system for the generation or updating of the first and second data by the server 110.

[0084] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a device 2 configured for setting up a low Earth orbit satellite communication system. vehicle, for example the first vehicle 11, or for example the second vehicles 12, 13, 14, 15 according to various specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. Device 2 corresponds, for example, to a device embedded in the first vehicle 11 (for example, a computer), a device embedded in the second vehicles 12, 13, 14, 15, or a mobile communication device embedded in the first vehicle 11 and / or in the second vehicles 12, 13, 14, 15.

[0085] Device 2 is, for example, configured to perform at least some of the operations described opposite Figure 1 and / or the steps of the process described opposite Figure 3. Examples of such a device 2 include, but are not limited to, embedded electronic equipment such as a vehicle's on-board computer, an electronic control unit such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a TCU, a controller, a computer, a server, or a mobile communication device (e.g., embedded in a vehicle and connected to that vehicle via wired or wireless communication). The elements of device 2, individually or in combination, may be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components.Device 2 can be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0086] Device 2 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 20 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the process and / or for executing instructions from the software embedded in Device 2. The processor 20 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. Device 2 further comprises at least one memory 21, for example, volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and / or includes a memory storage device that may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0087] The computer code of the embedded software(s) including the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is, for example, stored on memory 21.

[0088] According to various specific and non-limiting embodiment examples, device 2 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (Telematic Control Unit), for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0089] According to a specific and non-limiting embodiment, device 2 includes a block 22 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of block 22 include one or more of the following interfaces: - Radio frequency (RF) interface, for example, Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or Sigfox type using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology, or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced, 5G; low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication in the L, Ku or Ka frequency band, - USB interface (from the English "Universal Serial Bus" or "Universal Serial Bus" in French); - HDMI interface (from the English "High Definition Multimedia Interface", or "High Definition Multimedia Interface" in French); - LIN interface (from the English "Local Interconnect Network", or in French "Réseau interconnecté local").

[0090] According to another specific and non-limiting embodiment, the device 2 includes a communication interface 23 which enables communication with other devices (such as other computers in the embedded system) via a communication channel 230. The communication interface 23 corresponds, for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via communication channel 230. Communication interface 23 corresponds for example to a wired network of type LVDS (from the English "Low Voltage Differential Signaling" or in French "Transmission diffélle basse-voltage").

[0091] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, device 2 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 240, touch or not, one or more speakers 250 and / or other peripherals 260 (projection system) via output interfaces 24, 25 and 26 respectively. According to a variant, one or more of the external devices is integrated into device 2.

[0092] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of the various steps in a method for configuring a satellite communication system in low Earth orbit for a vehicle, for example, the first vehicle 11, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The method is implemented, for example, by a computer or set of computers in the vehicle or by a mobile communication device embedded in the vehicle, for example, by the device 2 in Figure 2.

[0093] In a first step 31, first representative data from a parameter table for at least one phase-controlled array antenna of the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system of the first vehicle, and second representative data from a map representing a set of areas of a territory in which the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system of the first vehicle can be activated are received.

[0094] In a second step 32, the vehicle's low-orbit satellite communication system is configured based on the first and second data.

[0095] According to one variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to Figure 1 apply to the steps of the process in Figure 3.

[0096] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a vehicle communication method that would include secondary steps without falling outside the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. A method for configuring a low-Earth orbit satellite communication system for a first vehicle (11), said method being implemented by at least one processor, said method comprising the following steps: - reception (31) of first representative data of a parameter table for at least one phase-controlled array antenna of said low-Earth orbit satellite communication system of said first vehicle (11), and of second representative data of a map representing a set of areas of a territory in which said low-Earth orbit satellite communication system of said first vehicle (11) can be activated, - configuration (32) of said low-orbit satellite communication system of said first vehicle (11) according to said first and second data.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein said first and second data are generated from satellite communication information in low Earth orbit of a set of second vehicles (12, 13, 14, 15) circulating over said territory.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein said communication information comprises at least one of the following pieces of information or one combination thereof: - the position of a second vehicle among said set of second vehicles - the activation status of said satellite communication system in low Earth orbit of said second vehicle - pointing angle data of at least one antenna cell from a set of antenna cells of said at least one phase-controlled array antenna of said second vehicle.

4. Method according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein said communication information is transmitted by a second vehicle from said set of second vehicles (12, 13, 14, 15), at a determined time interval, to one or more remote server-type devices (110).

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising a step of receiving third data representative of a current position of said first vehicle (11), and said configuration comprises an activation of said low orbit satellite communication system when said current position of said first vehicle (11) is included in an area among all of said areas of said territory in which said low orbit satellite communication system can be activated, and a deactivation of said low orbit satellite communication system when said current position of said first vehicle (11) is not included in an area among all of said areas of said territory in which said low orbit satellite communication system can be activated.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said parameter table includes antenna cell activation information for each of said antenna cells of said at least one phase-controlled array antenna of said first vehicle (11).

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein said configuration includes the activation or deactivation of said antenna cell for each of said antenna cells of said at least one phase-controlled array antenna of said first vehicle (11) as a function of said activation information.

8. Method according to claims 1 to 7, wherein said first and second data are received from a remote server-type device (110) via a wireless connection.

9. Configuration device for a low-Earth orbit satellite communication system of a vehicle (11), said configuration device comprising a memory associated with at least one processor configured for the implementation of the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Vehicle (11) comprising a device (2) according to claim 9.

Images