Method for operating a radio-based transceiver unit, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a radio-based transceiver unit (1) in a vehicle (2), wherein the manner in which the transceiver unit (1) receives and / or transmits radio signals is switched depending on at least a first operating mode (B1) and a second operating mode (B2). The method according to the invention is characterized by the following method steps: A: determining, by means of an in-vehicle computing unit (5), an opening status (3) of a compartment shell which delimits a passenger compartment (4) of the vehicle (2) with respect to the environment; and B: switching the transceiver unit (1) into the first operating mode (B1) for an opening status (3) having the attribute CLOSED and switching the transceiver unit (1) into the second operating mode (B2) for an opening status (3) having the attribute OPEN.

Description

[0001] Mercedes-Benz Group AG

[0002] Method for operating a radio-based transceiver unit and vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a method for operating a radio-based transmitter-receiver unit in a vehicle of the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1, and to a vehicle for carrying out the method.

[0004] To enhance user comfort, more and more functions are being integrated into modern vehicles. Some functions may rely on wireless data exchange with peripheral devices, for example, using the WLAN communication standard. This allows the vehicle's onboard network to be connected to mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or similar devices, or to the internet via a hotspot. A user's smartphone can act as a mobile access point, enabling tethering. Vehicle functions can be operated via a suitable WLAN connection, particularly through a dedicated application running on a smartphone. Data such as user profiles can also be transmitted.

[0005] Several frequency bands are available for Wi-Fi. These are the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and, in the case of Wi-Fi 6, the 6 GHz band. The use of these frequency bands may be subject to regulations, such as the CEPT regulation; see ECC Decision (04)08, The harmonized use of the 5 GHz frequency band for Wireless Access Systems including Radio local area networks (WAS / RLAN).

[0006] Methods for automatic channel assignment for WLAN devices are known, for example, from WO 2014 / 028369 A2. This publication describes how channels for an initial 2024P03603WÖ

[0007] 2 and a second, locally overlapping WLAN network are determined so that interference due to bandwidth overlap is avoided.

[0008] The automatic selection of WLAN channels is also known as Dynamic Frequency Search (DFS).

[0009] Furthermore, US patent 2015 / 0003318 A1 discloses the adjustment of the output power of a radio transmitting entity. The document describes increasing the transmit / receive power of a WLAN router in a vehicle when a body panel, such as a window or door, is closed, and reducing the transmit / receive power when the body panel is opened.

[0010] Furthermore, Regulation 49 / 2023 discloses the general allocation of frequencies in the 5150 MHz - 5250 MHz, 5250 - 5350 MHz and 5470 MHz - 5725 MHz bands for wireless access systems including local area networks (LANs). [https: / / www.bundesnetzagentur.de / Shared / Docs / Downloads / DE / Sachgebiete / Telekommunikation / Unternehmen_institute n / Frequenzen / Allgemeinzuteilungen / MobilfunkDectWlanCBFunk / WLAN_5GHz_pdf.pdf?_ _blob=publicationFile](https: / / www.bundesnetzagentur.de / Shared / Docs / Downloads / DE / Sachgebiete / Telekommunikation / Unternehmen_institute n / Frequenzen / Allgemeinzuteilungen / MobilfunkDectWlanCBFunk / WLAN_5GHz_pdf.pdf?_ _blob=publicationFile) This regulation also specifies the adjustment of the maximum mean equivalent isotropic radiated power for in-band emissions of a wireless LAN when changing frequency bands.

[0011] Furthermore, US 2006 / 0193271 A1 discloses a repeater configuration located at the physical layer to increase M1 MO performance. The document describes the operation of a WLAN repeater in slave mode.

[0012] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved method for operating a radio-based transceiver unit in a vehicle, with the help of which the reliability in data transmission can be increased.

[0013] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method for operating a radio-based transceiver unit in a vehicle with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments, as well as a vehicle for carrying out the method, are described in the dependent claims. 2024P03603WÖ

[0014] 3

[0015] A generic method for operating a radio-based transceiver unit in a vehicle, wherein the manner in which the transceiver unit receives and / or transmits radio signals is switched depending on at least one first and one second operating mode, is further developed according to the invention by the following method steps:

[0016] A: Determining the opening status of a cabin shell separating a vehicle's passenger compartment from the environment by means of an in-vehicle computing unit; and

[0017] B: Switching the transmitter-receiver unit to the first operating mode for an opening status with the value CLOSED and switching the transmitter-receiver unit to the second operating mode for an opening status with the value OPEN.

[0018] According to the invention, the radio operating mode of the transceiver unit is configured depending on the opening status of the cabin shell. This allows the transceiver unit to operate as needed to improve the received signal strength. The vehicle's cabin shell thus acts like a Faraday cage. Radio signals generated within the cabin shell are therefore shielded from the surrounding environment, and radio signals coming from the surrounding environment are shielded from the vehicle interior. However, if the cabin shell is at least partially opened, radio signals can be transmitted between the vehicle interior and the surrounding environment with less attenuation.

[0019] For example, the transmit / receive power of the transceiver unit can be increased when the cabin is closed to reliably enable data transmission to an external peripheral device. However, this increases the energy consumption of the transceiver unit and the exposure of vehicle occupants to electromagnetic radiation. Conversely, with the cabin open, the transmit / receive power of the transceiver unit can be reduced because the radio signals are attenuated less by passing through the opening. This improves energy efficiency and reduces the exposure of vehicle occupants.

[0020] Furthermore, this allows for the implementation of regulations governing the operation of the transceiver unit. 2024P03603WÖ

[0021] 4

[0022] The opening status of the cabin shell can be detected using suitable sensors and / or a control signal specifying the opening status can be received from a control unit in the vehicle via a fieldbus system. The processing unit can be connected to the fieldbus system in the vehicle to receive and process the corresponding signals. The processing unit and the transceiver unit also communicate via a data bus, such as a CAN bus or an Ethernet data line. To change the operating mode of the transceiver unit, the processing unit can send a corresponding control signal to the transceiver unit. For example, a configuration file can be stored in the transceiver unit, which is then adjusted accordingly. Individual configuration files can also be stored for different operating modes, which can then be loaded or activated as needed.The transmitter / receiver unit can also read the opening status from the processing unit and switch the operating mode itself.

[0023] An advantageous further development of the method according to the invention provides that the transceiver unit does not receive or transmit any radio signals within a first time window before, during, and / or after the change of operating mode. This increases the safety during the operation of the transceiver unit. Opening and closing the vehicle's cabin shell represents a sensitive moment. Due to external constraints, it may be necessary to prevent the exchange of any radio signals with peripheral devices in the vicinity during the opening or closing process. To increase safety, the transmission or...

[0024] Receiving radio signals before, during and after a corresponding opening or closing process should be avoided.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is further provided that the computing unit switches between the first and second operating modes at the moment the opening status changes; the computing unit switches proactively between the first and second operating modes if a change to the opening status is planned within a future time window of a defined initial duration; or 2024P03603WÖ

[0026] 5. The computing unit switches retrospectively between the first and second operating modes if a specified second duration has elapsed after changing the opening status.

[0027] There are therefore three different possibilities for determining the timing of the transceiver unit's operating mode change, depending on the cabin's opening status. The operating mode can be changed instantly when the opening status changes. However, it is also possible, if the time of the opening status change is known, to switch the operating mode before or after it has changed. The advantages of this approach are described in more detail below.

[0028] A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the computing unit for determining the opening status takes into account the open state of a window, a door, a trunk lid, and / or a convertible top of the vehicle. The cabin shell of a vehicle, for example, a passenger car, typically includes various openings. These include the doors, the trunk lid (such as a boot lid), and the area where windows are installed. The windows themselves, especially when fitted with appropriate heat-insulating glazing, can be highly effective at blocking radio signals. Side windows or roof windows, such as panoramic sunroofs, can be opened. Particularly good access to the vehicle interior can be achieved by opening the convertible top. The convertible top can be a hardtop or a softtop.Each opening in the cabin shell can be individually analyzed by the processing unit, or the opening status can be determined for all such openings. The opening status is always a binary value, either CLOSED or OPEN. If all openings in the cabin shell are completely closed, the opening status is CLOSED. If at least one opening in the cabin shell is at least partially open, the opening status is OPEN. The total area of ​​an opening facing the environment can be increased, for example, by the degree or number of times the vehicle windows are opened. For instance, an opening status such as 50% open can be determined. The opening status is therefore OPEN when an opening percentage greater than 0% is detected.The state of being 100% open is reached when, in particular, all openings provided in the cabin shell are fully open. 2024P03603WÖ.

[0029] 6

[0030] It is also conceivable to switch the transmitter-receiver unit into at least one further operating mode depending on the exact degree of the opening state, e.g. 35%, 75% and the like, in which radio signals are received or transmitted differently compared to the first and second operating modes.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is further provided that the processing unit switches the transmitter-receiver unit from the first to the second operating mode only when the vehicle's convertible top is fully open; and the processing unit switches the transmitter-receiver unit from the second to the first operating mode as soon as the vehicle's convertible top begins to close. This represents a conservative way of operating the transmitter-receiver unit.

[0032] A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the transceiver unit switches the frequency band for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals between the first and second operating modes. This allows for particularly reliable operation of the transceiver unit. When the cabin shell opens, the transmit / receive rate to the vehicle's external peripheral devices increases. By adjusting the frequency band used for transmitting and / or receiving, the transmit and receive quality of the transceiver unit to various peripheral devices can thus be selectively adjusted depending on the opening status.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the transmitter-receiver unit is further provided to transmit and / or receive WLAN signals. Various frequency bands, such as the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz bands, can be used for this purpose. WLAN, or Wi-Fi, is a particularly widely used wireless standard, enabling reliable communication with a large number of different end devices.

[0034] A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention further provides that the transmitter-receiver unit in the first operating mode is set to the frequency band 2024P03603WÖ

[0035] 7 from 5150 to 5250 MHz and in the second operating mode to the frequency band from 5470 to 5725 MHz; or the transceiver unit is switched to the frequency band from 5170 - 5250 MHz in the first operating mode and to the frequency band from 5490 - 5725 MHz or 5725 - 5850 MHz in the second operating mode.

[0036] According to the first alternative, this allows the transceiver unit to operate in compliance with CEPT regulations, and according to the second alternative, in compliance with the regulation: ECC Decision (04)08 - On the harmonised use of the 5 GHz frequency bands for Wireless Access Systems including Radio Local Area Networks (WAS / RLAN) of the Electronic Communications Committee. The applicant has thus recognized that with a completely closed vehicle cabin, so-called "indoor operation" of a WLAN communication network is possible, and when the cabin is opened, particularly when the convertible top of a convertible is fully opened, so-called "outdoor operation" is possible. Using the method according to the invention, the transceiver unit can be operated in compliance with regulations.

[0037] Within each frequency band, any number of available channels can be used for data exchange. Multiple channels can also be combined. For example, channels with a bandwidth of 20 MHz can be used, such as the 40 or 44 MHz channels. To increase the data rate, communication can take place simultaneously over several channels, as when using channels with a bandwidth of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or even 160 MHz. For example, the 38 MHz, 110 MHz, 42 MHz, 106 MHz, or 114 MHz channels can be used.

[0038] According to the second alternative, the U-NII-1 band is used in the first operating mode and the U-NII-2C or the U-NII-3 band is used in the second operating mode.

[0039] It is also preferred that the transceiver unit be operated as a slave in the second operating mode. The so-called master / slave principle involves a hierarchical management of access to shared resources. The master / slave principle is also referred to as the controller / peripheral principle. In this model, the master regulates the use of available resources for multiple slaves, thus preventing conflicts when using shared resources. 2024P03603WÖ

[0040] 8

[0041] In the second operating mode, the cabin envelope is open, increasing the likelihood of exchanging radio signals with a greater number of external peripherals. In this mode, it has proven advantageous to operate the transceiver unit inside the vehicle as a slave to avoid conflicts with the external peripherals. The master used for control can also be located inside the vehicle or externally. For example, an access point can act as the master, and a client connecting to the access point can act as the slave.

[0042] The use of the U-NII-2C and U-NII-3 bands is approved for both the "Indoor Ilse" and the "Outdoor Ilse." For example, a mobile device can be paired with the transceiver unit in the vehicle via WLAN or Wi-Fi. This allows interaction with a vehicle function via an app running on the mobile device, or interaction with the app on the smartphone controlled by the vehicle or an operating interface in the vehicle. This pairing may require a seamless communication connection or at least one that is interrupted as briefly as possible. However, changing the unlocking status can take a certain amount of time, such as 500 milliseconds to 30 seconds, or even less or more.

[0043] A particularly preferred embodiment provides for predictive switching to the second operating mode when a corresponding connection exists between the mobile device and the transceiver unit and a signal to change the opening status to the OPEN state is received, for example, because a user operates a control to open the convertible top. The second operating mode is thus set before the corresponding locking mechanism of the convertible top is released and the actuators for moving the top are energized. This ensures that the mobile device switches channels according to the transceiver unit in order to maintain the connection to the transceiver unit even in the second operating mode, and especially during the opening process. This prevents the connection from being interrupted despite the convertible top being open, while maintaining seamless coupling.With the convertible top partially open, unauthorized Wi-Fi operation in "Indoor Ilse" mode occurs. 2024P03603WG.

[0044] 9

[0045] When the convertible top is closed, the process is reversed, so the operating mode of the transceiver unit changes with a certain delay. This ensures that the connection remains active in "Outdoor Ilse" mode until the top is completely closed. Only then do the transceiver unit and the mobile device switch back to the initial operating mode, or "Indoor Ilse" mode. This guarantees that a Faraday cage is established before the Wi-Fi operation is switched. The delay can be extended by a safety margin, such as 1 to 5 seconds, to conservatively ensure that the top is indeed closed and the Faraday cage is established. This minimizes interference with other Wi-Fi devices.

[0046] A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that, when changing the frequency band, the transceiver unit alters the number of used transmit and / or receive channels in conjunction with a single-input, single-output configuration and / or a multiple-input, multiple-output configuration. This allows for particularly secure and reliable data transmission between the transceiver unit and a mobile device connected to it. The frequency band can thus affect the transmittable data bandwidth. If a frequency band with a reduced usable data transmission bandwidth is selected, the number of used communication channels can preferably be increased, and conversely, if a frequency band with a higher usable data transmission bandwidth is used, the number of communication channels can be reduced.

[0047] A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that, when switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the transceiver unit switches from a 5 GHz band to a 2.4 GHz band, thereby increasing the number of transmit and receive channels, in particular from a 1x1 SISO configuration to at least a 2x2 MIMO configuration. This allows reliable communication between the transceiver unit and an app running on the mobile device, which requires a certain minimum data bandwidth. The transceiver unit uses, in particular, a corresponding number of transmit and receive antennas. 2024P03603WÖ

[0048] 10

[0049] It is also conceivable that the transceiver unit completely and without replacement discontinues WLAN operation in the 5 GHz band when switching from the first to the second operating mode. The application running on the transceiver unit or the processing unit for interacting with the app on the mobile device is also terminated in this context. This prevents unauthorized operation in a 5 GHz network with the cabin cover open, or in "Outdoor Ilse" mode.

[0050] A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that, in the first operating mode, the transceiver unit establishes an internet connection by connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot, and in the second operating mode, it deactivates Wi-Fi operation and activates mobile network operation to maintain the internet connection using mobile data transmitted via mobile network. The Wi-Fi hotspot can be provided by a Wi-Fi router located outside the vehicle and connected to the internet via a landline connection. Alternatively, a mobile device connected to the internet via mobile network or even Wi-Fi, such as a smartphone, can function as the Wi-Fi hotspot. The smartphone and the transceiver unit thus perform tethering in the first operating mode. When the cabin shell is opened, the emissions from the vehicle or...The Wi-Fi signals generated by the mobile device are transmitted further into the surrounding area, increasing the risk of interference with other devices. Therefore, it is preferable to deactivate Wi-Fi operation when the cabin is opened or in the open state. To still enable the vehicle to connect to the internet, the transceiver unit uses a mobile internet connection, for example, from a mobile network base station or a satellite constellation operating in low Earth orbit.

[0051] In a vehicle of this type, comprising a computing unit and at least one transceiver unit, the computing unit and the at least one transceiver unit are configured, according to the invention, to carry out a method described above. The vehicle can be any road vehicle such as a car, truck, van, bus, or the like. A convertible is particularly preferred. The convertible top or roof can be designed as a hardtop or softtop. It is also conceivable that the vehicle has more than one transceiver unit. One, several 2024P03603WÖ

[0052] 11 or all of the transceiver units may have antennas located inside the cabin shell or attached to the vehicle's outer skin.

[0053] Further advantageous embodiments of the inventive method for operating a radio-based transmitter-receiver unit in a vehicle and of the vehicle itself also result from the exemplary embodiment, which is described in more detail below with reference to the figure.

[0054] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle according to the invention in a first and a second state.

[0055] Figure 1 shows an advantageous embodiment of a vehicle 2 according to the invention, which performs a method according to the invention for operating a radio-based transmitter-receiver unit 1. The vehicle 2 is designed as a convertible. In Figure 1a), the convertible top 6 of the vehicle 2 is closed. In Figure 1b), the convertible top 6 is open.

[0056] Vehicle 2 is equipped with a transceiver unit 1, primarily for transmitting and receiving WLAN signals. In particular, the 5 GHz frequency band is used.

[0057] According to the invention, an in-vehicle computing unit 5 determines the opening status 3 of a cabin shell that separates a passenger compartment 4 of the vehicle 2 from its surroundings. Since the convertible top 6 is closed in Figure 1a), the opening status 3 is also CLOSED here. In Figure 1b), however, the convertible top 6 is open, so the opening status 3 is OPEN. It should be noted here that a partially open state of the convertible top 6 is also considered OPEN, for example, during the opening or closing of the convertible top 6.

[0058] According to the invention, the processing unit 5 switches the transceiver unit 1 into a first operating mode B1 when the opening status 3 is CLOSED and switches the transceiver unit 1 into a second operating mode B2 when the opening status 3 is OPEN. The way in which this transceiver unit 1 receives and / or transmits radio signals differs between the first and second operating modes B1 and B2. As shown in Figure 1, the transceiver unit 1 particularly preferably switches a frequency band 7 for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals between the first operating mode B1 and the second operating mode B2. The representation of the frequency band 7 is purely qualitative. In the diagram, the frequency f is shown on the beam. In particular, the transceiver unit 1 switches to the frequency band from 5150 to 5250 MHz in the first operating mode B1 and to the frequency band from 5470 to 5725 MHz in the second operating mode B2.Particularly advantageous is the ability to adjust, especially increase, the transmit or receive power when switching from the first operating mode B1 to the second operating mode B2. This allows contact to be made with peripheral devices located at greater distances.

[0059] The method according to the invention increases the reliability of communication with the transmitter-receiver unit 1. The transmitter-receiver unit 1 can be operated in compliance with regulations.

Claims

2024P03603WÖ 13 Mercedes-Benz Group AG Patent claims 1. Method for operating a radio-based transceiver unit (1) in a vehicle (2), wherein the manner in which the transceiver unit (1) receives and / or transmits radio signals is switched depending on at least one first (B1) and one second operating mode (B2), characterized by the following method steps: A: Determining the opening status (3) of an occupant cabin (4) of the vehicle (2) cabin shell separating from the environment by an in-vehicle computing unit (5); and B: Switching the transmitter-receiver unit (1) into the first operating mode (B1) for an opening status (3) with the value CLOSED and switching the transmitter-receiver unit (1) into the second operating mode (B2) for an opening status (3) with the value OPEN.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitter-receiver unit (1) does not receive and / or transmit any radio signals within a first time window before the change of the operating mode (B1 , B2), during the change of the operating mode (B1, B2) and / or after the change of the operating mode (B1 , B2).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the computing unit (5) switches between the first (B1) and second operating mode (B2) at the moment when the opening status (3) changes; 2024P03603WÖ 14 the computing unit (5) switches proactively between the first (B1) and second operating mode (B2) if a change to the opening status (3) is planned within a future time window of a specified first duration; or the computing unit (5) switches retrospectively between the first (B1) and second operating mode (B2) if a specified second duration has elapsed after a change to the opening status (3).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the computing unit (5) for determining the opening status (3) takes into account the opening state of a window, a door, a tailgate and / or a convertible top (6) of the vehicle (2).

5. Method according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the computing unit (5) switches the transmitter-receiver unit (1) from the first (B1) to the second operating mode (B2) only when the convertible top (6) of the vehicle (2) is fully open; and the computing unit (5) switches the transmitter-receiver unit (1) from the second (B2) to the first operating mode (B1) as soon as the convertible top (6) of the vehicle (2) begins to close.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transmitter-receiver unit (1) switches the frequency band (7) for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals between the first (B1) and second operating mode (B2).

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the transmitter-receiver unit (1) transmits and / or receives WLAN signals.

8. Method according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the transceiver unit (1) is switched to the frequency band of 5150 - 5250 MHz in the first operating mode (B1) and to the frequency band of 5470 - 5725 MHz in the second operating mode (B2); or the transceiver unit (1) is switched to the frequency band of 5170 - 5250 MHz in the first operating mode (B1) and to the frequency band of 5490 - 5725 MHz or 5725 - 5850 MHz in the second operating mode (B2).

9. Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the transmitter-receiver unit (1) changes the number of used transmit channels and / or receive channels in connection with a single input - single output configuration and / or a multiple input - multiple output configuration when changing the frequency band.

10. Method according to claim 9, if not dependent on claim 8, characterized in that the transceiver unit (1) switches from a 5 GHz band to a 2.4 GHz band when switching from the first operating mode (B1) to the second operating mode (B2), thereby increasing the number of transmit channels and receive channels, in particular from a 1x1 SISO configuration to at least a 2x2 MIMO configuration.

11. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the transmitter-receiver unit (1) is operated as a slave in the second operating mode (B2).

12. Method according to claim 7 and one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transmitter-receiver unit (1) provides an internet connection in the first operating mode (B1) by connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot and in the second operating mode (B2) stops WLAN operation and activates mobile network operation in order to maintain the internet connection using mobile data transmitted via mobile network.

13. Vehicle (2) comprising a computing unit (5) and at least one Transmitter-receiver unit (1), characterized in that the computing unit (5) and the at least one transmitter-receiver unit (1) are configured to execute a method according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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