Apparatuses, methods, and computer programs for a tire pressure measurement sensor, tire pressure measurement system

Abstract

Provided are apparatuses, methods, and computer programs for a tire pressure measurement (TPMS) sensor and system. The method (10) for the TPMS sensor, which is configured to be mounted in a tire of a vehicle, comprises determining or detecting (12) one or more tire operating conditions of the tire, determining (14) of a time for transmitting measurement data to a receiver of the TPMS, wherein the time for transmitting is determined based on the one or more tire operating conditions, and transmitting (16) measurement data to the receiver at the determined time for transmitting.

Description

[0001] 202407759 1

[0002] Apparatuses, Methods, and Computer Programs for a Tire Pressure Measurement Sensor, Tire Pressure Measurement System

[0003] Description

[0004] The present disclosure relates to apparatuses, methods, and computer programs for a tire pressure measurement (TPMS) sensor and system, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a concept for determining efficient transmission cycles for a TPMS sensor based on operating conditions of a tire. For example, it relates to a method of emergency reporting of a tire pressure monitoring system and / or to an energy efficient operation of a wireless tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

[0005] Tires might account for only a low percentage of the operating costs associated with truck fleets, but they can have a huge impact on operational costs. For instance, underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, causing the truck to consume more fuel and thus raising expenses. Additionally, a punctured tire results in the truck being out of service for repairs. In the logistics sector, downtime not only incurs costs for fleet operators but also affects their customers and, ultimately, the end consumers.

[0006] Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are designed to monitor the operational conditions and related parameters inside pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles. Pressure and temperature sensors are installed in the tires, and the system relays tire pressure and temperature information to the driver, associated with motion data. This data is wirelessly transmitted to a central receiver component in the vehicle.

[0007] For example, a TPMS sensor may be able to monitor pressure, temperature, and mileage in real time from inside a tire, and to transfer information about the overall condition of each individual tire in a fleet. Depending on the application, it transfers data over a specific radio frequency or via the Bluetooth protocol. A specially developed app, which is available for all standard smartphone operating systems, may also enable data-driven tire inspections and may allow data to be read on-site. Thanks to continuous digital condition monitoring, the system may ensure that tires always perform at their best. This saves fuel, cuts CO2 emissions and prevents unscheduled tire changes and 202407759 2 workshop visits, avoiding all the costly vehicle downtimes that these entail. Depending on the application, the data is transmitted to an loT (Internet of Things) platform in real time or while the vehicle is passing the yard. The fleet manager can view the data in the web portal or in an on-site app. If there are any problems, an alert is triggered by text message, e-mail, or directly in the web portal.

[0008] Extensive prior art addressed the communication of tire data collected by TPMS. US 2009033478 A1 describes a tire pressure monitoring device that includes a memory with a plurality of selectable communication protocols to govern communication and operation.

[0009] US 8266465 B2 describes a battery-operated device with a receiver for receiving a transmission. A sensor, in a tire, measures a parameter of the tire and outputs data indicative of the parameter. A microprocessor is coupled to the receiver and the sensor. The microprocessor is configured to periodically partially awaken to determine whether the transmission is likely a forward link packet (FLP) by examining the postamble, and to transmit the data in a reverse link packet (RLP) in response to confirming that the transmission is a FLP.

[0010] US7278307 B2 discloses a non-attached monitoring device that includes a monitoring assembly and an antenna configured to radiate signals from the monitoring assembly. The antenna is configured to radiate through the oriented attenuating body of the tire sidewall regardless of the position of the monitoring device with respect to the tire sidewall. In one embodiment, the antenna has a body that is looped back on itself. The body may be parallel to or perpendicular to the antenna ground plane. In another embodiment, a radiating slot antenna is configured to provide transmissions through the tire sidewall regardless of the position of the monitoring device.

[0011] US8098146B2 describes a tire pressure monitoring using wireless network that includes a remote command device and a valve-stem mountable tire pressure gauge. The tire pressure gauge includes a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of a fluid in a tire and providing an output signal indicative of the detected fluid pressure, and a first radiofrequency module for transmitting data indicative of the detected fluid pressure based on the output signal of the pressure sensor. The remote command device includes a 202407759 3 second radio-frequency module for wirelessly receiving the data transmitted by the first radio frequency module, a wireless communication module for communicating via a wireless network, information based at least on data received by the second radio frequency module, and a display for displaying at least the fluid pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

[0012] US2021101423 A1 describes a tire pressure sensor device for a wheel of an aircraft. The device includes a pressure sensor for measuring the internal pressure of a tire, a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature local to the tire, a memory unit local to the tire for storing data, and a control unit local to the tire arranged to record in the memory unit data of the readings taken at intervals of time. The data recorded for each reading includes an indication of the time of the reading, the tire pressure and the temperature local to the tire. Measurements may be taken and recorded over time, both when the aircraft is on the ground and when the aircraft is in flight. Data may be uploaded to a portable handheld device for analysis when maintaining the tires in their correctly inflated state.

[0013] US 9925837 B2 discloses a tire pressure sensor module, configured to provide information related to a pressure of a tire of a vehicle, that comprises a pressure sensor configured to determine the information related to the pressure of the tire. The pressure sensor module further includes a controller configured to selectively operate the tire pressure sensor module in an active state and in an inactive state, wherein an energy consumption of the tire pressure sensor module is lower in the inactive state than in the active state. The controller is further configured to control an output of the information related to the pressure of the tire in the active state, and operate the tire pressure sensor module in the inactive state based on determining that information related to a velocity of the tire indicates a velocity above a threshold.

[0014] A sensor system for obtaining data from an elastomeric article that includes at least one wireless sensor is described by US 7832263 B2. The sensor length-scales range from nano- to micro-scale devices that are small enough to avoid becoming occlusions within the article. The article may include sensors embedded within one of the materials of the article, a layer of sensors built into the article, and a string of sensors disposed within a component or embedded within a component of the article. The sensors may be 202407759 4 configured to provide data related to one or more of temperature, pressure, sidewall flex, stress, strain and other parameters. The sensors may be LCD sensors, and / or conductive polymer sensors, and / or bio-polymer sensors and / or polymer diodes suitable for sensing data during the operation of the tire. A power circuit using energy generated by the tire may provide power to the sensors.

[0015] US 9796219 B2 relates to a wireless tire monitoring system for a vehicle. Accordingly, the wireless tire monitoring system includes at least one sensor unit disposed at each tire of the vehicle for measuring at least one parameter relating to the condition of the tire; a mobile communication unit in communication with the sensor unit, or in-car unit or other associated units, components / devices (if any), and distinct server / storage media / internet cloud; a distinct server / storage media / internet cloud for storing all information relating to encryption key, user information / identities, or the parameters concerning the condition of the tire measured by the sensor unit. The tire monitoring system is adapted to efficiently transmit, store, receive / retrieve, pair, share and / or broadcast encryption data or other related information within the associated units, components / devices with the distinct server or storage media or the internet cloud, in a parallel communication.

[0016] Further technical background can be found in US 2002126005 A1 , US 2018284758 A1 , US 2006021425 A1 , US 2011012722 A1 , US 2017197481 A1 , US 2020363384 A1 , US 2009277262 A1 , US 2002059825 A1 , and US 2017136834 A1 .

[0017] Since TPMS operates continuously to monitor tire conditions, its batteries can be drained over time, which is not a desirable condition in case of emergency (e.g. tire pressure gets critical). Therefore, securing power for such unexpected, abnormal situations is crucial. Power consumption is a key issue for the TPMS, as it relies on battery-powered modules. Continuous operation is necessary to monitor tire pressure, which can lead to battery depletion over time. Maintaining long battery life is essential to prevent frequent replacements and to allow the system to communicate directly from tire to cloud.

[0018] There is a demand to improve the TPMS battery life while performing direct tire to cloud communication and to enhance the battery lifetime of TPMS. The battery lifetime of 202407759 5

[0019] TPMS should be enhanced while securing tire data transfer, in particular in case of emergency reporting.

[0020] Various examples of the present disclosure are based on the finding that tire pressure measurement systems (TPMS) face significant challenges in optimizing the transmission of measurement data from tire-mounted sensors to receivers while balancing battery life, radio coverage conditions, and the criticality of tire operating conditions. Conventional TPMS sensors often transmit data at fixed intervals regardless of operating conditions, leading to inefficient energy consumption and potentially delayed reporting of critical tire conditions. The present disclosure relates to a technique for intelligently determining transmission timing based on multiple operational parameters to achieve energy-efficient communication while ensuring timely reporting of critical conditions.

[0021] The proposed concept addresses these challenges by providing a method and system that dynamically determines the optimal time for transmitting measurement data based on tire operating conditions, available battery capacity, and radio coverage conditions. This improves energy efficiency by avoiding transmissions under unfavorable conditions while ensuring that critical tire conditions are reported promptly. The proposed concept results in extended battery life for TPMS sensors, reduced power consumption, and enhanced reliability in reporting both normal and critical tire conditions. By intelligently adapting transmission timing and periodicity to the specific operational context, the system achieves a balance between energy conservation and safety-critical communication.

[0022] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method for a tire pressure measurement system (TPMS) sensor configured to be mounted in a tire of a vehicle. The method comprises determining or detecting one or more tire operating conditions of the tire. The method further comprises determining a time for transmitting measurement data to a receiver of the TPMS. The time for transmitting is determined based on the one or more tire operating conditions and, optionally, on the information about the available battery capacity and the radio coverage conditions. The method further comprises transmitting measurement data to the receiver at the determined time for transmitting. By determining the transmission time based on multiple operational 202407759 6 parameters, energy-efficient communication is achieved while ensuring timely reporting of tire conditions.

[0023] To achieve optimal energy efficiency in the transmission process, in various examples, the method may further comprise obtaining information about an available battery capacity and radio coverage conditions. The time for transmitting may be determined by determining energy efficient transmission conditions. This enables the system to avoid transmissions under conditions that would require excessive power consumption, thereby extending battery life.

[0024] In some examples, the method may further comprise measuring a tire pressure to obtain the measurement data. This provides the fundamental measurement information that needs to be transmitted to the receiver.

[0025] For comprehensive monitoring of tire health, in various examples, the determining of the tire operating conditions may comprise performing temperature and / or pressure measurements of the tire. This allows for a more complete assessment of tire operating conditions by considering both pressure and temperature parameters.

[0026] To enable differentiated handling of various operational states, in some examples, the determining of the tire operating conditions may comprise classifying the tire operating condition to be critical or uncritical. This classification enables the system to adapt its transmission strategy based on the seventy of the detected conditions.

[0027] In various examples, the determining or detecting of tire critical operational conditions may mean either one of or both of tire pressure and / or temperature measured values are below or above critical thresholds. This provides a clear criterion for identifying situations that require immediate attention.

[0028] For immediate notification of dangerous tire conditions, in some examples, the TPMS may adopt emergency reporting from tire to cloud (T2C) when detecting tire critical operational conditions. Additionally, if the tire operating condition is critical, the transmitting may use short range communication to transmit the measurement data to 202407759 7 vehicle receiver. This ensures rapid communication of critical conditions through appropriate communication channels.

[0029] In various examples, if the tire operating condition is uncritical and / or critical, the transmitting may use long range communication to transmit the measurement data to a receiver of a long-range mobile communication system. This enables direct communication with cloud-based systems or remote receivers, providing flexibility in data routing.

[0030] To adapt the frequency of data reporting to operational needs, in some examples, the method may further comprise setting a periodicity for the transmitting of the measurement data based on the operating condition. This allows the system to adjust how frequently data is transmitted based on the current tire state.

[0031] For differentiated reporting frequencies based on condition severity, in various examples, the method may further comprise setting a first periodicity for the transmitting of the measurement data, if the operating condition is critical, and setting a second periodicity for the transmitting of the measurement data, if the operating condition is uncritical. This enables more frequent reporting during critical conditions, while conserving energy during normal operation.

[0032] To optimize measurement frequency based on real-time operational context, in some examples, the method may further comprise dynamically adopting variable periodicities Ti, i = 1 ... n, of an instrumentation measurement depending on the tire's operating conditions. The instrumentation measurement may comprise at least one of a temperature and / or a pressure measurement. This provides fine-grained control over measurement intervals based on the specific operating conditions detected.

[0033] In various examples, dynamically varying the periodicities depending on the tire's operating conditions may mean adopting longer periodicity for normal tire conditions and shorter periodicities for warning or critical tire conditions. This balances energy conservation during normal operation with increased monitoring during potentially dangerous conditions. 202407759 8

[0034] For adaptive adjustment of measurement periodicity based on operational trends, in some examples, in case the instrumentation measurements record a first configurable number (K1 ) of consecutive normal operation values, the periodicity may be increased (TN+1 ). Additionally, in case the instrumentation measurements record a second configurable number (K2) of consecutive warning operation values, the periodicity may be decreased to a warning operation periodicity (TN-1 ). This enables gradual adjustment of measurement frequency based on the stability and trend of the measured parameters. K1 and K2 may then be re-initialized (e.g. K1 =0 and K2=0) once the periodicity has been increased or decreased.

[0035] In scenarios requiring immediate response to dangerous conditions, in various examples, in case the instrumentation measurements record critical operation values, an emergency periodicity (TE) may be adopted, and emergency reporting may be triggered. This ensures the fastest possible response time when critical conditions are detected.

[0036] In some examples, the instrumentation measurement periodicity may be skipped and / or adapted in correlation with predefined ranges of measured parameters, such as pressure, temperature, or both. This provides additional flexibility in controlling measurement timing based on specific parameter ranges.

[0037] To optimize transmission timing based on radio conditions, in various examples, the determining of the time for transmitting measurement data may be configured to trigger a transmission of the measurement data based on the available coverage condition. This ensures that transmissions occur when radio conditions are favorable.

[0038] For conservation of battery power under unfavorable radio conditions, in some examples, the determining of the time for transmitting measurement data may be configured to refrain from transmitting the measurement data, if the available coverage condition is disadvantageous. This avoids wasting energy on transmissions that would require excessive power or might fail due to poor coverage.

[0039] To intelligently manage power consumption based on battery state and coverage quality, in various examples, the determining of the time for transmitting measurement 202407759 9 data may be configured to estimate an available transmit power level based on the battery capacity and to estimate a required transmit power level based on the coverage condition. The determining may be configured to postpone the transmitting of the measurement data, if the required transmit power level exceeds the available transmit power level. By comparing available and required power levels, the system can defer transmissions until conditions are more favorable, thereby extending battery life.

[0040] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a computer program having a program code for performing the method described above when the computer program is executed on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component. This enables software-based implementation of the proposed concept on various computing platforms.

[0041] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for a sensor of a tire pressure measurement system (TPMS) comprising a plurality of sensors. The apparatus comprises one or more interfaces configured to communicate in the TPMS. The apparatus further comprises one or more processing devices configured to perform the method described above. This provides a hardware implementation of the proposed concept suitable for integration into TPMS sensors.

[0042] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a TPMS sensor comprising the apparatus described above. This provides a complete sensor implementation incorporating the intelligent transmission timing capabilities.

[0043] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a wireless tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to carry out the method described above and / or comprising a TPMS sensor as described above. This provides a complete system-level implementation of the proposed concept for tire pressure monitoring with intelligent, energy-efficient data transmission.

[0044] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of emergency reporting is provided, performed by a wireless tire pressure monitoring system TPMS configured to collect vehicle sensor data from a vehicle tire and transfer them to a vehicle TCU 202407759 10

[0045] (Telematics Control Unit), a mobile communication unit, or an internet cloud platform, whereby the TPMS adopts emergency reporting from tire to cloud (T2C) when detecting tire critical operational conditions.

[0046] The described technique may be advantageous from multiple points of view. Firstly, the battery lifetime of TPMS may be enhanced through the method. Secondly, TPMS may be able to adapt to secure vehicle sensor data transfer with enhanced reliability.

[0047] In one aspect of the emergency reporting method, detecting tire critical operational conditions means either one of or both of tire pressure and / or temperature measured values are below critical respective thresholds. The tire critical temperature and respective critical pressure thresholds are configured by automotive OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer), tire manufacturers, and / or their respective service providers. The transfer of vehicle sensor data is immediate and does not follow the normal or periodic parameters reporting scheduled for the TPMS.

[0048] Furthermore, the TPMS transfers vehicle sensor data from tire to cloud via long-range communication technology and, simultaneously, transfers data to vehicle telematics control unit (TCU) via short-range communication technology. In some examples, the TPMS transfers vehicle sensor data from tire to cloud via long-range technology and, simultaneously, the TPMS transfers vehicle sensor data from tire to a mobile communication unit (e.g., a mobile phone or a smartphone) via short-range technology. In some embodiments, the long-range technology used to transfer vehicle sensor data from tire to cloud is NB-loT (Narrow-Band loT), and the short-range technology used to transfer vehicle sensor data from tire to vehicle TCU or mobile communication unit is BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). For example, 3GPP specified NB-loT for LTE in 3GPP TS 36.201 V13.2.0 (2016-06), Technical Specification, 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); LTE physical layer; General description (Release 13), and 3GPP TS 36.211 V13.6.0 (2017-06), Technical Specification, 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); Physical channels and modulation, (Release 13). Corresponding specifications can be found for other 3GPP aspects and releases as well. 202407759 11

[0049] A reference list can be found in https: / / www.3gpp.org / images / PDF / R13_IOT_rev3.pdf .

[0050] Moreover, the decision to use tire-to-cloud (T2C) in combination with vehicle telematics control unit (TCU) to transfer vehicle sensor data may be configurable by operator. Optionally or alternatively, whether to use T2C and TCU depends on T2C coverage conditions.

[0051] Further aspects are described below. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above features of examples of the method may also be used in conjunction with the following aspects and vice versa.

[0052] According to another aspect, there is provided a wireless tire monitoring system for a vehicle, comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to carry out the methods described herein, e.g., of emergency reporting.

[0053] According to another aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to carry out the method of emergency reporting.

[0054] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a memory) comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to carry out the method of emergency reporting.

[0055] According to another aspect, an energy efficient operation is provided, performed by a battery powered wireless tire pressure monitoring system sensor configured to collect vehicle sensor data and transfer them over radio frequency (RF) circuitry. The TPMS dynamically adopts variable periodicities Ti, i = 1 ... n, of instrumentation measurement depending on tire operating conditions. This technique may be advantageous by making the measurement process more versatile and adaptable to various tire operating conditions. Power consumption may be balanced with operations and a higher efficiency is achieved. In the end, the battery lifetime is enhanced. 202407759 12

[0056] In one example, varying the periodicities depending on the tire's operating conditions means longer periodicity is adopted for normal tire conditions and shorter periodicities are adopted for warning or critical tire conditions. The adopted instrumentation measurement periodicity Ti, i = 1 ... n, varies within a predefined range between a minimal value Tmin and a maximal value Tmax. In case the instrumentation measurements record a first configurable number of consecutive normal operation values, the periodicity is increased. In case the instrumentation measurements record a second configurable number of consecutive warning operation values, the periodicity is decreased to a warning operation periodicity. In case the instrumentation measurements record critical operation values, an emergency periodicity is adopted, and emergency reporting is triggered.

[0057] Optionally or alternatively, the instrumentation measurement periodicity is skipped in correlation with predefined ranges of measured pressure, temperature, or both.

[0058] Optionally or alternatively, the instrumentation measurement periodicity is adapted in correlation with predefined ranges of measured pressure, temperature, or both.

[0059] Further aspects are described below. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above features of examples of the method may also be used in conjunction with the following aspects and vice versa.

[0060] According to another aspect, a wireless tire pressure monitoring system TPMS is provided, comprising a battery powered wireless tire pressure monitoring system sensor configured to collect vehicle sensor data and transfer them over a radio frequency (RF) circuitry, at least one memory and at least one processor configured to dynamically adopt variable periodicities Ti, i = 1 ... n, of instrumentation measurement depending on tire operating conditions.

[0061] According to another aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to dynamically adopt variable periodicities Ti, i = 1 ... n, of instrumentation measurement depending on tire operating conditions. 202407759 13

[0062] According to another aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to dynamically adopt variable periodicities Ti, i = 1... n, of instrumentation measurements depending on tire operating conditions.

[0063] Further features of examples of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims in conjunction with the figures.

[0064] Some examples of apparatuses and / or methods will be described in the following by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which

[0065] Fig.1 shows a flowchart of an example of a method for a TPMS sensor;

[0066] Fig. 2 depicts a block diagram of an example of an apparatus for a TPMS sensor;

[0067] Fig. 3 illustrates a sketch of a tire pressure monitoring system at the top and block diagram of an implementation of a TPMS sensor at the bottom;

[0068] Fig. 4 shows an example of a TPMS provided with an in-car unit as intermediary element between the tire sensor and a mobile communication unit on the left and an example of an implementation of a TPMS without the in-car unit on the right, whereby the tire sensor is able to directly transfer data to the mobile communication unit;

[0069] Fig. 5 depicts an example of a method in which transmission of data is triggered by a pressure threshold only;

[0070] Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a method in which transmission of data is triggered by a pressure threshold and a mobility indicator of the vehicle;

[0071] Fig. 7 shows a first chart of a peak current in mA versus transmit power in dBm at the top and a second chart of batterie life in years versus a number of telegrams transmitted per day at the bottom;

[0072] Fig. 8 depicts a flowchart of a network scanning procedure in an example; 202407759 14

[0073] Fig. 9 illustrates three variants of methods considering a classified operational condition;

[0074] Fig. 10 shows three variants of methods for classifying an operational condition and corresponding method behavior;

[0075] Fig. 11 depicts a flow chart for an example of a method for changing a telegram periodicity based on classification of the operational condition;

[0076] Fig. 12 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method considering a signal reception quality for telegram transmission;

[0077] Fig. 13 shows a flow chart of an example of a method considering available and estimated energy for telegram transmission;

[0078] Fig. 14 depicts a range of operating conditions defined for a given parameter; and

[0079] Fig. 15 illustrates another flow chart of an example of a method for determining transmission time / periodicity of a TPMS sensor.

[0080] Some examples are now described in more detail with reference to the enclosed figures. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of these embodiments described in detail. Other examples may include modifications of the features, as well as equivalents and alternatives to the features. Furthermore, the terminology used herein to describe certain examples should not be restrictive of further possible examples.

[0081] Throughout the description of the figures, same or similar reference numerals refer to same or similar elements and / or features, which may be identical or implemented in a modified form while providing the same or a similar function. The thickness of lines, layers, and / or areas in the figures may also be exaggerated for clarification.

[0082] When two elements A and B are combined using an "or", this is to be understood as disclosing all possible combinations, i.e. , only A, only B, as well as A and B, unless 202407759 15 expressly defined otherwise in the individual case. As an alternative wording for the same combinations, "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B" may be used. This applies equivalently to combinations of more than two elements.

[0083] If a singular form, such as "a", "an", and "the" is used and the use of only a single element is not defined as mandatory either explicitly or implicitly, further examples may also use several elements to implement the same function. If a function is described below as implemented using multiple elements, further examples may implement the same function using a single element or a single processing entity. It is further understood that the terms "include", "including", "comprise", and / or "comprising", when used, describe the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components, and / or a group thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components, and / or a group thereof.

[0084] Fig.1 shows a flowchart of an example of a method 10 for a TPMS sensor. The method for the TPMS sensor, configured to be mounted in a tire of a vehicle, comprises determining or detecting 12 one or more tire operating conditions of the tire. The method 10 further comprises determining 14 a time for transmitting measurement data to a receiver of the TPMS, wherein the time for transmitting is determined based on the one or more tire operating conditions. The time may correspond to a transmission cycle or periodicity. Optionally, the transmitting may also be based on information about available battery capacity and the radio coverage conditions. The radio coverage conditions may include the availability of different radio access technologies (RATs) and the transmission or service quality available under the given circumstances. The method 10 further comprises transmitting 16 measurement data to the receiver at the determined time for transmitting.

[0085] Fig. 2 depicts a block diagram of an example of an apparatus 20 for a TPMS sensor 200. The TPMS may comprise a plurality of sensors. The apparatus 20 comprises one or more interfaces 22 configured to communicate in the TPMS. The one or more interfaces 22 are coupled to one or more processing devices 24. The one or more processing devices 24 are configured to perform one of the methods described herein. Fig. 2 further illustrates a TPMS sensor 200 comprising the apparatus 20. Yet another 202407759 16 example is a wireless tire pressure monitoring system TPMS, comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to carry out a method as described herein and / or comprising one or more TPMS sensors 200.

[0086] As illustrated in Fig. 2, the respective one or more signal processing devices 24 are coupled to the respective one or more interfaces 22. The one or more interfaces 22 may serve as an interface for communicating in the TPMS communication system, e.g. for communication of the TPMS sensors among each other, for communication of a TPMS sensor with a TCU, with a TPMS receiver, and / or with a TPMS server. The one or more interfaces 22 may serve for long range (cellular, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network), SIGFOX) and / or short range communication (Bluetooth, ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.). The one or more interfaces 22 may correspond to one or more inputs and / or outputs for receiving and / or transmitting information, which may be in digital (bit) values or analog according to a specified code or protocol, within a module, between modules, or between modules of different entities. For example, an interface may comprise interface circuitry configured to receive and / or transmit information. In examples, an interface may comprise any means for obtaining, receiving, transmitting, or providing analog or digital signals or information, e.g., any connector, contact, pin, register, input port, output port, conductor, lane, etc., which allows providing or obtaining a signal or information. The one or more interfaces 22 may be configured to communicate (transmit, receive, or both) in a wireless and / or wired manner, and it may be configured to communicate, i.e., transmit and / or receive signals, information with further internal or external components. The one or more interfaces 22 or the apparatus 20 may comprise further components to enable communication in a (mobile) communication system or network; such components may include transceiver (transmitter and / or receiver) components, such as one or more Low- Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), one or more Power-Amplifiers (PAs), one or more duplexers, one or more diplexers, one or more filters or filter circuitry, one or more converters, one or more mixers, accordingly adapted radio frequency components, one or more antennas, etc. For example, the respective one or more interfaces 22 may enable radio communication with UEs and communication between base stations, which can be directly and / or indirectly, wired and / or wireless, respectively. 202407759 17

[0087] The one or more (signal) processing devices 24 may be implemented using one or more processing units, one or more circuitries, or any means for processing, such as a processor, a computer, or a programmable hardware component being operable with accordingly adapted software. In other words, the described function of the one or more processing devices 24 may as well be implemented in software, which is then executed on one or more programmable hardware components. Such hardware components may comprise a general-purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a microcontroller, etc.

[0088] Generally, Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor / System (TPMS) is an electronic system that monitors the air pressure and temperature of a vehicle's tires. The dynamic behavior and safety of heavy vehicles and trailers are heavily reliant on tire pressure. Maintaining the appropriate tire pressure is crucial for preventing accidents and optimizing vehicle performance (e.g., fuel consumption, CO2 footprint). TPMS systems provide real-time monitoring of tire pressure and temperature, allowing drivers to detect and address any issues before they become a major safety concern. Tire-to-cloud (T2C) communication enables the TPMS sensors to collect the information from the tire and transfer this data to a cloud platform either using a vehicular telematics control unit (TCU) or long-range communication technology, such as cellular radio communication as specified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0089] Using vehicle telematics units for T2C communication could create data ownership conflicts between TPMS sensor makers, telematics makers, and other vehicle part makers. To address this challenge, a long-range communication technology can be adopted to transfer data to the cloud, without relying on any third-party equipment or component. However, direct T2C communication introduces high power consumption, which results in limiting the device battery life. Typically, TPMS uses non-replaceable and small form factor batteries. In case the battery is dead, the sensor is of no use. One aim of examples presented herein is to enhance the TPMS’ battery lifetime while performing direct T2C communication.

[0090] For example: 202407759 18

[0091] 1. The TPMS identifies the least energy or an advantageous consuming state to send telegrams from the T2C based on the tire operating conditions, available battery capacity, and radio coverage conditions.

[0092] 2. TPMS performs temperature and pressure measurements to decide whether the tire is in normal or critical operational conditions.

[0093] 3. Communication technology is identified based on the tire operating conditions.

[0094] 3 (a). If the tire is in critical operating condition, the TPMS uses Bluetooth to transfer data to the vehicle dashboard. T2C uses the long-range communication technologies (like NB-loT, Cat-M (Long Term Evolution (LTE) for machines), LoRa (Long Range technology), etc.).

[0095] 3 (b). Else, the TPMS uses long-range communication technology (like NB-loT, Cat-M, LoRa, etc.).

[0096] 4. Based on the TPMS initial measurements, the periodicity of TPMS telegram transmission may be decided.

[0097] 4 (a). If the tire is in critical operating condition, T_1 periodicity,

[0098] 4 (b). Else, T_2 periodicity (where T_1 « T_2).

[0099] 5. The TPMS may evaluate whether to transmit a telegram or not based on the available coverage condition.

[0100] 6. The TPMS measures the coverage condition, available battery capacity, and estimates the transmit power level.

[0101] 7. In case the required transmit power level is higher than the estimate, the TPMS will postpone the telegram transmission.

[0102] At least in some examples, the best or at least favorable data transmission conditions may be identified by evaluating the coverage, available battery capacity, data size, mobility state, and other environmental conditions.

[0103] Fig. 3 illustrates a sketch of a tire pressure monitoring system at the top and block diagram of an implementation of a TPMS sensor at the bottom. Fig. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of a tire pressure monitoring sensor, which combines tire pressure (pressure sensor 304), tire temperature (temperature sensor 302), and motion data (e.g., tire radial and / or tangential acceleration measured by motion sensor 306) by means of sensors placed on tires. Such sensor data may be pre-processed directly by sensors, and adapted to be further processed by means of a processor 300 (e.g., a 202407759 19 micro-controller). Resulting processed tire data are further sent wirelessly (e.g., via a RF transmitter, Radio 308), with a pre-determined periodicity of transmission (e.g., immediately or a few times a day). As such, TPMS systems provide constant monitoring of tire pressure and temperature, allowing drivers to detect and address any issues before they become a major safety concern.

[0104] The tire and pressure sensors 302, 304, 306 may be placed on each tire of a vehicle (not shown) and designed to collect tire data with a predefined periodicity. Vehicular sensor data, including tire data, are sent via a radio frequency circuitry 308 to the vehicle dashboard (not shown), to an in-car communication unit (telematics control unit TCU) or to a mobile communication unit, which are able to transfer them afterwards to a dedicated internet cloud platform.

[0105] Given the continuous monitoring, sending continuously tire data from tire to cloud would drain the TPMS battery; therefore, there is a demand to find ways to reduce the power consumption and enhance the battery life as much as possible. In an example, a method of energy efficient operation of a battery powered wireless tire pressure monitoring system TPMS is provided. The method is performed by TPMS instrumentation or sensors, configured to periodically measure tire safety parameters (e.g., pressure and temperature) and transfer the measured data over radio frequency (RF). The wireless TPMS comprises at least one processor able to collect tire sensor data, at least one computer storage medium (e.g., a memory) and is ruled by means of a computer program, written in any suitable programming language.

[0106] For example, TPMS tire pressure, temperature, and other parameters measurement and data transmission happen in

[0107] - Real time (30 ms),

[0108] - Semi-real time (30 s ~ 120 s), or

[0109] - Non-real time (a few times a day).

[0110] Fig. 3 shows at the bottom a more specific implementation of a TPMS sensor 310. The TPMS sensor comprises a pressure cell 312, a temperature cell 314 and G-cell 316 for measuring radial and tangential accelerations. An LF -input circuit 318 is configured to receive a 125kHz signal, e.g. for installation and configuration purposes. The sensors 202407759 20

[0111] 312, 314, 316 report their measurement values to sensor preprocessing 320, which may be implemented using a micro controller or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The TPMS sensor 310 is powered by a power management IC 322 connected to a 3V battery. The processor 320 connects to an 8Bit-MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 326, which communicates via RF transmitter 324 and RF antenna 328 with a receiver at the vehicle, e.g. a TCU.

[0112] The TPMS sensor is an electronic system that monitors the air pressure and temperature of a vehicle's tires. The dynamic behavior and safety of vehicles and trailers are heavily reliant on tire pressure. Maintaining the appropriate tire pressure is crucial for preventing accidents and optimizing vehicle performance. TPMS systems provide real-time monitoring of tire pressure and temperature, allowing drivers to detect and address any issues before they become a major safety concern. Tire-to-cloud communication enables the TPMS sensors to collect the information from the tire and transfer this data to a cloud platform either using a vehicular telematics unit or long- range communication technology. The tire pressure and temperature data may be collected and sent to a cloud in real-time using a central telematics unit. Additionally, the unit transmits the vehicle's location using GPS (Global Positioning System) and records the operating hours of the tires. This provides fleet managers with a quick and convenient overview of the vehicles' condition, regardless of their location. By analyzing this information, the fleet can benefit from reduced downtimes, lower maintenance costs, and extended operating time.

[0113] Further, a long-range communication technology can be adopted to transfer data to the cloud, without relying on any third-party equipment or component.

[0114] Fig. 4 shows an example of a TPMS provided with an in-car unit as an intermediary element between the tire sensor and a mobile communication unit on the left and an example of an implementation of a TPMS without the in-car unit on the right, whereby the tire sensor is able to transfer data directly to the mobile communication unit.

[0115] Fig. 4 shows a tire-to-cloud (T2C) communication chain. Tire-to-cloud (T2C) communication enables the tire sensors to collect tire sensor data and transfer them to a cloud platform, e.g. using long-range communication technology. Fig. 4 shows such a 202407759 21

[0116] T2C variant on the left, provided with an in-car unit 404 (the vehicle telematics unit as an intermediary element between the tire sensors 402 and a mobile communication unit 406 configured to receive and transfer such tire sensor data to the internet cloud 408). In addition to the tire sensor data, the vehicular telematics unit transmits the vehicle's location using GPS and records the operating hours of the tires. This provides fleet managers with a quick and convenient overview of the vehicles' condition, regardless of their location. By analyzing this information, the fleet can benefit from reduced downtimes, lower maintenance costs, and extended operating time.

[0117] Nevertheless, using vehicle telematics units for T2C communication could create data ownership conflicts between TPMS sensor makers, telematics makers, and other vehicle part makers. To address this challenge, a long-range communication technology can be adopted to transfer data to the cloud, without relying on any third-party equipment or component, as illustrated in Fig. 4 on the right. Here, the sensor 402 communicates directly with the mobile communication unit 406 without using the in-car unit 404.

[0118] Fig. 5 depicts an example of a method in which transmission of data is triggered by a pressure threshold only. In step 502 tire temperature and tire pressure are measured. In step 504 the pressure is evaluated against a pressure threshold, which is 50 kPa in this example and which can be any other value suitable for the tire in other examples. If the measured pressure is above the threshold, the sensor goes directly to sleep 508. If the pressure is not above the threshold, the sensor transmits pressure and temperature in 506 and then goes to sleep 508.

[0119] Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a method in which transmission of data is triggered by a pressure threshold and a mobility indicator of the vehicle. In step 602 a mobility indicator is determined, which is assumed to be 0 in case the vehicle does not move. If it is zero, the sensor goes directly into sleep state 608. If the vehicle moves, pressure, temperature and acceleration are measured in step 604. Pressure then determines in 606, using a threshold comparison as outlined above, whether the sensor goes to sleep state 608. If not, pressure and temperature data are transmitted in step 610. 202407759 22

[0120] Figs. 5 and 6 present diagrammatically the operations performed by the tire sensors. Fig. 5 illustrates a variant, whereby the transmission of data is triggered by a pressure threshold (e.g., 50kPa), and Fig. 6 presents another variant whereby the transmission of data is made directly via the mobile communication unit. Nevertheless, in case of detecting a tire critical condition, it is paramount to secure the data transfer without compromising the reliability of data transmission.

[0121] Fig. 7 shows a first chart of a peak current in mA versus transmit power in dBm and a second chart of battery life in years versus a number of telegrams transmitted per day at the bottom. The chart at the top indicates that the energy consumption increases with the transmit power. Hence, in case of advantageous transmission conditions a telegram can be transmitted with lower energy extending the battery lifetime. At the bottom Fig. 7 shows that the number of telegrams per day determines the battery lifetime together with the required transmission power.

[0122] In some examples the TPMS identifies the least energy consuming state to send telegrams from the T2C based on the tire operating conditions, available battery capacity, and radio coverage conditions. The method 10 as outlined above and shown in Fig. 1 may then further comprise obtaining information about an available battery capacity and radio coverage conditions, which can be measured, e.g. by monitoring a battery voltage or voltage drop during transmission. The time for transmitting is determined by determining energy efficient transmission conditions. In an example, the method may further comprise measuring a tire pressure to obtain the measurement data. The determining of the tire operating conditions may comprise performing temperature and / or pressure measurements of the tire.

[0123] Hence, the TPMS may perform temperature and / or pressure measurements to decide whether the tire is in normal or critical operational conditions. The determining of the tire operating conditions then comprises classifying the tire operating condition to be critical or uncritical. The determining or detecting tire critical operational conditions may mean either one of or both of tire pressure and / or temperature measured values are below or above critical thresholds. In some examples, as will be detailed subsequently, only one parameter may suffice to determine or detect critical operational conditions. 202407759 23

[0124] For example, the TPMS adopts emergency reporting from tire to cloud, T2C, when detecting tire critical operational conditions. Additionally or alternatively, if the tire operating condition is critical, the transmitting uses short range communication to transmit the measurements data to vehicle receiver. If the tire operating condition is uncritical and / or critical, the transmitting uses long range communication to transmit the measurements data to a receiver of a long-range mobile communication system.

[0125] Hence, transmission technology is identified based on the tire operating conditions. If the tire is in critical operating condition, the TPMS uses Bluetooth to transfer data to the vehicle dashboard. T2C is done using long range communication technologies (like NB- loT, Cat-M, LoRa, etc.). Else (if in normal operational conditions), the TPMS uses long- range communication technology (like NB-loT, Cat-M, LoRa, etc.).

[0126] Fig. 8 depicts a flowchart of a network scanning procedure in an example. Hence in Fig. 8 it is shown how a Radio Access Technology (RAT) is identified. Network scanning parameters such as frequency, duration, channels, etc. are set in step 802 and a network scanning report is generated in step 804. Such a scanning procedure may be carried out using a microcontroller coupled to an RF receiver, transceiver, respectively. RAT identification can then be carried out in step 806, thereby identifying available transmission technologies. For example, a RAT may be selected, which offers the most energy efficient telegram transmission.

[0127] Fig. 9 illustrates three variants of methods considering a classified operational condition. Fig. 9 shows at the top a method which evaluates the operating condition in step 902. In step 904 it is decided whether the operating condition is critical. If it is critical, Bluetooth (short range) is used in 906 to send data to the vehicle dashboard and cellular technology is used for T2C. If the operating condition is found non-critical in 904, cellular technology is used for T2C in 908.

[0128] In critical conditions (abnormal), the TPMS uses Bluetooth to share the information with the driver and is followed by cellular technology. For example, a TPMS is designed to transmit at least 4-5 telegrams a day even in normal operating conditions. 202407759 24

[0129] Fig. 9 shows another variant in the middle. In step 912 the operating condition is evaluated and in 914 it is decided, in case the operating condition is found critical, that data transmission is carried out in 916 via T2C (long range) and via TCU (short range). In case the operating condition is found not critical in 914, long range communication is used in 918 to send data via T2C.

[0130] Fig. 9 presents a diagram of a method of emergency reporting in the middle. This method is implemented by a TPMS comprising tire sensor units and RF circuitry that provides wireless connectivity with a radio access network (RAN) via a multitude of radio access technologies (RATs) varying from short-range to long-range communication technologies.

[0131] Basically, the method of emergency reporting comprises that the TPMS adopts emergency reporting from tire to cloud (T2C) when detecting tire critical operational conditions. Given the emergency, the transfer of vehicle sensor data does not follow normal or periodic parameter reporting scheduled for the TPMS (meaning between 1 to 4 transmissions per day). This means an emergency reporting operation is instantly triggered, tire data are sent directly from tire to a dedicated cloud (tire-to-cloud, T2C), by using long-range communication technology (e.g., NB-loT). Optionally or alternatively, the same tire data are sent to either the vehicle telematics control unit TCU or to a mobile communication unit, by using short-range communication technology (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy, BLE).

[0132] At the bottom, Fig. 9 shows yet another variant in which the operating conditions are evaluated in step 922. If they are found critical in step 924, the periodicity for telegram transmission is increased Tn+1 , and if the operating conditions are found non-critical in step 924. Otherwise, the periodicity is decreased Tn-1 in step 928.

[0133] Based on the TPMS initial measurements, the periodicity of TPMS telegrams transmission can be decided. If the tire is in critical operating condition, Tmt1 periodicity is used. Else, Tmt2 periodicity is used, where Tmt1 « Tmt2.

[0134] Hence, at least in some examples a periodicity is set for the transmitting of the measurement data based on the operating condition. The respective method may 202407759 25 further comprise setting a first periodicity for the transmitting of the measurement data, if the operating condition is critical, and setting a second periodicity for the transmitting of the measurement data, if the operating condition is uncritical. In further examples the method comprises dynamically adapting / adopting variable periodicities Ti, i = 1 ... n, of an instrumentation measurement depending on the tire's operating conditions, wherein the instrumentation measurement comprises at least one of a temperature and / or a pressure measurement. Dynamically varying the periodicities depending on the tire's operating conditions may mean adapting longer periodicity for normal tire conditions and shorter periodicities for warning or critical tire conditions. For example, in case the instrumentation measurements record a first configurable number, K1 , of consecutive normal operation values, the periodicity is increased, TN+1 , and / or wherein in case the instrumentation measurements record a second configurable number, K2, of consecutive warning operation values, the periodicity is decreased to a warning operation periodicity, TN-1 , cf. Fig. 9 at the bottom. For example, counters may be used to track the number consecutive operational values, and the counters may be reset (set to 0) after the periodicity has changed. Using the counters is an example of a mechanism that avoids too frequent changes in periodicity.

[0135] In order to save energy, the TPMS dynamically adopts variable periodicities Ti, i = 1 ... n, of instrumentation measurement depending on the tire's operating conditions. Dynamically varying the periodicities upon the tire's operating conditions means adopting longer periodicity for normal tire conditions and shorter periodicities for warning or critical tire conditions.

[0136] Fig. 10 shows three variants of methods for classifying an operational condition and corresponding method behavior. At the top Fig. 10 shows a method that measures pressure, temperature, and acceleration, etc. in step 1002. In step 1004 it is evaluated, if the measured temperature T is above a temperature threshold Tt or if the measured pressure P is below a pressure threshold Pt. If neither one is the case, the operating condition is considered normal in step 1016 and otherwise it is considered critical in step 1008.

[0137] Another option is shown in the middle of Fig. 10. The temperature and pressure are measured in 1012. In step 1014 it is evaluated whether the measured pressure P is 202407759 26 below the pressure threshold Pt and the measured temperature T is above the temperature threshold Tt. If both conditions are fulfilled the operational condition is considered critical in 1018. If the conditions are not fulfilled the operating condition is considered normal 1016.

[0138] In detail, as illustrated by Fig. 10 in the middle, detecting a critical condition of a tire means that both pressure and temperature of the tire are compared against dedicated, predefined thresholds; more precisely, detecting tire critical operational conditions means both measured tire pressure and temperature values are below or above respective critical thresholds. For example, when the measured pressure is below a recommended threshold, e.g., provided by the tire manufacturer, it means the tire is underinflated. In particular, low pressure tends to be more dangerous due to the higher risk of blowouts and significant impact on vehicle handling and stability. Alternatively, if the tire is underinflated, increased friction generates heat, hence higher than normal temperature of the air inside the tire (e.g., higher than 60°C) which makes the condition even more hazardous. The same applies to the situation when the tire pressure is higher than a recommended threshold. Tire critical temperature and respective critical pressure thresholds are configured by automotive OEMs, tire manufacturers, and / or corresponding service providers.

[0139] Once such a critical operating condition of a tire is detected, short-range communication technologies (such as Bluetooth) are used to send the data to vehicle telematics control unit TCU or mobile communication unit, and long-range technologies (such as NB-loT, Cat-M, LoRa etc.) are used to send the data from tire to cloud.

[0140] Once the tire operating condition has been evaluated, the method adopts emergency reporting, meaning sending instantly the measured values of pressure and temperature, at the same time, to both inside and outside the vehicle, as described.

[0141] Optionally, the emergency reporting according to the present disclosure is done by sending the tire data from the tire to the cloud, and at the same time sending them from the tire to the in-car telematics control unit TCU. In this case, the differentiating parameter is T2C coverage condition. Again, in case of critical condition of the tire, 202407759 27

[0142] TPMS uses short-range technology, e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy BLE, to reach the vehicle TCU.

[0143] The decision to use T2C in combination with vehicle telematics control unit TCU to transfer vehicle sensor data is configurable by operator. Optionally or alternatively, the decision to use tire to cloud T2C and vehicle telematics control unit TCU depends on T2C coverage conditions.

[0144] Yet another variant is shown at the bottom of Fig. 10. Temperature and pressure are measured in 1022. In step 1024 it is checked whether the measured values are within predefined ranges (T1 to T2 for the temperature and P1 to P2 for the pressure). If they are, a periodicity adaption is skipped in 1026. Otherwise, the periodicity is adapted in 1028.

[0145] Fig. 11 depicts a flow chart for an example of a method for changing a telegram transfer periodicity based on classification of the operational condition. In step 1102 the safety critical parameters are measured. If they are considered critical in step 1104 the telegrams are sent with Tmt1 periodicity in step 1106 and otherwise they are sent with Tmt2 periodicity in step 1108.

[0146] Hence, at least in some examples, in case the instrumentation measurements record critical operation values, an emergency periodicity, TE, is adopted, and emergency reporting is triggered. The instrumentation measurement periodicity is skipped and / or adapted in correlation with predefined ranges of measured parameters, such as pressure, temperature, or both.

[0147] Fig. 12 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method considering a signal reception quality for telegram transmission. In step 1202 it is determined whether the operating condition is critical. If not, the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of an available mobile communication system is measured. If the measured RSSI is below a predefined level Tx (Tx RSSI threshold), no telegram is transmitted in 1210. If the condition is critical, the RSSI is measured in 1206 and a required transmission power (Txp: Device transmit power) is determined in 1212 in case the RSSI is above the predefined threshold. A telegram transmission can then take place in 1214. 202407759 28

[0148] The cellular network or long-range communication technology RSSI values can be measured. In case of critical condition, the sensor will use the Bluetooth technology to update the driver's dashboard and the cellular technology to send the telegram to the network. Furthermore, the sensor needs to use appropriate transmit power level to avoid battery draining. That's the reason to include the RSSI condition in both cases.

[0149] The TPMS may evaluate whether to transmit a telegram or not based on the available coverage condition. Therefore, the TPMS may measure the coverage condition, available battery capacity, and it may estimate the required transmit power level.

[0150] For example, the sensor or its communication device (transmitter, receiver, transceiver) may be configured to communicate in a (cellular) mobile communication system, which may include long-range (cellular, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network), SIGFOX) and / or short-range communication (Bluetooth, ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.). Accordingly, the communication device may be configured to communicate in a cellular mobile communication system, for example in a Sub-6GHz-based cellular mobile communication system (covering frequency bands between 400 MHz and, in the meantime, 7 GHz), in a mmWave-based cellular mobile communication system (covering frequency bands between 24 GHz and 71 GHz), or in the so-called mid-bands (covering frequency bands between 7 GHz and 24 GHz). For example, the communication device and the network entity may be configured to communicate in a mobile communication system / cellular mobile communication system.

[0151] In general, the mobile communication system may, for example, correspond to one of the 3GPP-standardized mobile communication networks, where the term mobile communication system is used synonymously to mobile communication network. The mobile communication system may correspond to, for example, a 6th Generation system (6G), a 5th Generation system (5G), a New Radio (NR) system, a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) system, a High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) system, a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) or a UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), an evolved-UTRAN (e-UTRAN), a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) or Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) network, a GSM / EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), or mobile 202407759 29 communication networks with different standards, for example, generally an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) network, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Wideband-CDMA (WCDMA) network, a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) network, a Spatial Division Multiple Access (SDMA) network, etc.

[0152] Fig. 13 shows a flow chart of an example of a method considering available and estimated energy for telegram transmission. In step 1302 the battery capacity and coverage condition are measured. In step 1304 a Txp value is estimated indicating how much energy is needed for a telegram transmission. Such an estimation may make use of a look-up table.

[0153] For example, the coverage condition Ci may be given with an index:

[0154] Likewise, the battery level may be represented by a battery capacity index:

[0155] The Txp estimation process may include measuring the coverage and battery capacity index, calculating Mi = f(Bi, Ci), and identifying the Txp from the look-up table and Mi. f can be a simple sum function, a weighted sum function, or based on fuzzy logic.

[0156] An example of a Txp estimation table is: 202407759 30

[0157] In step 1306 of Fig. 13 the Txp (available transmit power) is compared to Txt (required transmit power). In case that Txp < Txt, no telegram transmission takes place as indicated in step 1310. If not, the telegram is transmitted in 1308. In case, the required transmit power level is higher than the estimate, the TPMS will postpone the telegram transmission. The determining of the time for transmitting measurement data may be configured to estimate an available transmit power level based on the battery capacity, to estimate a required transmit power level based on the coverage condition, and to postpone the transmitting of the measurement data, if the required transmit power level exceeds the available transmit power level.

[0158] The transmit power level (Txt) may be set by the cellular network (NB-loT). The network sets a transmit power level based on the measurement information received by the network. But this transmit power level will not consider the battery capacity of the sensors. The proposed approach will delay telegram transmission until better network coverage conditions arise, so that the telegrams are transmitted with the lowest energy consumption. The determining of the time for transmitting measurement data may hence be configured to trigger a transmission of the measurement data based on the available coverage condition. The determining of the time for transmitting measurement data may further be configured to refrain from transmitting the measurement data, if the available coverage condition is disadvantageous. A corresponding timer value for delaying measurement data transmissions may be configured by an operator or preconfigured by a manufacturer or service provider.

[0159] The look-up table can be made available in all the sensors, provided by the manufacturer. Further, the look-up table can be updated by an operator or service provider when configuring the TPMS sensors. Txt is the transmit power level set by the network and Txp is the estimated transmit power level. Alternatively, the required 202407759 31 transmit power levels Txt, which may vary depending on RAT, can be derived from tests and / or field measurements, so that TPMS sensors are pre-configured accordingly.

[0160] For example, the TPMS sensor’s battery life may be enhanced through the proposed method. The TPMS may identify the best RAT technology based on the wireless environment, and the TPMS may transfer the data to the network / dashboard / cloud with enhanced reliability.

[0161] Another aspect is a wireless tire pressure monitoring system TPMS, comprising tire sensor units and RF circuitry that provides wireless connectivity with a radio access network (RAN) via a multitude of radio access technologies (RATs) varying from short- range to long-range communication technologies, at least one memory and at least one processor configured to carry out the emergency reporting operation steps. Whether to use tire to cloud T2C in combination with a vehicle telematics control unit TCU or a mobile communication unit to transfer vehicle sensor data is configurable by an operator.

[0162] Another aspect relates to a computer program product (e.g., a software) comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to carry out a method for the emergency reporting operation of the TPMS.

[0163] Another aspect relates to a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a memory) comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to carry out the emergency reporting operation of the TPMS.

[0164] Fig. 14 depicts a range of operating conditions defined for a given parameter. Fig. 14 shows several tire operating conditions, classified depending on a given parameter (e.g., tire pressure). For example, below and above normal operating condition of a tire are illustrated the so-called "warning operation" values, meaning operation of the tire is still possible, but energy efficient operation is triggered, since sufficient battery charge has to be secured. When the measured pressure is within critical ranges (beyond warning ranges), it triggers emergency reporting. Therefore, in order to address each of these classes of operations, the adopted instrumentation measurement periodicity Ti, i = 1 ... n, varies within a predefined range between a minimal value Tmin and a maximal 202407759 32 value Tmax. Such limits are typically either configured by the automotive OEM, tire manufacturer, or both. Fleet operators and service providers may choose to update initial settings, e.g., based on experience, operational criteria or optimization goals.

[0165] In fact, the periodicity is not a nominal one (fixed no matter what the tire condition is) but adapted to various tire conditions. For example, in case the instrumentation measurements record a first configurable number K1 of consecutive normal operation values, the periodicity is increased to TN+1 , meaning that the time interval from one measurement to another is increased. In case the instrumentation measurements record a second configurable number K2 of consecutive warning operation values, the periodicity is decreased to a warning operation periodicity TN-1 , meaning that the time interval from one measurement to another is decreased. In case the instrumentation measurements record critical operation values, an emergency periodicity TE is adopted, and emergency reporting is triggered (meaning measurement is done in microseconds, and the emergency reporting are done instantly (as soon as possible in the respective system), after such critical values are recorded).

[0166] Alternatively or optionally, as illustrated in Fig. 15, the instrumentation measurement periodicity is either adapted or even skipped in correlation with predefined ranges of measured parameters, such as pressure, temperature, or both. For example, if the measured temperature is between T1 and T2 (within normal operation range), and the measured pressure is between P1 and P2 (within normal operation range), the periodicity is skipped altogether. Moreover, if the measured pressure is between P2 and P3 (within warning operation range), the periodicity is decreased. Furthermore, if measured pressure is below a critical threshold (e.g., tire underinflated), but temperature is still within normal operation range, the periodicity is adapted to a warning operation, for example decreased.

[0167] Alternatively or optionally, as illustrated in Fig. 15, there is introduced a hierarchy of parameters to be measured; a primary parameter (e.g., pressure) is monitored with priority, and only in case the measured values of that primary parameter are outside the normal or warning operation ranges, a secondary parameter (e.g., temperature) is monitored in addition. Again, the evaluation of the tire operation condition is made by comparing the measured values with thresholds predefined by either the automotive 202407759 33

[0168] OEM, tire manufacturer, or both. Further, fleet operators and service providers may choose to update initial settings, e.g., based on experience, operational criteria or optimization goals

[0169] Fig. 15 illustrates another flow chart of an example of a method for determining transmission time / periodicity of a TPMS sensor. In step 1502 a primary parameter is measured and in step 1504 it is determined whether the parameter is in normal range. If it is in normal range the periodicity is increased, and normal operation continues 1506. Otherwise, a secondary parameter is measured in step 1508 and its range is checked in step 1510. If in normal range periodicity is decreased TN-1 and warning operation is started in 1512 (because the primary parameter is still outside normal range). If the secondary parameter is also outside its normal range, periodicity is decreased with TN- 2 and warning / emergency operation is started in 1514.

[0170] An example provides a method of emergency reporting, performed by a wireless tire pressure monitoring system TPMS configured to collect vehicle sensor data from a vehicle tire and transfer them to a vehicle TCU, a mobile communication unit, or an internet cloud platform, characterized in that the TPMS adopts emergency reporting from tire to cloud (T2C) when detecting tire critical operational conditions.

[0171] The method may be characterized in that, detecting tire critical operational conditions means either one or both tire pressure and / or temperature measured values are below or above critical thresholds, respectively.

[0172] The method may be characterized in that the tire’s critical temperature, and / or respective critical pressure thresholds are configured by automotive OEMs and / or tire manufacturers.

[0173] The method may be characterized in that in case the tire is in critical operating condition, the TPMS transfers vehicle sensor data from tire to cloud via long-range technology and, simultaneously, transfers data to vehicle telematics control unit TCU via short-range technology. 202407759 34

[0174] The method may be characterized in that in case the tire is in critical operating condition, the TPMS transfers vehicle sensor data from tire to cloud via long-range technology and, simultaneously, the TPMS transfers vehicle sensor data from tire to a mobile communication unit via short-range technology.

[0175] The method may be characterized in that the long-range technology used to transfer vehicle sensor data from tire to cloud is NB-loT.

[0176] The method may be characterized in that the short-range technology used to transfer vehicle sensor data from tire to the vehicle TCU or the mobile communication unit is BLE.

[0177] The method may be characterized in that whether to use tire to cloud T2C in combination with vehicle telematics control unit TCU to transfer vehicle sensor data is configurable by an operator or its service provider.

[0178] The method may be characterized in that whether to use tire to cloud T2C and vehicle telematics control unit TCU depends on T2C coverage conditions.

[0179] The emergency reporting method may be characterized in that the transfer of vehicle sensor data is immediate and does not follow the normal or periodic reporting parameters scheduled for the TPMS.

[0180] Another example is a wireless tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to carry out a method as described herein.

[0181] Another example is a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to carry out a method as described herein.

[0182] Another example is a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to carry out a method as described herein. 202407759 35

[0183] Examples also provide a method of energy efficient operation of a battery powered wireless tire pressure monitoring system TPMS, performed by TPMS instrumentation configured to periodically measure tire pressure and temperature data and transfer them over radio frequency (RF) circuitry, characterized in that the TPMS dynamically adopts variable periodicities Ti, i = 1 ... n, of instrumentation measurement depending on tire's operating conditions.

[0184] The method may be characterized in that, dynamically varying the periodicities depending on the tire's operating conditions means adopting longer periodicities for normal tire conditions and shorter periodicities for warning or critical tire conditions.

[0185] The method may be characterized in that the adopted instrumentation measurement periodicity Ti, i = 1 ... n, varies within a predefined range between a minimal value Tmin and a maximal value Tmax.

[0186] The method may be characterized in that, in case the instrumentation measurements record a first configurable number (K1 ) of consecutive normal operation values, the periodicity is increased (TN+1 ).

[0187] The method may be characterized in that, in case the instrumentation measurements record a second configurable number (K2) of consecutive warning operation values, the periodicity is decreased to a warning operation periodicity (TN-1 ).

[0188] The method may be characterized in that, in case the instrumentation measurements record critical operation values, an emergency periodicity (TE) is adopted, and emergency reporting is triggered.

[0189] The method may be characterized in that the instrumentation measurement periodicity is skipped in correlation with predefined ranges of measured parameters, such as pressure, temperature, or both. 202407759 36

[0190] The method may be characterized in that the instrumentation measurement periodicity is adapted in correlation with predefined ranges of measured parameters, such as pressure, temperature, or both.

[0191] Another example is a wireless tire pressure monitoring system TPMS, comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to carry out a method as described herein.

[0192] Another example is a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to carry out a method as described herein.

[0193] Another example is a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to carry out a method as described herein.

[0194] The aspects and features described in relation to a particular one of the previous examples may also be combined with one or more of the further examples to replace an identical or similar feature of that further example or to additionally introduce the features into the further example.

[0195] Examples may further be or relate to a (computer) program including a program code to execute one or more of the above methods when the program is executed on a computer, processor or other programmable hardware component. Thus, steps, operations or processes of different ones of the methods described above may also be executed by programmed computers, processors or other programmable hardware components. Examples may also cover program storage devices, such as digital data storage media, which are machine-, processor- or computer-readable and encode and / or contain machine-executable, processor-executable or computer-executable programs and instructions. Program storage devices may include or be digital storage devices, magnetic storage media such as magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, or optically readable digital data storage media, for example. Other examples may also include computers, processors, control units, (field) programmable logic arrays ((F)PLAs), (field) programmable gate arrays ((F)PGAs), graphics processor units 202407759 37

[0196] (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), integrated circuits (ICs) or system-on-a-chip (SoC) systems programmed to execute the steps of the methods described above.

[0197] It is further understood that the disclosure of several steps, processes, operations or functions disclosed in the description or claims shall not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily dependent on the order described, unless explicitly stated in the individual case or necessary for technical reasons. Therefore, the previous description does not limit the execution of several steps or functions to a certain order. Furthermore, in further examples, a single step, function, process or operation may include and / or be broken up into several sub-steps, -functions, -processes or - operations.

[0198] If some aspects have been described in relation to a device or system, these aspects should also be understood as a description of the corresponding method. For example, a block, device or functional aspect of the device or system may correspond to a feature, such as a method step, of the corresponding method. Accordingly, aspects described in relation to a method shall also be understood as a description of a corresponding block, a corresponding element, a property or a functional feature of a corresponding device or a corresponding system.

[0199] The following claims are hereby incorporated in the detailed description, wherein each claim may stand on its own as a separate example. It should also be noted that although in the claims a dependent claim refers to a particular combination with one or more other claims, other examples may also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent claim. Such combinations are hereby explicitly proposed, unless it is stated in the individual case that a particular combination is not intended. Furthermore, features of a claim should also be included for any other independent claim, even if that claim is not directly defined as dependent on that other independent claim. 202407759 38

[0200] Reference numerals

[0201] 10 method for TPMS sensor

[0202] 12 determining or detecting one or more tire operating conditions

[0203] 14 determining of a time

[0204] 16 transmitting measurement data

[0205] 20 apparatus for TPMS sensor

[0206] 22 one or more interfaces

[0207] 24 one or more processing devices

[0208] 300 processor

[0209] 302 temperature sensor

[0210] 304 pressure sensor

[0211] 306 motion sensor

[0212] 308 Radio

[0213] 310 TPMS sensor

[0214] 312 pressure cell

[0215] 314 temperature cell

[0216] 316 acceleration cell

[0217] 318 LF input

[0218] 320 pre-processor

[0219] 322 power management

[0220] 324 RF transmitter

[0221] 326 MCU

[0222] 328 RF antenna

[0223] 402 sensor

[0224] 404 in-car unit

[0225] 406 mobile communication unit

[0226] 408 internet cloud

[0227] 502 measure

[0228] 504 pressure threshold

[0229] 506 transmission

[0230] 508 sleep state

[0231] 602 mobility check

[0232] 604 measure 202407759 39

[0233] 606 pressure check

[0234] 608 sleep state

[0235] 610 transmission

[0236] 802 set parameters

[0237] 804 scanning report

[0238] 806 RAT identification

[0239] 902 evaluate operating conditions

[0240] 904 criticality check

[0241] 906 use Bluetooth and cellular

[0242] 908 use cellular

[0243] 912 evaluate operating conditions

[0244] 914 criticality check

[0245] 916 send data via T2C and TCU

[0246] 918 send data via T2C

[0247] 922 evaluate operating conditions

[0248] 924 criticality check

[0249] 926 increase periodicity

[0250] 928 decrease periodicity

[0251] 1002 measure

[0252] 1004 threshold check

[0253] 1006 normal

[0254] 1008 critical

[0255] 1012 measure

[0256] 1014 threshold check

[0257] 1016 normal

[0258] 1018 critical

[0259] 1022 measure

[0260] 1024 threshold check

[0261] 1026 skip periodicity

[0262] 1028 adapt periodicity

[0263] 1102 measure

[0264] 1104 criticality check

[0265] 1106 send telegrams with Tmt1

[0266] 1108 send telegrams with Tmt2 202407759 40

[0267] 1202 criticality check

[0268] 1204 measure RSSI

[0269] 1206 measure RSSI

[0270] 1208 RSSI check

[0271] 1210 no transmission

[0272] 1212 Identify Txp

[0273] 1214 telegram transmission

[0274] 1302 measure

[0275] 1304 estimate

[0276] 1306 check Tx power

[0277] 1308 transm it telegram

[0278] 1310 no transmission

[0279] 1502 measure

[0280] 1504 range check

[0281] 1506 increase periodicity

[0282] 1508 measure

[0283] 1510 range check

[0284] 1512 decrease periodicity Tn-1

[0285] 1514 decrease periodicity Tn-2

Claims

202407759 1ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A method (10) for a tire pressure measurement system, TPMS, sensor, configured to be mounted in a tire of a vehicle, the method (10) comprising determining or detecting (12) one or more tire operating conditions of the tire; determining (14) of a time for transmitting measurement data to a receiver of the TPMS, wherein the time for transmitting is determined based on the one or more tire operating conditions; and transmitting (16) measurement data to the receiver at the determined time for transmitting.

2. The method (10) of claim 1 , further comprising obtaining information about an available battery capacity and radio coverage conditions and wherein the time for transmitting is determined by determining energy efficient transmission conditions based on the information about the available battery capacity and the radio coverage conditions.

3. The method (10) of one of the claims 1 or 2, further comprising measuring a tire pressure to obtain the measurement data.

4. The method (10) of one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the determining or detecting (12) of the tire operating conditions comprises performing temperature and / or pressure measurements of the tire.

5. The method (10) of one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the determining or detecting (12) of the tire operating conditions comprises classifying the tire operating condition to be critical or uncritical.202407759 26. The method (10) of claim 5, wherein the determining or detecting (12) of the tire critical operational conditions means either one of or both of tire pressure and / or temperature measured values are below or above critical thresholds.

7. The method (10) of one of the claims 5 or 6, wherein the TPMS adopts emergency reporting from tire to cloud, T2C, when detecting tire critical operational conditions, and / or wherein if the tire operating condition is critical, the transmitting uses short range communication to transmit the measurements data to vehicle receiver,8 The method (10) of one of the claims 5 to 7, wherein if the tire operating condition is uncritical and / or critical, the transmitting (14) uses long range communication to transmit the measurements data to a receiver of a long-range mobile communication system.

9. The method (10) of one of the claims 1 to 8, further comprising setting a periodicity for the transmitting of the measurement data based on the operating condition.

10. The method (10) of claims 9 and 5, further comprising setting a first periodicity for the transmitting of the measurement data, if the operating condition is critical, and setting a second periodicity for the transmitting of the measurement data, if the operating condition is uncritical.11 . The method (10) of one of the claims 9 or 10, further comprising dynamically adopting variable periodicities Ti, i = 1 ... n, of an instrumentation measurement depending on tire’s operating conditions, wherein the instrumentation measurement comprises at least one of a temperature and / or a pressure measurement.

12. The method (10) of claim 11 , wherein dynamically varying the periodicities depending on tire’s operating conditions means adopting longer periodicity for normal tire conditions and shorter periodicities for warning or critical tire conditions.202407759 313. The method (10) of one of the claims 11 or 12, wherein in case the instrumentation measurements record a first configurable number, K1 , of consecutive normal operation values, the periodicity is increased, TN+1 , and / or wherein in case the instrumentation measurements record a second configurable number, K2, of consecutive warning operation values, the periodicity is decreased to a warning operation periodicity, TN-1 .

14. The method (10) of one of the claims 11 to 13, wherein in case the instrumentation measurements record critical operation values, an emergency periodicity, TE, is adopted, and emergency reporting is triggered.

15. The method (10) of one of the claims 11 to 14, wherein the instrumentation measurement periodicity is skipped and / or adapted in correlation with predefined ranges of measured parameters, such as pressure, temperature, or both.

16. The method (10) of one of the claims 1 to 15, wherein the determining (14) of the time for transmitting measurement data is configured to trigger a transmission of the measurement data based on the available coverage condition.

17. The method (10) of claim 16, wherein the determining (14) of the time for transmitting measurement data is configured to refrain from transmitting the measurement data, if the available coverage condition is disadvantageous.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the determining (14) of the time for transmitting measurement data is configured to estimate an available transmit power level based on the battery capacity and to estimate a required transmit power level based on the coverage condition, and to postpone the transmitting of the measurement data, if the required transmit power level exceeds the available transmit power level.

19. A computer program having a program code for performing one of the methods (10) of claims 1 to 18, when the computer program is executed on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component.202407759 420. An apparatus (20) for a sensor (200) of a tire pressure measurement system, TPMS, comprising a plurality of sensors, the apparatus (20) comprising one or more interfaces (22) configured to communicate in the TPMS; and one or more processing devices (24) configured to perform one of the methods (10) of claims 1 to 18.21 . A TPMS sensor (200) comprising the apparatus (20) of claim 20.

22. A wireless tire pressure monitoring system TPMS, comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to carry out a method (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and / or comprising a TPMS sensor (200) of claim 21 .

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