System and method for vehicle based cellular offload

One or more vehicle communication systems associated with one or more vehicles may be activated. The one or more vehicles may, for example, include a gateway vehicle. A backhaul connection between a vehicle communication system associated with the gateway vehicle and a cellular infrastructure may be established. Signals from the cellular infrastructure may be received at the vehicle communication system associated with gateway vehicle. Using the vehicle communication system associated with the gateway vehicle, the signals received from the cellular infrastructure may be transmitted. Signals from one or more mobile devices may be received using the vehicle communication system associated with the gateway vehicle. The signals received from the one or more mobile devices may be transmitted to the cellular infrastructure using the vehicle communication system associated with the gateway vehicle.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is related to vehicle based cellular communication using, for example, cellular infrastructure, vehicles, and other devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Devices employing cellular communication systems and methods (e.g., cellular telephones, mobile computers and other mobile devices) are increasingly prevalent. The increase in number of mobile devices has increased the capacity demand and load on cellular networks. Typical cellular networks include stationary cellular antennas (e.g., a cellular tower including multiple cellular antennas) which may broadcast to and receive signals from mobile devices to facilitate communication between mobile devices. The quality of data transfer may, for example, be reduced when too many mobile devices transfer and receive data from a cellular antenna. The load on cellular networks may be the highest in areas of dense population (e.g., in cities). The number of vehicles (which may include cellular devices) parked in areas of dense population may also be higher.

Load on cellular network may be reduced through use of femto cells, Wi-Fi access points and other devices, which may communicate with mobile devices and transmit information to the cellular network. Femto cells, Wi-Fi access points, and other devices require electricity and typically must be connected to the operator network (e.g., via a wire link). The installation of femto cells, Wi-Fi access points, and other devices may not keep pace with the increase in cellular network demand and may not be installed based on real-time cellular coverage need. Thus, a vehicle cellular offload system or method may be needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more vehicle communication systems associated with one or more vehicles may be activated. The one or more vehicles may, for example, include a gateway vehicle. A backhaul connection between a vehicle communication system associated with the gateway vehicle and a cellular infrastructure may be established. Signals from the cellular infrastructure may be received at the vehicle communication system associated with gateway vehicle. Using the vehicle communication system associated with the gateway vehicle, the signals received from the cellular infrastructure may be transmitted. Signals from one or more mobile devices may be received using the vehicle communication system associated with the gateway vehicle. The signals received from the one or more mobile devices may be transmitted to the cellular infrastructure using the vehicle communication system associated with the gateway vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “storing,” “determining,” “evaluating,” “calculating,” “measuring,” “providing,” “transferring,” or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within the computing system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system's memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

A vehicle communication system may facilitate or improve cellular communication and data transfer between mobile devices (e.g., cellular telephones, mobile computing devices, etc.) and a cellular network. From a plurality of vehicles, one or more vehicles may, for example, include vehicle communication systems. Vehicle communication systems may, for example, be similar to cellular base stations or cellular relay stations. Vehicle communication systems may, for example, establish a vehicle to mobile device connection with one or more mobile devices. Vehicle communication systems may, in some embodiments, transmit signals or information to and receive signals or information from mobile devices using a vehicle to mobile device connection. Vehicle communication systems may, for example, receive signals from one or more mobile devices and may transmit the signals from one or more mobile devices to cellular infrastructure (e.g., cellular tower, micro site, macro site, dedicated communication hub, base station, etc.) associated with an operator network (e.g., cellular communication network). Similarly vehicle communication system may, for example, receive signals from a cellular infrastructure and may transmit the signals received from cellular infrastructure to one or more mobile devices.

According to some embodiments, a vehicle communication system may include a backhaul module and/or other systems. A backhaul module may, for example, establish a backhaul connection with cellular infrastructure. Backhaul connection may, for example, be a wireless (e.g., cellular, etc.), wired, and/or other type of connection between vehicle communication system and cellular infrastructure. Cellular infrastructure may, in some embodiments, be a dedicated communication hub, whose primary purpose may be to transmit to and receive signals from vehicle communication systems.

A vehicle communication system may include a radio access system or module. A radio access system may, for example, be or may include one or more femto cells, Wi-Fi access points, or other systems of devices. A radio access system may, for example, transmit signals to one or more mobile devices and/or radio access systems associated with other vehicles. Similarly, a radio access system may, for example, receive signals from one or more mobile devices and/or radio access systems associated with other vehicles.

According to some embodiments, information or signals (e.g., transmitted from mobile devices to cellular infrastructure or from cellular infrastructure to mobile devices) may be transmitted between multiple vehicles in a multi-hop or mesh network. A multi-hop or mesh network may include a gateway vehicle and one or more network vehicles. In a multi-hop or mesh network, a gateway vehicle may establish a backhaul connection to cellular infrastructure or other device associated with operator network. A gateway vehicle may, for example, be determined by a network management system and may be a vehicle with the strongest or best backhaul link or connection to cellular infrastructure or has the best battery condition. One or more intermediate or network vehicles may, for example, be vehicles not directly connected to cellular infrastructure (e.g., directly transferring and/or receiving information from cellular infrastructure). A gateway vehicle and one or more network vehicles may, for example, establish a vehicle to vehicle connection. Similarly, network vehicles may, for example, establish vehicle to vehicle connections with other network vehicles.

According to some embodiments, one or more network vehicles may, for example, receive information from mobile device(s) and may transfer the signals to other network vehicles and/or gateway vehicles. One or more network vehicles may, for example, transfer information from one or more mobile devices to a gateway vehicle either directly or via other network vehicles. Gateway vehicle may, for example, transmit signals received from one or more mobile devices via one or more network vehicles to cellular infrastructure using a backhaul connection. A gateway vehicle may, in some embodiments, aggregate signals from multiple mobile devices and transmit an aggregated signal to cellular infrastructure. Similarly, cellular infrastructure may, for example, transmit signals intended for one or more mobile devices to gateway vehicle over a backhaul connection. A gateway vehicle may, for example, receive signals and transmit the signals to one or more network vehicles. One or more network vehicles may receive signals intended for mobile devices and may transmit the signals to other network vehicles or the mobile devices. Signals may, thus, hop from vehicle to vehicle prior to arriving at mobile device, cellular infrastructure, or another device.

According to some embodiments, vehicle communication systems may be activated or deactivated based on the volume of communication traffic or load in operator network, coverage area of operator network, power management in vehicles (e.g., battery life), vehicle owner preferences or policies (e.g., vehicle owner behavioral constraints), and other factors or information. For example, a vehicle communication system may transmit a signal to a cellular infrastructure or other device associated with operator network when vehicle is parked or at other times. A signal transmitted from a vehicle to cellular infrastructure may, for example, include vehicle location, vehicle identification parameters, vehicle battery life information, and other information or data. A network management system (e.g., associated with operator network, an infrastructure owner, or other system or network), a vehicle (e.g., gateway vehicle) or other device may, in some embodiments, determine whether to activate or deactivate vehicle communication systems. A network management system, vehicle (e.g., gateway vehicle) or other device may, in some embodiments, transfer mobile device cellular connections (e.g., mobile device connection context information) from vehicle to vehicle in a mesh or multi-hop vehicle network.

According to some embodiments, multiple vehicle communication systems may be arranged in a self organizing network (SON). Vehicle communication systems in an SON may, for example, be activated or deactivated to optimize power usage among the vehicles in SON. Cellular connectivity (e.g., between mobile device and vehicle communication systems) may, in some embodiments, be transferred from vehicle to vehicle to optimize vehicle battery life, reduce delay, improve cellular link conditions, optimize the cellular network, etc. Vehicle communication systems may for example run or execute keep-alive and/or leader selection protocols to ensure adequate or optimal cellular service in SON (e.g., within the geographic area of SON).

According to some embodiments, vehicle communication systems may be installed in a vehicle during manufacturing or as an aftermarket option. Vehicle owner or another person may, in some embodiments, determine whether vehicle communication system may be activated. In some embodiments, an operator network or another entity may provide vehicle owners incentives to activate vehicle communication system. For example, an operator network or another entity may offer a reduced vehicle purchase price, fuel discounts, cellular telephone service credits, reduced parking costs, or other incentives in exchange for vehicle owner agreement to activate or permission to activate vehicle communication system associated with vehicle owner's vehicle. In some embodiments, fee reduction incentives may be calculated as a function of utilized battery charge, offload enhancement measures, or other factors associated with the operation of vehicle communication system.

In some embodiments, a vehicular infrastructure owner may sell or lease use of vehicle communication systems to an operator network (e.g., a cellular network operator). Infrastructure owner may, for example, provide available resources (e.g., vehicle with vehicle communication systems) to operator network as necessitated or required by operator network (e.g., based on cellular network capacity, coverage, load, and/or other requirements). Infrastructure may maintain, manage, and update (e.g., using network management system) information related to available vehicle communication systems. Information related to available vehicle communication systems may, for example, be provided to operator network as needed, upon request, and/or for a fee.

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram of a vehicle with a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. A vehicle (e.g., a car, truck, mobile cart, trailer, or another vehicle) may include (and thus may be associated with) vehicle communication system or module100. Vehicle communication system100may, for example, transmit signals to, receive signals from, and/or operate in conjunction with cellular infrastructure80(e.g., cellular antenna tower, one or more cellular antenna(s), a dedicated communication hub, base station(s), or other mobile device communication infrastructure), and possibly other systems. For example, cellular infrastructure80may be a cellular network radio tower (e.g., multiple antennas, a macro site, micro site, etc.) connected to an operator network70(e.g., cellular provider network). In some embodiments, cellular infrastructure80may be dedicated communication hub(s). A dedicated communication hub may, for example, be connected to an operator network70(e.g., cellular provider network) and may, for example, function primarily or exclusively to transmit to and receive signals from one or more systems100and to transmit and receive signals to and from operator network70.

One or more antenna(s)10, for example, cellular antenna(s)12, radio frequency (RF) antenna(s)14, or other types of antenna(s) may be attached to, connected to, or associated with the system100, vehicle, and/or other devices. Antenna(s)10may, for example, send and receive signals, information, communications, and/or data from antenna(s)10associated with other vehicle(s), cellular infrastructure80(e.g., cellular infrastructure antenna(s)86), mobile device(s)90(e.g., mobile device antenna(s)94), or other devices.

One or more batteries46may be associated with system100and/or vehicle. Batteries46may, for example, be a battery associated with vehicle (e.g., a car battery, vehicle battery, automotive battery, etc.). Batteries46may, for example, include one or more low-voltage (e.g., 12 volt) batteries used for low-power tasks (e.g., windshield wipers, power seats, etc.), one or more high-voltage (e.g., 300 volts or greater) batteries used for high-power tasks (e.g., propelling vehicle (e.g., in an electric vehicle), etc.) or other types of batteries. Batteries46may, for example, provide power to system100, components of system100(e.g., backhaul component(s)50, radio access component(s)40, femto cell(s)42, Wi-Fi module(s)44, antenna(s)10, and/or other components).

According to some embodiments, system100may transfer signals to and receive signals from one or more mobile devices90. Mobile devices90may be for example cellular telephones, portable computers, cellular modems, cellular devices within vehicles, or other devices.

One or more femtocells or femto cells42(e.g., cellular femto cell or other type of femto cell) may, in some embodiments, be included in and/or associated with system100. Femto cell(s)42may, for example, be relatively small or micro cellular base stations and may operate similarly or identically to cellular infrastructure80. Femto cell(s)42may, for example, operate in conjunction with antenna(s)10by transmitting signals to and/or receiving signals from mobile device(s)90, cellular infrastructure80, system(s)100associated with other vehicle(s), and possibly other devices. Femto cell(s)42may, for example, transmit and receive signals or facilitate a communication session (e.g., between mobile device90and other devices) by utilizing communication protocols and technologies. Examples of communication protocols and technologies include those set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) 802.xx standards, International Telecommunications Union (ITU-T) standards, European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standards, Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standards, third generation partnership project (3GPP) Cellular Standards or other standards. For example, signals may be broadcasted and received utilizing code division multiple access (CDMA), CDMA 2000, Dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) standards, wireless gigabit alliance (WiGig) (e.g., 60 gigahertz WiGig), 3GPP Cellular Standards or other communications protocols, standards and technologies.

One or more Wi-Fi access-points or wireless access points44may, in some embodiments, be included in and/or associated with system100. System100may, for example, be a Wi-Fi access point44or include Wi-Fi access point functionality. Wi-Fi access point44may, for example, transmit and receive signals or provide a communication session by utilizing communication protocols and technologies. Examples of communication protocols and technologies include those set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) 802.xx standards, International Telecommunications Union (ITU-T) standards, European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standards, Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standards, 3GPP Cellular Standards or other standards. For example, signals may be broadcasted and received over a Wi-Fi network, local multipoint distribution service (LMDS), WiMAX, Bluetooth® network, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) 802.xx network, personal area network (PAN), and/or other short range communication network.

Backhaul module50may, for example, aggregate data, and/or information from one or more vehicles or mobile devices. The aggregated data may, for example, be transmitted, transferred, and/or broadcast to cellular infrastructure80over or using backhaul connection52. A backhaul module and/or components50may, in some embodiments, be used to establish a backhaul connection52between system100and cellular infrastructure80. Backhaul connection52may, for example, be an intermediate link between a network backbone and other sub-networks or equipment within the network (e.g., operator network70). Backhaul connection52may, for example, be a wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular communications connection, etc.), wire link88(e.g., Ethernet, digital subscriber line (DSL), data bus, coaxial cable, optical connection, twisted pair cable, universal serial bus (USB), category5cable, parallel port connector, etc.), and/or other type of connection between system100(e.g., associated with a vehicle) and cellular infrastructure80.

Vehicle information network system100may include one or more processor(s) or controller(s)32, memory20, long term storage30, input device(s) or area(s)22, and output device(s) or area(s)24. Input device(s) or area(s)22may be, for example, a touchscreen, a keyboard, microphone, pointer device, button(s), or other device. Output device(s) or area(s)24may be, for example, a display, screen, audio device such as speaker or headphones, or other device. Input device(s) or area(s)22and output device(s) or area(s)24may be combined into, for example, a touch screen display and input which may be part of system100.

System100may include one or more databases36, which may include mobile device identification data62, vehicle identity parameter(s)64(e.g., an identity parameter associated with vehicle), vehicle owner preferences or policies60, and or other information or data. Databases36may be stored all or partly in one or both of memory20, long term storage30, or another device.

Processor or controller32may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a chip or any suitable computing or computational device. Processor or controller32may include multiple processors, and may include general-purpose processors and/or dedicated processors such as graphics processing chips or digital signal processors (DSPs). Processor32may execute code or instructions, for example, stored in memory20or long-term storage30, to carry out embodiments of the present invention. Processor32may, for example, be or may include a wireless network interface controller.

Long term storage30may be or may include, for example, a hard disk drive, a flash drive, a floppy disk drive, a Compact Disk (CD) drive, a CD-Recordable (CD-R) drive, a universal serial bus (USB) device or other suitable removable and/or fixed storage unit, and may include multiple or a combination of such units.

FIG. 2is a schematic diagram of multiple vehicle communication systems in a network according to an embodiment of the present invention. One or more vehicle(s)120(e.g., gateway vehicle(s)160, network vehicle(s)162, and/or other vehicles) may include a vehicle communication system100or a system similar to system100. In some embodiments, vehicle communication system100may be or may include a computing device (e.g., including processor32and other components) mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle120, in passenger compartment, in vehicle trunk, engine compartment, and/or in another location. In alternate embodiments, vehicle communication system100may be located in another part of the vehicle120, may be located in multiple parts of the vehicle120, or may have all or part of its functionality remotely located (e.g., in a remote server or in a portable computing device such as a cellular telephone (e.g., a cellular telephone inside vehicle120)).

One or more antenna(s)10may be associated with vehicle(s)120. Antenna(s)10may, for example, be affixed, attached to, or fastened to a portion of vehicle(s)120. Antenna(s)10may, for example, be installed on roof of vehicle(s)120or other locations in vehicle(s)120. Antenna(s)10may broadcast information to and receive information from cellular infrastructure80(e.g., to and from cellular infrastructure antenna(s)86), other vehicles120(e.g., antenna(s)10associated with systems100in other vehicles), mobile device(s)90(e.g., mobile device antenna(s)94), and possibly other devices. Antenna(s)10may, for example, be connected to or associated with system100and may transmit or transfer data, or information to system100via, for example, a wire link (e.g., a controller area network (CAN) bus, Flexray, Ethernet) or a wireless link within vehicle120.

Cellular infrastructure80(e.g., a cellular tower, dedicated communication hub82, cellular station, base transceiver station (BTS), macro site, micro site, base stations, cell sites etc.) may, for example, broadcast, transmit, and/or output signal(s)110(e.g., a cellular signal, radio frequency signal, or other signal(s)). Cellular infrastructure80and operator network70may typically be fixed and not easily moveable, and not attached to or within a vehicle. Signal(s)110broadcast or transmitted from cellular infrastructure80may, for example, be received by system100associated with vehicle(s)120(e.g., a car, truck, or another vehicle). Signal(s)110from cellular infrastructure80may, for example, be received by antenna(s)10(e.g., cellular antenna(s)12, RF antenna(s)14, or other antenna(s)) associated with system100. Signal(s)110may, in some embodiments, be transferred or transmitted from cellular infrastructure80(e.g., a dedicated communication hub) and received at system100via a wire link88(e.g., a data bus, coaxial cable, twisted pair cable, universal serial bus (USB), category5cable, optical connection, wireless connection, parallel port connector, or other hard connection). Cellular infrastructure80may, in some embodiments, transmit signals110to one or more mobile devices90, systems100, and potentially other devices and systems.

Cellular infrastructure80(e.g., dedicated communication hub82, etc.), may, for example, be connected to, communicate with, or otherwise be associated with an operator network70(e.g., a cellular service provider network, cellular communication network, telecommunications network, the internet, computer network, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) network, voice over broadband (VoBB) network, or other type of network), and/or other cellular infrastructure80, and possibly other devices or systems. Cellular infrastructure80may, for example, transfer data, information, and/or signals110transferred over or using a cellular telephone network to system100, mobile device(s)90, and/or other devices or systems. Signals110may, for example, represent or include information or data to facilitate digital communications (e.g., voice telephone conversations), data transfer, or other cellular related functions. For example, cellular infrastructure80may transmit signals110to system100and receive signals110from system100to enable cellular communication, data transfer, or other communication among mobile device(s)90, computing devices, telephones, and/or other devices using or over operator network70or other type of network.

According to some embodiments, one or more systems100associated with vehicles120may, for example, include a radio access system or module40. Radio access system40may, for example, be or may include femto cells42, Wi-Fi access points44, and/or other radio access systems40. Radio access module or system40may, for example, establish a vehicle to mobile device connection or link122. Radio access module or system40may, for example, broadcast signals110to and receive signals110from one or more mobile devices90, systems100associated with other vehicle(s)120, or other devices. Radio access system40may, for example, include similar functionality to traditional cellular infrastructure (e.g., macro site, micro site, cellular tower, or other device) in facilitating information transfer between mobile device(s)90and other devices on, communicating via, registered to, or associated with operator network70.

According to some embodiments, mobile device90may communicate with (e.g., transfer signals110to and receive signals110from) system100associated with vehicle120(e.g., using vehicle to mobile device connection122). Mobile device90may, for example, establish a communication or cellular connection with system100by transmitting or broadcasting signals or information110(e.g., from an antenna associated with mobile device90). System100may, for example, receive signals or information110broadcast from mobile device90(e.g., via antenna(s)10associated with system100). Mobile device90may, for example, transmit or broadcast signals110including mobile device identification information62(e.g., mobile device network address, profile or other information) and other information. System100may, for example, receive mobile device identification information62and may broadcast or transmit a response signal or signals110to establish a cellular communication connection or session between mobile device90and system100. System100may, for example, transfer mobile device identification information62to cellular infrastructure80. Once a cellular communication connection or session has been established, information representing or including communications data (e.g., voice or sound data input from user, text communication data, Internet data, multimedia files, and/or other information or data typically transferred from and to mobile device(s)90over or using a cellular communication or operator network70) may be transmitted to radio access system40from mobile device90and received by radio access system40.

According to some embodiments, a backhaul module or components50may be used to establish a backhaul connection52(e.g., backhaul communication link, an intermediate link between for example a network backbone and other sub-networks or equipment within the network) between system100and bases station(s)80. According to some embodiments, mobile devices90may, for example, transmit signals110to and receive signals110from radio access system40. Signals110from mobile devices90may, for example, be transmitted from system100to operator network70using a backhaul connection52(e.g., through cellular infrastructure80). Similarly signals110may, for example, be transmitted from network70to system100over backhaul connection52and transmitted from system100(e.g., through cellular infrastructure80) to mobile device using radio access system40. Other information and data communication systems and methods may be used.

According to some embodiments, backhaul connection52may, for example, be used to transmit information over a wireless, wire link88(e.g., Ethernet, digital subscriber line (DSL), data bus, coaxial cable, twisted pair cable, universal serial bus (USB), category5cable, parallel port connector, data over power line, etc.), and/or other type of connection between system100and cellular infrastructure80. In some embodiments, system100and cellular infrastructure80may establish a wireless backhaul connection52(e.g., backhaul communication link). System100and cellular infrastructure80may, for example, transfer information over wireless backhaul connection52using operator network70cellular client and/or cellular network connection. Backhaul module50may, for example, transfer signals110to cellular infrastructure80using femto cell(s)42, Wi-Fi module(s)44, a smart grid, or other device or module. Femto cell(s)42, Wi-Fi module(s)44(e.g., wireless access point(s), Wi-Fi access point(s)), a smart grid, or other device or module may, for example, be used to establish a backhaul connection or link52between system100and cellular infrastructure80. Backhaul module50may, for example, communicate or facilitate communication with cellular infrastructure80by transmitting and receiving signals using antenna(s)10(e.g., cellular antenna(s)12, RF antenna(s)14, or other antennas) associated with vehicle120and/or system100. Antenna(s)10may, for example, broadcast and receive signals using a cellular communication protocol or standard used by or associated with cellular infrastructure80and/or operator network70.

Backhaul module50may, in some embodiments, communicate with cellular infrastructure80by broadcasting and receiving signal(s), information, or data110using multiple antenna(s)10. Backhaul module50may, for example, using multiple antenna(s)10communicate with cellular infrastructure80using multiple-in and multiple-out (MIMO) methods and systems. MIMO methods and systems may, for example, transmit and receive signal(s)110using two or more antenna(s)10associated with system100and two or more antenna(s) associated with cellular infrastructure80. MIMO systems and methods may, for example, transmit and receive signals over multiple channels established between system100and cellular infrastructure80. For example, signals110may be transmitted and received over multiple input channels and multiple output channels.

According to some embodiments, antenna(s)10associated with system100may be high gain antenna(s)10and/or may, for example, operate at a higher gain than antenna(s) associated with a mobile device(s)90. By operating at higher gain relative to mobile device10and other antennas and employing MIMO, methods and systems, and other smart antenna systems and methods, antenna(s)10may provide improved channel conditions, lower loading factor(s), and a more robust and stable connection to operator's network70(e.g., through cellular infrastructure80) than mobile devices10or other devices or systems.

According to some embodiments, system(s)100may establish a backhaul connection52with a dedicated communication hub82(e.g., a dedicated base station or dedicated cellular infrastructure). Dedicated communication hub82may, for example, be or be associated with a cellular infrastructure80. Dedicated communication hub82may, for example, function primarily to provide a backhaul connection52between vehicles120and operator's network70. A dedicated communication hub82may, for example, communicate (e.g., transmit signals to and receive signals from) with systems100using DSRC technology, WiGig (e.g., 60 GHz WiGig), and/or other wireless communication technologies. A dedicated communication hub82may, in some embodiments, transfer signals110to and receive signals110from systems100using a wire link88or other type of connection. Multiple dedicated communication hub(s)82may, for example, be deployed or located in an arrangement (e.g., within predefined distance of one another). Multiple dedicated communication hub(s)82may, for example, be located in an arrangement to ensure a predefined level of service coverage across a geographic area.

According to some embodiments, signals110from radio access system40may be aggregated by backhaul module50and transferred to cellular infrastructure80(e.g., dedicated communication hub82or other device associated with network70). For example, signals110transmitted to system100from one or more mobile devices90, other systems100(e.g., in a mesh or multi-hop network), and possibly other devices may be aggregated by backhaul module50. Backhaul module50may, for example, aggregate information or signals110by combining, transforming, or compressing multiple signals110from one or more mobile devices90, systems100, or other devices to reduce the bandwidth or total signals110transmitted over backhaul connection52. Aggregated signals or information112(e.g., signal(s)110including information from mobile devices90, systems100, and other devices) may, for example, be transmitted over backhaul connection52to cellular infrastructure80. Transferring aggregated signals or information112, including signals from multiple devices, may increase the efficiency of data transfer from system100to cellular infrastructure80and network70.

Cellular infrastructure80may transfer aggregated signals112to system100. Aggregated signals112may, for example, include information to be broadcast to multiple mobile devices90. Backhaul module50may, for example, de-combine, de-aggregate, decompose, decompress and/or convert an aggregated signal112from cellular infrastructure80into one or more signals110. Decompressed signals110may, for example, transferred (e.g., via radio access module40) to mobile devices90, vehicles120, or other devices.

According to some embodiments, multiple vehicles (e.g., including associated systems100) may transfer information110via a mesh, multi-hop, or ad hoc vehicle network150. Mesh vehicle network150may, for example, include multiple vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, non-motorized vehicles, etc. (e.g., one or more gateway vehicles160and one or more network vehicles162). Gateway vehicle(s)160and network vehicle162may, for example, include systems100. A gateway, backhaul, or hub vehicle160in mesh vehicle communication network150may, for example, be connected, typically wirelessly by a wireless backhaul connection52, (e.g., transfer signals110to and receive signals110from) to cellular infrastructure80via backhaul connection52or other type of connection. Network vehicles162may, in some embodiments, not be connected to cellular infrastructure (e.g., may not be connected to cellular infrastructure80via a backhaul connection52). Gateway vehicle160and one or more network vehicles162may establish a vehicle to vehicle connection152. Similarly network vehicles162may establish vehicle to vehicle connections152with other network vehicle(s)162.

According to some embodiments, network vehicles162(e.g., system100associated with network vehicles162) may transmit signals110to and receive signals110from cellular infrastructure80via a gateway vehicle160. System100associated with gateway vehicle160may, for example, function as a hub or connection to cellular infrastructure80. Gateway vehicle160may, in some embodiments, be chosen or determined (e.g., by network management module72, system(s) associated with vehicle, or other devices) to optimize signals, communications, battery46life or level (e.g., in batteries46associated with system(s)100), cellular link conditions, cellular load, signal quality, and/or other factors or policies. Gateway vehicle160may, in some embodiments, be chosen or determined based on quality of backhaul connection or link52. System100associated with gateway vehicle160may, for example, have best backhaul connection to cellular infrastructure80(e.g., strongest signal quality, least delay, best cellular link conditions, etc. among multiple vehicles in mesh network150).

According to some embodiments, in a mesh vehicle network150, signals110(e.g., information from operator network70) may, for example, be transmitted from cellular infrastructure80to gateway vehicle160, from gateway vehicle160to one or more network vehicles162(e.g., over a vehicle to vehicle connection152), from one or more network vehicles162to one or more mobile devices90(e.g., over a vehicle to mobile device connection122), and/or from one or more network vehicles162to one or more other network vehicles162(e.g., over a vehicle to vehicle connection152). For example, gateway vehicle160may receive signals110from cellular infrastructure80(e.g., via backhaul connection52) and gateway vehicle160may rebroadcast, retransmit, or transmit signals110to network vehicles162(e.g., using radio access system40), mobile devices90, and/or possibly other devices. Network vehicles162may, for example, receive signals110from gateway vehicle160or other network vehicles162and may broadcast signals110to mobile device(s)90, other network vehicles162, or possibly other devices. Similarly signals110may, for example, be transferred from one or more mobile devices90to one or more network vehicles162, from one or more network vehicles162to gateway vehicle160and from gateway vehicle160to cellular infrastructure80. In some embodiments, signals110(e.g., from mobile device90) may be transferred through multiple network vehicles162(e.g., from network vehicle162to network vehicle162) to a gateway vehicle160. For example, from a first network vehicle162to a second network vehicle162and from a second network vehicle162to other network vehicle(s)162or to a gateway vehicle160.

According to some embodiments, signals110transmitted in a mesh vehicle network may be aggregated. For example, a first network vehicle162may communicate with multiple mobile device(s)90. First network vehicle162may, for example, aggregate signals110from each mobile device90and may transmit an aggregated signal112to a second network vehicle162. Second network vehicle162may, for example, receive aggregated signal112from first network vehicle162. Second network vehicle162may, for example, communicate with multiple mobile device(s)90(e.g., separate mobile devices90from mobile devices communicating with first network vehicle162). Signals110from multiple mobile devices90communicating with second network vehicle162and aggregate signal112received from first network vehicle162may be aggregated at transmitted to another network vehicle162, gateway vehicle160, or potentially another device. Aggregated signals112may, for example, hop from vehicle to vehicle until signal reaches gateway vehicle160.

According to some embodiments, backhaul module50associated with gateway vehicle160may, for example, aggregate signals110and/or aggregated signals112from one or more vehicles120(e.g., network vehicles162), mobile devices90, and possibly other devices. Aggregated signals112may, for example, be transferred to cellular infrastructure80(e.g., cellular tower, dedicated communication hub82, or other device).

As discussed herein, transferring information110from network vehicle162to network vehicle162or network vehicle162to gateway vehicle160and vice versa may, for example, mean transferring information from system100associated with a vehicle to a system100associated with another vehicle.

According to some embodiments, a vehicular gateway (e.g., systems100associated with a gateway vehicle160and/or multiple network vehicles162) may be controlled by or from cellular infrastructure80using dedicated applications associated with an operator network operation and management system or module72. Network management module72may, for example, be associated with operator network70, infrastructure owner76, or another system or entity. Network management module72may, for example, control signal transfer from vehicle to vehicle (e.g., between gateway vehicles160and network vehicles162, between multiple network vehicles162, etc.) and between mobile device(s)90and vehicles. Network management module72may, in some embodiments, control the activation and deactivation of vehicles (e.g., gateway vehicles160and network vehicles162). Network management module72may, for example, control the organization of vehicles (e.g., in a mesh and/or multi-hop network150, self organizing network (SON)170, or other type of network).

According to some embodiments, system(s)100(e.g., associated with vehicle(s)120) may be activated or deactivated by operator network70, by infrastructure owner76, gateway vehicle160, another vehicle120, or other device or system. Infrastructure owner76may, for example, be associated with vehicle120manufacturer, dealer, or other entity. Operator network70or infrastructure owner76may, for example, include or be associated with a vehicle network management module or system72(e.g., network management module). Network management module72may, for example, determine whether to activate or deactivate specific systems among systems100based on the volume of communication traffic or load in operator network70, coverage area of operator network70, power management in vehicles120, vehicle owner preferences or policies60(e.g., vehicle owner behavioral constraints), and other factors or information. Network management module72may, for example, activate or deactivate system(s)100associated with vehicles by sending signals110to vehicle120(e.g., via cellular infrastructure80or dedicated communication hubs82). System100may receive signal110and may be activated based on the signal110.

According to some embodiments, a vehicle owner may activate or deactivate system100associated with owner's vehicle120. System100may, for example, be activated or deactivated by owner using input device22or another device.

Network management module72may, for example, communicate with vehicle(s)120to determine whether to fully or partially activate or deactivate systems100associated with vehicle(s)120. A vehicle120may, in some embodiments, register with network management module72when parked or at another time. Vehicle120may, for example, register with operator network70by broadcasting a signal110including a vehicle identity parameter64(e.g., an identity parameter associated with vehicle), location of vehicle120, vehicle battery46level, and/or other information to cellular infrastructure80. Cellular infrastructure80may receive information110from system100and transmit information110to operator network. Network management module72(e.g., associated with operation network70) may, for example, determine based on information110and other factors whether to activate system100associated with vehicle120.

According to some embodiments, network management module72may determine whether to activate system100associated with vehicle120based on the volume of communication traffic or load in operator network70(e.g., in the vicinity of or area of vehicle120) and/or other factors. If the volume or amount of communication traffic over operator network70(e.g., between mobile device(s)90and cellular infrastructure80and/or between mobile device(s)90and systems100associated with vehicles120) is high or above a predefined threshold in an area surrounding vehicle120(e.g., a geographic area in the vicinity of vehicle120), system100associated with vehicle120may be activated by network management module72, operator network70, system100associated a vehicle (e.g., gateway vehicle160), or another device. In some embodiments, if operator network70capacity and/or load necessitate additional coverage, one or more vehicle communication systems100may be activated. Operator network70, network management module72, gateway vehicle160or another device may, for example, activate system100by broadcasting or sending a signal110from cellular infrastructure80or gateway vehicle160to vehicle system100. System100may receive signal110and may be activated based on the signal110.

According to some embodiments, network management module72may determine whether to activate system100associated with a vehicle120based on vehicle power consumption, vehicle battery46charge level (e.g., remaining vehicle battery46life), and/or other factors. Vehicle120may, for example, broadcast vehicle battery level information to operator network70(e.g., via cellular infrastructure80). Operator network70may, for example, receive vehicle battery level information. If vehicle battery46level is above a predefined threshold, system100associated with vehicle120may, for example, be activated by operator network70. The predefined threshold vehicle battery46level may, for example, be specified by the owner of vehicle120, be determined by network management module72, be a function of the parking time (e.g., the time vehicle120is parked and system100is activated), and/or determined during vehicle testing, manufacturing, or at another time via other methods.

According to some embodiments, network management module72may determine whether to activate system100based on vehicle owner preferences or policies60(e.g., vehicle owner policies). Vehicle owner may, for example, input vehicle owner policies or preferences60or information representing owner policies60into system100(e.g., using input device22or another device). Vehicle owner preferences or policies60may include limitations on system100activation or deactivation based on, for example, number of vehicle occupants (e.g., whether passengers are in vehicle120), the location of vehicle120(e.g., geographic location), time of day, vehicle owner personal preferences, or other information. Vehicle owner preferences60may, for example, restrict activation of system100when passengers are in the vehicle (e.g., one or more occupants are in vehicle). The number of passengers in the vehicle may, for example, be determined using vehicle occupant detection sensors or other devices. Vehicle owner policies60may, for example, restrict or limit activation or deactivation of system100based on the location of vehicle120(e.g., geographic location). For example, vehicle owner may specify that system100not be activated when vehicle is near vehicle owner's house (e.g., within a pre-defined distance of vehicle owner's house) or another location. Vehicle owner policies60may, for example, restrict or limit activation or deactivation of system100based on the time of day. For example, vehicle owner policies60may limit activation or deactivation of system100during the day, at times when driver is typically in vehicle120(e.g., driver's typical commuting times), or at another time. Vehicle owner policies60may, in some embodiments, restrict or limit activation or deactivation of system100for a specified time period (e.g., at all times, a pre-defined length of time, or another time period). System100may, in some embodiments, be activated (e.g., by network management module72) if the vehicle owner policies60would not be violated (e.g., vehicle owner policies do not restrict activation of system100).

According to some embodiments, network management module72may control reallocate, hand-off, or handover coverage between among systems100. This control may be performed by signals sent between module72and specific systems100based on for example information such as status, data, or other information sent from systems100to module72. A system100may, for example, be deactivated by network management module72, by system100malfunction, when vehicle120travels outside range of cellular infrastructure80, by failure of a component of system100, or at other times or for other reasons. Network management module72may, for example, handover or hand off cellular network coverage from a deactivated or soon to be deactivated system100(e.g., associated with a first vehicle) to an active system100(e.g., associated with a second vehicle). For example, network management module72may, for example, handover cellular service by activating system100associated with a vehicle. A system100associated with a second vehicle may, for example, be activated simultaneously or shortly after system100associated with first vehicle is deactivated. Cellular network or cellular service coverage may be seamlessly transferred from one or a first system100to another or a second system100.

Network management module72may, for example, prepare for or anticipate deactivation of a system100to ensure cellular coverage redundancy. Operator network management module72may, for example, transmit to a second system100, mobile device identification information62, cellular communication context information, and other information associated with mobile device(s)90communicating with a first system100. Second system100(e.g., associated with a second vehicle12) may, for example, receive mobile device identification information62. If a first system100, with which mobile device(s)90are communicating, is deactivated or fails, second system100may, for example, be activated. Second system100may, for example, transmit signals110to and receive signals110from mobile device90to enable cellular communication or data transfer with minimal interruption or disruption.

According to some embodiments, network management module72may be associated with infrastructure owner76. Infrastructure owner76may, for example, operate in conjunction with operator network70. In some embodiments, operator network70(e.g., a cellular service provider) may purchase coverage from infrastructure owner76(e.g., vehicle manufacturer). Infrastructure owner76may, for example, activate and deactivate systems100associated with vehicles120(e.g., using network management module72) based on operator network70need and/or negotiations and agreements between operator network70and infrastructure owner76. Other arrangements may be used.

According to some embodiments, network management module72may be associated with gateway vehicle160or another vehicle120and may perform all or some of the functions of a network management module72associated with operator network70, infrastructure owner76, or other systems or devices.

According to some embodiments, multiple vehicles120with associated systems100and cellular infrastructure80(e.g., cellular communication tower(s), cellular antenna(s)) may be organized in, operate as, and/or form a self organizing network (SON)170(e.g., quasi-static self organizing network). Multiple vehicles120and cellular infrastructure80may, for example, operate similarly to a traditional cellular tower array, wherein systems100associated with vehicle120and cellular infrastructure may be analogous to cellular towers or nodes.

According to some embodiments, multiple systems100in an SON170may exchange information related to vehicle battery46level, system100energy consumption, and/or other information related to system100power management. Systems100may, for example, transmit power management related information to systems100associated with other vehicles120, to cellular infrastructure80and operator network70, and/or other devices or systems. Based on power management information, systems100(e.g. processor32), network management system72, or other devices or systems may activate or deactivate systems100associated with vehicles120. For example, if a battery46providing energy to a first system100is below a threshold battery46level, system100may broadcast information to other systems100in SON170, cellular infrastructure80(e.g., associated with operator network70), and/or other devices. First system100may, in some embodiments, be deactivated (e.g., by operator network management module72, other systems100, or another device) and a second system100may be activated or cellular coverage may be handed off to a second system100.

Systems100in an SON170may be operated according to protocols which ensure redundancy and serviceability in the cellular network coverage. In some embodiments, systems100may function according to a keep-alive, heart beat, or other protocols. System100may, for example, broadcast or transmit a keep-alive signal172(e.g., keepalive signal or information) to cellular infrastructure80(e.g., connected to operator network70), other systems100(e.g., connected to other systems100or cellular infrastructure80), or other devices. Keep-alive signals172may, for example, be broadcast by system100to notify other systems100, cellular infrastructure80, operator network70, operator network management module72, and/or other devices that system100is active and may be deployed to communicate with mobile device(s)80. System100may, for example, broadcast a keep-alive signal172when system100is active but not communicating with mobile device(s)90.

FIG. 3is a flowchart of a method according to embodiments of the present invention. In operation200, one or more vehicle communication systems (e.g., vehicle communication system100ofFIG. 1) associated with one or more vehicles (e.g., vehicles120ofFIG. 2) may be activated. The one or more vehicles may, for example, include a gateway vehicle (e.g., gateway vehicle160ofFIG. 2).

In operation210, a backhaul connection (e.g., backhaul connection52ofFIG. 2) between a vehicle communication system (e.g., using backhaul system50ofFIG. 1) associated with the gateway vehicle and a cellular infrastructure (e.g., cellular infrastructure80ofFIG. 2) may be established.

In operation220, signals (e.g., signals110ofFIG. 2) from the cellular infrastructure may be received at the vehicle communication system (e.g., received using radio access system40ofFIG. 1) associated with gateway vehicle. Radio access system40may, for example, be or may include femto cell(s) (e.g., femto cell(s)42ofFIG. 1), Wi-Fi access point(s) (e.g., Wi-Fi access point(s) ofFIG. 1), or other systems or devices.

In operation230, the vehicle communication system associated with the gateway vehicle may, for example, transmit the signals received from the cellular infrastructure.

In operation240, the vehicle communication system associated with the gateway vehicle may, for example, receive signals from one or more mobile devices (e.g., mobile devices90ofFIG. 2).

In operation250, the signals received from the one or more mobile devices may be transmitted to the cellular infrastructure.

In operation260, the signals received from the one or more mobile devices may be transmitted to the cellular infrastructure using an alternative backhaul connection such as a Wi-Fi, smart grid, femto cell or other backhaul connection or link.

Other or different series of operations may be used.

Embodiments of the present invention may include apparatuses for performing the operations described herein. Such apparatuses may be specially constructed for the desired purposes, or may comprise computers or processors selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computers. Such computer programs may be stored in a computer-readable or processor-readable non-transitory storage medium, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs) electrically programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable and programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, or any other type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the invention as described herein. Embodiments of the invention may include an article such as a non-transitory computer or processor readable non-transitory storage medium, such as for example a memory, a disk drive, or a USB flash memory encoding, including or storing instructions, e.g., computer-executable instructions, which when executed by a processor or controller, cause the processor or controller to carry out methods disclosed herein. The instructions may cause the processor or controller to execute processes that carry out methods disclosed herein.

Different embodiments are disclosed herein. Features of certain embodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments; thus, certain embodiments may be combinations of features of multiple embodiments. The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents are possible in light of the above teaching. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.