Communication system

A communication system includes a transmitting module. The transmitting module is configured to send at least one preamble to a receiver module operating alternatively in an idle mode or a transmission mode during a synchronization time period (Tsync). The synchronization time period (Tsync) is greater than an idle time period of the idle mode of the receiving module.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a communication system and a method for operating the communication system, and more particularly to a system and a method for controlling a transmitting module and a receiving module of the communication system.

2. Description of the Related Art

A comparative wireless communication system includes a base station/gateway and the corresponding user equipment. The power consumption of the base station/gateway would be high, since the listening (receiving) mode of the base station/gateway is always on. A wireless communication system with long distance wireless communication and low power consumption is thus needed.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system includes a transmitting module. The transmitting module is configured to send at least one preamble to a receiver module operating alternatively in an idle mode or a transmission mode during a synchronization time period (Tsync). The synchronization time period (Tsync) is greater than an idle time period of the idle mode of the receiving module.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system includes a receiving module. The receiving module including an idle mode and a transmission mode. The receiving module is configured to receive at least one preamble sent from a transmitting module within a synchronization time period (Tsync). The synchronization time period (Tsync) is greater than an idle time period of the idle mode.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method includes operating a receiving module in an idle mode or a receiving mode; and receiving, by the receiving module, at least one of the preambles sent from a transmitting module within a synchronization time period (Tsync) in the receiving mode, wherein the synchronization time period (Tsync) is greater than an idle time period of the idle mode.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is arranged in remotely controllable functional key. The receiver is arranged in a vehicle. A communication between the transmitter and the receiver is operated by a half-duplex mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the embodiments set forth many applicable concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples of implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below for purposes of discussion. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments, or examples, illustrated in the drawings are disclosed below using specific language. It will nevertheless be understood that the embodiments and examples are not intended to be limiting. Any alterations and modifications of the disclosed embodiments, and any further applications of the principles disclosed in this document, as would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, fall within the scope of this disclosure.

According to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a synchronization time period (Tsync) is greater than an idle time period of the idle mode of a receiving module so that the receiving module may not always stay in the listening (receiving) mode. The synchronization time period (Tsync) is greater than or equal to a sum of the idle time period of the idle mode and an operating time period of the receiving (RX) mode of the receiving module. The idle time period of the idle mode is greater than an operating time period of the receiving (RX) mode of the receiving module. The preambles which include a plurality of continuous-transmitted preambles having a plurality of first preambles (W) and a second preamble (R) following the first preambles (W) may ensure the synchronization between the transmitting module and the receiving module. The preamble which includes a plurality of alternately-transmitted preambles may have the lower power consumption. The receiving module which is configured to receive at least two of the alternately-transmitted preambles within the operating time period of the receiving (RX) mode may reduce the hardware complexity, since the receiving (RX) time period may be reduced.

FIG. 1illustrates a communication system1in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication system1includes communication modules100and101. Each of the communication modules100and101has a transmitting module configured to transmit data or signal and a receiving module configured to receive data or signal. In some embodiments, the communication module100is arranged in a smart key and the communication101is arranged in a vehicle. In some embodiments, the communication mechanisms of the communication modules100and101are similar and corresponding to each other. In some embodiments, the communication module100is configured to, when activated, send at least one preamble to the communication module101to wake up the communication module101. After the communication module101is woken up, the communication module100is configured to send data to the communication module101(e.g., opening the door of the vehicle or other actions for the vehicle). In some embodiments, the communication module101is configured to, when activated, send at least one preamble to the communication module100to wake up the communication module100. In some embodiments, after the communication module100is woken up, the communication module101is configured to send data corresponding to information of the vehicle to the communication module100(e.g., if a burglar alarm in the vehicle has been triggered or other actions for the vehicle).

FIG. 2illustrates a functional block diagram of a communication module100in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the communication module100can be arranged in a smart key as shown inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the communication module100includes functional components, such as, a Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) module104-1, a display108and a processor107-1. In some embodiments, the LPWAN module104-1includes a software105-1installed thereon and a peer-to-peer (P2P) protocol106-1. In some embodiments, the LPWAN module104-1may include a long range (LoRa) module, a Sigfox module, a long term evolution category-M (LTE Cat-M) module and/or a LTE narrowband-internet of things (LTE NB-IoT) module. The LPWAN module104-1and display108are controlled by the processor107-1. The display108may display the information or states of the communication module100.

FIG. 3illustrates a functional block diagram of a communication module101in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the communication module101can be arranged in a vehicle as shown inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the communication module101includes functional components, such as, a car keyless passive entry and passive start (PEPS) system103, a data communication module (DCM)109, a body control module (BCM)110, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)111and an integrated circuit (IC)112. The PEPS system103includes a LPWAN module104-2and a processor107-2. In some embodiments, the LPWAN module104-2includes a software105-2installed thereon and a P2P protocol106-2. In some embodiments, the LPWAN module104-2may include a LoRa module, a Sigfox module, a LTE Cat-M module and/or a LTE NB-IoT module. The LPWAN module104-2is controlled by the processor107-2. In some embodiments, the DCM109, BCM110, TPMS111and IC112may communicate with the processor107-2.

FIG. 4illustrates a flow diagram showing a method for operating a communication module in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the communication module can be the communication module100as shown inFIG. 2. Alternatively, the communication module can be any other communication modules (e.g., the communication module101) including LPWAN modules.

Referring to an idle state201-1, the LPWAN module104-1in the communication module100of the LPWAN module104-2are in an idle mode and periodically woken up for synchronization. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, which illustrates a timing diagram of the LPWAN module104-1or104-2, the LPWAN module104-1or104-2is periodically woken up (e.g., the signal at the relatively high level) for synchronization and then enter deep sleep (e.g., the signal at the relatively low level), which would reduce the power consumption of the LPWAN module104-1or104-2.

When the transmitting module of the communication module100attempts to transmit the data to the communication module101, the state of the communication module100is transferred or switched to a synchronization state202-1. If no input has been inputted within a time period T1of a timer, the communication module100is then switched to the state201-1.

Referring to the state202-1, the communication module100then sends short preambles (e.g., a synchronization signal) to the communication module101and tries to synchronize with the communication module101. Then, the communication module100is switched to a state204for waiting for a response from the communication module101. If no response is received from the communication module101within a time period T2(e.g., a time period T2of the timer for waiting for the response is expired), the communication module100will be switched to the state202-1from the state204.

If the communication module100receives a response from the communication module101within the time period T2, the communication module100and communication module101are synchronized with each other. Then, the communication module100is switched to a state203-1(or data transmission state) for data transmission.

Referring to the state203-1, the communication module100starts the data transmission between the communication module100and communication module101. For example, the communication module100is configured to transmit data to the communication module101.

After the communication module100transmits the data to the communication module101, the communication module100is switched to a state205for waiting for an acknowledge (ACK) from the communication module101. If no ACK is received from the communication module101within a time period T3(e.g., a time period T3of the timer for waiting for the ACK is expired) or the communication module100receives the ACK, the communication module100is switched to data transmission state203-1.

If the communication module100starts another data transmission (e.g., the communication module100is ready to transmit another data to the communication module101) within a time period T4, the communication module100is switched to the state205again. If no data has been transmitted within the time period T4(e.g., a time period T4of a timer for the data transmission is expired), the communication module100is switched to the state201-1.

FIG. 5illustrates a flow diagram showing a method for operating a communication module in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the communication module can be the communication module101as shown inFIG. 3. Alternatively, the communication module can be any other communication modules (e.g., the communication module100) including LPWAN modules.

Referring to a state201-2(e.g., idle state), the LPWAN module104-2in the communication module101is in an idle mode and periodically woken up for synchronization.

When the communication module101receives the short preambles (e.g., a synchronization signal) from the communication module100, the state of the communication module101is switched to a synchronization state202-2. After the communication module100and communication module101are synchronized with each other, the communication module101sends the response to the communication module100and the communication module101is switched to a data transmission state203-2for waiting for the data. If no data is received by the communication module101within a time period T4(e.g., the time period T4of a timer for the data transmission is expired), the communication module101is switched to state201-2.

If the communication module101receives the data from the communication module100, the communication module101is switched to a data transmission state203-3for sending ACK. After the data has been received, the communication module101sends an ACK to the communication module100in the state203-3. After sending ACK, the communication module101is switched to the data transmission state203-2for waiting for another data. The communication module101stays in the state203-2for waiting for another data transmission (another data). If the communication module101receives another data transmission within the time period T4(e.g., before the time period T4of a timer for the data transmission is expired), the communication module101will receive the data without re-starting another synchronization. If there is no another data is received by the communication module101within the time period T4(e.g., the time period T5of a timer for the data transmission is expired), the communication module101is switched to state201-2.

FIG. 7illustrates a scheme for operating the communication module100and communication module101in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 7, each of the communication modules100and101can be operated in an idle mode, a transmitting mode (TX mode) or a receiving mode (RX mode).

In an idle time period705, the communication module100is operating in an idle mode while the communication101periodically switching between the idle mode (e.g., time period701) and the RX mode (e.g., time period703). To synchronize the communication modules100and101, the communication module100is configured to send one or more preambles to the communication module101that is configured to operate alternatively in the idle mode (e.g., time period701) or the RX mode, (e.g., time period702) during a synchronization time period Tsync. In some embodiments, the preamble includes a plurality of continuously-transmitted preambles having a plurality of first preambles W and a second preamble R following the first preambles W. In some embodiments, the synchronization time period Tsync is greater than the period701of the idle mode of the communication module101to ensure that the communication module101can receive the preambles during the synchronization time period Tsync. In some embodiments, the synchronization time period Tsync is greater than or equal to a sum of the idle time period of the idle mode and the time period703of the RX mode of the communication module101.

When the communication module101receives the preamble W from the communication module100, the communication module101stays in the RX mode. After the communication module101receives the preamble R from the communication module100, the communication module101is switched from the RX mode to the TX mode to send a response P to the communication module100. After the communication module100sends out the preamble R, the communication module100is switched from the TX mode to the RX mode to wait for the response P from the communication module101in a time period706. In some embodiments, the time period706is less than the time period (e.g., Tsync) of the TX mode of the transmission module100. Once the communication module100receives the response P from the communication module101, the communication module100is switched to the TX mode from the RX mode and is configured to send data to the communication module101during the data transmission period Ttrans.

After the communication module101receives the data from the communication module100, the communication module101is switched from the RX mode to the TX mode to send an acknowledge A to the communication module100. After the communication module100sends out the data, the communication module100is switched to the RX mode from the TX mode to receive the acknowledge A. The communication module101is then switched from the TX mode to the RX mode after sending the ACK. If there is no additional data received from the communication module100, the communication module101is switched from the RX mode to the idle mode.

In some embodiments, the communication module100is arranged in remotely controllable functional key (e.g., smart key) and the communication module101is arranged in a vehicle. A communication between the communication module100and the communication module101is operated by a half-duplex mechanism and the communication includes the P2P communication. In some embodiments, the communication module100includes the LPWAN module104-1and the communication module101includes the LPWAN module104-2. The LPWAN modules104-1and104-2include one of LoRa, Sigfox, LTE Cat-M and LTE NB-IoT protocols.

FIG. 8illustrates a flow diagram showing a method for operating the communication module100and communication module101ofFIG. 7in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to the operation300, the communication module101is operated in the idle mode and periodically woken up for receiving the data from the communication module100and the communication module100is operated in the idle mode and periodically woken up for receiving the data from the communication module101.

Referring to the operation301, if the communication module101receives the preambles W or the communication module100attempts to send data, or vice versa (e.g., if the communication module100receives the preambles W or the communication module101attempts to send data), the operation301is switched to the operation302. If no preamble is received or no data is required to be transmitted, the operation301is returned to the operation300.

The following embodiments are directed to the communication module100operated as a data sender and the communication module101operated as a data receiver. In some embodiments, if the communication module100is operated as a data receiver and the communication module101is operated as a data sender, the flow diagram is also applicable.

Referring to the operation302, if the communication module101receives the preambles W, the communication module101enters a synchronization mode and keeps listening for receiving the data at the operation303. If no preamble W is received, the operation302is switched to the operation305to check whether any data is required to be transmitted (e.g., attempting to send the data).

Referring to the operation304, if the communication module101receives the preamble R from the communication module100, the communication module101sends a response (or preamble) P to the communication module100and is switched to a transmission mode at the operation309. If no preamble R is received by the communication module101, the operation304is switched to the operation300.

Referring to the operation308, the communication module101tries to receive data from the communication module100. If the communication module101receives the data from the communication module100, the communication module101sends an ACK to the communication module100to inform the communication module100that the data is successfully received as shown in the operation314. If no data has been received by the communication module101, the timer of the communication module101checks whether a predetermined time period Tdata(the period after sending a response (or preamble) P and before receiving any portion of the data) is expired at the operation307. If the time period Tdatahas not been expired, the communication module101is configured to keep trying to receive the data from the communication module100. If the time period Tdatais expired, the timer checks whether a period T4of the timer for the data transmission is expired at the operation315(or whether the period of the transmission mode is expired).

Referring to the operation315, if the period T4for the data transmission is expired, the operation is switched to the operation300. If the period T4is not expired, the operation315is switched to operation321. The communication module100and communication module101can directly perform the communication without a re-actuated synchronization if the time period T4is not expired at operation315.

Referring to the operation321, the communication module101is configured to try to receive another or additional data. If the additional data has been received by the communication module101, the communication module101sends an ACK to the communication module100at operation314. If no addition data has been received, the operation is switched to the operation320to check whether the communication module100attempts to send data. If the communication module100does not attempt to send data, the timer checks whether the period T4is expired as shown in the operation315. If the communication module100attempts to send data, the operation320is switched to the operation306.

Referring to the operation306, the communication module100checks whether it is in the transmission mode. If the communication module100is in the transmission mode, the communication module100is configured to send data and to stay in the transmission mode. If the communication module100is not in the transmission mode, the communication module100is configured to send the preamble W to synchronize with the communication module101as shown in the operation310.

Referring to the operation311, the timer checks whether the period Tsyncfor synchronization has been expired. If the period Tsynchas not been expired, the communication module100keeps sending preamble W. If the period Tsynchas been expired, the communication module100sends preamble R and keeps listening for receiving the response as shown at the operation317.

Referring to the operation316, the communication module100checks whether the response P has been received. If the response P has not been received, the communication module100checks whether it attempts to send data as shown in the operation305. If the response P has been received, the communication module100is configured to send data and keep in the transmission mode as shown in the operation312.

Referring to the operation313, the communication module100is configured to check whether an ACK has been received from the communication module101. If the communication module100does not receive the ACK, the timer checks whether a time period T3for waiting for the ACK is expired at operation319. If the time period T3is expired, the timer checks whether the time period Tdatais expired at operation318. If the time period Tdatais expired at operation318, the operation is switched to the operation315. If the time period Tdatais not expired at operation318, the communication module100sends the data and stays in the transmission mode at operation312.

FIG. 9illustrates an operation scheme for operating the communication module100and communication module101in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The operation scheme inFIG. 9is similar in that ofFIG. 7, and one of the differences therebetween is that the preambles illustrated inFIG. 7are in form of a continuous waveform with a constant level while the preambles illustrated inFIG. 9includes a plurality of preambles with a relatively high level and a relatively low level.

Referring toFIG. 9, the preamble includes a plurality of alternately-transmitted preambles W. The operating time period703of the RX mode of the communication module101is greater than a time period of at least one preamble W of the plurality of alternately-transmitted preambles.

The communication module101is configured to receive at least one of the alternately-transmitted preambles within the operating period702of the RX mode of the communication module101. After the communication module101receives one preamble W from the communication module100, the communication module101is switched from the RX mode to the TX mode to send a response P to the communication module100.

FIG. 10illustrates a flow diagram showing a method for operating the communication module100and communication module101ofFIG. 9in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The flow diagram inFIG. 10is similar to that ofFIG. 8, and one of the differences therebetween is that inFIG. 10, the operations304and317illustrated inFIG. 8are omitted and the operations333and334are added.

Referring to the operation302, if the communication module101receives the preambles W, the communication module101enters a synchronization mode, sends the response P and keeps listening for receiving the data at the operation303. The plurality of preambles with a relatively high level and a relatively low level sent by the communication module100do not include the preamble R as shown inFIG. 8.

Referring to the operation308, the communication module101tries to receive data from the communication module100. If the communication module101receives the data from the communication module100, the communication module101sends an ACK to the communication module100to inform the communication module100that the data is successfully received as shown in the operation314. If no data has been received by the communication module101, the timer of the communication module101checks whether a predetermined time period Tdatais expired at the operation307. If the time period Tdatahas not been expired, the communication module101is configured to keep trying to receive the data from the communication module100. If the time period Tdatais expired, the timer checks whether a period T4of the timer for the data transmission is expired at the operation315(or whether the period of the transmission mode is expired).

Referring to the operation310, the communication module100is configured to send the preamble W to synchronize with the communication module101. After the communication module101receives the preambles W, the communication module101enters a synchronization mode and keeps listening for receiving the data at the operation333. The plurality of preambles sent by the communication module100do not include the preamble R.

Referring to the operation316, the communication module100checks whether the response P has been received. If the response P has not been received, the timer checks whether the period Tsyncfor synchronization has been expired as shown in the operation334. If the period Tsyncfor synchronization has been expired at the operation334, the communication module100checks whether it attempts to send data as shown in the operation305. If the period Tsyncfor synchronization is not expired as shown in the operation334, the communication module100will keep sending the preamble W and stays in the transmission mode at operation310.

FIG. 11illustrates the operation of an idle mode of the communication module100and the communication module101. The communication module101is periodically woken up for synchronization and switched to the idle mode. In some embodiments, the communication module101is configured to receive at least two of the alternately-transmitted preambles within the operating time period of the receiving RX mode of the communication module101. The communication module101may be synchronized with the communication module100after receive two of the alternately-transmitted preambles.

FIG. 12illustrates the operation of an idle mode of the communication module100and the communication module101. The communication module101is periodically woken up for synchronization and switched to the idle mode. In some embodiments, the communication module101is configured to receive at least one of the alternately-transmitted preambles within the operating time period of the receiving RX mode. As shown inFIG. 12, even if the preamble W has a shift L1at the time period, the communication module101may receive a portion of at least one of the alternately-transmitted preambles within the operating time period of the receiving RX mode. The communication module101will not be switched to the sleep mode (idle mode), if the communication module101receives a portion of at least one of the alternately-transmitted preambles. The communication module101may be synchronized with the communication module100after the communication module101receives one completer preamble of the alternately-transmitted preambles.

Amounts, ratios, and other numerical values are sometimes presented herein in a range format. It can be understood that such range formats are used for convenience and brevity, and should be understood flexibly to include not only numerical values explicitly specified as limits of a range, but also all individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly specified.

Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer code or instructions thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations. The term “computer-readable storage medium” is used to include any medium that is capable of storing or encoding a sequence of instructions or computer code for performing the operations, methodologies, and techniques described herein. The media and computer code may be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the embodiments of the disclosure, or they may be of the kind available to those having skill in the computer software arts. Examples of computer code include machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing higher-level code that are executed by a processor using an interpreter or a compiler. For example, an embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented using Java, C++, or other object-oriented programming language and development tools. Additional examples of computer code include encrypted code and compressed code. Another embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented in hardwired circuitry in place of, or in combination with, processor-executable software instructions.