Automatic optimization of vehicle RF audio systems

A system and method are provided for automatic optimization of vehicle RF audio systems. The method includes receiving first data describing a radio-frequency environment experienced by a radio system of a vehicle, the vehicle radio system comprising a processor and a memory storing code executable by the processor; receiving second data describing responses of one or more occupants of the vehicle to audio produced by the radio system; correlating the responses of one or more occupants of the vehicle with changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system; generating a code update using the correlation of the responses with changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system, and refreshing code stored in a memory of the vehicle according to the code update, wherein a processor in the vehicle executes the code.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to vehicles. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to vehicle radio systems, including radios and antennas.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Vehicle radios and antennas are designed and tuned to suit customer preferences. These preferences are generally collected by customer surveys. However, these surveys are conducted infrequently, and many customers do not complete the surveys. Consequently, the design and tuning of the vehicle radios and antennas may not please the majority of customers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, one aspect disclosed features a system comprising: a processor; and a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by the processor, the machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions to cause the processor to perform a method comprising: receiving first data describing a radio-frequency environment experienced by a radio system of a vehicle; receiving second data describing responses of one or more occupants of the vehicle to audio produced by the radio system; correlating the responses of the one or more occupants of the vehicle with changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system; and generating a code update using the correlation of the responses with the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and refreshing code stored in a memory of the vehicle according to the code update, wherein a processor in the vehicle executes the code.

Embodiments of the system may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving third data describing locations of the vehicle corresponding to the responses of the one or more occupants; correlating the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and the locations of the vehicle; and generating the code update using the correlation of the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and the locations of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving the responses and the changes in the radio-frequency environment from a plurality of the vehicles; and correlating the responses with the changes in the radio-frequency environments; and generating the code update using the correlations of the responses with the changes in the radio-frequency environments, and refreshing the code stored in the memory of each vehicle according to the code update, and wherein the processor in each vehicle executes the respective code. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving third data describing a type of each of the vehicles; and generating a respective code update for each of the types using the correlations of the responses with the changes in the radio-frequency environments, and refreshing the code stored in the memory of the vehicle according to the respective code update, and wherein the processor in each vehicle executes the respective code. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving third data describing functions performed by the radio system in response to the changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system; receiving fourth data describing responses, of the one or more occupants of the vehicle, to audio produced by the radio system in response to the functions performed by the radio system in response to the changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system; correlating the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and the functions performed by the radio system; and generating the code update using the correlation of the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and the functions performed by the radio system, and refreshing the code stored in the memory of the vehicle according to the code update, wherein the processor in the vehicle executes the code. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving fifth data describing the vehicle; correlating the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, the functions performed by the radio system, and the data describing the vehicle; and generating the code update using the correlation of the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, the functions performed by the radio system, and the data describing the vehicle.

In general, one aspect disclosed features a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by a hardware processor of a computing component, the machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions to cause the hardware processor to perform a method comprising: receiving first data describing a radio-frequency environment experienced by radio system of a vehicle; receiving second data describing responses of one or more occupants of the vehicle to audio produced by the radio system; correlating the responses of the one or more occupants of the vehicle with changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system; and generating a code update using the correlation of the responses with the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and refreshing code stored in a memory of the vehicle according to the code update, wherein a processor in the vehicle executes the code.

Embodiments of the medium may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving third data describing locations of the vehicle corresponding to the responses of the one or more occupants; correlating the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and the locations of the vehicle; and generating the code update using the correlation of the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and the locations of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving the responses and the changes in the radio-frequency environment from a plurality of the vehicles; correlating the responses with the changes in the radio-frequency environments; and generating the code update using the correlation of the responses with the changes in the radio-frequency environments, and refreshing code stored in the memory of each vehicle according to the respective code update, wherein the processor in each vehicle executes the respective code. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving third data describing a type of each of the vehicles; and generating a respective code update for each of the types using the correlations of the responses with the changes in the radio-frequency environments, and refreshing the code stored in the memory of the vehicle according to the respective code update, wherein the processor in each vehicle executes the respective code. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving third data describing functions performed by the radio system in response to the changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system; receiving fourth data describing responses, of the one or more occupants of the vehicle, to audio produced by the radio system in response to the functions performed by the radio system in response to the changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system; correlating the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and the functions performed by the radio system; and generating the code update using the correlation of the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and the functions performed by the radio system, and refreshing the code stored in the memory of the vehicle according to the code update, wherein the processor in the vehicle executes the code. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving fifth data describing the vehicle; correlating the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, the functions performed by the radio system, and the data describing the vehicle; and generating the code update using the correlation of the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, the functions performed by the radio, and the data describing the vehicle.

In general, one aspect disclosed features a method comprising: receiving first data describing a radio-frequency environment experienced by a radio system of a vehicle, the vehicle radio system comprising a processor and a memory storing code executable by the processor; receiving second data describing responses of one or more occupants of the vehicle to audio produced by the radio system; correlating the responses of one or more occupants of the vehicle with changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system; generating a code update using the correlation of the responses with changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system, and refreshing code stored in a memory of the vehicle according to the code update, wherein a processor in the vehicle executes the code.

Embodiments of the method may include one or more of the following features. Some embodiments comprise receiving third data describing locations of the vehicle corresponding to the responses of the one or more occupants; correlating the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and the locations of the vehicle; and generating the code update using the correlation of the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and the locations of the vehicle. Some embodiments comprise changing a design of an antenna for the vehicle using (i) the correlation of the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and the locations of the vehicle, and (ii) a design of a current antenna of the vehicle. Some embodiments comprise receiving the responses and the changes in the radio-frequency environment from a plurality of the vehicles; correlating the responses with the changes in the radio-frequency environments; and generating the code update using the correlations of the responses with the changes in the radio-frequency environments, and refreshing the code stored in the memory of the vehicle according to the respective code update, wherein the processor in each vehicle executes the respective code. Some embodiments comprise receiving third data describing a type of each of the vehicles; and generating a respective code update for each of the types using the correlations of the responses with the changes in the radio-frequency environments, and refreshing the code stored in the memory of the vehicle according to the respective code update, wherein the processor in each vehicle executes the respective code. Some embodiments comprise changing a design of the antenna for the plurality of the vehicles using (i) the correlations of the responses with the changes in the radio-frequency environments, and (i) a design of a current antenna of the plurality of the vehicles. Some embodiments comprise receiving third data describing functions, performed by the radio system, in response to the changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system; receiving fourth data describing responses, of the one or more occupants of the vehicle, to audio produced by the vehicle radio system in response to the functions performed by the radio system in response to the changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system; correlating the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and the functions performed by the radio; and generating the code update using the correlation of the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, and the functions performed by the radio, and refreshing the code stored in the memory of the vehicle according to the code update, wherein the processor in the vehicle executes the code. Some embodiments comprise receiving fifth data describing the vehicle; correlating the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, the functions performed by the radio system, and the data describing the vehicle; and generating the code update using the correlation of the responses, the changes in the radio-frequency environment, the functions performed by the radio, and the data describing the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Currently, vehicle radio-frequency audio systems including vehicle radios and antennas (collectively referred to herein as “vehicle radio systems”) are designed and tuned during manufacture to suit customer preferences. These preferences are collected by customer surveys which may be conducted only every five years or so. The customer surveys indicate how customers would like the radio systems to react to conditions such as weak signals, interruptions, static, switching between analog and HD radio signals, and the like.

Various embodiments are directed to a system and method that monitors the RF environment of the vehicle radio systems, as well as responses to changes in the RF environment by a listener of audio produced by vehicle radio systems. For example, the listener may increase the volume for a weak channel.

The data is collected passively and automatically, with no interaction required of the vehicle occupants. Thus, the vehicle has the ability to self-monitor its radio systems, thereby providing more accurate performance data that can be received, and communicated to audio engineers, in a timely manner. This data is analyzed to optimize the vehicle radio systems, for example by modifying the signal reception hardware and software in the vehicle.

It should be noted that the terms “optimize,” “optimal” and the like as used herein can be used to mean making or achieving performance as effective or perfect as possible. However, as one of ordinary skill in the art reading this document will recognize, perfection cannot always be achieved. Accordingly, these terms can also encompass making or achieving performance as good or effective as possible or practical under the given circumstances, or making or achieving performance better than that which can be achieved with other settings or parameters.

In some embodiments, the data collected may be used to change the design of the vehicle antennas. The data collected may also or alternatively be used to change the software/firmware in the vehicle radio systems, for example to change the signal processing or radio operation. The data may be collected from a single vehicle, and used to optimize the audio experience for that vehicle or for an occupant identified as being in the vehicle when the data is collected. The data may be collected for a single listener, and used to optimize the audio experience for that listener.

In some embodiments, a big data approach may be employed by collecting large amounts of data from many vehicles of the same or different makes, models, and years, and in many locations, and using that data to train an analytics model. The model may be used to analyze data subsequently collected, and to optimize the vehicle radio systems accordingly.

An example vehicle102in which embodiments of the disclosed technology may be implemented is illustrated inFIG. 1. The vehicle depicted inFIG. 1is a hybrid electric vehicle. However, the disclosed technology is independent of the means of propulsion of the vehicle, and so applies equally to vehicles without an electric motor, and to vehicles without an internal combustion engine.

FIG. 1illustrates a drive system of a vehicle102that may include an internal combustion engine110and one or more electric motors106(which may also serve as generators) as sources of motive power. Driving force generated by the internal combustion engine110and motor106can be transmitted to one or more wheels34via a torque converter16, a transmission18, a differential gear device28, and a pair of axles30.

As an HEV, vehicle102may be driven/powered with either or both of engine110and the motor(s)106as the drive source for travel. For example, a first travel mode may be an engine-only travel mode that only uses internal combustion engine110as the drive source for travel. A second travel mode may be an EV travel mode that only uses the motor(s)106as the drive source for travel. A third travel mode may be an HEV travel mode that uses engine110and the motor(s)106as drive sources for travel. In the engine-only and HEV travel modes, vehicle102relies on the motive force generated at least by internal combustion engine110, and a clutch15may be included to engage engine110. In the EV travel mode, vehicle102is powered by the motive force generated by motor106while engine110may be stopped and clutch15disengaged.

Engine110can be an internal combustion engine such as a spark ignition (SI) engine (e.g., gasoline engine) a compression ignition (CI) engine (e.g., diesel engine) or similarly powered engine (whether reciprocating, rotary, continuous combustion or otherwise) in which fuel is injected into and combusted to provide motive power. A cooling system112can be provided to cool the engine such as, for example, by removing excess heat from engine110. For example, cooling system112can be implemented to include a radiator, a water pump and a series of cooling channels. In operation, the water pump circulates coolant through the engine to absorb excess heat from the engine. The heated coolant is circulated through the radiator to remove heat from the coolant, and the cold coolant can then be recirculated through the engine. A fan may also be included to increase the cooling capacity of the radiator. The water pump, and in some instances the fan, may operate via a direct or indirect coupling to the driveshaft of engine110. In other applications, either or both the water pump and the fan may be operated by electric current such as from battery104.

An output control circuit14A may be provided to control drive (output torque) of engine110. Output control circuit14A may include a throttle actuator to control an electronic throttle valve that controls fuel injection, an ignition device that controls ignition timing, and the like. Output control circuit14A may execute output control of engine110according to a command control signal(s) supplied from an electronic control unit50, described below. Such output control can include, for example, throttle control, fuel injection control, and ignition timing control.

Motor106can also be used to provide motive power in vehicle102, and is powered electrically via a battery104. Battery104may be implemented as one or more batteries or other power storage devices including, for example, lead-acid batteries, lithium ion batteries, capacitive storage devices, and so on. Battery104may be charged by a battery charger108that receives energy from internal combustion engine110. For example, an alternator or generator may be coupled directly or indirectly to a drive shaft of internal combustion engine110to generate an electrical current as a result of the operation of internal combustion engine110. A clutch can be included to engage/disengage the battery charger108. Battery104may also be charged by motor106such as, for example, by regenerative braking or by coasting during which time motor106operate as generator.

Motor106can be powered by battery104to generate a motive force to move the vehicle and adjust vehicle speed. Motor106can also function as a generator to generate electrical power such as, for example, when coasting or braking. Battery104may also be used to power other electrical or electronic systems in the vehicle. Motor106may be connected to battery104via an inverter42. Battery104can include, for example, one or more batteries, capacitive storage units, or other storage reservoirs suitable for storing electrical energy that can be used to power motor106. When battery104is implemented using one or more batteries, the batteries can include, for example, nickel metal hydride batteries, lithium ion batteries, lead acid batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, lithium ion polymer batteries, and other types of batteries.

An electronic control unit50(described below) may be included and may control the electric drive components of the vehicle as well as other vehicle components. For example, electronic control unit50may control inverter42, adjust driving current supplied to motor106, and adjust the current received from motor106during regenerative coasting and breaking. As a more particular example, output torque of the motor106can be increased or decreased by electronic control unit50through the inverter42.

A torque converter16can be included to control the application of power from engine110and motor106to transmission18. Torque converter16can include a viscous fluid coupling that transfers rotational power from the motive power source to the driveshaft via the transmission. Torque converter16can include a conventional torque converter or a lockup torque converter. In other embodiments, a mechanical clutch can be used in place of torque converter16.

Clutch15can be included to engage and disengage engine110from the drivetrain of the vehicle. In the illustrated example, a crankshaft32, which is an output member of engine110, may be selectively coupled to the motor106and torque converter16via clutch15. Clutch15can be implemented as, for example, a multiple disc type hydraulic frictional engagement device whose engagement is controlled by an actuator such as a hydraulic actuator. Clutch15may be controlled such that its engagement state is complete engagement, slip engagement, and complete disengagement complete disengagement, depending on the pressure applied to the clutch. For example, a torque capacity of clutch15may be controlled according to the hydraulic pressure supplied from a hydraulic control circuit (not illustrated). When clutch15is engaged, power transmission is provided in the power transmission path between the crankshaft32and torque converter16. On the other hand, when clutch15is disengaged, motive power from engine110is not delivered to the torque converter16. In a slip engagement state, clutch15is engaged, and motive power is provided to torque converter16according to a torque capacity (transmission torque) of the clutch15.

As alluded to above, vehicle102may include an electronic control unit50. Electronic control unit50may include circuitry to control various aspects of the vehicle operation. Electronic control unit50may include, for example, a microcomputer that includes a one or more processing units (e.g., microprocessors), memory storage (e.g., RAM, ROM, etc.), and I/O devices. The processing units of electronic control unit50, execute instructions stored in memory to control one or more electrical systems or subsystems in the vehicle. Electronic control unit50can include a plurality of electronic control units such as, for example, an electronic engine control module, a powertrain control module, a transmission control module, a suspension control module, a body control module, and so on. As a further example, electronic control units can be included to control systems and functions such as doors and door locking, lighting, human-machine interfaces, cruise control, telematics, braking systems (e.g., ABS or ESC), battery management systems, and so on. These various control units can be implemented using two or more separate electronic control units, or using a single electronic control unit.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 1, electronic control unit50receives information from a plurality of sensors included in vehicle102. For example, electronic control unit50may receive signals that indicate vehicle operating conditions or characteristics, or signals that can be used to derive vehicle operating conditions or characteristics. These may include, but are not limited to accelerator operation amount, ACC, a revolution speed, NE, of internal combustion engine110(engine RPM), a rotational speed, NMS, of the motor106(motor rotational speed), and vehicle speed, NV. These may also include torque converter16output, NT(e.g., output amps indicative of motor output), brake operation amount/pressure, B, battery SOC (i.e., the charged amount for battery104detected by an SOC sensor). Accordingly, vehicle102can include a plurality of sensors116that can be used to detect various conditions internal or external to the vehicle and provide sensed conditions to engine control unit50(which, again, may be implemented as one or a plurality of individual control circuits). In one embodiment, sensors116may be included to detect one or more conditions directly or indirectly such as, for example, fuel efficiency, EF, motor efficiency, EMG, hybrid (internal combustion engine110+MG12) efficiency, etc.

In some embodiments, one or more of the sensors116may include their own processing capability to compute the results for additional information that can be provided to electronic control unit50. In other embodiments, one or more sensors may be data-gathering-only sensors that provide only raw data to electronic control unit50. In further embodiments, hybrid sensors may be included that provide a combination of raw data and processed data to electronic control unit50. Sensors116may provide an analog output or a digital output.

Sensors116may be included to detect not only vehicle conditions but also to detect external conditions as well. Sensors that might be used to detect external conditions can include, for example, sonar, radar, lidar or other vehicle proximity sensors, and cameras or other image sensors. Image sensors can be used to detect, for example, traffic signs indicating a current speed limit, road curvature, obstacles, the presence or absence of a road shoulder and so on. Still other sensors may include those that can detect road grade. While some sensors can be used to actively detect passive environmental objects, other sensors can be included and used to detect active objects such as those objects used to implement smart roadways that may actively transmit and/or receive data or other information.

FIG. 2illustrates an example architecture for automatic optimization of vehicle radio systems in accordance with one embodiment of the systems and methods described herein. Referring now toFIG. 2, in this example, a vehicle200includes a radio system250, and a plurality of sensors116. Sensors116can communicate with radio system250via a wired or wireless communication interface. Although sensors116are depicted as communicating with radio system250, they can also communicate with each other as well as with other vehicle systems. Radio system250can be implemented as an ECU or as part of an ECU such as, for example electronic control unit50. In other embodiments, radio system250can be implemented independently of the ECU.

Radio system250in this example includes a communication circuit201, a processing circuit203(including a processor206and memory208in this example) and a power supply210. The memory208may store code executable by the processor206. Components of radio system250are illustrated as communicating with each other via a data bus, although other communication interfaces can be included. Radio system250in this example also includes radio controls212, a radio display214, an antenna216, speakers218, and a tuner220. The radio controls212can be operated by the user to control the radio system250, for example by manual controls, voice, and the like. The radio display214can display information such as the frequency band and frequency of the radio station tuned by the radio system250, the volume of the radio system250, equalization parameters employed by an amplifier of the radio system250, and the like.

Processor206can include a GPU, CPU, microprocessor, or any other suitable computing component. One example computing component is described below with reference toFIG. 5. The memory208may include one or more various forms of memory or data storage (e.g., flash, RAM, etc.) that may be used to store the calibration parameters, images (analysis or historic), point parameters, instructions and variables for processor206as well as any other suitable information. Memory208, can be made up of one or more modules of one or more different types of memory, and may be configured to store data and other information as well as operational instructions that may be used by the processor206to radio system250.

Although the example ofFIG. 2is illustrated using processor and memory circuitry, as described below with reference to circuits disclosed herein, decision circuit203can be implemented utilizing any form of circuitry including, for example, hardware, software, or a combination thereof. By way of further example, one or more processors, controllers, ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logical components, software routines or other mechanisms might be implemented to make up a radio system250.

Communication circuit201includes either or both a wireless transceiver circuit202with an associated antenna214and a wired I/O interface204with an associated hardwired data port (not illustrated). As this example illustrates, communications with radio system250can include either or both wired and wireless communications circuits201. Wireless transceiver circuit202can include a transmitter and a receiver (not shown) to allow wireless communications via any of a number of communication protocols such as, for example, WiFi, Bluetooth, near field communications (NFC), Zigbee, and any of a number of other wireless communication protocols whether standardized, proprietary, open, point-to-point, networked or otherwise. Antenna214is coupled to wireless transceiver circuit202and is used by wireless transceiver circuit202to transmit radio signals wirelessly to wireless equipment with which it is connected and to receive radio signals as well. These RF signals can include information of almost any sort that is sent or received by radio system250to/from other entities such as sensors116.

Wired I/O interface204can include a transmitter and a receiver (not shown) for hardwired communications with other devices. For example, wired I/O interface204can provide a hardwired interface to other components, including sensors116. Wired I/O interface204can communicate with other devices using Ethernet or any of a number of other wired communication protocols whether standardized, proprietary, open, point-to-point, networked or otherwise.

Power supply210can include one or more of a battery or batteries (such as, e.g., Li-ion, Li-Polymer, NiMH, NiCd, NiZn, NiH2, rechargeable, primary battery, etc.), a power connector (e.g., to connect to vehicle supplied power, etc.), an energy harvester (e.g., solar cells, piezoelectric system, etc.), or include any other suitable power supply.

Sensors116may include additional sensors that may or not otherwise be included on a standard vehicle102with which the radio system250is implemented. In the illustrated example, sensors116include RF sensors232, one or more microphones234, and a location sensor236. The RF sensors232may include any sensor capable of performing the functions described herein. The location sensor236may include a global positioning system (GPS) circuit or the like, and may be embodied in or as part of a vehicle navigation system, or as a standalone component/system. Additional sensors232can also be included as may be appropriate for a given implementation of radio system250.

During operation, radio system250can receive information from various vehicle sensors. Communication circuit201can be used to transmit and receive information between radio system250and sensors116. In various embodiments, communication circuit201can be configured to receive data and other information from sensors116. Examples of this are described in more detail below.

In some embodiments, a vehicle optimizes its own radio system.FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating a process300for automatic optimization of a vehicle radio system according to one embodiment. While the steps of the process300are described in a particular order for this embodiment, in other embodiments steps may be performed in other sequences, concurrently, and the like.

Referring toFIG. 3, a vehicle102collects data describing the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system250of the vehicle radio system250, at302. This data may be provided by RF sensors232, by radio system250, by other sensors in the vehicle102, or by any combination thereof. This data may include the signal strength of signal(s) received by the antenna216, the signal-to-noise ratios of the signals received by the antenna216, the frequencies of radio stations tuned by the radio system250, and the like. The signal strengths and signal-to-noise ratios may be provided by RF sensors232, by the radio system250, or by other sensors. The frequencies of radio stations tuned by the radio system250may be reported by the tuner220for the radio system250. This data may be received by a computing component in the vehicle102. The computing component may be implemented as part of the electronic control unit ofFIG. 1, as the processing circuit203ofFIG. 2, elsewhere in the vehicle102, or any combination thereof. One example computing component is described below with reference toFIG. 5.

Referring again toFIG. 3, the vehicle102may collect/receive data describing a radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system250, at302. The vehicle102may also collect data describing responses, of one or more occupants of the vehicle102, to audio produced by the vehicle radio system250, at304. The responses of the occupant(s) may include operation of the radio controls212of the radio system250by the occupant(s), speech of the occupant(s), and the like. The vehicle102may correlate the responses of the occupant(s) with changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system250, at306. For example, in response to audio produced by the radio system250in response to a weakening radio signal, an occupant may increase the volume of radio system250or tune radio system250to a different radio station. The data may also describe the locations of the vehicle102corresponding to the responses of the one or more occupants. That is, the data may describe a location of the vehicle102when each of the occupant responses took place. This data may be collected by radio system250, microphone234, and/or location sensor236. This data may be received by a computing component in the vehicle102.

The vehicle102may collect/receive data describing functions, performed by the radio system250, in response to the changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system250, at308. For example, in response to a weakening radio signal, the radio system250may implement the function of changing from high definition (HD) radio processing to analog radio processing. This data may be collected by radio system250. This data may be received by a computing component in the vehicle102.

The vehicle102may collect data describing responses, of the one or more occupants of the vehicle102, to audio produced by the vehicle radio system250, at310. The responses of the occupant(s) may include operation of the radio controls212of the radio system250by the occupant(s), speech of the occupant(s), and the like. The vehicle102may correlate the responses, the functions performed by the radio system250in response to the changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system250, and the changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system250, at312. For example, in response to the radio system250implementing the function of changing from HD radio processing to analog radio processing, an occupant of the vehicle102may tune to a different radio station or turn off the radio system250. This data may be collected by radio system250, microphone234, or both. This data may be received by a computing component in the vehicle102.

The vehicle102may generate a code update using one or more of the correlations, at314. The code update is used to refresh the code stored in the memory208of the vehicle102. Refreshing the code with the code update may include modifying existing algorithms, parameters, and the like, for the code to be updated. The code update may be generated by processor206using data stored in memory208, which may be collected from sensors116, radio system250, and other systems within the vehicle102.

For example, the processor206may execute a code generator. The code generator may access the memory208to obtain the data, and categorize the data according to the components of the vehicle102that could be affected. The code generator may analyze all data in each category to generate the code update.

The code update may be generated using particular responses of occupants of the vehicle to audio produced by the vehicle radio system250in response to changes in the RF environment experienced by the radio system250. For example, if an occupant tuned to a different radio station in response to audio produced by the radio254for a weakening radio signal, the code update may implement different processing for weakening radio signals at that frequency. A computing component in the vehicle, for example such as the processor206of the radio system250, executes the code.

The radio system250may perform functions in response to the changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system250. The vehicle radio system250may produce audio in response to the performed functions. The code update may be generated using particular responses of the one or more occupants of the vehicle102to the audio. For example, if an occupant tunes to a different radio station in response to audio produced by the radio when changing from HD processing to analog processing, the code update may change a signal strength threshold used to trigger the change from HD processing to analog processing.

The code update may be generated using the locations of the vehicle102. For example, the locations may be used in conjunction with a signal strength map to determine whether the data describing the RF environment experienced by the radio system250has been affected by a poor signal environment, for example attributable to difficult geographic conditions.

The vehicle102may update the code stored in the memory208of the vehicle102according to the code update, at316. Any method of refreshing the code may be employed. For example, the code or portions of the code may be modified, replaced, augmented, and the like.

In some embodiments, parts of process300may be implemented outside the vehicle, for example at a remote server, in the cloud, and the like. For example, the data collected during process300may be transmitted to a remote server. In such embodiments, the remote server generates the code update, and transmits the code update to the vehicle102. The vehicle102then updates the code stored in the memory208of the radio system250.

In some embodiments, one or more of the correlations may be used to change a design of the vehicle antenna216, at318. That is, the current design of the antenna216may be changed or replaced. In such embodiments, some or all of the data collected and/or generated during process300is transmitted to a remote server. The data transmitted may also include data describing the vehicle102, for example such as make, model, model year, vehicle identification number, and the like.

FIG. 4is a flowchart illustrating a process400for automatic optimization of vehicle radio systems using the cloud according to one embodiment. In this description, the cloud is described in terms of computing components such as one or more remote servers402, that is, servers402located remotely from the vehicle102. While the steps of the process400are described in a particular order for this embodiment, and other embodiments steps may be performed in other sequences, concurrently, and the like.

This process400may be used to optimize vehicle radio systems for a single vehicle, or for a group of vehicles102. The group of vehicles102may include all of the vehicles102produced by a particular vehicle manufacturer, or a subset of vehicles produced by that manufacturer, for example selected by model, model year, and the like, or combinations thereof. While this process400is applicable to a single vehicle102and/or a single server402, for clarity of description, this process400will be described for multiple vehicles102and multiple servers402.

Referring toFIG. 4, vehicles102collect data, for example such as the data described above, at402. In some embodiments, the data may describe the radio-frequency environments experienced by the radio systems250. In some embodiments, the data may also describe responses, of one or more occupants of the vehicles102, to audio produced by the vehicle radio systems250in response to changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio systems250. In such embodiments, the data may also describe the locations of the vehicles102corresponding to the responses of the one or more occupants. That is, the data may describe locations of the vehicles102when each of the occupant responses took place. This data may be collected by radio system250, microphone234, and/or location sensor236. The data may also describe the vehicles102, for example by describing a type of each vehicle. The type may indicate make, model, model year, and the like.

In some embodiments, the data may describe functions, performed by the radio systems250, in response to the changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio systems250. In such embodiments, the data may describe responses, of the one or more occupants of the vehicles102, to audio produced by the vehicle radio systems250in response to the functions performed by the radio systems250in response to the changes in the radio-frequency environments experienced by the radio systems250. The data may also describe the vehicles102.

The vehicles102transmit the data to the servers402, at404. Any method of transmission may be employed. For example, the vehicles102may transmit the data wirelessly to roadside receivers or transceivers. The servers402receive the data, at406.

The servers402generate one or more code updates using the received data, at408, for example as described above. In some embodiments, one code update is generated for all of the vehicles102. In other embodiments, a different code update is generated for each type of vehicle102. In still other embodiments, a different code update is generated for each vehicle102.

In some embodiments, the servers402may run specified algorithms in a cloud server infrastructure, and be configured to train and improve the algorithms used to generate the code updates. The algorithms use data collected from a multitude of vehicles (i.e., a Big Data approach), to optimize the algorithms in a way not possible with data provided by only a single vehicle102. Big Data may typically include data sets with sizes beyond the ability of commonly used software tools to capture, curate, manage, and process data within a tolerable elapsed time. Big data size may be a constantly moving target, but can range from a few dozen terabytes to many petabytes of data. Big data may include a set of techniques and technologies that require new forms of integration to uncover large hidden values from large datasets that are diverse, complex, and of a massive scale.

The algorithms may be trained using a training dataset as each data point gathered from the multitude of vehicles is fed into the current algorithm and compared with a desired outcome. If the outcome deviates, the parameters of the algorithms are changed slightly through a statistical optimization calculation to improve the outcome. After each iteration of the training set the algorithm is evaluated using a test set. This process is repeated until the overall algorithm demonstrates improved performance.

The code update(s) are transmitted to the vehicles102, at410. The vehicles102receive the code updates, at414. That is, each vehicle102receives the code update intended for that vehicle102. Any method of transmission may be employed. Each vehicle102receiving a code update updates the code stored in the memory208of its radio system250, at416. A computing component in the vehicle, for example such as the processor206of the radio system250, executes the code.

In some embodiments, some or all of the data collected during process400is used to change a design of the vehicle antenna216, at412. That is, the current design of the antenna216may be changed or replaced. For example, if the data indicates unusually weak radio signals at a particular frequency, the design of the antenna216can be modified to increase sensitivity at that frequency. As another example, for a vehicle with multiple antennas216or antenna elements, such as a diversity antenna, the method of blending the signals provided by the antennas216or antenna elements can be changed. In some embodiments, one antenna is designed/refined for all of the vehicles102. In other embodiments, different antennas are designed/refined for each type of vehicle102. In still other embodiments, different antennas are designed/refined for each vehicle102.

In some embodiments, the big data approach described above for generating code updates may be used to generate the new antenna designs or refinements. The servers402may run specified algorithms in a cloud server infrastructure, and be configured to train and improve the algorithms used to generate the new antenna designs or refinements. The algorithms use data collected from a multitude of vehicles, to optimize the algorithms in a way not possible with data provided by only a single vehicle102. The algorithms may produce data indicative of new antenna designs, modifications and refinements to existing antenna designs, expected performance improvements, and the like.

Referring now toFIG. 5, computing component500may represent, for example, computing or processing capabilities found within a self-adjusting display, desktop, laptop, notebook, and tablet computers. They may be found in hand-held computing devices (tablets, PDA's, smart phones, cell phones, palmtops, etc.). They may be found in workstations or other devices with displays, servers, or any other type of special-purpose or general-purpose computing devices as may be desirable or appropriate for a given application or environment. Computing component500might also represent computing capabilities embedded within or otherwise available to a given device. For example, a computing component might be found in other electronic devices such as, for example, portable computing devices, and other electronic devices that might include some form of processing capability.

Computing component500might include, for example, one or more processors, controllers, control components, or other processing devices. This can include a processor, and/or any one or more of the components making up hybrid vehicle102and its component parts, for example such as the computing component. Processor504might be implemented using a general-purpose or special-purpose processing engine such as, for example, a microprocessor, controller, or other control logic. Processor504may be connected to a bus502. However, any communication medium can be used to facilitate interaction with other components of computing component500or to communicate externally.

Computing component500might also include one or more memory components, simply referred to herein as main memory508. For example, random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory, might be used for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor504. Main memory508might also be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor504. Computing component500might likewise include a read only memory (“ROM”) or other static storage device coupled to bus502for storing static information and instructions for processor504.

The computing component500might also include one or more various forms of information storage mechanism510, which might include, for example, a media drive512and a storage unit interface520. The media drive512might include a drive or other mechanism to support fixed or removable storage media514. For example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical drive, a compact disc (CD) or digital video disc (DVD) drive (R or RW), or other removable or fixed media drive might be provided. Storage media514might include, for example, a hard disk, an integrated circuit assembly, magnetic tape, cartridge, optical disk, a CD or DVD. Storage media514may be any other fixed or removable medium that is read by, written to or accessed by media drive512. As these examples illustrate, the storage media514can include a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software or data.

In alternative embodiments, information storage mechanism510might include other similar instrumentalities for allowing computer programs or other instructions or data to be loaded into computing component500. Such instrumentalities might include, for example, a fixed or removable storage unit522and an interface520. Examples of such storage units522and interfaces520can include a program cartridge and cartridge interface, a removable memory (for example, a flash memory or other removable memory component) and memory slot. Other examples may include a PCMCIA slot and card, and other fixed or removable storage units522and interfaces520that allow software and data to be transferred from storage unit522to computing component500.

Computing component500might also include a communications interface524. Communications interface524might be used to allow software and data to be transferred between computing component500and external devices. Examples of communications interface524might include a modem or softmodem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet, network interface card, WiMedia, IEEE 802.XX or other interface). Other examples include a communications port (such as for example, a USB port, IR port, RS232 port Bluetooth® interface, or other port), or other communications interface. Software/data transferred via communications interface524may be carried on signals, which can be electronic, electromagnetic (which includes optical) or other signals capable of being exchanged by a given communications interface524. These signals might be provided to communications interface524via a channel528. Channel528might carry signals and might be implemented using a wired or wireless communication medium. Some examples of a channel might include a phone line, a cellular link, an RF link, an optical link, a network interface, a local or wide area network, and other wired or wireless communications channels.

In this document, the terms “machine-readable storage medium,” “computer program medium,” and “computer usable medium” are used to generally refer to media such as e.g., memory508, storage unit520, media514, and channel528. These and other various forms of computer program media or computer usable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processing device for execution. Such instructions embodied on the medium, are generally referred to as “computer program code” or a “computer program product” (which may be grouped in the form of computer programs or other groupings). When executed, such instructions might enable the computing component500to perform features or functions of the present application as discussed herein.