Patent Description:
Conventional vehicular wireless communication systems are usually assembled in a crash-safe area of the vehicle or in an area close to vehicle antennas. If the systems are assembled in the crash-safe areas, high-frequency wiring harnesses are needed to connect the systems to antennas. If the systems are assembled in areas close to vehicle antennas, such as vehicle roofs, the systems can be exposed to high temperatures.

<CIT> discloses safety critical systems control in autonomous vehicles. <CIT> discloses a system and method for streaming video on demand streams over a local network. <CIT> discloses an operation method of communication node for detecting link errors in network. <CIT> discloses a wireless sensor network.

Embodiments are disclosed for a partitioned wireless communication system with redundant data links and power lines.

One or more embodiments of the disclosed system provide one or more of the following advantages. To increase the reliability of data and power transfer within a vehicle, the vehicle includes a partitioned wireless communication system that includes redundant data links and power lines. A remote wireless transceiver unit (RWTU) and a communication gateway unit (CGU) are placed at different locations in the vehicle, such that the RWTU is located proximate to vehicle antennas to minimize signal interference, and the CGU is located in a crash-safe area (typically mounted in a lower area of the vehicle). The redundant data links and power lines couple the RWTU with the CGU to allow for data and power transfer in the event that one of the data links or power lines has a loss or disruption due to an accident, severed wire, connector failure or any other event.

The details of the disclosed implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages are apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

The same reference symbol used in various drawings indicates like elements.

In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosed embodiments.

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosed embodiments.

In the drawings, specific arrangements or orderings of schematic elements, such as those representing devices, modules, instruction blocks and data elements, are shown for ease of description. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the specific ordering or arrangement of the schematic elements in the drawings is not meant to imply that a particular order or sequence of processing, or separation of processes, is required. Further, the inclusion of a schematic element in a drawing is not meant to imply that such element is required in all embodiments or that the features represented by such element may not be included in or combined with other elements in some embodiments.

Further, in the drawings, where connecting elements, such as solid or dashed lines or arrows, are used to illustrate a connection, relationship or association between or among two or more other schematic elements, the absence of any such connecting elements is not meant to imply that no connection, relationship or association can exist. In other words, some connections, relationships or associations between elements are not shown in the drawings so as not to obscure the disclosure. In addition, for ease of illustration, a single connecting element is used to represent multiple connections, relationships or associations between elements. For example, where a connecting element represents a communication of signals, data or instructions, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that such element represents one or multiple signal paths (e.g., a bus), as may be needed, to affect the communication.

Several features are described hereafter that can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. However, any individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might only address one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Although headings are provided, information related to a particular heading, but not found in the section having that heading, may also be found elsewhere in the specification.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a conventional vehicular wireless communication unit (WCU) <NUM>, according to an embodiment. WCU <NUM> includes communication processor-circuit <NUM>, wireless transceiver <NUM>, main power supply <NUM> and backup power supply <NUM> (hereafter also referred to as "WCU components"). Wireless transceiver <NUM> is coupled to antenna <NUM> through wiring harness <NUM>. Some examples of wiring harness <NUM> include but are not limited to: unshielded twisted pairs, shielded twisted pairs, coaxial cables, unshielded parallel pairs, shielded parallels and optical media, or any combination thereof.

WCU <NUM> provides wireless services (e.g., Internet connectivity, Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communications) with remote devices and resources external to the vehicle. WCU <NUM> can be included in any type of vehicle, including an autonomous vehicle. As used herein, "vehicle" includes means of transposition of goods or people. For example, cars, buses, trains, airplanes, drones, trucks, boats, ships, submersibles, dirigibles, mobile robots, etc. A driverless car is an example of an AV. As used herein, an autonomous vehicle (AV) is a vehicle that possesses autonomous capability. As used herein, the term "autonomous capability" refers to a function, feature, or facility that enables a vehicle to be partially or fully operated without real-time human intervention, including without limitation fully autonomous vehicles, highly autonomous vehicles, and conditionally autonomous vehicles.

Communication processor-circuit <NUM> is coupled to communication interface <NUM> to receive data from a vehicle data network. For example, communication interface <NUM> can include circuitry for coupling to one or more vehicle bus systems, including but not limited to: Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, Local Internet Network (LIN), FlexRay, Ethernet, etc. The data can include but is not limited to the status of various vehicle components, sensor data and a perception of the vehicle's surrounding environment as captured by the vehicle's sensors (e.g., object detection data). The vehicle can include one or more sensors to detect passenger presence, airbag activation, tire pressure, vehicle location, road condition, etc., and output sensor data to the data network. Communication processor-circuit <NUM> analyzes the data and establishes a wireless communication session with a respondent external to the vehicle to receive the data. For example, if the data indicates that an airbag has activated and there are multiple passengers present in the vehicle, communication processor-circuit <NUM> initiates an emergency call to an eCall emergency alert system.

Wireless transceiver <NUM> includes circuitry (e.g., a wireless receiver and transmitter) and software/firmware (e.g., a TCP/IP stack) to establish and maintain a bidirectional communication channel with one or more respondents. For example, wireless transceiver <NUM> can set-up a real-time voice/video channel with an emergency call center that allows passengers in the vehicle to communicate with emergency call center personnel.

Main power supply <NUM> supplies power to WCU <NUM> to ensure proper functioning of WCU components. In an example, main power supply <NUM> draws power from a vehicle power network using power interface <NUM>, monitors input/output voltage and/or current levels of WCU components and adjusts power delivery to each WCU component. In case of an emergency, main power supply <NUM> may stop functioning due to a loss of connection to the vehicle power network. Additionally, it may be unsafe for main power supply <NUM> to continue drawing power from the vehicle power network due to a risk of damage to the vehicle. In these cases, backup power supply <NUM> allows WCU <NUM> to continue functioning after main power supply <NUM> is disabled. For example, a battery interruption system (e.g., power switches, fuses) in WCU <NUM> can be configured to disconnect main power supply <NUM> from power interface <NUM> and use backup power supply <NUM> to power WCU components in the event of an emergency.

In one embodiment, WCU <NUM> is installed in a crash-safe area in the vehicle to reduce the likelihood of component damage in case of an accident. For example, WCU <NUM> can be installed in a passenger area, such as the space between the front and the back seats. Antenna <NUM>, on the other hand, is usually installed on top of the vehicle roof to maximize signal strength. As a result, wiring harness <NUM> is used to couple antenna <NUM> to WCU <NUM> at wireless transceiver <NUM>. This configuration, however, incurs an extra cost due to the requirement of wiring harness <NUM> and introduces signal interference due to the distance between antenna <NUM> and wireless transceiver <NUM>. In another embodiment, WCU <NUM> is installed proximate to antenna <NUM> to reduce the length of wiring harness <NUM>. For example, WCU <NUM> can be installed under the vehicle roof in a region proximate to antenna <NUM>. In this configuration, however, WCU <NUM> is susceptible to temperature damage as the vehicle roof can become a heated environment.

<FIG> is a block diagram of partitioned vehicular wireless communication system (PWCS) <NUM> with redundant data links <NUM> and redundant power lines <NUM>, according to an embodiment. As used herein, the term "partitioned" means to divide into parts. For example, a single hardware communication unit can be "partitioned" into two physically separate hardware units that are coupled together by data links and power lines and placed at different locations in a vehicle.

In the embodiment shown, PWCS <NUM> includes communication gateway unit (CGU) <NUM> coupled to remote wireless transceiver unit (RWTU) <NUM> by redundant data links <NUM> and redundant power lines <NUM>. CGU <NUM> and RWTU <NUM> are placed at different locations in the vehicle. For example, CGU <NUM> can be placed at a lower area of the vehicle and RWTU <NUM> can be placed underneath the vehicle roof proximate to antennas 215a-215c. In an embodiment, each of CGU <NUM> and RWTU <NUM> include a housing that covers one or more integrated circuit chips or chipsets for wireless communications data interfaces and power. Any number or type of transmitter, receiver or transceiver, and any number or type of antennas 215a-215c (e.g., omnidirectional, directional, MIMO, antenna arrays) can be included in, or coupled to RWTU <NUM>. One or more of antennas 215a-215c can be configurable, such that the antenna beams can be pointed in any desired direction manually or automatically. Multiple cellular antennas can be used for network connectivity, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antenna for navigation to emergency call systems and other location-based applications, satellite radio, radar, AM/FM radio, WiFi hotspot connectivity and dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) for vehicle-to-vehicle/infrastructure applications.

In the example shown, CGU <NUM> includes communication processor-circuit <NUM> (e.g., a central processing unit, controller, ASIC), data interface 204a, main power supply <NUM> and backup power supply <NUM>. Data interface 204a includes circuitry (e.g., amplifiers, buffers, processors) for coupling CGU <NUM> to redundant data links <NUM>. CGU <NUM> is further coupled to redundant communication interface <NUM> for interfacing with a dual-ring data network (e.g., a self-healing dual-ring network) in the vehicle. CGU <NUM> is further coupled to redundant power interface <NUM> for interface with a dual-ring power network in the vehicle.

CGU <NUM> is responsible for analyzing vehicle data and routing data and power to the RWTU <NUM>. In an embodiment, communication processor-circuit <NUM> can receive vehicle data from redundant communication interface <NUM> coupled to the vehicle's data network. Main power supply <NUM> can draw power from redundant power interface <NUM> coupled to the vehicle's power network. In case of a data and/or power loss or disruption, redundant communication interface <NUM> and redundant power interface <NUM> select a different wiring path to deliver data and/or power to CGU <NUM>.

RWTU <NUM> includes data interface 204b, cellular wireless transceiver <NUM>, WLAN transceiver <NUM> (e.g., Bluetooth (BT), WiFi), broadcast receiver <NUM> (e.g., AM/FM radio, satellite radio) and power supply <NUM>. Data interface 204b includes circuitry for coupling RWTU <NUM> to redundant data links <NUM>. Wireless transceiver <NUM> can support multiple communication standards, including but not limited to: FM, AM, DAB, Sirius XM, Bluetooth, Wireless LAN, <NUM>/<NUM>, DSRC, etc. Compared to WCU <NUM> shown in <FIG>, PWCS <NUM> has an optimized structure that partitions communication processor-circuit <NUM> from wireless transceiver <NUM>. As a result, RWTU <NUM> can be mounted in close proximity to antennas 215a-215c to reduce the cost due to the use of wiring harness <NUM>. In an embodiment, RWTU <NUM> can be mounted underneath the vehicle roof.

In an embodiment, CGU <NUM> is coupled to RWTU <NUM> at data interfaces 204a and 204b. The coupling can be implemented using high-speed redundant data links <NUM>. In case one of the data links suffers a loss or disruption, data interfaces 204a and 204b collectively select a different data link to transfer data. Some examples of data interfaces include but are not limited to: Ethernet, HDBaseT and PCIe. Some examples of data links include but are not limited to: unshielded twisted pairs, shielded twisted pairs, coaxial cables, unshielded parallel pairs, shielded parallels and optical media.

In an embodiment, main power supply <NUM> of CGU <NUM> receives power from a vehicle power network at redundant power interface <NUM> and delivers power to RWTU <NUM> using redundant power lines <NUM>. For example, each of redundant power lines <NUM> can take a different wiring path in the vehicle. If one of the power lines suffers a loss or disruption, main power supply <NUM> selects a different power line to deliver power to power supply <NUM> of RWTU <NUM>. Similarly, backup power supply <NUM> can be coupled to power supply <NUM> using redundant power lines <NUM>.

In an embodiment, redundant data links <NUM> and redundant power lines <NUM> are routed in the vehicle to facilitate inspection and replacement. For example, each data link can be located along a path in the vehicle with a power line. In another example, one wiring harness can deliver both power and vehicle data.

In an embodiment, RTWU <NUM> is an expandable and can function with additional wireless communication protocols or standards. For example, RTWU <NUM> can include IC sockets (e.g., for receiving dual in-line packages) to allow new chips to be added to support new or updated wireless communication protocols or standards. In an embodiment, antennas 215a-215c can be reconfigured to couple to the additional wireless transceivers to communicate with other devices external to the vehicle using the added or updated communication standards.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of process <NUM> for using redundant data links and power lines in a wireless communication system to transfer data and power, respectively, from a CGU (e.g., CGU <NUM>) to a RWTU (e.g., RWTU <NUM>), according to an embodiment. Process <NUM> can be implemented using hardware (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), controller, ASIC), software, firmware or any combination thereof.

Process <NUM> begins by monitoring for loss or disruption (e.g., reduction in quality of service (QoS)) of a first data link and first power line of redundant data links or power lines, respectively, coupling a CGU and RWTU in a vehicle (<NUM>). For example, a loss or disruption of a first data link between the CGU and RWTU can be due to an accident that physically damages the first data link. Data interfaces in the CGU and RWTU include circuitry that monitor data traffic on the first data link and report any detected loss or disruption to a communication processor-circuit in the CGU. For example, if a data interface in the CGU stops receiving data from a data interface in the RWTU for a specified period of time, or there is reduction in data rate, an increase in data error and/or reduction in QoS, the data interface in the CGU can report the data loss or disruption to the communication processor-circuit. In an embodiment, monitoring includes port mirroring with a network switch to send a copy of network packets seen on one switch port to a network monitoring connection on another switch port.

Process <NUM> continues by determining (<NUM>) if there is loss or disruption of the first data link or first power line based on the monitoring. In accordance with the determination of a first data link loss or disruption, process <NUM> continues by selecting a second data link for data transfer between the CGU and RWTU (<NUM>). For example, in response to the reported potential disruption of the first data link, the communication processor-circuit and/or data interface circuitry in the CGU selects a second data link to transfer data to the RWTU. The communication processor-circuit and/or data interface circuity can first verify that the first data link has been lost or disrupted. For example, the communication processor-circuit and/or data interface circuitry can cause test data to be transferred between the two data interfaces in the CGU and RWTU, and if the test data transfer fails, the communication processor-circuit and/or data interface in the CGU selects the second data link for data transfer between the CGU and RWTU.

If there is more than one redundant data link, selection can be based on ranking criteria, where a next highest-ranked data link can be selected for data transfer in place of the first data link. Any desired ranking criteria can be used, such as availability (operational) and electrical or performance characteristics of the data links (e.g., bandwidth, data rate).

In an embodiment, switching from the first data link to the second data link can be accomplished through one or more managed (e.g., smart switches) or unmanaged network switches in response to a command or instruction from a processor or controller using, for example, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) or any other desired protocol.

In accordance with the determination (<NUM>) of a first power line loss or disruption, process <NUM> continues by selecting a second power line from the main power supply (or backup power supply) in the CGU to the power supply in the RWTU (<NUM>). The second power line can be selected from one or more redundant power lines. For example, a power supply in the RWTU can be configured to monitor (e.g., using a smart power switch) the power delivered from a main power supply in the CGU (e.g., monitoring current and/or voltage inputs/outputs), and if a loss or disruption of the first power line is detected, select the second power line for coupling with the power supply in the RWTU.

Process <NUM> continue by transferring data on the second data link or power on the second power line from the CGU to the RWTU (<NUM>).

While this document contains many specific implementation details, the implementation details should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed but rather as a description of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub combination.

While logic flows or operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Moreover, the separation of various software components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described software components can generally be integrated together in a single software program or multiple software programs.

In some instances, functions in claims will be preceded with the phrase "one or more. " The phrase "one or more" as used herein includes a function being performed by one element, a function being performed by more than one element, e.g., in a distributed fashion, several functions being performed by one element, several functions being performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

In some instances, claim elements will be preceded with the terms first, second, third and so forth. It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact.

The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and/or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term "if" is, optionally, construed to mean "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if it is determined" or "if [a stated condition or event] is detected" is, optionally, construed to mean "upon determining" or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting [the stated condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the stated condition or event]," depending on the context.

Claim 1:
A system comprising:
a communication gateway unit (<NUM>) located at a first location of a vehicle, the communication gateway unit comprising:
a communication processor circuit (<NUM>); and
a first power supply (<NUM>);
a remote wireless transceiver unit (<NUM>) located at a second location of the vehicle, the remote wireless transceiver unit (<NUM>) comprising:
a power interface (<NUM>) configured to couple the first power supply (<NUM>) to the remote wireless transceiver unit (<NUM>) using two or more power lines, the two or more power lines comprising a first power line and a second power line; and
one or more wireless transceivers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to one or more antennas (215a-215c) on the vehicle, wherein the second location is closer to each of the one or more antennas than the first location,
wherein the communication processor circuit (<NUM>) of the communication gateway unit (<NUM>) is configured to wirelessly communicate with devices external to the vehicle via the one or more wireless transceivers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the remote wireless transceiver unit (<NUM>), and
wherein the first power supply (<NUM>) is configured to supply power to the remote wireless transceiver unit (<NUM>) via the first power line or the second power line to power the one or more wireless transceivers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the first power line and the second power line extending between the communication gateway unit (<NUM>) and the remote wireless transceiver unit (<NUM>); and
one or more storage devices storing instructions that, when executed by the communication processor circuit (<NUM>), cause the communication processor circuit (<NUM>) to:
monitor (<NUM>), at the power interface (<NUM>), for a loss or a disruption of power transfer on the first power line; and
in response to a detection of a loss or a disruption of power transfer on the first power line, select (<NUM>) the second power line to transfer power to the remote wireless transceiver unit (<NUM>).