Patent Description:
Connected cars refer to cars that are connected to networks and provide various services. Connected cars are one of various concepts with respect to future cars, such as self-driving cars and smart cars.

Early-stage connected cars aimed at being connected to nearby networks or the Internet to provide services, such as starting of cars, diagnosis for cars, transmission and reception of calls/messages/e-mail, real-time traffic information, and emergency rescues. Due to the spread of the Internet of Things (IoT) that is recently receiving attention, connected cars are gradually advancing beyond early-stage telematics functions. Ultimate goals of present day connected cars are to realize self-driving simultaneously while providing various infotainment in the cars. Connected cars support vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication and vehicle-to-everything communication, based on techniques represented by Vehicle-to-X (V2X). In addition, connected cars also provide safe self-driving or driving assistance functions or information about the cars themselves, traffic flow, and the like.

To achieve the ultimate goals of connected cars, the development of communication technology is necessarily required. There is a limit to satisfying the rapid increase in various mobile communication services, which are based on <NUM>-th generation (<NUM>) mobile communication, only by using signals in existing <NUM> or lower bands and increasing communication capacity. In particular, the requirements of <NUM> mobile communication include high data transfer rates, very low delays, ability to process a large number of devices, high reliability, energy efficiency, and the like. To satisfy such requirements, studies on <NUM> radio access network (RAN) systems, to which millimeter wave (mmWave)-based new radio access techniques are applied, are being actively conducted.

Because the frequency band of millimeter waves ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>, the available continuous bandwidth thereof is greater than those of <NUM> or lower bands. Millimeter-wave signals suffer from issues, such as path loss and non-line of sight (NLOS), due to high frequencies thereof. Therefore, in the <NUM> New Radio design, base stations (BSs) and user equipments (UEs) use narrow beams configured by beam adjustment. The greatest challenge to use of narrow beams is to establish and maintain communication links between BSs and UEs. To establish and maintain communication links, operations of periodically monitoring and searching for beams need to be performed, but such operations may cause issues of heat generation and power loss.

The document <CIT> discloses a radio sensing device using an antenna switching technique.

The document <CIT> discloses an antenna system for beamforming in a mobile device.

The document <CIT> discloses a directional communication for an autonomous driving system.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication control device and a method, performed by the communication control device, of establishing a communication link to stably maintain communication between a vehicle and a base station.

In addition, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication control device and a method, performed by the communication control device, of establishing a communication link to reduce a load applied to the communication control device and minimize power consumption to establish and maintain the communication link.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method, performed by a communication control device, of establishing a communication link may include monitoring a heading direction of a vehicle, when the heading direction of the vehicle is changed by as much as a preset angle or more, determining a search order between a plurality of antenna modules by considering the changed heading direction of the vehicle and mounting positions of the plurality of antenna modules mounted on the vehicle, evaluating the plurality of antenna modules according to the search order, and communicating with a base station via a new antenna module selected based on a result of the evaluating, rather than via an old antenna module used for communication with the base station.

According to a communication control device and a method, performed by the communication control device, of establishing a communication link, according to an embodiment, communication between a vehicle and a base station may be stably maintained.

In addition, according to a communication control device and a method, performed by the communication control device, of establishing a communication link, according to an embodiment, in order to establish and maintain the communication link, a load applied to the communication control device may be reduced, and power consumption may be minimized.

However, effects achievable by a communication control device and a method, performed by the communication control device, of establishing a communication link, according to an embodiment, are not limited to those described above, and other advantageous effects not described will be clearly understood, by those of ordinary skill in the art, from the following descriptions.

For more sufficient understanding of the accompanying drawings, a brief description of each of the accompanying drawings is provided.

According to an embodiment, a method, performed by a communication control device, of establishing a communication link may include monitoring a heading direction of a vehicle, when the heading direction of the vehicle is changed by as much as a preset angle or more, determining a search order between a plurality of antenna modules by considering the changed heading direction of the vehicle and mounting positions of the plurality of antenna modules mounted on the vehicle, evaluating the plurality of antenna modules according to the search order, and communicating with a base station via a new antenna module selected based on a result of the evaluating, rather than via an old antenna module used for communication with the base station.

In an embodiment, the evaluating of the plurality of antenna modules may include comparing a quality index of a beam generated by each of the plurality of antenna modules with a quality index of a beam generated by the old antenna module.

In an embodiment, when a plurality of beams are generable by each of the plurality of antenna modules, the method of establishing the communication link may further include determining a search order between the plurality of beams by considering the changed heading direction of the vehicle and pointing directions of the plurality of beams, and the evaluating of the plurality of antenna modules may include comparing a quality index of each of the plurality of beams with a quality index of a beam generated by the old antenna module, according to the search order between the plurality of beams.

In an embodiment, when an array antenna of each of the plurality of antenna modules operates while divided into element groups, the method of establishing the communication link may further include determining a search order between the element groups by considering the changed heading direction of the vehicle and positions of the element groups in the array antenna, and the evaluating of the plurality of antenna modules may include comparing a quality index of a beam generated by each of the element groups with a quality index of a beam generated by the old antenna module, according to the search order between the element groups.

In an embodiment, the determining of the search order between the plurality of antenna modules may include, when the heading direction of the vehicle is changed in a clockwise direction, determining a search direction for the plurality of antenna modules to be a counterclockwise direction, and when the heading direction of the vehicle is changed in the counterclockwise direction, determining the search direction for the plurality of antenna modules to be the clockwise direction.

In an embodiment, the determining of the search order between the plurality of antenna modules may include selecting, as a first search object, an antenna module adjacent to the old antenna module from among the plurality of antenna modules.

In an embodiment, the determining of the search order between the plurality of antenna modules may include selecting a first search object from among the plurality of antenna modules by considering a location of the base station and a location of an obstacle around the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the heading direction of the vehicle may be checked from at least one of a rotation angle of a steering wheel, a navigation system, a global positioning system (GPS), or a gyro sensor of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the determining of the search order between the plurality of antenna modules may include selecting some of the plurality of antenna modules by considering a location of the base station and mounting positions of the plurality of antenna modules mounted on the vehicle, and determining a search order between the selected antenna modules.

In an embodiment, the determining of the search order between the plurality of beams may include selecting some of the plurality of beams by considering a location of the base station and pointing directions of the plurality of beams, and determining a search order between the selected beams.

According to an embodiment, a communication control device may include a processor, and a memory storing at least one instruction, wherein the processor may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to monitor a heading direction of a vehicle, when the heading direction of the vehicle is changed by as much as a preset angle or more, determine a search order between a plurality of antenna modules by considering the changed heading direction of the vehicle and mounting positions of the plurality of antenna modules mounted on the vehicle, evaluate the plurality of antenna modules according to the search order, and communicate with the base station via a new antenna module selected based on a result of the evaluation, rather than via an old antenna module used for communication with the base station.

In an embodiment, the processor may be further configured to execute the at least one instruction to, to evaluate the plurality of antenna modules, compare a quality index of a beam generated by each of the plurality of antenna modules with a quality index of a beam generated by the old antenna module.

In an embodiment, the processor may be further configured to execute the at least one instruction to select, as the new antenna module, an antenna module with a beam, which is identified earliest as being higher in quality index than the beam generated by the old antenna module, from among the plurality of antenna modules.

In an embodiment, the processor may be further configured to execute the at least one instruction to, when a plurality of beams are generable by each of the plurality of antenna modules, determine a search order between the plurality of beams by considering the changed heading direction of the vehicle and pointing directions of the plurality of beams; and, to evaluate the plurality of antenna modules, compare a quality index of each of the plurality of beams with the quality index of the beam generated by the old antenna module, according to the search order between the plurality of beams.

In an embodiment, the processor may be further configured to execute the at least one instruction to, when an array antenna of each of the plurality of antenna modules operates while divided into element groups, determine a search order between the element groups by considering the changed heading direction of the vehicle and positions of the element groups in the array antenna, and, to evaluate the plurality of antenna modules, compare a quality index of a beam generated by each of the element groups with the quality index of the beam generated by the old antenna module, according to the search order between the element groups.

The present disclosure may undergo various changes and modifications and have various embodiments, and particular embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail in the following detailed description.

In describing embodiments of the present disclosure, a detailed description of publicly known art related thereto will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present disclosure unclear. In addition, the numerals (for example, first, second, and the like) used herein to describe embodiments are only identification symbols for distinguishing one component from other components.

Herein, it should be understood that, when one component is referred to as being "coupled to" or "connected to" another component, the one component may be directly coupled to or directly connected to the other component or may be coupled to or connected to the other component with an intervening component therebetween, unless otherwise stated.

In addition, herein, when a component is represented by the term such as ". portion", ". module", or the like, two or more components may be integrated into one integrated component, or one component may be sub-divided into two or more subcomponents according to functionality. Furthermore, it is a matter of course that, regarding respective components described below, a component may additionally perform some or all of functions of another component, or some of main functions of the component may be wholly responsible for and performed by the other component.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in turn in detail.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a vehicle <NUM> and a base station <NUM>.

An antenna module <NUM> and a communication control device <NUM>, for communication with the base station <NUM>, are mounted on the vehicle <NUM> according to an embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the antenna module <NUM> and the communication control device <NUM> may be located under a roof panel of the vehicle <NUM>. Depending upon implementation examples, at least one of the antenna module <NUM> and the communication control device <NUM> may be located on at least one of a bonnet panel, a door panel, a fender panel, a pillar panel, a bumper panel, or a trunk panel.

The communication control device <NUM> transmits data to and receives data from the base station <NUM> via the antenna module <NUM>. The communication control device <NUM> may communicate with the base station <NUM> by using a signal in a millimeter wave band. The signal in the millimeter wave band may suffer from issues, such as path loss and non-line of sight (NLOS), due to high frequency characteristics thereof. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of antenna modules <NUM> may be mounted on the vehicle <NUM>, and the communication control device <NUM> may cause a communication link between the vehicle <NUM> and the base station <NUM> to be stably maintained by selecting an antenna module <NUM> to be used for communication with the base station <NUM> from among the plurality of antenna modules <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the communication control device <NUM> and a plurality of antenna modules 250a, 250b, and 250c mounted on a vehicle <NUM>, according to an embodiment.

The communication control device <NUM> according to an embodiment selects an antenna module, which is to be used for communication with the base station <NUM>, from among the plurality of antenna modules 250a, 250b, and 250c. As described below, while the communication control device <NUM> is communicating with the base station <NUM> by using one antenna module, when sensing a change in a heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> or the change of the base station <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> selects an antenna module, which may establish an optimum communication link, from among the plurality of antenna modules 250a, 250b, and 250c.

Hereinafter, an antenna module that is communicating with the base station <NUM> is referred to as an old antenna module, and an antenna module newly selected due to a reason, such as a change in the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> or a base station change, is referred to as a new antenna module.

As shown in <FIG>, the communication control device <NUM> includes a memory <NUM> and a processor <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store at least one instruction, and the processor <NUM> may execute the at least one instruction to perform a process of selecting a new antenna module, a process of selecting a best beam, or the like described below.

The memory <NUM> may store information used for the processor <NUM> to select a new antenna module or a best beam, such as information about mounting positions of the antenna modules 250a, 250b, and 250c or information about a pointing direction of a beam generated by each of the antenna modules 250a, 250b, and 250c.

The processor <NUM> may communicate with the base station <NUM> by using the new antenna module selected from the plurality of antenna modules 250a, 250b, and 250c. The processor <NUM> may select the new antenna module by considering the mounting positions of the plurality of antenna modules 250a, 250b, and 250c, the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>, or the like, and operations of the processor <NUM> are described below in detail.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating a configuration of the antenna module <NUM> mounted on the vehicle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the antenna module <NUM> may include a transceiver <NUM>, a radio frequency front-end module (RF FEM) <NUM>, an array antenna <NUM>, and a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) <NUM>.

The transceiver <NUM> changes a data signal (for example, a speech signal or the like), which comes out of a modem (for example, the communication control device <NUM>), into a signal with a transmittable frequency and changes a signal received from the base station <NUM> into a data signal, thereby relaying data between the base station <NUM> and the modem.

The RF FEM <NUM> may include a power amplifier, a low-noise amplifier, and the like. The RF FEM <NUM> relays a frequency signal between the array antenna <NUM> and the transceiver <NUM> by increasing or reducing the amplitude of the frequency signal.

The array antenna <NUM> includes elements outputting radio wave signals (or frequency signals). By performing phase adjustment on the radio wave signals that are output from the elements, a beam with a specific direction may be output from the array antenna <NUM>.

The PMIC <NUM> transfers power, which is supplied from a battery, to the transceiver <NUM>, the RF FEM <NUM>, and the array antenna <NUM>. The PMIC <NUM> may convert the power supplied from the battery into voltages and currents with magnitudes required by the transceiver <NUM>, the RF FEM <NUM>, and the array antenna <NUM>.

The PMIC <NUM>, the transceiver <NUM>, and the RF FEM <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be respectively implemented by separate devices from each other. In some embodiments, the PMIC <NUM>, the transceiver <NUM>, and the RF FEM <NUM> may be implemented by one or more devices.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the vehicle <NUM> on which a plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM> are mounted.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM> may be respectively mounted at different points in the vehicle <NUM>. Although <FIG> illustrates that all the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM> are mounted on a roof panel of the vehicle <NUM>, this is only an example, and at least some of the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM> may be mounted at various points other than the roof panel. In addition, the number of antenna modules 250a to <NUM> may be variously changed.

The communication control device <NUM> may select a new antenna module, which is to communicate with the base station <NUM>, instead of an old antenna module by considering a heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM> and mounting positions of the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM>.

The communication control device <NUM> may monitor the heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM>.

For example, the communication control device <NUM> may monitor the heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM>, based on a rotation angle of a steering wheel of the vehicle <NUM>. Specifically, the communication control device <NUM> may sense by what angle the steering wheel is rotated with respect to a reference position, in other words, a position causing the vehicle <NUM> to move straight.

As another example, the communication control device <NUM> may monitor the heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM> via a GPS unit mounted on the vehicle <NUM>.

As yet another example, the communication control device <NUM> may monitor the heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM>, based on a moving path of the vehicle <NUM>, which is checked by a navigation system.

As yet another example, the communication control device <NUM> may monitor the heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM> via a gyro sensor mounted on the vehicle <NUM>.

When the heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM> is changed by as much as a preset angle or more, the communication control device <NUM> may determine that there is a need for a process of selecting a new antenna module, and may select the new antenna module, which is to replace an old antenna module, from among the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM>.

To maintain a communication line with the base station <NUM>, when a process of selecting an optimum antenna module and selecting an optimum beam is repeated, power consumption may be significantly increased, and there may be issues such as heat generation. Therefore, by considering the heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM> and the mounting positions of the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> according to an embodiment determines a search order between the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM> and evaluates the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM> one by one in the determined search order. In other words, by evaluating, first, an antenna module with high probability of being selected as the new antenna module, the communication control device <NUM> may quickly establish a communication line with the base station <NUM> without interruption of communication while minimizing power consumption.

In an embodiment, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search order between the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM>, based on in what direction the heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM> is changed and where the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM> including the old antenna module are mounted. According to a change in the heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM> and the mounting positions of the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM>, the search order corresponding thereto may be pre-stored.

To determine the search order between the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> according to an embodiment may determine a search direction for the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM> and also determine an antenna module that corresponds to a first search object. When the first search object is determined, starting with the antenna module corresponding to the first search object, the remaining antenna modules may be sequentially evaluated according to the search direction.

For example, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as the first search object, an antenna adjacent to the old antenna module from among the plurality of antenna modules 250a to <NUM>. As another example, the communication control device <NUM> may select the first search object by considering a location of the base station <NUM> and a location of an obstacle around the vehicle <NUM>. For example, when communication between the antenna module adjacent to the old antenna module and the base station <NUM> is anticipated to be blocked by the obstacle around the vehicle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as the first search object, an antenna module that is not blocked by the obstacle around the vehicle <NUM>.

To evaluate the antenna modules 250a to <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may compare a quality index of a beam generated by the old antenna module with a quality index of a beam generated by each of the antenna modules 250a to <NUM>. When a quality index of a beam of one antenna module evaluated according to the search order is greater than the quality index of the beam of the old antenna module, the communication control device <NUM> may select the one antenna module to be the new antenna module. When the quality index of the beam of each of the antenna modules 250a to <NUM> evaluated according to the search order is equal to or less than the quality index of the beam of the old antenna module, the communication control device <NUM> may continue to communicate with the base station <NUM> via the old antenna module.

The quality index may be one of a packet error rate (PER), quality of service (QoS), and resource information representing the amount of allocated resources, when communication with the base station <NUM> is performed by using a certain beam, or may be a value derived by a combination of at least one thereof.

Hereinafter, a process of selecting a new antenna module and a process of selecting a best beam will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a method of determining a search order between antenna modules, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, four antenna modules 550a, 550b, 550c, and 550d are mounted on the vehicle <NUM>, and the base station <NUM> is located on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>. It is assumed that the antenna module 550a called A from among the four antenna modules 550a, 550b, 550c, and 550d is an old antenna module communicating with the base station <NUM>.

When the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, the communication control device <NUM> determines whether an angle s between H1 and H2 is equal to or greater than a preset angle. When the angle s is equal to or greater than the preset angle, the communication control device <NUM> determines a search order between the four antenna modules 550a, 550b, 550c, and 550d by considering mounting positions of the four antenna modules 550a, 550b, 550c, and 550d and the changed heading direction, that is, H2.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, that is, in a clockwise direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search direction for the four antenna modules 550a, 550b, 550c, and 550d to be a counterclockwise (CCW) direction. On the contrary, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CCW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search direction for the four antenna modules 550a, 550b, 550c, and 550d to be a clockwise (CW) direction.

The reason of this is because, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CW direction, the quality of a communication link between the base station <NUM> and an antenna module located in the CCW direction with respect to the old antenna module is anticipated to be excellent, and when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CCW direction, the quality of a communication link between the base station <NUM> and an antenna module located in the CW direction with respect to the old antenna module is anticipated to be excellent.

When the search direction is determined to be the CCW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as a first search object, the antenna module 550b called B, which is closest in the CCW direction with respect to the old antenna module. In addition, the communication control device <NUM> may compare a quality index of a beam of the old antenna module with a quality index of a beam of each of the antenna modules 550a, 550b, 550c, and 550d, in the order of the antenna module 550b called B, the antenna module 550c called C, the antenna module 550d called D, and the antenna module 550a called A. While evaluating the antenna modules 550a, 550b, 550c, and 550d according to the search direction, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as a new antenna module, an antenna module with a beam that is identified earliest as being higher in quality index than the beam of the old antenna module. When the quality index of the beam of each of the antenna module 550b called B, the antenna module 550c called C, and the antenna module 550d called D is not greater than the quality index of the beam of the old antenna module, the communication control device <NUM> may communicate with the base station <NUM> by using the old antenna module, that is, the antenna module 550a called A.

Although <FIG> illustrates an example in which the base station <NUM> is on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>, even when the base station <NUM> is on the right side of the vehicle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may select the new antenna module in the same manner. Specifically, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search direction for the antenna modules 550a, 550b, 550c, and 550d to be the CCW direction, and when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CCW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search direction for the antenna modules 550a, 550b, 550c, and 550d to be the CW direction.

Referring to <FIG>, three antenna modules 650a, 650b, and 650c are mounted on the vehicle <NUM>, and the base station <NUM> is located on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>. It is assumed that the antenna module 650a called A from among the three antenna modules 650a, 650b, and 650c is an old antenna module communicating with the base station <NUM>.

When the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, the communication control device <NUM> determines whether the angle s between H1 and H2 is equal to or greater than a preset angle. When the angle s is equal to or greater than the preset angle, the communication control device <NUM> determines a search order between the three antenna modules 650a, 650b, and 650c by considering mounting positions of the three antenna modules 650a, 650b, and 650c and the changed heading direction, that is, H2.

As shown in <FIG>, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, that is, in the CCW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search direction for the antenna modules 650a, 650b, and 650c to be the CW direction. On the contrary, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search direction for the antenna modules 650a, 650b, and 650c to be the CCW direction. The reason of this is because, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CCW direction, the quality of a communication link between the base station <NUM> and an antenna module located in the CW direction with respect to the old antenna module is anticipated to be excellent, and when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CW direction, the quality of a communication link between the base station <NUM> and an antenna module located in the CCW direction with respect to the old antenna module is anticipated to be excellent.

When the search direction is determined to be the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as a first search object, the antenna module 650c called C, which is closest in the CW direction with respect to the old antenna module. In addition, the communication control device <NUM> may compare a quality index of a beam of the old antenna module with a quality index of a beam of each of the antenna modules 650a, 650b, and 650c, in the order of the antenna module 650c called C, the antenna module 650b called B, and the antenna module 650a called A. While evaluating the antenna modules 650a, 650b, and 650c according to the search order, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as a new antenna module, an antenna module with a beam that is identified earliest as being higher in quality index than the beam of the old antenna module.

Although <FIG> illustrates an example in which the base station <NUM> is on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>, even when the base station <NUM> is on the right side of the vehicle <NUM>, the new antenna module may be selected in the same manner.

When determining a search order between a plurality of antenna modules 750a, 750b, 750c, and 750d, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search order by considering the location of the base station <NUM> and/or a location of an obstacle <NUM> around the vehicle <NUM>.

It is assumed that, while moving in a heading direction of H1, the vehicle <NUM> is communicating with the base station <NUM> via an antenna module 750a called A.

When the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, the communication control device <NUM> senses whether an angle between H1 and H2 is equal to or greater than a preset angle. When the angle between H1 and H2 is equal to or greater than the preset angle, the communication control device <NUM> determines the search order between the plurality of antenna modules 750a, 750b, 750c, and 750d for selecting a new antenna module.

As described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, that is, in the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search direction for the plurality of antenna modules 750a, 750b, 750c, and 750d to be the CCW direction and may select, as a first search object, the antenna module 750b called B, which is closest in the CCW direction with respect to the antenna module 750a called A. However, as shown in <FIG>, when the obstacle <NUM> is located between the base station <NUM> and the antenna module 750b called B, there may be no need to evaluate the antenna module 750b called B. In other words, when the antenna module 750b called B is evaluated even though there is extremely low probability of being selected as the new antenna module due to the obstacle <NUM>, there may be unnecessary power consumption. Therefore, the communication control device <NUM> according to an embodiment may determine the first search object by considering the location of the base station <NUM> and the location of the obstacle <NUM> around the vehicle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, the base station <NUM> is located on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>, and the communication control device <NUM> may identify that the obstacle <NUM> around the vehicle <NUM> is located on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>. When it is identified that the obstacle <NUM> is between the base station <NUM> and the antenna module 750b called B, which is located in the CCW direction with respect to the antenna module 750a called A corresponding to the old antenna module, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as the first search object, the antenna module 750c called C, which is located in the CCW direction with respect to the antenna module 750b called B. In addition, while performing evaluation in the order of the antenna module 750c called C, the antenna module 750d called D, the antenna module 750a called A, and the antenna module 750b called B according to the search direction, the communication control device <NUM> may select the new antenna module.

The communication control device <NUM> may check the location of the base station <NUM> by various methods.

For example, the communication control device <NUM> may identify the location of the base station <NUM> by communication between the old antenna module and the base station <NUM>. For example, the communication control device <NUM> may pre-store location information and identification information of base stations and may check the location of the base station <NUM> in communication from the identification information of the base station <NUM> communicating with the old antenna module.

As another example, the communication control device <NUM> may receive the location information of the base station <NUM> from a nearby vehicle through communication with the nearby vehicle.

As yet another example, the communication control device <NUM> may receive the location information of the base station <NUM> from an external apparatus, for example, a road side unit (RSU).

In an embodiment, the communication control device <NUM> may identify a location of an obstacle around the vehicle <NUM> by a sensor mounted on the vehicle <NUM>. The sensor may include, but is not limited to, a radar sensor or the like. The obstacle sensed by the sensor may include a building, a tree, a fence, or a nearby vehicle.

In an embodiment, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search order between the remaining antenna modules except for some of the plurality of antenna modules 750a, 750b, 750c, and 750d and may evaluate the antenna modules according to the determined search order. As shown in <FIG>, when the base station <NUM> is located on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may select an antenna module with low probability of being used to communicate with the base station <NUM>, by considering mounting positions of the plurality of antenna modules 750a, 750b, 750c, and 750d. Specifically, because the antenna module 750d called D is farther away from the base station <NUM> than the other antenna modules 750a, 750b, and 750c, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search order between the antenna module 750a called A, the antenna module 750b called B, and the antenna module 750c called C except for the antenna module 750d called D. When the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search order to be in order of the antenna module 750b called B, the antenna module 750c called C, and the antenna module 750a called A according to a CCW search direction. When it is inappropriate to select the antenna module 750b called B, as the first search object, due to the obstacle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search order to be the order of the antenna module 750c called C, the antenna module 750a called A, and the antenna module 750b called B.

In an embodiment, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as the first search object, an antenna module closest to the base station <NUM> from among the plurality of antenna modules 750a, 750b, 750c, and 750d and may evaluate the plurality of antenna modules 750a, 750b, 750c, and 750d according to a search direction determined from a change direction of the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the base station <NUM> is located on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as the first search object, the antenna module 750b called B, which is closest to the base station <NUM>, from among the plurality of antenna modules 750a, 750b, 750c, and 750d, and when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search direction to be the CCW direction. When an obstacle is located between the base station <NUM> and the antenna module closest to the base station <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as the first search object, an antenna module that is adjacent in the CW or CCW direction with respect to the antenna module closest to the base station <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search order between the plurality of antenna modules 750a, 750b, 750c, and 750d to be a descending order of distances between the base station <NUM> and the plurality of antenna modules 750a, 750b, 750c, and 750d. For example, the antenna module 750b called B, which is closest to the base station <NUM>, may be selected to be a first search object, and the antenna module 750d called D, which is farthest from the base station <NUM>, may be selected to be a last search object. In addition, when the antenna module 750a called A is closer to the base station <NUM> than the antenna module 750c called C is, the antenna module 750a called A may be selected to be a second search object, and the antenna module 750c called C may be selected to be a third search object.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a method of selecting a new antenna module according to a base station change.

Although the communication control device <NUM> may select a new antenna module due to a change in the heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM>, even when a change angle of the heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM> is not equal to or greater than a preset angle, as shown in <FIG>, the communication control device <NUM> may select the new antenna module by evaluating a plurality of antenna modules 850a, 850b, 850c, and 850d when there is a need to change a base station.

The communication control device <NUM> may determine a search order between the antenna modules 850a, 850b, 850c, and 850d by considering a location of a base station to newly access and mounting positions of the antenna modules 850a, 850b, 850c, and 850d, and may select the new antenna module by evaluating the antenna modules 850a, 850b, 850c, and 850d according to the determined search order.

In <FIG>, it is assumed that the antenna module 850b called B is communicating with a first base station 10a.

While the vehicle <NUM> is moving in the heading direction H, the communication control device <NUM> may determine that it is needed to communicate with a second base station 10b instead of the first base station 10a. For example, when communication performance between the second base station 10b and the vehicle <NUM> is anticipated to be better than communication performance between the first base station 10a and the vehicle <NUM> along with the movement of the vehicle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may determine to make a change from the first base station 10a to the second base station 10b.

As shown in <FIG>, because the second base station 10b is located on the right side of the vehicle <NUM> along with the movement of the vehicle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as a first search object, the antenna module 850d called D, which is located on the rightmost in the vehicle <NUM>, and starting with the antenna module 850d called D, may evaluate the antenna module 850a called A, the antenna module 850b called B, and the antenna module 850c called C according to a preset search direction (for example, the CW or CCW direction).

In an embodiment, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search order between the plurality of antenna modules 850a, 850b, 850c, and 850d to be a descending order of distances between the second base station 10b and the plurality of antenna modules 850a, 850b, 850c, and 850d. For example, the antenna module 850d called D, which is closest to the second base station 10b, may be selected to be a first search object, and the antenna module 850b called B, which is farthest from the second base station 10b, may be selected to be a last search object. In addition, when the antenna module 850a called A is closer to the second base station 10b than the antenna module 850c called C is, the antenna module 850a called A may be selected to be a second search object, and the antenna module 850c called C may be selected to be a third search object.

In an embodiment, because the second base station 10b is located on the right side of the vehicle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search order between the antenna module 850a called A, the antenna module 850d called D, and the antenna module 850c called C except for the antenna module 850b called B, which is farthest from the second base station 10b, from among the antenna modules 850a, 850b, 850c, and 850d. In addition, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the first search object and a search direction by considering a distance between the second base station 10b and each of the antenna module 850a called A, the antenna module 850d called D, and the antenna module 850c called C.

The array antenna <NUM> of the antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG> may form beams with various pointing directions through the phase adjustment of radio wave signals that are output from elements therein. When a plurality of beams may be generated by the array antenna <NUM>, in evaluating antenna modules <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> needs to evaluate the beams generable by the array antenna <NUM> of each of the antenna modules <NUM>.

When a plurality of beams may be generated by the array antenna <NUM> of each of the plurality of antenna modules <NUM> mounted on the vehicle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search order between the plurality of beams. In addition, when evaluating one antenna module <NUM> according to the search order, the communication control device <NUM> may evaluate the beams generable by the one antenna module <NUM> according to the search order. Hereinafter, the search order between the antenna modules <NUM> is referred to as a first search order, and the search order between the beams is referred to as a second search order.

For example, when the first search order is determined to be the order of an antenna module A and an antenna module B, the communication control device <NUM> may compare a quality index of a beam, which is generated by an old antenna module, with quality indices of beams generable by the antenna module A, according to the second search order. The communication control device <NUM> may select, as a best beam, a beam identified earliest as being higher in quality index than the beam generated by the old antenna module, from among the beams generable by the antenna module A. In addition, the communication control device <NUM> may communicate with the base station <NUM> via the best beam of the antenna module A. When the quality index of each of the beams generable by the antenna module A is lower than the quality index of the beam generated by the old antenna module, the communication control device <NUM> evaluates the antenna module B according to the first search order.

When a plurality of beams may be generated by one antenna module <NUM>, a method of determining the second search order between the beams is described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a method of determining the second search order between a plurality of beams, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the base station <NUM> may be located on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>, and ten beams 955a to 955j with different pointing directions from each other may be generated by one antenna module <NUM>. It is assumed that the beam 955a called A from among the ten beams 955a to 955j is used for an old antenna module to communicate with the base station <NUM>, and the beam 955a called A, which is used to communicate with the base station <NUM>, is referred to as an old beam.

The communication control device <NUM> determines the second search order between the beams 955a to 955j by considering the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> and the pointing directions of the beams 955a to 955j.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, that is, in the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search direction for the beams 955a to 955j to be the CCW direction. On the contrary, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CCW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search direction for the beams 955a to 955j to be the CW direction.

The reason of this is because, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CW direction, the quality of a communication link between the base station <NUM> and a beam located in the CCW direction with respect to the old beam is anticipated to be excellent, and when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CCW direction, the quality of a communication link between the base station <NUM> and a beam located in the CW direction with respect to the old beam is anticipated to be excellent.

When the search direction is determined to be the CCW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as a first search object, the beam 955b called B, which is closest in the CCW direction with respect to the beam <NUM> called A. In addition, the communication control device <NUM> may compare a quality index of the beam of the old antenna module with a quality index of each of the beams 955a to 955j in the order of the beam 955b called B, the beam 955c called C,. , and the beam 955a called A. While evaluating the beams 955a to 955j according to the second search order, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as the best beam, a beam identified earliest as being higher in quality index than the beam of the old antenna module.

Although <FIG> illustrates an example in which the base station <NUM> is on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>, even when the base station <NUM> is on the right side of the vehicle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may select the best beam in the same manner. Specifically, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search direction for the beams 955a to 955j to be the CCW direction, and when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CCW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search direction for the beams 955a to 955j to be the CW direction.

In an embodiment, when determining the second search order between a plurality of beams 1055a to 1055f generated by the antenna module <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may consider the location of the base station <NUM> and/or the location of the obstacle <NUM> around the vehicle <NUM>.

It is assumed that, while moving in a heading direction of H1, the vehicle <NUM> is communicating with the base station <NUM> via the beam 1055f called F (that is, an old beam). When the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, the communication control device <NUM> determines the first search order between a plurality of antenna modules for selecting a new antenna module and determines the second search order between the beams 1055a to 1055f.

The method of determining the first search order between the plurality of antenna modules has been described above, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted here.

In an embodiment, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, that is, in the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search direction for the beams 1055a to 1055f to be the CCW direction and may select, as a first search object, the beam 1055a called A, which is closest in the CCW direction with respect to the beam 1055f called F. As shown in <FIG>, when the obstacle <NUM> is located between the base station <NUM> and a pointing direction of the beam 1055a called A, there may be no need to evaluate the beam 1055a called A. In other words, when the beam 1055a called A is evaluated despite extremely low probability that the beam 1055a called A will be selected as a best beam, there may be unnecessary power consumption. Therefore, the communication control device <NUM> according to an embodiment may determine the first search object by considering the location of the base station <NUM> and the location of the obstacle <NUM> around the vehicle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, the base station <NUM> is located on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>, and the communication control device <NUM> may identify that the obstacle <NUM> around the vehicle <NUM> is located on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>. When it is identified that there is the obstacle <NUM> between the base station <NUM> and the beam 1055a called A, which is located in the CCW direction with respect to the beam 1055f called F, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as the first search object, the beam 1055b called B, which is located in the CCW direction with respect to the beam 1055a called A. In addition, while performing evaluation in the order of the beam 1055b called B, the beam 1055c called C, the beam 1055d called D, the beam 1055e called E, the beam 1055f called F, and the beam 1055a called A, the communication control device <NUM> may select the best beam.

In an embodiment, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the second search order between the remaining beams except for some of the plurality of beams 1055a to 1055f and may evaluate the remaining beams according to the second search order. As shown in <FIG>, when the base station <NUM> is located on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may select a beam with low probability of being used to communicate with the base station <NUM>, by considering pointing directions of the plurality of beams 1055a to 1055f. Specifically, because the pointing directions of the beam 1055e called E and the beam 1055d called D are not directed toward the base station <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the second search order based on the beam 1055f called F, and the beam 1055a called A, the beam 1055b called B, and the beam 1055c called C except for the beam 1055e called E and the beam 1055d called D. When the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the second search order to be the order of the beam 1055a called A, the beam 1055b called B, the beam 1055c called C, and the beam 1055f called F according to the CCW direction. When it is inappropriate to select, as the first search object, the beam 1055a called A due to the obstacle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the second search order to be the order of the beam 1055b called B, the beam 1055c called C, the beam 1055f called F, and the beam 1055a called A.

Previously, it has been described with reference to <FIG> that, even though the change angle of the heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM> is equal to or less than the preset angle, when there is a need for a base station change, a process of selecting a new antenna module is performed. In this case, the second search order between a plurality of beams may be determined according to pointing directions of the plurality of beams, which may be generated by each antenna module, and the location of the second base station 10b. In addition, when evaluating one antenna module, the communication control device <NUM> may select the best beam by evaluating the beams generated by the one antenna module, according to the second search order. For example, a beam with a pointing direction, which is most similar to a direction where the second base station 10b is located, from among the plurality of beams may be selected to be the first search object, and a search direction for the remaining beams may be determined to be the CW or CCW direction. As another example, a beam closest in the CW or CCW direction with respect to an old beam, which is used to communicate with the first base station 10a, may be selected to be the first search object, and the search direction for the remaining beams may be determined to be the CW or CCW direction.

The array antenna <NUM> of the antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG> may operate while divided into element groups, each representing a group of a certain number of elements. Radio wave signals, which are respectively output from elements included in each element group, may form one beam. That is, in the instance where each of the array antennas <NUM> operates while divided into element groups, when evaluating the antenna modules <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> needs to evaluate beams respectively generated by the element groups of each array antenna <NUM>.

When each of the array antennas <NUM> of the plurality of antenna modules <NUM> mounted on the vehicle <NUM> operates while divided into a plurality of element groups, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search order between the plurality of element groups. Hereinafter, the search order between the plurality of element groups is referred to as a third search order.

When evaluating the plurality of antenna modules <NUM> according to the first search order, the communication control device <NUM> may evaluate element groups of the array antenna <NUM> of one antenna module <NUM> according to the third search order.

For example, when the first search order is determined to be the order of the antenna module A and the antenna module B, the communication control device <NUM> may compare a quality index of a beam, which is generated by an old antenna module, with quality indices of beams, which are respectively generated by element groups of the antenna module A, according to the third search order. The communication control device <NUM> may select, as a best element group, an element group corresponding to a beam, which is identified earliest as being higher in quality index than the beam generated by the old antenna module, from among the beams respectively generated by the element groups of the antenna module A, and may communicate with the base station <NUM> via the beam of the selected element group. When the quality indices of the beams respectively generated by the element groups of the antenna module A are lower than the quality index of the beam generated by the old antenna module, the communication control device <NUM> evaluates the antenna module B according to the first search order.

When the array antenna <NUM> of one antenna module <NUM> operates while divided into a plurality of element groups, a method of determining the third search order between the element groups is described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a method of determining the third search order between element groups, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, an array antenna <NUM> may operate while divided into four element groups 1150a, 1150b, 1150c, and 1150d arranged at different positions from each other. It is assumed that the element group 1150a called A, from among the four element groups 1150a, 1150b, 1150c, and 1150d, is an old element group used to communicate with the base station <NUM>.

The communication control device <NUM> determines the third search order between the four element groups 1150a, 1150b, 1150c, and 1150d by considering the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> and the positions of the element groups 1150a, 1150b, 1150c, and 1150d on the array antenna <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, that is, in the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search direction for the element groups 1150a, 1150b, 1150c, and 1150d to be the CCW direction. On the contrary, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CCW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search direction for the element groups 1150a, 1150b, 1150c, and 1150d to be the CW direction.

When the search direction is determined to be the CCW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as a first search object, the element group 1150b called B, which is closest in the CCW direction with respect to the element group 1150a called A. In addition, the communication control device <NUM> may compare a quality index of a beam of the old antenna module with a quality index of a beam of each of the element groups 1150a, 1150b, 1150c, and 1150d, in the order of the element group 1150b called B, the element group 1150c called C, the element group 1150d called D, and the element group 1150a called A. While evaluating the element groups 1150a, 1150b, 1150c, and 1150d according to the third search order, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as a best element group, an element group with a beam, which is identified earliest as being higher in quality index than the beam of the old antenna module.

Although <FIG> illustrates an example in which the base station <NUM> is on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>, even when the base station <NUM> is on the right side of the vehicle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may select the best element group in the same manner. Specifically, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search direction for the element groups 1150a, 1150b, 1150c, and 1150d to be the CCW direction, and when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CCW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search direction for the element groups 1150a, 1150b, 1150c, and 1150d to be the CW direction.

In an embodiment, when determining the third search order between element groups 1250a, 1250b, 1250c, and 1250d, the communication control device <NUM> may consider the location of the base station <NUM> and/or the location of the obstacle <NUM> around the vehicle <NUM>.

It is assumed that, while moving in the heading direction of H1, the vehicle <NUM> is communicating with the base station <NUM> via the element group 1250d called D. When the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, the communication control device <NUM> determines the first search order between a plurality of antenna modules for selecting a new antenna module and determines the third search order between the element groups 1250a, 1250b, 1250c, and 1250d.

Because the method of determining the first search order between the plurality of antenna modules has been described above, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted here.

When the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, that is, in the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search direction for the element groups 1250a, 1250b, 1250c, and 1250d to be the CCW direction and may select, as a first search object, the element group 1250a called A, which is closest in the CCW direction with respect to the element group 1250d called D. However, as shown in <FIG>, when the obstacle <NUM> is located between the base station <NUM> and the element group 1250a called A, there may be no need to evaluate the element group 1250a called A. In other words, when the element group 1250a called A is evaluated despite extremely low probability of being selected as a best element group, there may be unnecessary power consumption. Therefore, the communication control device <NUM> according to an embodiment may determine the first search object by considering the location of the base station <NUM> and the location of the obstacle <NUM> around the vehicle <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed from H1 to H2, the base station <NUM> is located on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>, and the communication control device <NUM> may identify that the obstacle <NUM> around the vehicle <NUM> is located on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>. When it is identified that there is the obstacle <NUM> between the base station <NUM> and the element group 1250a called A, which is located in the CCW direction with respect to the element group 1250d called D, the communication control device <NUM> may select, as the first search object, the element group 1250b called B, which is located in the CCW direction with respect to the element group 1250a called A. In addition, while performing evaluation in the order of the element group 1250b called B, the element group 1250c called C, the element group 1250d called D, and the element group 1250a called A according to the search direction that is the CCW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may select a best element group.

In an embodiment, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the third search order between the remaining element groups except for some of a plurality of element groups 1250a, 1250b, 1250c, and 1250d and may evaluate the remaining element groups according to the third search order.

As shown in <FIG>, in the instance where the element group 1250d called D is farthest from the base station <NUM> when the base station <NUM> is located on the left side of the vehicle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the third search order based on the element group 1250a called A, the element group 1250b called B, and the element group 1250c called C except for the element group 1250d called D. When the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed in the CW direction, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the third search order to be the order of the element group 1250a called A, the element group 1250b called B, and the element group 1250c called C. When it is inappropriate to select the element group 1250a called A to be the first search object due to the obstacle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the third search order to be the order of the element group 1250b called B, the element group 1250c called C, and the element group 1250a called A.

Previously, although it has been described with reference to <FIG> that a process of selecting a new antenna module is performed in the instance where there is a need to change a base station even when the change angle of the heading direction H of the vehicle <NUM> is equal to or less than the preset angle, when an array antenna of each antenna module operates while divided into a plurality of element groups, the third search order between the element groups may be determined according to positions of the plurality of element groups in the array antenna and the location of the second base station 10b. In addition, when evaluating one antenna module, the communication control device <NUM> may select a best element group by evaluating element groups of an array antenna of the one antenna module according to the third search order. For example, an element group, which is closest to the second base station 10b, from among a plurality of element groups may be selected to be a first search object, and a search direction may be determined to be the CW or CCW direction. As another example, an element group, which is closest in the CW or CCW direction with respect to an old element group used to communicate with the first base station 10a, may be selected to be a first search object, and a search direction for the remaining element groups may be determined to be the CW or CCW direction.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of maintaining a communication link, according to an embodiment.

In operation S1310, the communication control device <NUM> monitors the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>. The communication control device <NUM> may monitor the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>, based on at least one of an angle of a steering wheel, a navigation system, a GPS, or a gyro sensor.

In operation S1320, the communication control device <NUM> determines whether the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed by as much as a preset angle or more.

In operation S1330, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is changed by as much as the preset angle or more, the communication control device <NUM> determines a search order between the plurality of antenna modules <NUM> by considering the mounting positions of the plurality of antenna modules <NUM> mounted on the vehicle <NUM> and the changed heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>.

In operation S1340, the communication control device <NUM> evaluates the plurality of antenna modules <NUM> according to the search order. The communication control device <NUM> may evaluate the plurality of antenna modules <NUM> by comparing a quality index of a beam generated by an old antenna module with quality indices of beams respectively generated by the plurality of antenna modules <NUM>.

In operation S1350, the communication control device <NUM> selects a new antenna module according to a result of evaluating the plurality of antenna modules <NUM>.

The communication control device <NUM> may select, as the new antenna module, the antenna module <NUM> with a beam, which is identified earliest as being higher in quality index than the beam of the old antenna module.

In operation S1360, the communication control device <NUM> communicates with the base station <NUM> by using the new antenna module.

In an embodiment, when a plurality of beams may be generated by each of the plurality of antenna modules <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> determines a search order between the plurality of beams by considering pointing directions of the plurality of beams and the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>. In addition, when evaluating one antenna module <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may compare the quality index of the beam of the old antenna module with quality indices of the plurality of beams, according to the search order between the plurality of beams of the one antenna module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, when the array antenna <NUM> of each of the plurality of antenna modules <NUM> operates while divided into a plurality of element groups, the communication control device <NUM> determines a search order between the plurality of element groups by considering positions of the element groups in the array antenna <NUM> and the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>. In addition, when evaluating the one antenna module <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may compare the quality index of the beam of the old antenna module with the quality index of the beam generated by each element group, according to the search order between the plurality of element groups.

As described above, when determining the search order between the antenna modules <NUM>, the search order between the beams, and/or the search order between the element groups, the communication control device <NUM> may further consider the location of the base station <NUM> and/or a location of an obstacle around the vehicle <NUM>. Specifically, the communication control device <NUM> may select a first search object by considering the location of the base station <NUM> and/or the location of the obstacle around the vehicle <NUM>. Alternatively, by considering the location of the base station <NUM> and/or the location of the obstacle around the vehicle <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may exclude some of a plurality of antenna modules (or a plurality of beams or a plurality of element groups) and determine a search order between the remaining antenna modules (or the remaining beams or the remaining element groups).

In operation S1320, when the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is not changed by as much as the preset angle or more, the communication control device <NUM> communicates with the base station <NUM> by using the old antenna module.

<FIG> may illustrate operations of the communication control device <NUM> when it is determined in operation S1320 that the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> is not changed by as much as the preset angle or more.

In operation S1410, the communication control device <NUM> determines whether there is a need for a base station change. When communication with a new base station instead of an old base station, which has been in communication, is anticipated to provide improved communication performance, the communication control device <NUM> may determine that the base station change is needed. In an embodiment, the communication control device <NUM> may determine whether there is a need for the base station change, according to handover conditions defined in <NUM> mobile communication standards.

In operation S1420, when the base station change is needed, the communication control device <NUM> determines the search order between the plurality of antenna modules <NUM>.

In an embodiment, when determining the search order between the plurality of antenna modules <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may consider a location of the new base station. Specifically, the communication control device <NUM> may exclude some antenna modules <NUM> by considering the location of the new base station and may determine a search order between the remaining antenna modules <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the communication control device <NUM> may determine the search order between the plurality of antenna modules <NUM> to be a descending order of distances between the new base station and the plurality of antenna modules <NUM>.

When a plurality of beams may be generated by each antenna module <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search order between the plurality of beams by considering the location of the new base station. For example, a beam with a pointing direction, which is most similar to a direction where the new base station is located, from among the plurality of beams may be selected to be a first search object, and a search direction for the remaining beams may be determined to be the CW or CCW direction. As another example, a beam, which is closest in the CW or CCW direction with respect to a beam used to communicate with the old base station, may be selected to be the first search object, and the search direction for the remaining beams may be determined to be the CW or CCW direction.

When the array antenna <NUM> of each antenna module <NUM> operates while divided into a plurality of element groups, the communication control device <NUM> may determine a search order between the plurality of element groups by considering the location of the new base station. For example, an element group, which is closest to the new base station, from among the plurality of element groups may be selected to be a first search object, and a search direction for the remaining element groups may be determined to be the CW or CCW direction. As another example, an element group, which is closest in the CW or CCW direction with respect to an element group used to communicate with the old base station, may be selected to be the first search object, and the search direction for the remaining element groups may be determined to be the CW or CCW direction.

In operation S1430, the communication control device <NUM> evaluates the antenna modules <NUM> according to the search order therebetween, and in operation S1440, the communication control device <NUM> selects the new antenna module according to a result of the evaluation. When evaluating one antenna module <NUM>, the communication control device <NUM> may evaluate a plurality of beams, which may be generated by the one antenna module <NUM>, according to a search order between the plurality of beams, or may evaluate a plurality of element groups of the one antenna module <NUM> according to a search order between the plurality of element groups.

In operation S1450, the communication control device <NUM> communicates with the new base station by using the new antenna module. When a best beam or a best element group of the new antenna module is selected in operation S1440, the communication control device <NUM> may communicate with the new base station via the best beam of the new antenna module or via a beam generated by the best element group of the new antenna module.

In disclosed embodiments, at least one of the operations performed by the processor <NUM> may be performed by using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The at least one operation performed by using Al technology is described below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating operations performed by using Al technology.

Specifically, at least one of i) determining a search order between antenna modules, ii) determining a search order between beams, iii) determining a search order between element groups, iv) selecting a new antenna module according to the search order, v) selecting a best beam according to the search order, or vi) selecting a best element group according to the search order, performed by the communication control device <NUM>, may be performed by using Al technology for performing operations via a neural network. For example, the i) determining of the search order between the antenna modules may be performed on the basis of Al, based on mounting positions of the antenna modules and the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>.

Al technology refers to technology for obtaining an intended result by performing processing, such as analysis and/or classification, on input data, based on operations via a neural network.

Such Al technology may be implemented by using an algorithm. Here, an algorithm or a set of algorithms for implementing Al technology is referred to as a neural network. Here, the neural network may receive input data, perform an operation for the analysis and/or the classification, set forth above, and thus output result data. For the neural network to accurately output the result data corresponding to the input data, there is a need to train the neural network. As used herein, the term "training" may refer to training the neural network to allow the neural network to find or learn, by itself, a method of analyzing pieces of input data for the neural network, a method of classifying the pieces of input data, a method of extracting a feature, which is required to generate the result data, from the pieces of input data, and/or the like. Specifically, through the process of training, the neural network may optimize weight values in the neural network by performing training regarding training data (for example, a plurality of images different from each other). In addition, by processing the input data via the neural network having the optimized weight values, the intended result is output.

When there are a plurality of hidden layers, which are layers for performing operations, inside the neural network, that is, when a depth of the neural network for performing operations is increased, the neural network may be classified as a deep neural network. Examples of the neural network include, but are not limited to, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), a Deep Neural Network (DNN), a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), a Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM), a Deep Belief Network (DBN), a Bidirectional Recurrent Deep Neural Network (BRDNN), a Deep Q-Network, and the like. In addition, the neural network may be subdivided. For example, the CNN may be subdivided into a Deep Convolution Neural Network (DCNN), a Capsnet (not shown), and the like.

The term "Al model" may refer to a neural network including at least one layer that operates to receive input data and output an intended result. In addition, the term "Al model" may refer to an algorithm or a set of algorithms for outputting an intended result by performing operations via the neural network, a processor for executing the algorithm (or the set of algorithms), software for executing the algorithm (or the set of algorithms), or hardware for executing the algorithm (or the set of algorithms).

At least one of the i) determining of the search order between the antenna modules, the ii) determining of the search order between the beams, the iii) determining of the search order between the element groups, the iv) selecting of the new antenna module according to the search order, the v) selecting of the best beam according to the search order, or the vi) selecting of the best element group according to the search order, described above, may be performed based on an Al model.

Referring to <FIG>, a neural network <NUM> may be trained by receiving training data that is input thereto. In addition, the trained neural network <NUM> may receive input data <NUM> input thereto through an input stage <NUM>, and the input stage <NUM>, a hidden layer <NUM>, and an output stage <NUM> may perform operations for outputting output data <NUM> by analyzing the input data <NUM> and data transferred from a previous layer. Although <FIG> illustrates that the hidden layer <NUM> includes one layer, this is only an example, and the hidden layer <NUM> may include a plurality of layers.

In disclosed embodiments, the neural network <NUM> may be trained regarding a search order allowing evaluation time of a plurality of antenna modules to be minimized, based on mounting positions of the antenna modules and the change angle of the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>. The neural network <NUM> having been trained may receive the mounting positions of the antenna modules and the change angle of the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> and determine the search order between the plurality of antenna modules.

In disclosed embodiments, the neural network <NUM> may be trained regarding a search order allowing evaluation time of a plurality of beams to be minimized, based on pointing directions of the beams and the change angle of the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>. The neural network <NUM> having been trained may receive the pointing directions of the beams and the change angle of the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> and determine the search order between the plurality of beams.

In disclosed embodiments, the neural network <NUM> may be trained regarding a search order allowing evaluation time of a plurality of element groups to be minimized, based on positions of the element groups in an array antenna and the change angle of the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>. The neural network <NUM> having been trained may receive the positions of the element groups in the array antenna and the change angle of the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM> and determine the search order between the plurality of element groups.

In disclosed embodiments, a neural network for performing at least one of the i) determining of the search order between the antenna modules, the ii) determining of the search order between the beams, the iii) determining of the search order between the element groups, the iv) selecting of the new antenna module according to the search order, the v) selecting of the best beam according to the search order, or the vi) selecting of the best element group according to the search order, described above, may be implemented inside a processor (for example, <NUM> in <FIG>).

Alternatively, the neural network for performing at least one of the i) determining of the search order between the antenna modules, the ii) determining of the search order between the beams, the iii) determining of the search order between the element groups, the iv) selecting of the new antenna module according to the search order, the v) selecting of the best beam according to the search order, or the vi) selecting of the best element group according to the search order, described above, may be implemented inside an electronic device (not shown) or a processor (not shown) separate from the communication control device <NUM>.

Operations via the neural network set forth above may also be performed by a server (not shown) that may communicate with the communication control device <NUM> according to an embodiment via a wireless communication network. The communication between the communication control device <NUM> and the server (not shown) is described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a communication control device <NUM> according to disclosed embodiments, the communication control device <NUM> operating in conjunction with a server.

In disclosed embodiments, a search order between a plurality of antenna modules, a search order between a plurality of beams, and/or a search order between a plurality of element groups may be calculated by a server <NUM> and then transmitted to the communication control device <NUM> located in the vehicle <NUM>. The server <NUM> may transmit data to and receive data from the communication control device <NUM> via a communication network and may process data.

In an embodiment, an automotive electronic device may receive information about the search order between the antenna modules, the search order between the beams, and/or the search order between the element groups, and may transfer the received information to the communication control device <NUM>. In this case, the communication control device <NUM> may evaluate the antenna modules, the beams, and/or the element groups according to the information received from the automotive electronic device.

Referring to <FIG>, the server <NUM> includes a communication unit <NUM> for communicating with the communication control device <NUM>, and a processor <NUM> for performing at least one instruction.

The processor <NUM> of the server <NUM> may receive information about mounting positions of the plurality of antenna modules, the heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>, the location of the base station <NUM>, a location of an obstacle around the vehicle <NUM>, and the like, and may determine the search order between the antenna modules, the search order between the beams, and/or the search order between the element groups according to the received information. The communication unit <NUM> may transmit, to the communication control device <NUM>, information indicating the search order between the antenna modules, the search order between the beams, and/or the search order between the element groups.

In disclosed embodiments, the server <NUM> may determine the search order by performing operations via the neural network <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Specifically, the server <NUM> may train an Al model and store the trained Al model. In addition, the server <NUM> may determine the search order between the antenna modules, the search order between the beams, and/or the search order between the element groups by using the trained Al model.

In general, the communication control device <NUM> may have a limit in a memory storage capacity, an operation processing speed, an ability to collect training datasets, or the like, as compared with the server <NUM>. Therefore, the server <NUM> may perform operations requiring storage of a large amount of data and a large amount of operations, and then, may transmit data and/or an Al model, which is required, to the communication control device <NUM> via the communication network. Then, even without a processor including large-capacity memory and having a fast operation ability, the communication control device <NUM> may quickly and easily perform required operations by receiving and using the data and/or the Al model, which is required, from the server <NUM>.

In disclosed embodiments, the server <NUM> may include the neural network <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Specifically, the neural network <NUM> in the server <NUM> may perform operations for determining the search order set forth above.

Referring to <FIG>, the communication control device <NUM> may further include a communication unit <NUM>, as compared with the communication control device <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

The communication unit <NUM> performs communication with an external device (for example, a server) via a wireless communication network <NUM>. Here, the external device (not shown) may perform at least one of operations required by the communication control device <NUM> or may include a server (for example, <NUM>) that may transmit data or the like required by the communication control device <NUM>.

The communication unit <NUM> includes at least one communication module, such as a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, a mobile communication module, a broadcast receiving module, or the like. Here, the at least one communication module refers to tuners for performing broadcast reception, or communication modules that may perform data transmission and reception via a network conforming to communication specifications, such as Bluetooth, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (Wi-Fi), Wireless broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wireless CDMA (WCDMA), Internet, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or communication schemes using millimeter waves (mmWave).

For example, when the communication unit <NUM> performs communication by using mmWave, the communication unit <NUM> may quickly transmit and receive a large amount of data. Specifically, the vehicle <NUM> may quickly receive a large amount of data by using mmWave and may quickly provide data required for the safety of the vehicle <NUM> (for example, data required for self-driving, data required for navigation services, or the like), content for use by users (for example, movies, music, or the like), or the like, thereby improving the safety of the vehicle <NUM> and/or user convenience.

The mobile communication module in the communication unit <NUM> may perform communication with another device (for example, the server <NUM>), which is located at a long distance, via a communication network conforming to communication specifications, such as <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> communication specifications. Here, a communication module for performing communication with another device located at a long distance may be referred to as a "long-range communication module".

Referring to <FIG>, the server <NUM> may include the communication unit <NUM> and the processor <NUM>. In addition, the server <NUM> may further include a database (DB) <NUM>.

The communication unit <NUM> may include one or more components allowing communication with the communication control device <NUM> to be performed. A particular configuration of the communication unit <NUM> may identically correspond to the configuration of the communication unit <NUM> described above, and thus, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

For example, the communication unit <NUM> may include at least one communication module for performing communication with another device (for example, the communication control device <NUM>), which is located at a long distance, via a communication network conforming to communication specifications, such as the Internet, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> communication specifications.

The processor <NUM> controls overall operations of the server <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may perform required operations by executing at least one of the at least one instruction or programs of the server <NUM>.

The DB <NUM> may include a memory (not shown) and may store, in the memory, at least one of the at least one instruction, the programs, or data, required for the server <NUM> to perform a certain operation. In addition, the DB <NUM> may store data required for the server <NUM> to perform operations according to a neural network.

In disclosed embodiments, the server <NUM> may store the neural network <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The neural network <NUM> may be stored in at least one of the processor <NUM> or the DB <NUM>. The neural network <NUM> in the server <NUM> may include a neural network having been trained.

In disclosed embodiments, the server <NUM> may determine the search order described above, by using the neural network included therein, and may transmit the determined search order to the communication unit <NUM> of the communication control device <NUM> through the communication unit <NUM>.

In addition, the server <NUM> may transmit the neural network, which has been trained, to the communication unit <NUM> of the communication control device <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM>. Then, the communication control device <NUM> may obtain and store the neural network having been trained, and may obtain intended output data via the neural network.

The foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure may be written in a program executable on a computer, and the written program may be stored in a medium.

Claim 1:
A method, performed by a communication control device, of establishing a communication link, the method comprising:
monitoring a heading direction of a vehicle;
when the heading direction of the vehicle is changed by as much as a preset angle or more, determining a search order between a plurality of antenna modules by considering the changed heading direction of the vehicle and mounting positions of the plurality of antenna modules mounted on the vehicle;
evaluating the plurality of antenna modules according to the search order; and
communicating with a base station via a new antenna module selected based on a result of the evaluating, rather than via an old antenna module used for communication with the base station.