Patent Description:
A vehicle refers to an apparatus moved by a user in a desired direction and representative examples thereof include automobiles.

As the frequency of use of wireless communication of a passenger in a vehicle increases and the number of categories of services using wireless communication increases, it is necessary to provide a high data rate and high quality of service (QoS) to users at a high speed unlike the related art.

For example, when a plurality of users using public transportation wants to view multimedia content or a plurality of passengers in a private vehicle traveling on a highway uses different mobile communication systems, a mobile communication system needs to provide good wireless services to the users.

According to such necessity, an array antenna having a large size is required. However, due to the aerodynamic structure and exterior design of a vehicle, it is difficult to attach a large array antenna to the vehicle. <CIT> discloses an embedded antenna system for a vehicle. <CIT> relates to a vehicle integrated communications system.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication apparatus capable of providing good wireless services.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle including the communication apparatus.

The technical problems solved by the present invention are not limited to the above technical problems and other technical problems which are not described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a vehicle communication apparatus includes a plurality of remote units (RUs) configured to transmit signals to a mobile communication network and to receive signals from the mobile communication network, and a central unit (CU) configured to provide data based on the signals received through the plurality of remote units to one or more devices located in a vehicle. The plurality of remote units includes an array antenna attached to a body of the vehicle.

The details of embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

The embodiments of the present invention include one or more of the following effects.

First, it is possible to prevent communication performance deterioration due to penetration loss having an average value of about <NUM> dB.

Second, it is possible to obtain large array again by using a larger number of antennas than a personal portable communication device.

Third, it is easy to secure a distance between antennas and to secure diversity.

Fourth, it is possible to provide an excellent communication service as compared to a personal portable device without additional investment in infrastructure.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects and other effects which are not described herein may be derived by those skilled in the art from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which the same reference numbers are used throughout this specification to refer to the same or like parts and a repeated description thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" of elements herein are used for convenience of description and thus can be used interchangeably and do not have any distinguishable meanings or functions. In describing the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations will be omitted when it may obscure the subject matter of the present invention. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understood the technical idea of the present invention and it should be understood that the idea of the present invention is not limited by the accompanying drawings. The idea of the present invention should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutions besides the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements of the present invention, these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element and essential, order, or sequence of corresponding elements are not limited by these terms.

It will be understood that when one element is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, one element may be "connected to" or "coupled to", another element via a further element although one element may be directly connected to or directly accessed to another element.

A singular representation may include a plural representation unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It will be understood that the terms 'comprise', 'include', etc., when used in this specification, specify the presence of several components or several steps and part of the components or steps may not be included or additional components or steps may further be included.

A vehicle as described in this specification may include an automobile and a motorcycle. Hereinafter, an automobile will be focused upon.

A vehicle as described in this specification may include all of a vehicle including an engine as a power source, a hybrid vehicle including both an engine and an electric motor as a power source, and an electric vehicle including an electric motor as a power source.

In the following description, the left of a vehicle means the left of a driving direction of the vehicle, and the right of the vehicle means the right of the driving direction of the vehicle.

<FIG> is a view referenced to describe a communication apparatus provided in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the vehicle communication apparatus <NUM> may include a plurality of remote units (RUs) <NUM> and a central unit (CU) <NUM>.

The plurality of remote units <NUM> may be connected to the central unit <NUM> by wire.

The plurality of remote units <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to the central unit <NUM>.

The plurality of remote units <NUM> may be connected to a mobile communication network.

The plurality of remote units <NUM> may transmit signals to the mobile communication network.

The plurality of remote units <NUM> may transmit signals to an external device through the mobile communication network. Here, the external device may include at least one of a mobile terminal, a vehicle or a server, which is outside the vehicle.

The plurality of remote units <NUM> may receive signals from the mobile communication network.

The plurality of remote units <NUM> may receive signals from the external device through the mobile communication network. Here, the external device may include at least one of a mobile terminal, a vehicle or a server, which is outside the vehicle.

Each of the plurality of remote units <NUM> may include an array antenna.

The array antenna may be attached to a vehicle body.

The plurality of array antennas may be distributed and disposed on the upper end of the vehicle body.

For example, the array antennas may be distributed and attached to at least one of a hood, a roof, a trunk, a front windshield, a rear windshield or a side mirror.

For example, the array antennas may be attached to at least one of a hood, a roof, a trunk, a front windshield, a rear windshield or a side mirror to face the sky.

For example, the array antennas may be attached to at least one of a hood, a roof, a trunk, a front windshield, a rear windshield or a side mirror to face a side opposite to the ground.

When the array antenna is located at the upper end of the vehicle body, transmission/reception power performance is excellent.

By the plurality of array antennas respectively included in the plurality of remote units <NUM>, it is possible to implement a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system.

If such a MIMO system is implemented, communication capacity (e.g., communication data capacity) increases.

The plurality of remote units <NUM> may include a first remote unit 100a, a second remote unit 100b, a third remote unit 100c and a fourth remote unit 100c.

In some embodiments, the plurality of remote units <NUM> may include two, three or five remote units.

Meanwhile, the plurality of remote units <NUM> may receive received signals from the same external device through different frequency bands.

For example, the plurality of remote units <NUM> may include a first remote unit 100a and a second remote unit 100b. The first remote unit 100a may receive a received signal from a first server through a first frequency band. The second remote unit 100b may receive a received signal from the first server through a second frequency band.

Meanwhile, the plurality of remote units <NUM> may receive received signals from the same external device through different time bands.

For example, the plurality of remote units <NUM> may include a first remote unit 100a and a second remote unit 100b. The first remote unit 100a may receive a received signal from the first server through a first time band. The second remote unit 100b may receive a received signal from the first server through a second time band.

The central unit <NUM> may collectively control the plurality of remote units <NUM>.

The central unit <NUM> may control each of the plurality of remote units <NUM>.

The central unit <NUM> may be connected to the plurality of remote units <NUM> by wire.

The central unit <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to the plurality of remote units <NUM>.

The central unit <NUM> may provide data based on the received signals received through the plurality of remote units <NUM> to one or more devices located in the vehicle.

For example, the central unit <NUM> may provide data based on the signals received through the plurality of remote units <NUM> to mobile terminals carried by one or more passengers.

The device located in the vehicle may be a mobile terminal located in the vehicle and carried by the passenger.

The device located in the vehicle may be a user interface device provided in the vehicle.

The user interface device is used to communicate between a vehicle and a user. The user interface device may receive user input and provide information generated by the vehicle to the user. The vehicle <NUM> may implement a user interface (UI) or user experience (UX) through the user interface device.

The user interface device includes a navigation device, an audio video navigation (AVN) device, a center integrated display (CID), a head up display (HUD), etc..

<FIG> are views referenced to describe a vehicle communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The plurality of remote units <NUM> and the central unit <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

By appropriately distributing and allocating function/layer modules to the remote units <NUM> and the central unit <NUM>, it is possible to reduce RF implementation difficulty and to obtain implementation gain such as solution of cabling issues between the remote units <NUM> and the central unit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, each of the plurality of remote units <NUM> may include a radio frequency (RF) module <NUM>.

The RF module <NUM> may include an array antenna <NUM> and an RF circuit capable of implementing a communication protocol.

The array antenna <NUM> may function as a transmission antenna and a reception antenna.

The RF module <NUM> may include at least one phase locked loop (PLL) circuit and at least one amplifier.

The PLL circuit may include an oscillator.

The RF module <NUM> may further include at least one mixer, at least one filter and a combination thereof.

The RF module <NUM> may be controlled by a first modem or a second modem.

Alternatively, the RF module <NUM> may be controlled by processors, that is, a first processor or a second processor.

The central unit <NUM> may include an access point (AP) <NUM>.

The access point <NUM> may be connected to the plurality of remote units <NUM> and one or more devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> located in the vehicle.

The access point <NUM> may provide data based on the received signals received through the plurality of remote units <NUM> to one or more devices located in the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the access point <NUM> and the modem <NUM> may exchange signals, information or data through a digital interface.

Referring to <FIG>, each of the plurality of remote units <NUM> may include the RF module <NUM> and the first modem <NUM>.

The above description is applicable to the RF module <NUM>.

The first modem <NUM> may be implemented at L1 (Layer <NUM>, e.g., a physical layer), L2 (Layer <NUM>, e.g., a MAC layer), a radio resource control (RRC) layer, or a non-access stratum (NAS) layer.

The first modem <NUM> may perform phase locked loop (PLL) control. For example, the first modem <NUM> may perform phase locked loop control through automatic frequency compensation control.

Phase clocked loop control means that the RF module <NUM> is controlled in order to constantly maintain the frequency of an output signal.

The first modem <NUM> may perform automatic gain control.

Automatic gain control means that gain is controlled such that output is constant even when input is changed in the RF module <NUM>.

The first modem <NUM> may calculate an automatic gain control value.

The first modem <NUM> may control the amplifier of the RF module <NUM> based on the automatic gain control value.

For example, the first modem <NUM> may measure a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the RF module <NUM>. The first modem <NUM> may calculate the automatic gain control value based on the measured RSSI data.

The first modem <NUM> may perform automatic frequency compensation control.

Automatic frequency compensation control means that the PLL circuit included in the RF module <NUM> is controlled based on a voltage according to a signal period and an oscillation period difference.

The first modem <NUM> may calculate an automatic frequency compensation control value.

The first modem <NUM> may control the PLL circuit of the RF module <NUM> based on the automatic frequency compensation control value.

For example, the first modem <NUM> may perform synchronization of the RF module <NUM>. The first modem <NUM> may calculate the automatic frequency compensation control value based on synchronization data.

The first modem <NUM> may modulate a signal transmitted through the RF module <NUM>.

The first modem <NUM> may demodulate a signal received through the RF module <NUM>.

The central unit <NUM> may include the access point <NUM>.

The above description is applicable to the access point <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in new radio (NR), as communication using a high frequency band such as an mmWave band has been discussed, necessity of a <NUM>-step transceiver for converting a baseband signal into a high frequency band through an intermediate frequency (IF) band is emerging, instead of a transceiver for directly converting a baseband signal into a high frequency band. For example, in communication using an mmWave frequency band (e.g., <NUM>), operation of converting the baseband signal into the IF band (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>) in a first transceiver and converting the IF band into the mmWave band (e.g., <NUM>) in a second transceiver may be performed.

Based on signal flow, an IF unit may be further included between the RF module <NUM> and the first modem <NUM>.

The IF unit may be included in the remote unit <NUM>.

The IF unit may perform frequency band conversion.

The RF module <NUM> may convert the frequency band.

If the IF unit is further included, the RF module <NUM> may convert the IF band (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>) into the mmWave band (e.g., <NUM>) or convert the mmWave band into the IF band.

The IF unit may convert the baseband into the IF band (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>) or convert the IF band into the baseband.

The IF unit may further include a local oscillator and an IF PLL circuit.

Referring to <FIG>, each of the plurality of remote units <NUM> may include an RF module <NUM> and the first modem <NUM>.

The first modem <NUM> may be implemented at L1 (Layer <NUM>, e.g., a physical layer).

The central unit <NUM> may include a second modem <NUM> and an access point <NUM>.

The second modem <NUM> may be implemented at L1 (Layer <NUM>, e.g., a physical layer), L2 (Layer <NUM>, e.g., a MAC layer), a radio resource control (RRC) layer, or a non-access stratum (NAS) layer.

The second modem <NUM> may modulate a signal transmitted through the RF module <NUM>.

The second modem <NUM> may demodulate a signal received through the RF module <NUM>.

The second modem <NUM> may measure a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the RF module <NUM>.

The second modem <NUM> may provide the measured RSSI data to the first modem <NUM>. The first modem <NUM> may calculate an automatic gain control value based on the measured RSSI data.

The second modem <NUM> may perform synchronization of the RF module <NUM>.

The second modem <NUM> may provide synchronization data to the first modem <NUM>. The first modem <NUM> may calculate an automatic frequency compensation control value based on the synchronization data.

Meanwhile, an IF unit may be further included between the RF module <NUM> and the first modem <NUM>.

The description of <FIG> is applicable to the RF module <NUM> and IF unit.

Referring to <FIG>, each of the plurality of remote units <NUM> may include an RF module <NUM> and a converter <NUM>.

The converter <NUM> may interconvert an analog signal and a digital signal.

The converter <NUM> may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting an analog signal into a digital signal and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for converting a digital signal into an analog signal.

The central unit <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a second modem <NUM> and an access point <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may be referred to as an antenna signal processor or a multiple AGC & AFC controller.

The processor <NUM> may collectively control the plurality of remote units <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may collectively control the PLL circuit and amplifier of each of the plurality of remote units <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may perform phase locked loop (PLL) control. For example, the processor <NUM> may perform phase locked loop control through automatic frequency compensation control.

The processor <NUM> may calculate an automatic gain control value.

The processor <NUM> may calculate the automatic gain control value based on a remote unit having best gain among the plurality of remote units <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may calculate the automatic gain control value based on average received power of the plurality of remote units <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may control the amplifier of the RF module <NUM> based on the automatic gain control value.

The processor <NUM> may calculate an automatic frequency compensation control value.

The processor <NUM> may control the PLL circuit of the RF module <NUM> based on the automatic frequency compensation control value.

The second modem <NUM> may measure a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the RF module <NUM>. The second modem <NUM> may provide the measured RSSI data to the processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may calculate an automatic gain control value based on the RSSI data.

The second modem <NUM> may perform synchronization of the RF module <NUM>. The second modem <NUM> may provide synchronization data to the processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may calculate an automatic frequency compensation control value based on the synchronization data.

Meanwhile, an IF unit may be further included between the RF module <NUM> and the second modem <NUM>.

For example, the IF unit may be disposed between the RF module <NUM> and the converter <NUM>, based on signal flow.

For example, the IF unit may be disposed after the converter <NUM>, based on signal flow.

The IF unit may be included in the central unit <NUM>.

The IF unit may be disposed before the processor <NUM>, based on signal flow.

The IF unit may be disposed between the processor <NUM> and the modem <NUM>, based on signal flow.

The description of <FIG> is applicable to the RF module <NUM> and the IF unit.

<FIG> is a view referenced to describe a vehicle communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> is a detailed block diagram of <FIG>.

The description of the RF module <NUM> of <FIG> is applicable to the RF modules <NUM> of <FIG>.

The RF module <NUM> may include at least one phase locked loop (PLL) circuit <NUM> and at least one amplifier 510a, 510b and 510c.

The PLL circuit <NUM> may include an oscillator 520a.

The PLL circuit <NUM> may be controlled based on an automatic frequency compensation control value.

The amplifiers 510a, 510b and 510c may be controlled based on an automatic gain control value.

Although the PLL circuit <NUM> and the amplifiers 510a, 510b and 510c are controlled by a second modem <NUM> included in the central unit <NUM> in <FIG>, the PLL circuit <NUM> and the amplifiers 510a, 510b and 510c may be controlled by the first modem <NUM> included in the remote unit <NUM>, the processor included in each remote unit <NUM> or the processor <NUM> included in the central unit <NUM>.

The second modem <NUM> may collectively control the plurality of remote units <NUM>.

The second modem <NUM> may collectively control the PLL circuit and amplifier of each of the plurality of remote units <NUM>.

The second modem <NUM> may perform phase locked loop (PLL) control. For example, the second modem <NUM> may perform phase locked loop control through automatic frequency compensation control.

The second modem <NUM> may perform automatic gain control.

The second modem <NUM> may calculate an automatic gain control value.

The second modem <NUM> may control the amplifier of the RF module <NUM> based on the automatic gain control value.

For example, the second modem <NUM> may measure a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the RF module <NUM>. The second modem <NUM> may calculate the automatic gain control value based on the measured RSSI data.

The second modem <NUM> may perform automatic frequency compensation control.

The second modem <NUM> may calculate an automatic frequency compensation control value.

The second modem <NUM> may control the PLL circuit of the RF module <NUM> based on the automatic frequency compensation control value.

For example, the second modem <NUM> may perform synchronization of the RF module <NUM>. The second modem <NUM> may calculate an automatic frequency compensation control value based on the synchronization data.

Referring to <FIG>, each of the plurality of remote units <NUM> may include an RF module <NUM>, a converter <NUM> and a processor <NUM>.

The above description is applicable to the converter <NUM>.

For example, the IF unit may be disposed between the converter <NUM> and the processor <NUM>, based on signal flow.

For example, the IF unit may be disposed after the processor <NUM>, based on signal flow.

The IF unit may be disposed before the second modem <NUM>, based on signal flow.

Referring to <FIG>, each of the plurality of remote units <NUM> may include an RF module <NUM>, a converter <NUM> and a first processor <NUM>.

The first processor <NUM> may calculate an automatic frequency compensation control value.

The first processor <NUM> may control the PLL circuit of the RF module <NUM> based on the automatic frequency compensation control value.

The first processor <NUM> may be referred to as an AFC controller.

The central unit <NUM> may include a second processor <NUM>, a chain selector <NUM>, and an access point <NUM>.

The second processor <NUM> may calculate an automatic gain control value.

The second processor <NUM> may control the amplifier of the RF module <NUM> based on the automatic gain control value.

The second processor <NUM> may be referred to as an AGC controller.

The chain selector <NUM> may select some of a plurality of signals respectively provided to the plurality of remote units, when the number of ports of the second modem is less than the number of remote units.

For example, the chain selector <NUM> may select the remote units in descending order of the automatic gain control values respectively received from the plurality of remote units <NUM>.

The chain selector <NUM> may provide the selected signal to the second modem <NUM>.

The description of the second modem <NUM> in <FIG> is applicable to the second modem <NUM>.

For example, the IF unit may be disposed between the converter <NUM> and the first processor <NUM>, based on signal flow.

For example, the IF unit may be disposed after the first processor <NUM>, based on signal flow.

The IF unit may be disposed before the second processor <NUM>, based on signal flow.

The IF unit may be disposed between the second processor <NUM> and the chain selector <NUM>, based on signal flow.

The IF unit may be disposed between the chain selector <NUM> and the modem <NUM>, based on signal flow.

<FIG> is a view referenced to describe a plurality of array antennas according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle communication apparatus <NUM> may include a plurality of array antennas 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 111e, 111f and <NUM>.

The plurality of array antennas 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 111e, 111f and <NUM> may be distributed and disposed on the upper end of the vehicle body.

For example, the array antennas may be distributed and attached to at least one of an upper end of a hood, an upper end of a roof, an upper end of a trunk, a front windshield, a rear windshield or an upper end of a side mirror.

By distributing the plurality of array antennas, it is possible to support a high data rate and high quality of service (QoS) like one large array antenna. Furthermore, it is possible to implement a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system.

Claim 1:
A vehicle communication apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of remote units, RUs, (<NUM>) configured to transmit signals to a mobile communication network and to receive signals from the mobile communication network; and
a central unit, CU, (<NUM>) configured to provide data based on the signals received through the plurality of RUs (<NUM>) to one or more devices located in a vehicle,
wherein each of the plurality of RUs (<NUM>) includes an array antenna (<NUM>) attached to a body of the vehicle and a radio frequency, RF, module (<NUM>) including at least one amplifier (510a, 510b, 510c) and at least one phase locked loop, PLL, circuit (<NUM>),
wherein the CU (<NUM>) includes an access point, AP, (<NUM>) connected to the plurality of RUs (<NUM>), a processor (<NUM>) and a modem (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the processor (<NUM>) of the CU (<NUM>) is configured to calculate an automatic gain control value to control the at least one amplifier (510a, 510b, 510c) based on a remote unit, RU, having the best gain among the plurality of RUs (<NUM>) or based on an average received power of the plurality of RUs (<NUM>).