WO2020050762A1

WO2020050762A1 - Method and control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2020050762A1
Application number: PCT/SE2019/050784
Authority: WO
Inventors: Linus Skjutar Apell; Jimmy Nichols; Lulu Mary DAHAN; Farshad Naghibi; Mathias LARSSON CARLANDER; Assad ALAM; Håkan Nilsson; Anders FHAGER; Susan Miller Tiedemann
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2018-09-05
Filing date: 2019-08-27
Publication date: 2020-03-12
Also published as: SE1851052A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method performed by a control device (100) for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle (V). The vehicle is equipped with a communication arrangement (C) for the vehicle communication, the communication arrangement being configured to facilitate adaption of the vehicle communication to different communication characteristics. The method comprises the steps of: determining at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication; determining the certain communication policies; classifying the certain communication policies; and adapting the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies. The present invention also relates to a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle. The invention disclosure also relates to a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer readable medium.

Description

METHOD AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE COMMUNICATION DURING OPERATION OF A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a method performed by a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle. The invention further relates to a vehicle. The invention in addition relates to a computer program and a computer readable medium.

BACKGROUND ART

Vehicles such as trucks are equipped with some kind of communication arrangement for vehicle communication. Such vehicle communication may be conducted from the vehicle to a central server, from the vehicle to another vehicle or from the vehicle to some other communication point. Such communication may be any kind of communication performed during any kind of vehicle operation.

Therefore there is a need for facilitating controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method performed by a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle, which facilitates efficient control of vehicle communication. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle, which facilitates efficient control of vehicle communication.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle comprising such a control device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are achieved by a method, a control device, a vehicle, a computer program and a computer readable medium, as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and the system are defined in appended dependent claims.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a method performed by a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with a communication arrangement for the vehicle communication, the communication arrangement being configured to facilitate adaption of the vehicle communication to different communication characteristics. The method comprises the steps of: determining at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication; determining the certain communication policies; classifying the certain communication policies; and adapting the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

By thus classifying communication policies and adapting the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies efficient control of the communication in the zone is facilitated. Hereby adaption to a desired communication policy is facilitated.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of classifying the certain communication policies is performed based on one or more of: degree of importance of communication policy; the source from which the communication policy originates; cost for the communication, range for communication characteristics, and types of communication characteristics.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of adapting vehicle communication comprises prioritizing vehicle communication based on one or more of the thus classified communication policies. By thus prioritizing vehicle communication based on one or more of the thus classified communication policies even more efficient control of the communication in the zone is facilitated. Conflicting communication policies may hereby efficiently be avoided.

According to an embodiment of method the steps of: determining whether changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies have occurred; and, if such changes have occurred, taking said changes into consideration when performing the classification of the certain communication policies. By thus taking changes in communication policy into consideration when classifying communication policies efficient control of the communication in the zone is facilitated.

According to an embodiment of the method comprises the steps of: determining whether changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies have occurred; and, if such changes have occurred, taking said changes into consideration when adapting the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies. By thus taking changes in communication policy into consideration when adapting the vehicle communication efficient control of the communication in the zone is facilitated.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with a communication arrangement for the vehicle communication, the communication arrangement being configured to facilitate adaption of the vehicle communication to different communication characteristics. The control device is configured to: determine at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication; determine the certain communication policies; classify the certain communication policies; and adapt the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

According to an embodiment the control device is configured to classify the certain communication policies based on one or more of: degree of importance of communication policy; the source from which the communication policy originates; cost for the communication, range for communication characteristics, and types of communication characteristics.

According to an embodiment the control device, when adapting vehicle communication, is configured to prioritize vehicle communication based on one or more of the thus classified communication policies.

According to an embodiment the control device is configured to: determine whether changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies have occurred; and, if such changes have occurred, take said changes into consideration when performing the classification of the certain communication policies.

According to an embodiment the control device is configured to: determine whether changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies have occurred; and, if such changes have occurred, take said changes into consideration when adapting the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle comprising a control device according as set out herein.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer program for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle, said computer program comprising program code which, when run on a control device or another computer connected to the control device, causes the control device to perform the steps as set out herein.

A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method as set out herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present disclosure reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates framework for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter the term“link” refers to a communication link which may be a physical connector, such as an optoelectronic communication wire, or a non physical connector such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link.

Hereinafter the term “zone” in relation to “zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication” refers to a geographical zone and/or a time zone. The term“geographical zone” may refer to any geographical area in connection to which a vehicle may operate, which zone is associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication. The term“geographical zone” may refer to a road or road segment along which the vehicle is travelling during vehicle operation. The term“geographical zone” may refer to an area in which the vehicle is located during vehicle operation. The term“geographical zone” may refer to a city. The term“geographical zone” may refer to a country. The term“time zone” may refer to the time during which certain communication policies are required. A geographical zone and a time zone may be combined, e.g. a geographical zone is associated with certain policies relevant for operation of a vehicle during a certain time zone, e.g. during a certain time of the day.

Hereinafter the term “communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication” in relation to “at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication” may be any policies that may affect the vehicle operation. A communication policy may be defined by one or more attributes describing a wanted behaviour in relation to vehicle communication in connection to a geographical zone and/or time zone. A communication policy associated with a zone may for that zone be related to other policies of the zone which are associated with vehicle operation. A communication policy may refer to type of communication characteristics. Type of communication characteristics may comprise format of the transmitted data for the communication, communication technology such as e.g. cellular communication to Wi-Fi, whether the communication is audible, visual and/or tactile, type of data included in communication, how the communication is conducted, e.g. via vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication or vehicle-to- infrastructure (V2I) communication. Type of communication characteristics may comprise one or more of: total size of the data transmission; size of every transmitted message/package; channel or spectrum band to be used for communication; type of communication, e.g., a broadcast communication, or unicast (i.e., sent to one receiver). A communication policy may refer to range for communication characteristics. Range for communication characteristics may comprise frequency of communication. Range for communication characteristics may comprise receivers of the communication, i.e. where and to which actors the communication is supposed to be sent.

A communication policy may be static, e.g. a manually drawn geographic zone, i.e. geographic area, where e.g. the vehicle communication always shall be in “silent mode”. A communication policy may be dynamic, e.g. the policy is automatically created based on rules/regulations. A communication policy may be informative or enforcing. An informative communication policy means that the operator of the vehicle is informed to adapt to certain communication characteristics. An enforcing policy means that adaption of the vehicle communication to a communication policy is automatic. A communication policy may be a rule/regulation set by e.g. authorities, i.e. legal regulation for a certain geographical zone and/or time zone. A communication policy may be a regulation set by e.g. a vehicle owner for a certain geographical zone and/or time zone. A communication policy may be created in the vehicle. A communication policy may be created in an off-board system, which may be an external server unit, the so called cloud, an external data centre or any other means suitable for being operably connected to a vehicle, i.e. a control device of a vehicle. A communication policy may be created by an external data provider such as a Road Authority, City, Commercial Data provider, Open Data provider, Transport Buyer, mobile network operators etc.

Hereinafter the term “classifying communication policies” may refer to performing classification based on one or more of: degree of importance of communication policy; the source from which the communication policy originates; cost for the communication, range for communication characteristics, and types of communication characteristics. Degree of importance of communication policy may refer to whether the communication policy is forced, voluntary or relates to warnings. A forced communication policy may refer to legal requirements regarding communication. The source from which the communication policy originates may be the governmental agencies, hauliers/owners of a fleet of vehicles to which the vehicle is connected, companies with which the vehicle communicates etc. Hereinafter the term “prioritizing vehicle communication” in relation to “prioritizing vehicle communication based on one or more of the thus classified communication policies” may refer to prioritization based on costs for the communication; prioritization based on range for the communication; prioritization based on quality for the communication; prioritization based on criticality of the communication such as e.g. emergency communication.

Hereinafter the term“vehicle communication” refers to any communication of the vehicle which may be relevant for any zone associated with certain communication policies for vehicle communication. The term “vehicle communication” may refer to any vehicle communication affecting the zone, e.g. environment of the zone, in which the vehicle is located, which may comprise one or more of noise, communication data, communication frequency, communication range etc.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplified vehicle V is a is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a truck. The vehicle V is travelling on a road R. The vehicle according to the present disclosure may be any suitable vehicle such as a bus, a car or the like.

The vehicle V may comprise a system I for controlling vehicle communication during operation of the vehicle. The system I may comprise a control device 100 for controlling vehicle communication during operation of the vehicle. The vehicle V may comprise a control device 100 for controlling vehicle communication during operation of the vehicle.

The vehicle V is equipped with a communication arrangement C for the vehicle communication. The communication arrangement C is configured to facilitate adaption of the vehicle communication to different communication characteristics. Different communication characteristics may comprise different types of communication characteristics, different ranges for communication characteristics comprising different frequencies for communication, etc.

The communication arrangement C may be operably connected to the control device 100, comprised or partly comprised in the control device 100, or comprise or partly comprise the control device 100.

According to an embodiment, the vehicle V comprises or is comprised in a system I for controlling vehicle communication during operation of the vehicle according to fig. 3.

The vehicle V comprises, according to an embodiment, a control device 100 for controlling vehicle communication during operation of the vehicle according to fig. 3. The vehicle V is, according to an embodiment, arranged to be operated in accordance with a method M1 , M2 for controlling vehicle communication during operation of the vehicle according to fig. 4 and/or fig. 5. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates framework FW for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The vehicle V has been comprises a communication arrangement C for the vehicle communication. The communication arrangement C is configured to facilitate adaption of the vehicle communication to different communication characteristics. Different communication characteristics may comprise different types of communication characteristics, different ranges for communication characteristics comprising different frequencies for communication, etc.

The vehicle is travelling on a road R. The vehicle comprises a control device 100 for controlling vehicle communication during operation of the vehicle. The control device 100 may be a control device 100 according to fig. 3.

Zones Z1 , Z2 associated with certain policies relevant for the communication of the vehicle V are illustrated. In this example a geographical zone Z1 in the form of a city/portion of a city and a time zone Z2 are illustrated. The road R or a segment/portion of the road R could also be a zone.

An off-board system ZM may be provided. The off-board system may be an external server unit, the so called cloud, an external data centre or any other means suitable for being operably connected to a vehicle, e.g. the control device 100 of the vehicle V.

Thus, one or more communication policies are provided/have been created within the framework FW. The one or more communication policies may have been created in the vehicle V, e.g. in the control device 100 or any suitable means connectable to the control device 100.

The one or more communication policies may have been created in the off- board system ZM. In such an off-board System ZM Policies may be created, updated, and deleted and followed up.

A communication policy may be created by an external data provider such as a Road Authority RA, City, Commercial Data provider DP, Open Data provider, Transport Buyer TP, a mobile network operator etc.

The zones Z1 , Z2 associated with certain communication policies relevant for the communication of the vehicle are determined. One or more zones associated with certain communication policies may be determined by any suitable zone determination means, for example zone determination means as exemplified in fig. 3 described below.

The control device 100 is configured to: determine at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication; classify the certain communication policies; and adapt the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a control device 100 for controlling vehicle communication during operation of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The vehicle V is equipped with a communication arrangement C for the vehicle communication. The communication arrangement C is configured to facilitate adaption of the vehicle communication to different communication characteristics. Different communication characteristics may comprise different types of communication characteristics, different ranges for communication characteristics comprising different frequencies for communication, etc. The communication arrangement C is according to a variant operably connected to the control device 100. The communication arrangement C is according to a variant comprised in the control device 100. The communication arrangement C comprises according to a variant the control device 100. The communication arrangement C is according to a variant configured to establish communication with any suitable communication receiver external to the vehicle. An external communication receiver may comprise other vehicles, wherein the communication arrangement C is arranged to establish communication with one or more other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement. An external communication receiver may comprise any kind of infrastructure, wherein the communication arrangement C is arranged to establish communication with infrastructure within a vehicle- to-infrastructure communication arrangement.

The control device 100 for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle may be comprised in a system I for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle.

The control device 100 may be implemented as a separate entity or distributed in two or more physical entities. The control device 100 may comprise one or more computers. The control device 100 may thus be implemented or realised by the control device comprising a processor and a memory, the memory comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor causes the control device to perform the herein disclosed method.

The control device 100 may comprise one or more electronic control units, processing units, computers, server units or the like for controlling steering of a vehicle during drive of the vehicle. The control device 100 may comprise control device such as one or more electronic control units arranged on board a vehicle. The control device 100 may comprise one or more electronic control units of the vehicle. The control device 100 may comprise one or more electronic control units, processing units, computers, server units or the like of an off-board system arranged externally to the vehicle and being operably connectable to the vehicle.

The control device 100 is configured to determine at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication. The system I may comprise a zone determination arrangement 110 arranged to determine at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication.

The control device 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to the zone determination arrangement 110. The zone determination arrangement 1 10 may be arranged to determine one or more geographical zones associated with certain communication policies relevant for the communication of the vehicle.

The zone determination arrangement 1 10 may be arranged to determine one or more time zones associated with certain communication policies relevant for the communication of the vehicle.

The zone determination arrangement 1 10 may comprise a zone information receiving unit 1 12 arranged to receive information about at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the communication of the vehicle. The information about at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the communication of the vehicle may comprise information about the certain communication policies within the at least one zone.

The information about the certain communication policies within the at least one zone may comprise information about degree of importance of communication policy, e.g. whether a communication policy is forced, voluntary, relates to a warning or the like. The information about the certain communication policies within the at least one zone may comprise information about the source from which the communication policy originates. The information about the certain communication policies within the at least one zone may comprise information about the cost for the communication, i.e. costs for communication according to different communication policies. The information about the certain communication policies within the at least one zone may comprise information about range for communication characteristics comprising frequency for communication characteristics. The information about the certain communication policies within the at least one zone may comprise information about types of communication characteristics.

The zone information receiving unit 1 12 may be arranged to receive information about at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the communication of the vehicle from infrastructure via a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication arrangement.

The zone information receiving unit 1 12 may be arranged to receive information about at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the communication of the vehicle from one or more other vehicles via a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement.

The zone determination arrangement 1 10 may comprise a zone detection arrangement 1 14 arranged to detect the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the communication of the vehicle. The zone detection arrangement 1 14 may comprise one or more sensors arranged to detect the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the communication of the vehicle. The zone determination arrangement 1 10 may thus comprise one or more sensors arranged to detect the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the communication of the vehicle. The zone detection arrangement 1 14, e.g. one or more sensors, may be arranged on board the vehicle and configured to detect the one or more zones. The zone detection arrangement 1 14, e.g. one or more sensors, may be arranged to detect e.g. a sign with information about certain communication policies of a certain zone. The zone detection arrangement 1 14 may be arranged to detect the certain communication policies of the at least one zone.

The zone determination arrangement 110 may comprise a vehicle position identification device 1 16 for identifying the current position of the vehicle. The vehicle position identification device 1 16 may comprise a Global Navigation satellite System, GNSS, e.g. a global positioning system, GPS, arranged on board the vehicle.

The zone determination arrangement 1 10 may comprise a time determination device 1 17 for determining the current time. The time determination device 1 17 may be any suitable means for determining time. The time determination device 1 17 may comprise one or more clocks. The time determination device 1 17 may be comprised in the control device 100. The time determination device 1 17 may be comprised in the vehicle position identification device 1 16.

The zone determination arrangement 1 10 may comprise retrieving unit 1 18 arranged to retrieve stored information of the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the communication of the vehicle. The zone determination arrangement 1 10 may comprise retrieving unit 1 18 arranged to retrieve stored information of the certain communication policies relevant for the communication of the vehicle. The retrieving unit 118 may be arranged to retrieve such information from storage means. The storage means may be internal storage means arranged on board the vehicle and/or external storage means arranged externally to the vehicle. The storage means may comprise any suitable means for storing information/data about zones associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication. The retrieving unit 1 18 may be arranged to retrieve such information based on information about the current position of the vehicle from the vehicle position identification device 116. The retrieving unit 1 18 may be arranged to retrieve such information based on information about the current time from the time determination device 1 17. The zone determination arrangement 1 10 may be arranged to determine the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication taking current position of the vehicle and/or current time into consideration. The control device 100 is according to an embodiment configured to determine the certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication to which the thus determined at least one zone is associated with. Thus, the control device 100 is according to an embodiment configured to determine communication policies for the determined at least one zone. The system I may comprise a communication policy determination arrangement 120 arranged to determine certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication to which the thus determined at least one zone is associated with.

The control device 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to the communication policy determination arrangement 120. The communication arrangement C may comprise or be operably connectable to the communication policy determination arrangement 120. The zone determination arrangement 110 may comprise or be operably connectable to the communication policy determination arrangement 120. The control device 100 is configured to classify the certain communication policies.

The system I may comprise a communication policy classification device 130 arranged to classify the certain communication policies.

The control device 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to the communication policy classification device 130.

According to an embodiment the control device 100 is configured to classify the certain communication policies based on one or more of: degree of importance of communication policy; the source from which the communication policy originates; cost for the communication, range for communication characteristics, and types of communication characteristics.

According to an embodiment the communication policy classification device 130 is configured to classify the certain communication policies based on one or more of: degree of importance of communication policy; the source from which the communication policy originates; cost for the communication, range for communication characteristics, and types of communication characteristics.

According to an embodiment the control device 100 is configured to adapt the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

The system I may comprise a vehicle communication adaption arrangement 140 arranged to adapt the vehicle communication based on one or more of the thus classified communication policies.

The control device 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to the vehicle communication adaption arrangement 140.

According to an embodiment the control device 100, when adapting vehicle communication, is configured to prioritize vehicle communication based on one or more of the thus classified communication policies.

The system I may comprise a vehicle communication prioritization arrangement 150 arranged to prioritize vehicle communication based on one or more of the thus classified communication policies.

The control device 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to the vehicle communication prioritization arrangement 150.

According to an embodiment the control device 100 is configured to determine whether changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies have occurred. The system I may comprise a communication policy change determination arrangement 160 arranged to determine whether changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies have occurred.

The control device 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to the communication policy change determination arrangement 160.

According to an embodiment the control device 100 is configured to take determined changes in communication policies into consideration when performing the classification of the certain communication policies.

According to an embodiment the control device 100 is configured to take determined changes in communication policies into consideration when performing the prioritization of the certain communication policies.

According to an embodiment the control device 100 is configured to take determined changes in communication policies into consideration when adapting the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 10, operably connected to the zone determination means 1 10. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 10 arranged to receive a signal from the means 1 10 representing data about one or more zones associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 12, operably connected to the zone information receiving unit 1 12. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 12 arranged to receive a signal from the zone information receiving unit 1 12 representing data about one or more zones associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 14, operably connected to the zone detection arrangement 1 14. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 14 arranged to receive a signal from the zone detection arrangement 1 14 representing data about one or more zones associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 16, operably connected to the vehicle position identification device 1 16. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 16 arranged to receive a signal from the vehicle position identification device 1 16 representing data about the position of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 17, operably connected to the time determination device 1 17. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 17 arranged to receive a signal from the time determination device 1 17 representing data about current time.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 18, operably connected to the retrieving unit 1 18. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 18 arranged to send a signal to the retrieving unit 1 18 representing data about position of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 18, operably connected to the retrieving unit 1 18. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 18 arranged to send a signal to the retrieving unit 1 18 representing data about current time.

The retrieving unit 1 18 may be arranged to process the data about position of the vehicle and/or data about current time so as to determine one or more zones associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 18, operably connected to the retrieving unit 1 18. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 18 arranged to receive a signal from the retrieving unit 1 18 representing data about one or more zones associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication.

The control device 100 is according to an embodiment arranged to process the data about one or more zones associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 20, operably connected to the communication policy determination arrangement 120. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 20 arranged to receive a signal from the communication policy determination arrangement 120 representing data about certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 30a, operably connected to the communication policy classification device 130. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 30a arranged to send a signal to the communication policy classification device 130 representing data about determined communication policies relevant for vehicle communication.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 30b, operably connected to the communication policy classification device 130. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 30b arranged to receive a signal from the communication policy classification device 130 representing data about classification of communication policies relevant for vehicle communication.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 40a, operably connected to the communication adaption arrangement 140. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 40a arranged to send a signal to the communication adaption arrangement 140 representing data about classified communication policies.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 40b, operably connected to the communication adaption arrangement 140. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 40b arranged to receive a signal from the communication adaption arrangement 140 representing data about adaption of vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 50a, operably connected to the communication prioritization arrangement 150. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 50a arranged to send a signal to the communication prioritization arrangement 150 representing data about determined communication policies relevant for vehicle communication and data about classification of those communication policies.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 50b, operably connected to the communication prioritization arrangement 150. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 50b arranged to receive a signal from the communication prioritization arrangement 150 representing data about prioritization of vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 60, operably connected to the communication policy change determination arrangement 160. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 60 arranged to receive a signal from the communication policy change determination arrangement 160 representing data about changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 30c, operably connected to the communication policy classification device 130. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 30c arranged to send a signal to the communication policy classification device 130 representing data about determined changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 40c, operably connected to the communication adaption arrangement 140. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 40c arranged to send a signal to the communication adaption arrangement 140 representing data about determined changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is, via a link 50c, operably connected to the communication prioritization arrangement 150. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is via the link 50c arranged to send a signal to the communication prioritization arrangement 150 representing data about determined changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies.

The control device 100 is according to an embodiment configured to adapt the vehicle communication by adapting one or more vehicle communication functions, e.g. one or more vehicle communication functions of the vehicle communication arrangement C based on classified communication policies of the one or more zones associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication and, where applicable, prioritizing vehicle communication based on the classification, so as to fulfil the certain communication policies during vehicle operation in connection to the at least one zone. The control device 100 is according to an embodiment configured to control the vehicle communication automatically.

The control device 100 is according to an embodiment configured to control the vehicle communication automatically in such a way that the vehicle operator may not interrupt the automatic control. The control device 100 is according to an embodiment configured to control the vehicle communication automatically in such a way that the automatic control may be overridden by the vehicle operator. The control device 100 is according to an embodiment configured to control the vehicle communication automatically in such a way that the automatic control may be forced or overridden depending on communication policy and/or the performed automatic adaption and/or prioritization of vehicle communication.

The control device 100 according to the present disclosure may comprise or be operably connected to one or more of the arrangement 110, arrangement 120, device 130, arrangement 140, arrangement 150 and arrangement 160 of the system I. The control device 100 according to the present disclosure may be operably connected to one or more of the arrangement 110, arrangement 120, device 130, arrangement 140, arrangement 150 and arrangement 160 of the system I via any suitable link/links. The control device 100 for controlling vehicle communication during operation of the vehicle according to the present disclosure may comprise or be operably connected to other means, e.g. other arrangements, devices, units or the like.

The control device 100 for controlling vehicle communication during operation of the vehicle is, according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M1 described below with reference to fig. 4 and/or the method M2 described below with reference to fig. 5.

The system I for controlling vehicle communication during operation of the vehicle is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M1 described below with reference to fig. 4 and/or the method M2 described below with reference to fig. 5.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a method M1 performed by a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The vehicle is equipped with a communication arrangement for the vehicle communication, the communication arrangement being configured to facilitate adaption of the vehicle communication to different communication characteristics. According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S1. In this step at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication is determined. The at least one zone is arranged to be determined by means of a zone determination arrangement, e.g. a zone determination arrangement as described with reference to fig. 3. The step S1 of determining at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication may comprise the step of receiving information about at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication.

The step S1 of determining at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication may comprise the step of detecting the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication. The step of detecting may comprise utilizing one or more sensors suitable for detecting such zones.

The step S1 of determining at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication may comprise the step of identifying the current position of the vehicle. Identification of the current position of the vehicle may be performed by means of a Global Navigation satellite System, GNSS, e.g. a global positioning system, GPS, arranged on board the vehicle.

The step S1 of determining at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication may comprise the step of determining the current time.

The step S1 of determining at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication may comprise the step of retrieving stored information of the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication. The step S1 of determining at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for vehicle communication may be performed taking current position of the vehicle and/or current time into consideration.

According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S2. In this step the certain communication policies are determined. According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S3. In this step the certain communication policies are classified.

According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S4. In this step the vehicle communication is adapted based on the thus classified communication policies. The method M1 performed by a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle is according to an embodiment adapted to be performed by the control device 100 described above with reference to fig. 3.

The method M1 performed by a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle is according to an embodiment adapted to be performed by the system described above with reference to fig. 3. Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method M2 performed by a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S1 1. In In this step at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication is determined. The at least one zone is arranged to be determined by means of a zone determination arrangement, e.g. a zone determination arrangement as described with reference to fig. 3. Step 1 1 may be in accordance with step 1 and may comprise one or more of the steps mentioned above for step 1 with reference to fig. 4.

According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S12. In this step the certain communication policies are determined.

According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S13. In this step the certain communication policies are classified based on one or more of: degree of importance of communication policy; the source from which the communication policy originates; cost for the communication, range for communication characteristics, and types of communication characteristics.

According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S14. In this step the vehicle communication is adapted and prioritized based on the thus classified communication policies.

According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S15. In this step it is determined whether changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies have occurred.

According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S16A. In this step determined changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies are taken into consideration when performing the classification of the certain communication policies. According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S16B. In this step determined changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies are taken into consideration when adapting the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

The method M2 performed by a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle is according to an embodiment adapted to be performed by the control device 100 described above with reference to fig. 3. The method M2 performed by a control device for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle is according to an embodiment adapted to be performed by the system I described above with reference to fig. 3.

With reference to figure 6, a diagram of a computer 500/apparatus 500 is shown. The control device 100 described with reference to fig. 3 may according to an embodiment comprise apparatus 500. Apparatus 500 comprises a non volatile memory 520, a data processing device 510 and a read/write memory 550. Non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 wherein a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of apparatus 500. Further, apparatus 500 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, l/O-means, an A/D-converter, a time date entry and transmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). Non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540.

A computer program P is provided comprising routines for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle.

The vehicle is equipped with a communication arrangement for the vehicle communication, the communication arrangement being configured to facilitate adaption of the vehicle communication to different communication characteristics. The program P comprises routines for determining at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication. The program P comprises routines for determining the certain communication policies. The program P comprises routines for classifying the certain communication policies. The program P comprises routines for adapting the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

The routines for classifying the certain communication policies comprises routines for basing the classification on one or more of: degree of importance of communication policy; the source from which the communication policy originates; cost for the communication, range for communication characteristics, and types of communication characteristics.

The routines for adapting vehicle communication comprises routines for prioritizing vehicle communication based on one or more of the thus classified communication policies.

The program P comprises routines for determining whether changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies have occurred.

The program P comprises routines for taking determined changes in communication policies into consideration when performing the classification of the certain communication policies.

The program P comprises routines for taking determined changes in communication policies into consideration when adapting the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies. The computer program P may be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed condition in a separate memory 560 and/or in read/write memory 550. When it is stated that data processing device 510 performs a certain function it should be understood that data processing device 510 performs a certain part of the program which is stored in separate memory 560, or a certain part of the program which is stored in read/write memory 550. Data processing device 510 may communicate with a data communications port 599 by means of a data bus 515. Non-volatile memory 520 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 512. Separate memory 560 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 51 1. Read/write memory 550 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 514. To the data communications port 599 e.g. the links connected to the control unit 100 may be connected.

When data is received on data port 599 it is temporarily stored in second memory portion 540. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, data processing device 510 is set up to perform execution of code in a manner described above. The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for determining at least one zone associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication. The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for determining the certain communication policies. The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for classifying the certain communication policies. The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for adapting the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

The signals used for classifying the certain communication policies comprises signals used for basing the classification on one or more of: degree of importance of communication policy; the source from which the communication policy originates; cost for the communication, range for communication characteristics, and types of communication characteristics. The signals used for adapting vehicle communication comprises signals used for prioritizing vehicle communication based on one or more of the thus classified communication policies.

The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for determining whether changes in communication policies in the at least one zone associated with certain communication policies have occurred.

The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for taking determined changes in communication policies into consideration when performing the classification of the certain communication policies. The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for taking determined changes in communication policies into consideration when adapting the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

Parts of the methods described herein may be performed by apparatus 500 by means of data processing device 510 running the program stored in separate memory 560 or read/write memory 550. When apparatus 500 runs the program, parts of the methods described herein are executed!

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1 . A method (M1 , M2) performed by a control device (100) for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle (V), the vehicle being equipped with a communication arrangement (C) for the vehicle communication, the communication arrangement (C) being configured to facilitate adaption of the vehicle communication to different communication characteristics the method comprising the steps of:

- determining (S1 ) at least one zone (Z1 , Z2) associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication;

- determining (S2) the certain communication policies;

- classifying (S3) the certain communication policies; and

- adapting (S4) the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of classifying the certain communication policies is performed based on one or more of: degree of importance of communication policy; the source from which the communication policy originates; cost for the communication, range for communication characteristics, and types of communication characteristics.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of adapting vehicle communication comprises prioritizing vehicle communication based on one or more of the thus classified communication policies.

4. The method according to any of claims 1 -3, comprising the steps of: determining whether changes in communication policies in the at least one zone (Z1 , Z2) associated with certain communication policies have occurred; and, if such changes have occurred, taking said changes into consideration when performing the classification of the certain communication policies.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 -4, comprising the steps of: determining whether changes in communication policies in the at least one zone (Z1 , Z2) associated with certain communication policies have occurred; and, if such changes have occurred, taking said changes into consideration when adapting the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

6. A control device (100) for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle (V), the vehicle being equipped with a communication arrangement (C) for the vehicle communication, the communication arrangement (C) being configured to facilitate adaption of the vehicle communication to different communication characteristics the control device (100) being configured to:

- determine at least one zone (Z1 , Z2) associated with certain communication policies relevant for the vehicle communication;

- determine the certain communication policies;

- classify the certain communication policies; and

- adapt the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the control device (100) is configured to classify the certain communication policies based on one or more of: degree of importance of communication policy; the source from which the communication policy originates; cost for the communication, range for communication characteristics, and types of communication characteristics.

8. The control device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the control device (100), when adapting vehicle communication, is configured to prioritize vehicle communication based on one or more of the thus classified communication policies.

9. The control device according to any of claims 6-8, wherein the control device (100) is configured to: determine whether changes in communication policies in the at least one zone (Z1 , Z2) associated with certain communication policies have occurred; and, if such changes have occurred, take said changes into consideration when performing the classification of the certain communication policies.

10. The control device according to any of claims 6-9, wherein the control device (100) is configured to: determine whether changes in communication policies in the at least one zone (Z1 , Z2) associated with certain communication policies have occurred; and, if such changes have occurred, take said changes into consideration when adapting the vehicle communication based on the thus classified communication policies.

11. A vehicle (1 ) comprising a control device (100) according to any of claims 6-10.

12. A computer program (P) for controlling vehicle communication during operation of a vehicle, said computer program (P) comprising program code which, when run on a control device (100) or another computer (500) connected to the control device (100), causes the control device to perform the steps according to claim 1 -5.

13. A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to anyone of claim 1 -5.