KR102146659B1 - Device of connecting Wi-fi for vehicles, and the method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a vehicle Wi-Fi access device and method, in a vehicle Wi-Fi access method for connecting to a wireless network through a first Wi-Fi module and a second Wi-Fi module mounted on a vehicle, attempting to connect to an external AP through a second Wi-Fi module When accessing an external AP, data is transmitted and received between the first and second Wi-Fi modules, and when connection with an external AP fails, data is transmitted and received through 3G/4G communication.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [Device of connecting Wi-fi for vehicles, and the method thereof]

The present invention relates to a vehicle Wi-Fi access device and method thereof, and more particularly, to a device capable of simultaneously supporting an AP / Client mode in one system and a method thereof.

The conventional CUBIS-T (TMU, telematics unit) is a structure in which a center interlocking service is provided by accessing an external network through a built-in 3G modem, and an AP function through a Wi-Fi module is supported inside the CUBIS-T.

1 is a block diagram of a CUBIS-T using a telematics unit, which is a prior art. As shown in Fig. 1, the CUBIS-T includes a microphone, an antenna, and a plurality of buttons, and transmits and receives data to and from the AVN system.

The Wi-Fi module inside CUBIS-T provides wireless network access to terminals such as smartphones/laptops through tethering between the 3G network and the in-vehicle access point (AP).

However, in the prior art, a Wi-Fi module was installed to provide wireless network service to in-vehicle customers, but as the service was provided through a tethering method through a 3G communication modem, the internal Wi-Fi speed was excellent, but the 3G communication modem speed was limited. As a result, when the service quality is insufficient and the service is used unconditionally with the idea that Wi-Fi is free (for example, when several movie contents are downloaded), there is a problem in that an excessive fee for data usage has to be paid.

-Tethering-

The tethering method is a function that enables an external device such as a PC to use the Internet by using a mobile phone (smart phone) as a modem.

An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle Wi-Fi access device and method that prevents deterioration of communication quality due to a 3G communication modem speed limit in connection with the operation of a Wi-Fi network for a vehicle and improves a charge problem due to data use.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a vehicle Wi-Fi access device includes: a first Wi-Fi module operating in an AP mode inside a vehicle and connecting with at least one terminal requesting a wireless Internet service inside the vehicle; A second WiFi module operating in a client mode inside the vehicle, accessing an external AP, and transmitting and receiving data with the first WiFi module; A 3/4G communication unit that is turned on and transmits and receives data to and from the first WiFi module when the second WiFi module is unable to access the external AP; And a control unit for switching and tethering between the first and second WiFi modules and the 3/4G communication unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in a vehicle Wi-Fi access method for connecting to a wireless network through a first Wi-Fi module and a second Wi-Fi module mounted on a vehicle, a connection with an external AP through the second Wi-Fi module is provided. Trying; And transmitting and receiving data between the first and second WiFi modules when accessing the external AP.

According to the present invention, in a vehicle Wi-Fi access method for wireless network access through a first Wi-Fi module and a second Wi-Fi module mounted on a vehicle, when attempting to access an external AP through the second Wi-Fi module and connecting with an external AP Data transmission/reception is performed between the 1st and the 2nd WiFi modules, and if the connection to the external AP fails, data is transmitted/received through 3G/4G communication.

Accordingly, compared to the conventional invention in which only one Wi-Fi module unit supporting only the AP mode function is operated, two Wi-Fi module units including an AP mode and a client mode are operated, and access to an external AP outside the vehicle is possible through the client mode.

In addition, if the second WiFi module unit is difficult to connect to the external AP, since it is connected to the external base station through the 3/4G communication unit, wireless Internet communication is possible, as a result, the communication quality can be prevented from deteriorating and data usage. It is possible to improve the occurrence of excessive charge problems.

1 is a block diagram of a CUBIS-T using a telematics unit, which is a conventional invention.
2 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle Wi-Fi access device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle Wi-Fi access device when a connection with an external AP is successful according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle Wi-Fi access device when a connection to an external AP fails according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart of a vehicle Wi-Fi access method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart of a vehicle Wi-Fi access method based on map data according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and a method of achieving them will become apparent with reference to embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in a variety of different forms, only the present embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to fully inform the scope of the invention to the person, and the invention is defined by the scope of the claims. On the other hand, terms used in the present specification are for describing exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form also includes the plural form unless specifically stated in the phrase. As used in the specification, "comprises" and/or "comprising" refers to the presence of one or more other components, steps, operations and/or elements in which the recited component, step, operation and/or element is Or does not exclude additions.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is a block diagram of a vehicle Wi-Fi access device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle Wi-Fi access device includes a first WiFi module 110, a second WiFi module 120, a 3/4G communication unit 130, a control unit 140, an AVN system 150, and a warning unit. Including 160.

The first WiFi module 110 operates in an AP mode inside the vehicle and connects to at least one terminal 10 and 20 requesting a wireless Internet service inside the vehicle.

The second WiFi module 120 operates in a client mode inside the vehicle, accesses the external AP 30, and transmits and receives data to and from the first WiFi module 110.

The 3/4G communication unit 130 is turned on and transmits and receives data to and from the first WiFi module 110 when the second WiFi module 120 cannot be connected to the external AP 30.

Specifically, when the second WiFi module 120 is unable to access the external AP 30, the 3/4G communication unit 130 is activated to transmit and receive data with the external base station 40 through 3G or 4G communication.

The controller 140 performs switching and tethering between the first and second WiFi modules 110 and 120 and the 3/4G communication unit 130.

Specifically, the control unit 140 keeps the 3/4G communication unit 130 in the OFF state when the second WiFi module 120 is accessible with the external AP 30, and the second WiFi module 120 is If the connection to (30) is impossible, the 3/4G communication unit 130 is switched to be in the ON state.

The controller 140 performs tethering through the 3/4G communication unit 130 when the second WiFi module 120 is unable to access the external AP 30.

The AVN system 150 outputs the generated map data when the control unit 140 generates map data indicating whether Wi-Fi AP support is available on the map of the AVN system 150.

The warning unit 160 transmits a warning message when the control unit 140 fails to switch and tether between the first and second WiFi modules 110 and 120 and the 3/4G communication unit 130.

Specifically, the warning unit 160 transmits a warning message through at least one of a warning sound, a flashing lamp type warning lamp, and an announcement broadcast.

3 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle Wi-Fi access device when a connection with an external AP is successful according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, when the second WiFi module 120 and the external AP 30 are connected, Internet communication is possible, and the first WiFi module 110 and the second WiFi module 120 transmit and receive data. do.

4 is a block diagram of a vehicle Wi-Fi access device when a connection to an external AP 30 fails according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, when the second WiFi module 120 is unable to connect to the external AP 30, the 3/4G communication unit 130 is connected to the external base station 40 to enable Internet communication, The 3/4G communication unit 130 transmits and receives data to and from the first WiFi module 110.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of accessing Wi-Fi for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, in the vehicle Wi-Fi access method for wireless network access through the first Wi-Fi module 110 and the second Wi-Fi module 120 mounted on the vehicle, first, through the second Wi-Fi module 120 An attempt is made to access the external AP 30 (S210).

Next, it is checked whether the connection with the external AP 30 is made (S220). If the connection is successful, data transmission/reception between the first and second WiFi modules 110 and 120 is performed (S230).

Subsequently, if the connection with the external AP 30 fails, data is transmitted and received through 3G or 4G communication (S240). Specifically, data is transmitted and received with the external base station 40 through the 3/4G communication unit 130.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of accessing Wi-Fi for a vehicle based on map data according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, first, an external AP 30 is searched (S310).

Next, map data displaying the searched external AP 30 location information on the map is generated (S320).

Finally, a Wi-Fi connection is executed based on the generated map data (S330). Specifically, Wi-Fi connection is performed based on vehicle speed and vehicle location information linked with map data. Accordingly, the user may be provided with area information capable of providing a Wi-Fi service based on vehicle location information through the AVN system 150.

-Wifi communication-

Wi-Fi (English: Wi-Fi) is a brand name of the Wi-Fi Alliance, a series of technologies that support IEEE 802.11-based wireless LAN connection, device-to-device connection (Wi-Fi P2P), PAN / LAN / WAN configuration, etc. Means.

Wi-Fi communication is basically a communication between an access point (AP) that delivers data to the Internet and a terminal to which a user receives a service, such as a laptop or smartphone. To use Wi-Fi, you must have hardware (wireless LAN card) to connect to the terminal, and a device driver that enables the operating system to recognize the wireless LAN card must be installed. Since it is basically installed on terminals that frequently move, such as smartphones and laptops, users can use Wi-Fi without special settings, and desktop users can easily install and use them. In recent years, the number of terminals supporting and supporting Wi-Fi in various peripheral devices such as game consoles, printers, and TVs is increasing due to the advantage of being able to communicate with the Internet or with each other without wires. These limitations are described in IEEE 802.11, and in Wi-Fi, a specific method of utilizing an 802.11-based connection is dealt with. The National Institute of the Korean Language has decided that the word for Wi-Fi is'Near-range wireless network'.

The purpose of Wi-Fi is to avoid complexity by using wireless access to applications, data, media and streams. The main purposes of Wi-Fi are as follows.

First, it makes the information more accessible. Ensure compatibility and coexistence with devices. Remove cables and wires. Remove switches, adapters, plugs, pins, and terminals

Wi-Fi has a faster wireless Internet speed than 3G networks, but wireless Internet is only available near an AP (Access Point) that enables wireless Internet. Also, the range of wireless Internet that one AP enables is not very wide. Therefore, in order to enjoy wireless Internet while moving using Wi-Fi, many APs must be installed everywhere. However, if APs are installed indiscriminately, nearby AP radio waves cause interference, which slows down the wireless Internet speed. Since Wi-Fi does not support mobility like 3G networks, seamless communication is impossible. Therefore, when switching from one AP to another AP, it is necessary to connect to the new AP after the connection is terminated from the previous AP, and at this time, communication using a connection-oriented protocol such as TCP is disconnected.

According to the present invention, in a vehicle Wi-Fi access method for wireless network access through a first Wi-Fi module and a second Wi-Fi module mounted on a vehicle, when attempting to access an external AP through the second Wi-Fi module and connecting with an external AP Data transmission/reception is performed between the 1st and the 2nd WiFi modules, and if the connection to the external AP fails, data is transmitted/received through 3G/4G communication.

Accordingly, compared to the conventional invention in which only one Wi-Fi module unit supporting only the AP mode function is operated, two Wi-Fi module units including an AP mode and a client mode are operated, and access to an external AP outside the vehicle is possible through the client mode.

In addition, if the second WiFi module unit is difficult to connect to an external AP, since it is connected to an external base station through the 3/4G communication unit, wireless Internet communication is possible continuously, which can prevent the communication quality from deteriorating and data use. It is possible to improve the occurrence of excessive charge problems.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments expressed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to illustrate, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas equivalent to or within the scope of the present invention should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

10: first terminal 20: second terminal
30: external AP 40: external base station
110: first wifi module 120: second wifi module
130: 3/4G communication unit 140: control unit
150: AVN system 160: warning unit

Claims (10)

A first WiFi module operating in an AP mode inside a vehicle and connecting with at least one terminal requesting a wireless Internet service inside the vehicle;
A second Wi-Fi module operating in a client mode inside the vehicle, executing Wi-Fi access with an external AP based on vehicle location information linked with map data displaying external AP location information, and transmitting and receiving data with the first Wi-Fi module;
A 3/4G communication unit that is turned on and transmits and receives data to and from the first WiFi module when the second WiFi module is unable to access WiFi with the external AP; And
A control unit that performs switching and tethering between the first and second WiFi modules and the 3/4G communication unit
Vehicle Wi-Fi access device comprising a.
The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit
When the second WiFi module is able to access the external AP, the 3/4G communication unit is maintained in an OFF state,
Switching the 3/4G communication unit to be in an ON state when the second WiFi module cannot connect to the external AP
In-vehicle WiFi access device.
The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit
When the second WiFi module cannot access the external AP, tethering is performed through the 3/4G communication unit.
In-vehicle WiFi access device.
The method of claim 1, further comprising an AVN system,
The AVN system outputs the generated map data when the control unit generates map data indicating whether Wi-Fi AP support is available on the map of the AVN system.
In-vehicle WiFi access device.
The method of claim 1, further comprising a warning unit,
The warning unit transmits a warning message when the control unit fails to switch and tether between the first and second WiFi modules and the 3/4G communication unit.
In-vehicle WiFi access device.
The method of claim 5, wherein the warning unit
Delivering warning messages through at least one of warning sounds, warning lights in the form of flashing lights, and announcements
In-vehicle WiFi access device.
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