Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to an Electric Vehicle Wireless Communication domain, particularly related to the Satellite Communication domain.
BACKGROUND
The rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market represents a significant shift in the automotive industry, driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions, combat climate change, and promote sustainable transportation solutions. As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to rise globally, ensuring the safety of EV occupants and providing reliable emergency services in critical situations have become paramount concerns.
The widespread adoption of electric vehicles presents a unique set of challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the need for efficient energy management and monitoring systems. Unlike conventional vehicles, EVs rely entirely on their batteries for propulsion, making battery health, charging status, and energy efficiency critical aspects of their performance. The efficiency and longevity of an EV's battery greatly influence its driving range, charging time, and overall user experience.
Another challenge faced by electric vehicles is the development of reliable navigation and safety systems. Traditional GPS and cellular networks, while widely used, have limitations, especially in remote or densely populated urban areas. Connectivity issues, and delayed response times in emergency situations can significantly impact the safety and convenience of electric vehicle users.
In emergency conditions, such as accidents, breakdowns, or medical emergencies, timely assistance is crucial. Traditional emergency response systems rely heavily on cellular networks to connect distressed individuals with emergency services. However, these systems have limitations, particularly in areas with poor cellular coverage or during natural disasters when terrestrial infrastructure can be severely damaged or overloaded. In such scenarios, ensuring swift and efficient communication becomes a challenge, potentially leading to delayed response times and increased risks to individuals involved in emergencies.
Electric vehicles, like their traditional counterparts, can encounter various emergencies on the road, including accidents, fires, or medical crises. In these situations, the need for immediate and accurate communication with emergency services is vital. Additionally, electric vehicles present unique challenges due to their high-voltage systems and the need for specialized handling during emergencies, making it crucial for responders to have precise information about the vehicle's location, condition, and potential risks.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY INVENTION
When a user encounters an accident or emergency situation in an area without cellular network coverage, it becomes challenging for them to move the electric vehicle to reach a cellular network area. Consequently, the user is left with no means to communicate their emergency situation to the relevant authorities for help. Additionally, due to the absence of a cellular network, the electric vehicle manufacturing company is unable to monitor real-time data related to the electric vehicle.
The primary objective of the present invention is to establish a secondary communication path enabling communication between the electric vehicle and the relevant authorities in order to facilitate the transmission of information from the electric vehicle user to ensuring prompt assistance in emergency situations.
In certain instances, such as when the electric vehicle is stolen and cellular communication is disabled, perhaps by removing the SIM card from the vehicle, the manufacturing company has no means of tracking the vehicle.
Therefore, it is yet another objective of the present invention is to enable tracking of the electric vehicle by the manufacturing company even if the cellular connection of the vehicle is disabled.
Moreover, in areas lacking cellular network coverage, the user's mobile device or portable communication device remains non-operational. Even in non-emergency situations, if the user wishes to convey information to concerned authorities, relatives, or friends, they are unable to do so due to the absence of a cellular network.
Hence, another objective of this invention is to establish a communication link between the user's portable communication device and facilitate the transmission of information provided by the user to the relevant authorities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for enabling satellite communication to an electric vehicle, the method comprises enquiring about an availability of a cellular network from a cellular communication module by an electronic controller for transmission of critical data of the electric vehicle. Therefore, receiving a response to the enquiry from the cellular communication module about unavailability of the cellular network by the electronic controller. Subsequently, sending an activation command to a satellite communication module to enable the satellite communication upon receiving an unavailability response of the cellular network by the electronic controller and establishing a first communication path with a satellite for sending one or more critical data by the satellite communication module based on the activation command sent by the electronic controller. Thereafter, setting up a second communication path with a server for transmitting the sent one or more critical data by the satellite subsequent to the establishment of the first communication. Moreover, enabling a third communication path with one or more user devices for receiving the one or more critical data by the server after setting up of the second communication path. Further, sending one or more critical data of the electric vehicle by the electronic controller to the one or more user devices through the satellite communication.
As per the first embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises receiving one or more critical instructions from the one or more user devices by the electronic controller through the enabled satellite communication.
As per the second embodiment, the method further comprises receiving one or more critical data provided by a rider from a short-range connectable device by a short-range communication module. Subsequently, transmitting the received one or more critical data provided by the rider to the electronic controller by the short-range communication module. Thereafter, sending the transmitted one or more critical data provided by the rider to the satellite communication module by the electronic controller for communicating the one or more critical data provided by the rider to the one or more user devices through enabled satellite communication.
As per another feature of the present invention, the invention discloses a system for enabling satellite communication to an electric vehicle, wherein the system comprises a cellular communication module operably coupled to an electronic controller, the cellular communication module is configured to detect cellular network. The system also includes an electronic controller configured to enquire about an availability of a cellular network from a cellular communication module, the electronic controller is capable to receive a response to the enquiry about unavailability of the cellular network from the cellular communication module. The electronic controller configured to send an activation command to a satellite communication module to enable the satellite communication. The satellite communication module operably coupled with the electronic controller, the satellite communication module is configured to establish a first communication path with a satellite for sending one or more critical data, said satellite configured to set up a second communication path with a server for transmitting the sent one or more critical data. Also, the server configured to enable a third communication path with one or more user devices for receiving the one or more critical data. The system further comprises one or more user devices to receive the one or more critical data and capable of illustrating the one or more critical data, wherein the electronic controller is configured to send one or more critical data of the electric vehicle by the electronic controller to the one or more user devices through the satellite communication.
As per third embodiment the satellite communication module may include one or more satellite communication antennas to convert electric current to radio waves.
As per the fourth embodiment the system comprises a land earth station capable of receiving one or more critical data in the form of radio waves from the one or more satellite antenna through the satellite and an internet gateway capable of receiving the radio waves from the land earth station and converting the received radio waves to Internet protocol signal, the internet gateway is capable of transmitting the converted internet protocol signal to the server.
As per the fifth embodiment, the satellite communication module is operably coupled to the electronic controller through wired communication.
As per the sixth embodiment, the electronic controller is a vehicle control unit configured to receive the one or more critical data from one or more sensors of the electric vehicle that represents the health and condition of the vehicle.
As per the seventh embodiment, the system further comprises a short-range connectable device capable of establishing a communication link with the short-range communication module. The short-range communication module capable to receive one or more critical data provided by a rider from a short-range connectable device, the short-range communication module is configured to transmit the received one or more critical data provided by the rider to the electronic controller, wherein the electronic controller sends the transmitted one or more critical data provided by the rider to the satellite communication module for communicating the one or more inputs critical data provided by the rider to one or more user devices through enabled satellite communication.
LIST OF FIGURES
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a method for enabling satellite communication to an electric vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a system for enabling satellite communication to an electric vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present invention.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
The terms “comprises”, "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a'' does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.
Figure 1 illustrates a method for enabling satellite communication to an electric vehicle. In a first step, the method performs an enquiry about an availability of a cellular network wherein an electronic controller (101) receives an information through a cellular communication module (1011), and the electronic controller (101) further transmits critical data of the electric vehicle (10) to a server (103). The cellular communication module (1011) is configured to receive a cellular network information through a cellular antenna (10111) wherein said cellular antenna (10111) is configured to receive the cellular network through a cellular tower (10112). Further, an instance of unavailability of the cellular network is determined by the cellular communication module (1011) wherein the electronic controller (101) receives the information of unavailability of the cellular network as a response to the enquiry performed in the first step. Furthermore, the electronic controller (101) sends an activation command to a satellite communication module (1012) in order to enable satellite communication, on receiving the confirmation about unavailability of the cellular network. In next step, there is establishment of a first communication path (1021) between a satellite (102) and the satellite communication module (1012) wherein the communication is established through a satellite antenna (10121). It will be obvious for a person skilled in the art that one or more antennas can be used to establish the first communication path between the satellite communication module and the satellite. Said first communication path (1021) is established based on the activation command as discussed above wherein one or more critical data is communicated through the first communication path (1021). Thereafter, a second communication path (1033) is set up with the server (103) for transmitting the sent one or more critical data by the satellite (102), subsequent to the first communication path (1021). Moreover, a third communication path (1041) is established between the server (103) and the one or more user devices (104) to share one or more critical data. Once all the communications are established, the electronic controller (101) is configured to send one or more critical data of the electric vehicle (10) to the one or more user devices (104) through satellite communication. As per one of the embodiment of the present invention, the one or more user device may be a communication device at the relevant stakeholders end. The stakeholders may be but are not limited to manufacturing company, rider’s relatives, rider’s friends, emergency response team.
The one or more critical data as disclosed in the present invention may be vehicle health related information that may include battery pack health information, battery cell level health information, motor health information, inputs received by electronic controller from the plurality of sensors, information received from any short-range communication module. It will be obvious for a person skilled in the art the one or more critical data may not be only limited to the information as mentioned above.
As per the first embodiment of the present invention, the one or more user device may also communicate and send one or more critical instructions to the electronic controller. The method comprises of receiving one or more critical data from the one or more user devices by the electronic controller through the enabled satellite communication. The one or more critical instructions may include but not limited to instructing the electronic controller to provide more specific details of the electric vehicle.
As per the second embodiment, the method further comprises receiving one or more critical data provided by a rider from a short-range connectable device (10131) by a short-range communication module (1013). Subsequently, transmitting the received one or more critical data provided by the rider to the electronic controller (101) by the short-range communication module (1013). Thereafter, sending the transmitted one or more critical data provided by the rider to the satellite communication module (1012) by the electronic controller (101) for communicating the one or more critical data provided by the rider to the one or more user devices (104) through enabled satellite communication. In some of the instances wherein the rider gets stuck at an area without cellular network coverage, the portable communication device carried by the rider may also become inefficient due to the lack of cellular network. The rider may establish a short-range communication channel from the portable mobile device with the short-range communication module. Once the connection is established the rider can use the enabled satellite communication channel to communicate with the relevant stakeholders as per their convenience.
Figure 2 illustrates a system for enabling satellite communication to an electric vehicle. The system comprises a cellular communication module (1011) operably coupled to an electronic controller (101), the cellular communication module (1011) is configured to detect a cellular network through a cellular antenna (10111) which is connected to a cellular tower (10112). The electronic controller (101) is configured to enquire about an availability of the cellular network from the cellular communication module (1011) wherein the electronic controller (101) is capable to receive a response to the enquiry about unavailability of the cellular network from the cellular communication module (1011). The system further comprises a satellite communication module (1012) which is operably coupled to the electronic controller (101) wherein the electronic controller (101) is configured to send an activation command to the satellite communication module (1012) to enable satellite communication, on receiving the input about unavailability of the cellular network. The satellite communication module (1012) is further connected to a satellite antenna (10121) which in turn is in connection with a satellite (102). The satellite communication module (1012) is configured to establish a first communication path (1021) with the satellite (102) for sending one or more critical data. Furthermore, the satellite (102) is configured to set up a second communication path (1033) with a server (103) for transmitting the sent one or more critical data. Moreover, the server (103) is configured to establish a third communication path (1041) with one or more user devices (104) for receiving the one or more critical data. The system further comprises one or more user devices (104) to receive the one or more critical data and capable of illustrating the one or more critical data, wherein the electronic controller (101) is configured to send one or more critical data of the electric vehicle (10) by the electronic controller (101) to the one or more user devices (104) through the satellite communication.
As per third embodiment, the satellite communication module (1012) may include one or more satellite communication antennas (10121) to convert electric current to radio waves. The process of converting electric current into radio waves is a fundamental aspect of enabling seamless global communication. The electric signals carrying data and information received from the satellite communication module transfer into radio frequency waves. The conversion is achieved by modulating the characteristics of the electric current such as amplitude, frequency or phase are varied to encode the information. Once modulated these signals are then amplified and transmitted through one or more antennas as radio waves into space.
As per the fourth embodiment, the system comprises a land earth station (1031) capable of receiving one or more critical data in the form of radio waves from the one or more satellite antenna (10121) through the satellite (102) and an internet gateway (1032) capable of receiving the radio waves from the land earth station (1031) and converting the received radio waves to Internet protocol signal, the internet gateway (1032) is capable of transmitting the converted internet protocol signal to the server (103).
As per the fifth embodiment, the cellular communication module (1011) and the satellite communication module (1012) is operably coupled to the electronic controller (101) through wired communication.
As per the sixth embodiment, the electronic controller (101) is a vehicle control unit configured to receive the one or more critical data from one or more sensors of the electric vehicle (10) that represents the health and condition of the vehicle.
As per the seventh embodiment, the system further comprises a short-range connectable device (10131) capable of establishing a communication link with the short-range communication module (1013). The short-range communication module (1013) capable to receive one or more critical data provided by a rider from a short-range connectable device (10131), the short-range communication module (1013) is configured to transmit the received one or more critical data provided by the rider to the electronic controller (101), wherein the electronic controller (101) sends the transmitted one or more critical data provided by the rider to the satellite communication module (1012) for communicating the one or more inputs critical data provided by the rider to one or more user devices (104) through enabled satellite communication.
The short-range communication as discussed in the above paragraph refers to the exchange of data between electric vehicle and the short-range connectable device. This enables seamless interaction between the short-range communication device and the electric vehicle enhancing the user experience and connectivity. For example, the short-range communication may be but not limited to Bluetooth, Near field Communication (NFC) and like so. The short-range connectable device may be a smartphone, a laptop, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Pager and like so.
FURTHER ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION
So, the current invention solves the problem of providing assistance to a rider in absence of cellular network wherein the vehicle is provided with a satellite communication module (1012) which works on detection of unavailability of the cellular network. There may be various instances wherein the cellular network may not work and the rider is in emergency situation, at such instance, an electronic controller (101) of the vehicle activates the satellite communication module (1012) wherein various communication paths are established between the electronic controller (101), a satellite (102), a server (103) and one or more user devices (104) in order to communicate with each other and provide assistance to the rider. The solution as provided by the present invention establishes a secondary communication path enabling communication between the electric vehicle and the relevant authorities and stakeholders in order to facilitate the transmission of information from the electric vehicle to ensure prompt assistance in emergency conditions. As a result, whenever a user or rider encounters an accident or emergency situation in an area without cellular network coverage the details of the vehicle can be easily sent and notified to the relevant authorities and stakeholders about the emergency situation.
Moreover, the technical solution as provided by the present invention enables tracking of the electric vehicle by the manufacturing company even if the cellular connection of the vehicle is disabled. Consequently, if the electric vehicle is stolen and the cellular communication is disabled still the manufacturing company can track the vehicle using the enabled satellite communication.
Further, the current invention provides a communication link between the user’s portable communication device and facilitate the transmission of information provided by the user to the relevant authorities and stakeholders. Thus, even if the user’s mobile device or portable communication device remain non operational due to lack of cellular network, the user can use the enabled satellite communication by connecting the electronic controller of the electric vehicle and the user’s portable communication device with a short-range communication module. Once the user’s portable communication device or short-range connectable device is connected, the user can convey the information to the concerned authorities.

REFERENCE LIST:

S. No. Name Reference Numerals
1 Electric vehicle 10
2 Electronic Controller 101
3 Cellular Communication Module 1011
4 Cellular Antenna 10111
5 Cellular Tower 10112
6 Satellite communication module 1012
7 Satellite 102
8 Satellite antenna 10121
9 First communication path 1021
10 Second communication path 1033
11 Third communication path 1041
12 Server 103
13 Land earth station 1031
14 Internet gateway 1032
15 User device 104
16 Short-range connectable device 10131
17 Short-range communication module 1013
, C , Claims:CLAIMS:

WE CLAIM:
1. A method for enabling satellite communication to an electric vehicle, wherein the method comprises:

enquiring about an availability of a cellular network from a cellular communication module (1011) by an electronic controller (101) for transmission of critical data of the electric vehicle (10);

receiving a response to the enquiry from the cellular communication module (1011) about unavailability of the cellular network by the electronic controller (101);

sending an activation command to a satellite communication module (1012) to enable the satellite communication upon receiving an unavailability response of the cellular network by the electronic controller (101);

establishing a first communication path (1021) with a satellite (102) for sending one or more critical data by the satellite communication module (1012) based on the activation command sent by the electronic controller (101);

setting up a second communication path (1033) with a server (103) for transmitting the sent one or more critical data by the satellite (102) subsequent to the establishment of the first communication;

enabling a third communication path (1041) with one or more user devices for receiving the one or more critical data by the server (103) after setting up of the second communication path (1033);

sending one or more critical data of the electric vehicle (10) by the electronic controller (101) to the one or more user devices through the satellite communication.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises:

receiving one or more critical instructions from the one or more user devices (104) by the electronic controller (101) through the enabled satellite communication.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises:

receiving one or more critical data provided by a rider from a short-range connectable device (10131) by a short-range communication module (1013);

transmitting the received one or more critical data provided by the rider to the electronic controller (101) by the short-range communication module (1013);

sending the transmitted one or more critical data provided by the rider to the satellite communication module (1012) by the electronic controller (101) for communicating the one or more critical data provided by the rider to the one or more user devices (104) through enabled satellite communication.

4. A system for enabling satellite communication to an electric vehicle, wherein the system comprises:

a cellular communication module (1011) operably coupled to an electronic controller (101), the cellular communication module (1011) is configured to detect cellular network;

an electronic controller (101) configured to enquire about an availability of a cellular network from a cellular communication module (1011), the electronic controller (101) is capable to receive a response to the enquiry about unavailability of the cellular network from the cellular communication module (1011),

the electronic controller (101) configured to send an activation command to a satellite communication module (1012) to enable the satellite communication;

the satellite communication module (1012) operably coupled with the electronic controller (101), the satellite communication module (1012) is configured to establish a first communication path (1021) with a satellite (102) for sending one or more critical data;

the satellite (102) configured to set up a second communication path (1033) with a server (103) for transmitting the sent one or more critical data;

the server (103) configured to enable a third communication path (1041) with one or more user devices (104) for receiving the one or more critical data;

the one or more user devices (104) to receive the one or more critical data and capable of illustrating the one or more critical data;

wherein the electronic controller (101) is configured to send one or more critical data of the electric vehicle (10) by the electronic controller (101) to the one or more user devices (104) through the satellite communication.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the satellite communication module (1012) may include one or more satellite communication antennas (10121) to convert electric current to radio waves.

6. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the system comprises:

a land earth station (1031) capable of receiving one or more critical data in the form of radio waves from the one or more satellite antenna (10121) through the satellite (102);

an internet gateway (1032) capable of receiving the radio waves from the land earth station (1031) and converting the received radio waves to Internet protocol signal, the internet gateway (1032) is capable of transmitting the converted internet protocol signal to the server (103).

7. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the satellite communication module (1012) is operably coupled to the electronic controller (101) through wired communication.

8. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the electronic controller (101) is a vehicle control unit configured to receive the one or more critical data from one or more sensors of the electric vehicle (10) that represents health and condition of the vehicle.

9. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the system comprises:

a short-range connectable device (10131) capable of establishing a communication link with the short-range communication module (1013),

the short-range communication module (1013) capable to receive one or more critical data provided by a rider from a short-range connectable device (10131), the short-range communication module (1013) is configured to transmit the received one or more critical data provided by the rider to the electronic controller (101),

wherein the electronic controller (101) sends the transmitted one or more critical data provided by the rider to the satellite communication module (1012) for communicating the one or more inputs critical data provided by the rider to one or more user devices (104) through enabled satellite communication.