Method for switching a communication module installed in a motor vehicle, as well as communication module and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for switching a communication module installed in a motor vehicle between different mobile network operator profiles. First, the mobile network operator-specific network coverage is determined at a current (2) and / or at least one future (4) location of the motor vehicle. If better network coverage is available from a mobile network operator other than the one currently used and / or one of the stored mobile network operators (7), the mobile network operator profile with the better network coverage is dynamically loaded, and the communication module is switched to this mobile network operator (7), whereby the switching only occurs when a predefined switching criterion is met.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for switching a communication module installed in a motor vehicle, as well as a communication module and a motor vehicle comprising the communication module.

[0002] A motor vehicle is typically equipped with one or at least one communication module. In particular, the communication module should ensure a stable and / or reliable network connection to a mobile network within a coverage area. During a journey, network coverage (from different mobile network operators) can vary in terms of data throughput and signal strength. This can lead to dropped connections and / or reduced data throughput and / or weak signal strength, which can negatively affect applications such as navigation, infotainment, and / or telephony.

[0003] DE 10 2017 109 838 A1 discloses a method and a device for selecting and using a dynamic telematics network.

[0004] DE 10 2013 211 980 A1 discloses a method for operating a navigation system of a motor vehicle, a navigation system and a motor vehicle.

[0005] DE 10 2019 216 728 A1 relates to a method for controlling a data transfer, a mobile device and a vehicle with control for a data transfer.

[0006] The aforementioned state of the art may leave room for further developments that could provide a more comprehensive and / or flexible stable and / or uninterrupted network connection.

[0007] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a stable and / or uninterrupted network connection, in particular a mobile communication connection, comprehensively and / or flexibly during a journey in a motor vehicle.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figure.

[0009] The invention relates to a method for (automatically) switching or changing a communication module or communication system installed in a motor vehicle between different mobile network operator profiles or MNO profiles, comprising the steps: - Determining mobile network operator-specific network coverage at a current and / or at least one future location of the vehicle, - if better network coverage is available from a mobile network operator other than the one currently used and / or one of the stored mobile network operators: dynamic loading or downloading of the mobile network operator profile with the better network coverage and coordinated switching of the communication module to this mobile network operator, whereby the coordinated switching only takes place when a predefined switching criterion is met.

[0010] The at least one future location of the vehicle can be determined, for example, using navigation data and / or route planning and / or vehicle movement data and / or historical movement patterns of the vehicle. In particular, a navigation system can be used for this purpose.

[0011] The coordinated switching of the communication module to this mobile network operator may include connecting to a radio network or mobile network within the network coverage, in particular that of the mobile network operator.

[0012] Network coverage can be characterized by, for example, signal strength, latency, data throughput, and / or network availability (especially within a given region). Mobile network operator-specific network coverage encompasses or describes the network coverage of the respective mobile network operator.

[0013] Automated switching can be achieved, for example, by means of a (specially equipped) control unit or a connectivity unit of the communication module.

[0014] "Dynamic" can mean that charging occurs automatically or automatically and / or in real time. In particular, it can mean that charging is not static. Specifically, it can mean that charging occurs immediately and / or without delay when better network coverage is detected.

[0015] Such mobile network operators can be, for example, Deutsche Telekom®, Vodafone®, Verizon®, and / or AT&T®. The mobile network operator profiles can include, for example, a configuration file and / or a data set containing predefined or specific network information for the respective mobile network operator. This configuration data can then be dynamically loaded onto, for example, an eSIM (embedded Subscriber Identity Module) in the vehicle.

[0016] The idea is to automatically switch mobile network operators based on coverage type and / or the signal strength of the (determined) network coverage. The connectivity unit in the communication module can detect the coverage type (e.g., 5G, Fifth Generation, and / or SA, Standalone, and / or 5G NSA, Fifth Generation Standalone, and / or 4G, Fourth Generation, and / or 3G, Third Generation, and / or 2G, Second Generation). Various tools or applications display the signal strength and / or locations of mobile network operators' or carriers' cell towers. These applications allow users to determine network coverage in a specific or predefined region or route. Examples include Root Metrics, CellMapper, OpenSignal, Network Cell Info, and / or the network coverage maps provided by the mobile network operators themselves.

[0017] The coordinated switching between mobile network operators is based on operator profiles stored on an eSIM. These operator profiles can be pre-downloaded to an eSIM and / or dynamically downloaded or loaded.

[0018] This can enable seamless data flow and / or an uninterrupted network connection, particularly a mobile network connection, between the vehicle and / or, for example, a cloud in the case of Connect use cases and / or, for example, automated driving and / or in cellular V2X (vehicle-to-everything) applications. Connect use cases can refer to scenarios in which the vehicle is connected to the cloud and / or other vehicles and / or, for example, an infrastructure device (e.g., a traffic light) via the internet and / or mobile networks. Cellular V2X applications are digital services and / or systems in the vehicle that use and / or require a mobile network connection (e.g., 4G / LTE, 5G) for data transmission and / or communication.

[0019] It may be provided that a combination of information from third-party providers, i.e., MNO information, Mobile Network Operator (MNO) information, in particular from at least one network coverage map and (measured or determined) network coverage quality and / or signal strength, is used or accessed via the communication module, in particular via a mobile modem located in the communication module and / or via the connectivity unit in the vehicle, especially to decide on a change of mobile network operator. The eSIM has (fixed or limited) memory to store profiles or MNO profiles from mobile network operators. It may be provided that the memory can hold at least two or three profiles. The profile(s) can be dynamically downloaded or loaded and / or (simultaneously or shortly beforehand, e.g.,By deleting the profile(s) that are not needed (a few seconds or minutes, especially 30 seconds to 20 minutes) and / or providing or retrieving a signal strength and / or data throughput below a specified threshold, data or storage space on the eSIM can be saved.

[0020] Overall, the invention offers the advantage that a signal and / or mobile communication connection can be provided and / or received without interruption.

[0021] The invention also includes further developments that result in additional advantages.

[0022] Further training stipulates that improved network coverage provides or includes at least a higher and / or more stable data throughput and / or a higher signal strength than the currently used mobile network operator profile and / or the stored mobile network operator profiles. This allows the signal and / or mobile connection to be provided and / or received (as reliably as possible) without interruption.

[0023] Further training stipulates that the best network coverage is determined by consulting at least one network coverage map. Such network coverage maps are well-known. Examples include Root Metrics, CellMapper, OpenSignal, Network Cell Info, and / or the network coverage map of the respective mobile network operator itself. This allows the best or better network coverage (compared to the current network coverage) to always be determined at the current and / or at least one future location.

[0024] Further training stipulates that the predefined switching criterion for coordinated switching takes into account or utilizes existing activation parameters (contracts) between the mobile network operator and the vehicle manufacturer to ensure an uninterrupted and / or stable network connection. In other words, this enables an uninterrupted and / or stable network connection. Switching to a mobile network provider can involve verifying activation data, with the switch occurring only upon positive authorization. Thus, it can be ensured that the switching process complies with the contract. This allows for the uninterrupted and / or stable provision and / or reception of the signal and / or mobile connection.

[0025] Further training stipulates that the predefined switching criterion for coordinated switching takes into account the current movement and position of the vehicle, triggering the coordinated switch when a predetermined distance for improved network coverage is reached. Alternatively, it can be implemented that only the vehicle's position is considered and / or determined. The predetermined distance could, for example, range from 50 meters to 2 kilometers. In other words, the coordinated switch is not initiated only when improved network coverage is reached, but also beforehand. This ensures that the signal and / or mobile communication connection is provided and / or received without interruption.

[0026] A training course stipulates that the specified switching criterion includes the requirement that coordinated switching occurs only after an ongoing data transmission has been completed. If coordinated switching were to occur during an ongoing data transmission, this could lead to a connection interruption and / or data loss. By waiting until the data transmission is finished, the signal connection can remain stable and / or data loss can be avoided.

[0027] Further training stipulates that the predefined switching criterion includes the requirement that coordinated switching occurs when the vehicle enters an area with better network coverage. Using the vehicle's position, particularly through navigation data and by consulting at least one network coverage map, it is possible to predict when the vehicle will be in a predefined area or region with better network coverage. Specifically, the communication module may include adaptive switching logic that only initiates coordinated switching if the signal and / or mobile connection of the better network coverage remains above a predefined signal strength or RSRP value (Reference Signal Received Power), e.g., above -95 dBm (decibel-milliwatts), for a predefined period, e.g., 10 seconds to two minutes.This prevents the system from automatically switching to a supposedly better network coverage that actually has lower signal quality and / or strength. In other words, this ensures that the signal and / or mobile connection can be provided and / or received without interruption.

[0028] Further training stipulates that dynamic charging (in real time) only occurs when the vehicle is stationary and / or parked. Dynamic charging may require the signal connection to be briefly interrupted or reinitialized. If dynamic charging occurs while driving, it can be detrimental to the vehicle's systems and / or driver assistance systems. Therefore, signal interruptions should be avoided, at least while driving.

[0029] One advanced feature involves using a predefined route from a navigation system connected to the communication module. The vehicle navigates along this route to determine the best network coverage for specific sections. In other words, the communication module can use a predefined route from the navigation system to identify the best network coverage along the route (especially in specific sections). This can be achieved by comparing the predefined route provided by the navigation system with at least one network coverage map. This allows for the provision and / or reception of a consistently stable signal and / or mobile network connection.

[0030] A further training program proposes that, based on the improved network coverage determined for each section of the route, the corresponding mobile network operator profiles are dynamically loaded (in advance), particularly those that offer better coverage. In other words, the better network coverage can be determined for each section along the predefined route, with the corresponding mobile network operator profiles being dynamically loaded and / or stored (before) the journey begins. This allows the relevant mobile network operator profiles to be provided for a given route and / or enables access to the respective radio networks of the mobile network operators' coverage areas.

[0031] Further training includes taking known and / or predicted areas with poor mobile network coverage into account. In particular, it may include recommending an alternative route that has fewer coverage gaps and / or offers better network coverage, especially in certain sections. This ensures a stable and / or uninterrupted signal and / or mobile connection during the journey.

[0032] One advanced training system provides for a storage area in the vehicle for mobile network operator profiles, limited to a predetermined maximum number. Dynamic loading involves deleting at least one mobile network operator profile from the storage area beforehand. The maximum number could be, for example, two or three. Specifically, the system can be designed so that the mobile network operator profile with the weakest signal is deleted from the storage area based on the current and / or at least one future location of the vehicle. This ensures that only the best mobile network operator profiles (in terms of signal quality and / or signal strength) remain stored in the system. In particular, this allows the mobile network operator profile with the best network coverage to be accessed quickly and / or easily while driving.

[0033] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the procedure and are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the procedure, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0034] The invention also includes the communication module for the motor vehicle. The communication module can comprise a data processing device or a processor circuit configured to perform an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor circuit can comprise at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In particular, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) can be used as the microprocessor. Furthermore, the processor circuit can comprise program code configured to perform the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor circuit.The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device. The processor device can be based, for example, on at least one circuit board and / or on at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0035] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0036] As a further solution, the invention also includes a computer-readable storage medium comprising program code which, when executed by a computer or a computer network, causes it to execute an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The storage medium can be provided at least partially as a non-volatile data storage medium (e.g., as flash memory and / or as an SSD - solid state drive) and / or at least partially as a volatile data storage medium (e.g., as RAM - random access memory). The storage medium can be located within the computer or computer network. However, the storage medium can also be operated, for example, as an app store server and / or cloud server on the internet. The computer or computer network can provide a processor circuit with, for example, at least one microprocessor.The program code can be provided as binary code, assembly code, source code in a programming language (e.g., C), or a program script (e.g., Python). Alternatively, the computer-readable storage medium can be implemented as a signal containing computer-readable data, such as a time-varying voltage signal or a radio signal.

[0037] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0038] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. a schematic representation according to an embodiment for switching a communication module installed in a motor vehicle between different mobile network operator profiles.

[0039] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0040] In the figure, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0041] The figure shows a schematic representation of an embodiment for switching a communication module installed in a motor vehicle between different mobile network operator profiles. A predefined route 6 from A to B is shown, which represents or includes a current 2 and / or at least one future 4 location of a motor vehicle. According to the route 6, different or varying network coverages of the respective mobile network operators can be used section by section. Using the network coverage can include establishing a connection to a mobile network within the respective network coverage area.

[0042] Contrary to the ideal, in current technology a vehicle is still tied to a single mobile network operator. Switching or changing mobile network operators based on network coverage and / or signal strength is not possible. A disadvantage of this is that mobile network coverage is not uniformly regulated. In areas with poor network coverage, the vehicle may face (significant) challenges in functioning (fully), as it may require considerable data bandwidth. This can result in many functions that require an online connection and / or data transmission and / or a signal connection in the car or vehicle not working, or only working partially. The same problem can exist or occur in the case of cellular V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything).

[0043] The concept is that the communication module installed in the vehicle can be switched between different mobile network operator profiles. First, network coverage specific to the mobile network operator can be determined at a current location (2) and / or at least one future location (4) of the vehicle. If better network coverage is available from a different mobile network operator than the one currently used and / or one of the stored mobile network operators (7), the mobile network operator profile with the better coverage can be dynamically loaded, and the communication module can be configured or switched to this mobile network operator (7). This configurational switching only occurs when a predefined switching criterion is met.

[0044] The idea is to automatically switch the mobile network provider used by the vehicle depending on the type of network coverage and / or signal strength. Data bandwidth for automobiles is becoming increasingly important due to the rise of automated driving and the growing use of V2X technology. The concept involves automatically switching the mobile network provider or network operator used in the car or vehicle based on network coverage and / or signal strength. A connectivity unit in the vehicle's communication module can detect the type of network coverage (e.g., 5G SA and / or 5G NSA and / or 4G and / or 3G and / or 2G) and / or detect or determine the signal strength. Various tools, particularly network coverage maps, provide information on signal strength and / or the locations of cell towers for different mobile network operators.

[0045] Switching mobile providers can be done based on mobile network operator profiles, which are stored, for example, on an eSIM. These profiles can be downloaded to the eSIM in advance or downloaded dynamically (if needed).

[0046] The coordinated switching or adaptation of the mobile network operator profile to the required providers or mobile network operators can preferably be implemented in advance and / or in real time (e.g., when or if the vehicle is parked for a specific or predetermined time, e.g., 30 seconds to 30 minutes). The coordinated switching can also take at least the following into account: - Mobile communication contracts between network operators and a vehicle manufacturer of the motor vehicle and / or - Network coverage data or at least a network coverage map linked to a navigation map, in particular showing a planned or predetermined route 6 and / or - Data on network coverage, in particular signal strength and / or data throughput and / or especially in combination with current vehicle movement of the motor vehicle.

[0047] Overall, this can significantly improve the user experience, especially when vehicle functions require a stable and / or high-performance data connection.

[0048] The examples show how a procedure for (coordinated) changing or switching a mobile network operator used by the motor vehicle 7 can be provided based on the (determined) type of network coverage and / or signal strength. Reference symbol list 2 current 4 future Route 6 7 mobile network operators 9 sections QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2017 109 838 A1

[0003] DE 10 2013 211 980 A1

[0004] DE 10 2019 216 728 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Method for switching a communication module installed in a motor vehicle between different mobile network operator profiles, comprising the steps: - Determining mobile network operator-specific network coverage at a current (2) and / or at least one future (4) location of the motor vehicle, - if better network coverage is available from a mobile network operator other than the one currently used and / or one of the stored mobile network operators (7): dynamic loading of the mobile network operator profile with the better network coverage and coordinated switching of the communication module to this mobile network operator (7), whereby the coordinated switching only takes place when a predefined switching criterion is met. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the improved network coverage provides at least a higher and / or more stable data throughput and / or a higher signal strength than the currently used mobile network operator profile and / or the stored mobile network operator profiles. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the better network coverage is determined by using at least one network coverage map. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined switching criterion of the coordinated switching takes into account existing unlock parameters between the mobile network operator (7) and a vehicle manufacturer of the motor vehicle in order to ensure an uninterrupted and / or stable network connection. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined switching criterion of the coordinated switching takes into account a current vehicle movement and position of the motor vehicle, wherein the coordinated switching is initiated when a predetermined distance is reached for better network coverage. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the specified switching criterion comprises that the coordinated switching takes place when an ongoing data transmission is completed. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the specified switching criterion comprises that the coordinated switching takes place when the motor vehicle enters the better network coverage. [8] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein dynamic charging only takes place when the motor vehicle is stationary and / or in a parked position. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a predetermined route (6) is taken from a navigation system connected to the communication module, along which the motor vehicle navigates in order to determine the better network coverage section by section (9). [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the respective mobile network operator profiles are dynamically loaded based on the improved network coverage determined section by section (9). [11] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein known and / or predicted dead zones are taken into account. [12] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a memory limited to a predetermined maximum number of mobile network operator profiles is provided in the motor vehicle for the mobile network operator profiles, wherein the dynamic loading comprises that at least one mobile network operator profile is deleted from the memory beforehand. [13] Communication module, wherein the communication module comprises a processor circuit which includes program instructions which, when executed by the processor circuit, cause it to perform a method according to one of the preceding method claims. [14] Motor vehicle comprising a communication module according to claim 13.

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