Method, central unit and system for providing communication functionality in a vehicle

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a method (100) for providing communication functionality in a vehicle, comprising: receiving (110) an inquiry from a user for using a communication profile in the vehicle in a central unit of a communication service provider, wherein the central unit of the communication service provider stores the user's identification information; receiving (120) an inquiry from the central unit of the communication service provider for providing a communication profile in the vehicle in a central unit of a vehicle management department; and allowing (130) the communication profile to be provided to the vehicle through the central unit of the vehicle management department.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to methods for providing communication functions in a vehicle, central units for providing communication functions in a vehicle, and systems for providing communication functions in a vehicle. This disclosure particularly relates to providing users with flexible communication capabilities in vehicles, such as cars. Background Technology

[0002] Modern vehicles continue to gain importance, for example, in their connectivity to the internet. This can enable cloud-based services for users within the vehicle. To access these and other services, the vehicle includes a communication module that communicates using, for example, a SIM card and a digital certificate hosted on the SIM card.

[0003] A recent trend has been observed in the sharing of vehicles, such as car-sharing. However, for users of car-sharing fleets, using their own communication profiles within the vehicle is cumbersome or impossible. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a method for providing communication functions in a vehicle, a central unit for providing communication functions in a vehicle, and a system for providing communication functions in a vehicle, which can, for example, implement personalized communication functions in temporarily used vehicles. Furthermore, the objective of this disclosure is to improve user-friendliness in managing communication configuration files.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for providing communication functionality in a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, is provided. The method includes: receiving, in a central unit of a communication service provider, an inquiry from a user for using a communication profile in the vehicle, the central unit storing the user's identification information; receiving, in a central unit of a vehicle management department (e.g., the back-end of a vehicle manufacturer), an inquiry from the central unit of the communication service provider for providing the communication profile in the vehicle; and allowing the communication profile to be provided to the vehicle via the central unit of the vehicle management department.

[0006] The communication profile is used or utilized in this vehicle. In other words, the communication profile is not only provided but also activated, for example, via remote login; that is, the user obtains access to their communication profile, for example, based on authentication in the MNO. Instructions for use can be sent via the backend, such as the central unit of the communication service provider.

[0007] According to the present invention, users can load and activate their own communication profiles in a vehicle, even if they do not have an account at the vehicle's management office. Therefore, communication profiles can be provided in a simple and user-friendly manner within the vehicle. Furthermore, users unaware of the login details for the communication functions in the vehicle can still use the communication functions.

[0008] The communication service provider can be a manufacturer of communication profiles, and in particular, a mobile network operator (Mobolfunkgesellschaft or Mobile Network Operator (MNO)). The communication service provider may, for example, permit communication within the mobile network according to the LTE (Long-Term Evolution) standard and / or the 5G standard.

[0009] Preferably, the method further includes authorizing the provision of a communication profile by the user at the central unit of the communication service provider. For example, a user can inquire about and authorize the provision of their communication profile at their communication provider without requiring any further action at the vehicle's management office or within the vehicle itself.

[0010] Preferably, the method further includes constructing a technical user profile in the central unit of the transportation management department based on the user profile in the central unit of the communication service provider. Therefore, the user's identity can be matched with the technical profile on the components of the transportation management department via the communication provider, i.e., a third party. Thus, it is not necessary to separately identify the user within the transportation management department.

[0011] The construction of technical user profiles in the central unit of the vehicle management department can be done independently and without explicit knowledge of the user, so that the user can load, install and enable their communication profiles in the vehicle without significant expenditure.

[0012] Preferably, the method further includes exchanging data about users and / or vehicles between the central unit of the communication service provider and the central unit of the vehicle management department. The data may include or may be data necessary for authorizing the provision of communication profiles in the vehicle and / or for providing communication profiles in the vehicle.

[0013] Preferably, allowing the provision of a communication profile to a vehicle via the central unit of the vehicle management department includes sending a message to the vehicle that allows the central unit of the communication service provider to load the communication profile. Using the data or information contained in the message, the vehicle can obtain, install, and enable the user's communication profile from the communication service provider.

[0014] Preferably, the communication profile is a SIM profile, and more particularly, a user's eSIM profile. A SIM, or eSIM (Embedded Subscriber Identity Module), is a standardized method for reliably embedding user information into modules of telecommunications equipment. For communication using an eSIM, security or data confidentiality is crucial. For this purpose, the module contains standardized digital certificates. Many different certificates exist globally, and certain types of eSIMs only function with specific types of certificates.

[0015] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a software (SW) program is provided. This software program can be configured to execute on one or more processors, and thereby perform the methods described herein for providing communication functions in a vehicle.

[0016] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium may include a software program configured to execute on one or more processors, and thereby perform the methods described herein for providing communication functionality in a vehicle.

[0017] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a central unit for providing communication functions in a means of transport, particularly in a vehicle, is provided, especially a central unit for a transport management department. The central unit includes one or more processors configured to: receive an inquiry from a central unit of a communication service provider for providing a communication profile in the means of transport, wherein user identification information is stored in the central unit of the communication service provider; and allow the communication profile to be provided to the means of transport.

[0018] In some implementations, the central unit of the vehicle management department can be the back-end of the vehicle manufacturer, which is capable of communicating with the vehicle and managing its functions.

[0019] Preferably, the one or more processors of the central unit are further configured to send a message that allows the central unit of the communication service provider to load a communication profile to the vehicle.

[0020] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a system for providing communication functions in a means of transport, particularly a motor vehicle, is provided. The system includes a central unit for a transport management department and also includes the transport vehicle.

[0021] Preferably, the means of transport is a vehicle, and in particular a motor vehicle. The means of transport can be a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle), a boat, or an aircraft (e.g., a drohe for passenger transport), but is not limited thereto. The term "vehicle" includes cars, vans, buses, motorhomes, motorcycles, etc., used for transporting people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles used for transporting people.

[0022] Preferably, the vehicle includes a communication module. The communication module can be configured for communication according to LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and / or 5G standards.

[0023] In some embodiments, the vehicle's communication module can be configured to communicate wirelessly with the central unit of the vehicle management department and / or the central unit of the communication service provider in a mobile network. Communication via other common or future communication technologies is possible. However, this disclosure is not limited to mobile radio standards, and non-mobile radio standards can be used.

[0024] For example, a communication module is an instrument that enables wireless communication in mobile networks via local area networks (LANs), such as Wireless LAN (WiFi / WLAN), or via wide area networks, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Global Evolution for Enhanced Data Transmission (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSDPA, HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, or WiMAX.

[0025] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a means of transportation, particularly a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, is provided. The means of transportation includes a communication module according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the figures and are further described below.

[0027] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for providing communication functionality in a vehicle according to an embodiment of this disclosure; and

[0028] Figure 2 A system for providing communication functions in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, is illustrated schematically.

[0029] Specific implementation form

[0030] Unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals shall be used for elements that are identical and have the same function.

[0031] Figure 1 A flowchart is shown for a method 100 for providing communication functionality in a vehicle according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The method 100 can be implemented by corresponding software that can be executed by one or more processors (e.g., CPUs).

[0032] The method 100 includes: in block 110, receiving an inquiry from a user in a central unit of a communication service provider for using a communication profile in a vehicle, the central unit of the communication service provider storing the user's identification information; in block 120, receiving an inquiry from the central unit of the communication service provider in a central unit of the vehicle management department (e.g., the back end of a vehicle manufacturer) for providing a communication profile in a vehicle; and in block 130, allowing the provision of the communication profile to the vehicle through the central unit of the vehicle management department.

[0033] Therefore, users do not need to perform a separate login at the vehicle management department, such as the vehicle manufacturer's backend, to download and activate their communication profile in the vehicle. For example, it is possible for a user to use a car-sharing vehicle without requiring a separate login. This would prevent the user from connecting. According to the present invention, users can still load, install, and use their communication profile in the vehicle without any additional overhead.

[0034] Figure 2 A system 200 for providing communication functions in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, is illustrated schematically. The vehicle may be a vehicle and, in particular, a motor vehicle 10.

[0035] User 10 can communicate with the central unit 210 of the communication service provider via the first communication connection 1. The central unit 210 of the communication service provider can communicate with the central unit 220 of the vehicle management department via the second communication connection 2. The central unit 220 of the vehicle management department can communicate with the vehicle 20 or the communication module 22 of the vehicle 20 via the third communication connection 3.

[0036] The first communication connection 1 and / or the second communication connection 2 and / or the third communication connection 3 can be implemented, for example, using a mobile network. The mobile network can be, for example, an LTE network or a 5G network.

[0037] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the central unit 210 of the communication service provider receives an inquiry from the user 10 requesting the use of a communication profile in the vehicle 20, the user's identification information being stored in the central unit. The central unit 220 of the vehicle management department (e.g., the backend of a vehicle manufacturer) then receives an inquiry from the central unit 210 of the communication service provider requesting the provision of the communication profile in the vehicle 20. The central unit 220 of the vehicle management department then permits the provision of the communication profile to the vehicle 20.

[0038] In particular, the central unit 220 of the transportation management department can issue a remote start command. This remote start command is initiated by the central unit 220 of the transportation management department, where the user authorizes the service not within the transportation management department, but at a third party, namely the communication service provider. Here, the technology ID within the transportation management department can always be assigned to the communication service provider's ID.

[0039] When instructions are sent via the central unit 210 of the communication service provider, the corresponding ID can be matched with the technical ID of the vehicle management department.

[0040] The vehicle management department then sends instructions to the central eSIM component in the vehicle, for example, via the eSIM controller of the central unit 220 of the vehicle management department. This component in the vehicle can perform the following tasks: after successful login in the vehicle, perform eSIM operations on the corresponding technology ID and send instructions to the profile manager (LPA) to activate the communication profile. Therefore, the user's usual intention to query via login is discarded and implied through backend instructions. Similarly, the removal and / or clearing of the communication profile can be applied.

[0041] In some implementations, vehicle 20 can download communication configuration files via a direct communication connection (not shown) between vehicle 20 and the central unit 210 of the communication service provider. Alternatively, vehicle 20 can download communication configuration files from the central unit 210 of the communication service provider via an indirect communication connection, for example via the central unit 220 of the vehicle management department.

[0042] According to the present invention, users can use their own communication profiles in a vehicle, even if they do not have an account at the vehicle's management office, for example. Therefore, communication profiles can be provided in a simple and user-friendly manner within the vehicle. Furthermore, users unaware of the login details for the communication functions in the vehicle can still use the communication functions.

[0043] Although the invention has been shown and described in detail through preferred embodiments, it is not limited to the disclosed examples, and those skilled in the art can derive other variations therefrom without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is clear that numerous variations are possible. It is also clear that the exemplary embodiments mentioned are merely illustrative examples and should not be construed in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of the invention, its applicability, or its configuration. Rather, the foregoing description and accompanying drawings enable those skilled in the art to embody the exemplary embodiments, wherein, with an understanding of the disclosed inventive concept, they can make various changes, for example, in the function or arrangement of the elements mentioned in the exemplary embodiments, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further elaboration in the specification.

Claims

1. A method (100) for providing communication functions in a vehicle, comprising: The communication service provider’s central unit receives (110) a user’s query for using a communication profile in a vehicle, and the user’s identification information is stored in the communication service provider’s central unit. The central unit of the vehicle management department receives an inquiry from the central unit of a communications service provider (120) for providing a communications profile in the vehicle, wherein the central unit of the vehicle management department includes the backend of the vehicle manufacturer; and The communication profile is provided to the vehicle via the central unit of the vehicle management department (130). The central unit (220) of the vehicle management department sends instructions to the vehicle (20) to activate the communication profile, enabling the user to load and activate their own communication profile in the vehicle, even though the user does not have an account at the vehicle management office. The method further includes: constructing a technical user profile in the central unit of the transportation management department based on the user profile in the central unit of the communication service provider, so that the user's identity can be matched with the technical profile on the component of the transportation management department via the communication provider.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1 further comprises: The user authorizes the provision of communication profiles in the central unit of the communication service provider.

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2 further comprises: Data about users and / or vehicles is exchanged between the central unit of the communications service provider and the central unit of the transportation management department.

4. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The central unit of the Transportation Management Department allows communication configuration files to be provided to vehicles, including: A message is sent to the vehicle, the message of which allows the central unit of the communication service provider to load a communication configuration file.

5. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The communication configuration file is the user's SIM configuration file.

6. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The communication configuration file is the user's eSIM configuration file.

7. A storage medium having a software program configured to execute on one or more processors and thereby perform the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A central unit (220) for providing communication functions in a vehicle, the central unit including a vehicle manufacturer's backend, the central unit including one or more processors configured to: The central unit (210) of the communication service provider receives an inquiry for providing a communication profile in the vehicle (20), wherein, The user's identification information is stored in the central unit (210) of the communication service provider; and Allows communication profiles to be provided to vehicles (20); The central unit (220) for providing communication functions in the vehicle is configured to send instructions for activating a communication profile to the vehicle (20), enabling the user to load and activate their own communication profile in the vehicle, even though the user does not have an account at the vehicle's management office. The central unit (220) for providing communication functions in the vehicle is further configured to: construct a technical user profile based on the user's user profile in the central unit of the communication service provider, so that the user's identity can be matched with the technical profile on the component of the vehicle management department via the communication provider.

9. The central unit (220) according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to send a message that allows the central unit (210) of the communication service provider to load a communication profile to the vehicle (20).

10. A system for providing communication functions in a vehicle (20), the system comprising: Central unit (210) according to claim 8 or 9; as well as Transportation (20).

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