Method and system for providing communication functionality in a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (100) for providing communication functionality in a means of transport, comprising: receiving (110) a request in a central unit of a communication service provider for using a communication profile existing in the means of transport, the request relating to associating the communication profile with a specific user; and the central unit of the communication service provider associating the communication profile existing in the means of transport with the specific user based on the request (120) so that the communication profile can be used by the user in the means of transport.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for providing communication functionality in a means of transport, a storage medium for implementing the method, and a system for providing communication functionality in a means of transport. This disclosure particularly relates to providing flexible communication capabilities to users in means of transport, such as vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Modern vehicles are increasingly important for things like internet connectivity. For example, cloud-based services can be provided to users in the vehicle. To enable these and other services, the vehicle includes a communication module that uses, for example, a SIM card and a digital certificate stored on the SIM card for communication.

[0003] Recently, a trend of vehicle sharing, such as car sharing, has been observed. For users of vehicles in 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 functionality in a means of transport, a storage medium for implementing the method, and a system for providing communication functionality in a means of transport, which can, for example, enable personal communication functionality in a temporarily used vehicle. Furthermore, the objective of this disclosure is to simplify the management of communication configuration files.

[0005] The task is solved by the technical solution according to the present invention.

[0006] According to one independent aspect of this disclosure, a method for providing communication functionality in a means of transport, particularly a motor vehicle, is proposed. The method includes: receiving, in a central unit of a communication service provider, a request for using a communication profile present or installed in the means of transport, the request relating to associating the communication profile with a specific user; and the central unit of the communication service provider, based on the request, (temporarily) associating the communication profile present in the means of transport with the specific user, such that the communication profile is usable for that user in the means of transport, or in other words, the communication profile can be used by that user in the means of transport. The communication profile can, in particular, enable data services and / or messaging services and / or voice services.

[0007] According to the present invention, an "empty" communication profile installed in a vehicle is temporarily associated with a specific user, allowing that user to use the communication profile while in the vehicle. When the user leaves the vehicle, the association can be canceled, allowing the communication profile to be associated with another user when needed. Therefore, it is not necessary to generate, load, and install a separate communication profile for each user, especially since a unique, pre-installed communication profile can be flexibly associated with different users.

[0008] Communication service providers can be manufacturers or administrators of communication profiles, and in particular, network operators (MNOs) of mobile networks. For example, communication service providers can implement communication within mobile networks based on Long Term Evolution (LTE) and / or 5G standards.

[0009] Essentially, this can be distinguished among at least three entities or parties: the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), the SIM manufacturer, and at least one MNO (e.g., a first MNO and a second MNO). In some implementations, an "empty" communication profile can always be associated with a specific MNO and can be temporarily associated with a user. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and an "empty" communication profile can be used for multiple MNOs.

[0010] Preferably, the communication profile is not associated with a user before being associated with it through the central unit of the communication service provider. In other words, the communication profile is an "empty" communication profile that is not initially associated with a specific user. However, the communication profile may, for example, be associated with a vehicle and / or a vehicle manufacturer. But this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the described implementation can be applied to industries other than the automotive industry.

[0011] Preferably, the request is sent from the central unit of the transportation management provider to the central unit of the communication service provider. In some embodiments, the central unit of the transportation management provider may be the backend of a vehicle manufacturer, car-sharing company, vehicle rental company, etc. The central unit of the transportation management provider is configured to communicate with and manage the transportation vehicles. The central unit of the transportation management provider is also configured to communicate with the central unit of the communication service provider to request the association of a user with a communication profile.

[0012] Preferably, the request includes information about a communication profile (such as identification information for the communication profile) and / or information about a specific user (such as user identification information). In particular, all the information required to associate a communication profile with a user and make it available to the user (e.g., MNO token, device information, SIM information, profile information, etc.) can be provided to the central unit of the communication service provider. In some embodiments, the request may include data required to authorize the association of the communication profile with the user.

[0013] The preferred method further includes receiving user input for using a communication profile present in the transportation vehicle, and sending a request to the central unit of the communication service provider based on the user input. For example, a user can log in to the transportation vehicle with their login data and then send a request to the central unit of the communication service provider.

[0014] User login can be performed directly within the transportation vehicle. For example, the user can input their login data into a user interface integrated into the transportation vehicle, such as a touchscreen. However, the user interface is not limited to this and can be configured for voice recognition, facial recognition (Face ID), etc. Alternatively, login can be performed using the user's mobile device. For example, the user can log in using an application on their mobile device. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the mobile device can be configured for voice recognition, Face ID, etc.

[0015] The term "mobile terminal device" specifically includes smartphones, but also other mobile phones or handsets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and all common and future electronic devices that are equipped with technologies for loading and running applications.

[0016] Login is recorded and / or authorized in the central unit of the transportation management entity, which then sends a request to the central unit of the communication service provider. The request can be sent automatically or after user request / confirmation.

[0017] The preferred method further includes unassociating the specific user with the communication profile, allowing other users to use the communication profile. The communication profile itself remains unchanged or unaffected within the transportation vehicle; only the association in the backend is unassociated again. By unassociating with the specific user, the communication profile becomes an "empty" communication profile again, which can now be associated with another user. This other user could, for example, be a user who uses the transportation vehicle after the previous user.

[0018] Preferably, the association is canceled based on input from another user. This other user input could be, for example, the user logging out. Logging out can be done directly within a means of transportation. For instance, a user can use a user interface integrated into the transportation, such as a touchscreen, to log out. Alternatively, logging out can be done using the user's mobile device. In another alternative example, the user input could be another user's new request to use a communication profile.

[0019] Logout is recorded and / or authorized in the central unit of the transportation management entity, which then sends another request to the central unit of the communication service provider to prompt the central unit of the communication service provider to unassociate. The sending of the unassociation request can be automatic or after user request / confirmation.

[0020] The preferred communication profile is the SIM profile, and especially the user's eSIM profile. Using a traditional plastic SIM card is also possible. A SIM, or eSIM (Embedded Identity Module), is a standardized method for securely embedding user information into a module of a telecommunications device. Security and data confidentiality are paramount for communications using eSIMs. For this purpose, the module contains standardized digital certificates. Many different certificates exist worldwide, and a particular type of eSIM can only function or be used with a specific type of certificate. The term "communication profile" specifically includes the SIM profile, but also includes other common and future communication profiles that enable communication functionality.

[0021] Communication provided according to embodiments of this disclosure can be performed, for example, by a device connected to the vehicle via a wired or wireless connection. This device may be, for example, a mobile terminal device connected to the vehicle via Bluetooth. The term "mobile terminal device" specifically includes smartphones, but also other mobile phones or handsets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and all common and future electronic devices equipped with communication technologies.

[0022] In another implementation, communication for providing communication functions can be performed via a device fixedly installed in the vehicle, such as a DSDA (Dual SIM Dual Standby) modem, and using a different communication profile (such as another SIM profile). Alternatively or supplementarily, communication for providing communication functions can be performed via a dedicated communication profile.

[0023] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a software (SW) program is proposed. This software program can be configured to run on one or more processors, and thereby implement the methods described herein for providing communication functions in a means of transport.

[0024] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a storage medium is proposed. This storage medium may include software programs configured to run on one or more processors, and thereby implement the methods described herein for providing communication functions in a means of transport, particularly a vehicle.

[0025] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a system for providing communication functionality in a means of transport, particularly a vehicle, is proposed. The system includes one or more processors configured to receive a request for using a communication profile present in the means of transport, the request relating to associating the communication profile with a specific user; and, based on the request, associating the communication profile with the specific user so that the communication profile can be used by the user in the means of transport. In particular, the communication profile can implement data services and / or messaging services and / or voice services.

[0026] Preferably, the system is a central unit of the communication service provider, such as a backend.

[0027] The preferred means of transport are vehicles, and especially motor vehicles. Means of transport can be vehicles (such as motor vehicles), ships, or aircraft (such as airplanes used for passenger transport), but are not limited to these. For example, means of transport can also be shoes or other wearable devices (such as wearable devices, clothing, etc.). The term "vehicle" includes cars, trucks, public vehicles, motorhomes, motorcycles, etc., which are used to transport people, goods, etc. This term particularly includes motor vehicles used for the transport of people.

[0028] The preferred means of transport includes a communication module. The communication module can be configured for communication according to the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard and / or the 5G standard.

[0029] In some implementations, particularly the communication module of the transport vehicle, it may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the central unit of the transport vehicle management authority and / or the central unit of the communication service provider and / or the user's mobile terminal device in a mobile network. Communication via other common or future communication technologies is also possible. However, this disclosure is not limited to mobile radio standards and non-mobile radio standards may be used.

[0030] For example, a communication module is a device that enables wireless communication in a mobile network via a local area network (LAN), such as a wireless LAN (WiFi / WLAN), or via a wide area network (WAN), such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Global Evolution Data Rate (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed ​​Downlink / Uplink Packet Access (HSDPA, HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, or Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WIMAX).

[0031] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a means of transport, particularly a vehicle such as a motor vehicle, is proposed. The means of transport includes a communication module according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings and are described in detail below. The drawings are as follows:

[0033] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for providing communication functionality in a means of transport according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2 The illustration schematically depicts a system for providing communication functions in a means of transport according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals will be used for elements that are the same and have the same function in the following drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method 100 for providing communication functionality in a means of transport according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method 100 can be implemented by corresponding software, which can be run by one or more processors (e.g., CPUs).

[0037] The method 100 includes: in block 110, receiving a request in a central unit of a communication service provider for using a communication profile existing in a means of transport, the request relating to associating the communication profile with a specific user; and in block 120, the central unit of the communication service provider associating the communication profile existing in the means of transport with the specific user based on the request, so that the communication profile can be used by the user in the means of transport.

[0038] Therefore, if multiple people want to use the same device (communication module or vehicle) sequentially, there is no need to generate and load new communication profiles. Similarly, when changing vehicles, there is no need to delete previously downloaded user-specific communication profiles, thus avoiding potential sources of error. This is particularly advantageous in vehicle-sharing scenarios, as for short-term rentals, there is no need to generate, provide, download, install, and then securely delete communication profiles afterwards.

[0039] Figure 2 A system for providing communication functions in a means of transport, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is illustrated schematically. The means of transport may be a vehicle, and in particular a motor vehicle 20.

[0040] exist Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates a vehicle 20 with a communication module 22, a central unit of a communication service provider 210, and a central unit 220 of a transportation management entity.

[0041] The central unit 220 of the transportation vehicle management can communicate with the transportation vehicle 20 or the communication module 22 of the transportation vehicle 20 via the first communication connection 1. The first communication connection 1 can be implemented, for example, using a mobile network. The mobile network can be, for example, an LTE network or a 5G network.

[0042] The central unit 210 of the communication service provider can communicate with the central unit 220 of the transportation management via the second communication connection 2.

[0043] In some implementations, a user can log in to vehicle 20 using their login data to temporarily use vehicle 20, for example, within a vehicle-sharing area. User login can be performed directly within vehicle 20, for example, by inputting their login data into a user interface integrated into vehicle 20, such as a touchscreen. Alternatively, login can be performed using a user's mobile terminal device (not shown). For example, a user can use an application on their mobile terminal device to perform login. Therefore, in some implementations, the mobile terminal device can communicate directly with the central unit 220 of the transportation management authority via a mobile network.

[0044] The user's login is recorded and / or authorized in the central unit 220 of the transportation management entity, and then the central unit 220 of the transportation management entity sends a request to the central unit 210 of the communication service provider to associate the user with the communication profile installed in the vehicle 20. The request can be sent automatically or after the user's request / confirmation.

[0045] Based on the request, the central unit 210 of the communication service provider will associate the communication profile existing in the vehicle 20 with the user so that the communication profile can be used by the user in the vehicle 20.

[0046] Communication profiles can be, for example, SIM profiles. In particular, communication profiles can implement data services and / or messaging services and / or voice services.

[0047] According to the present invention, an "empty" communication profile installed in a vehicle is temporarily associated with a specific user, allowing that user to use the communication profile within the vehicle. When the user leaves the vehicle, the association can be canceled, allowing the communication profile to be associated with another user when needed. Therefore, it is not necessary to generate, load, and install a separate communication profile for each user, especially since a unique, pre-installed communication profile can be flexibly associated with different users.

[0048] 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 protection of the invention. Therefore, it is clear that many variations are possible. It is also clear that the exemplary embodiments mentioned are merely illustrative and should not be construed in any way as limiting the scope of protection, application possibilities, or design of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description and accompanying drawings enable those skilled in the art to specifically implement the exemplary embodiments, thereby allowing them to make various changes, such as with regard to the function or arrangement of the various elements mentioned in one exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further description in the specification.

Claims

1. A method (100) for providing communication functionality in a means of transport (20), the method comprising: The central unit (210) of the communication service provider receives (110) a request for using a communication profile present in the means of transport (20), the request involving temporarily associating the communication profile with a specific user, and the communication profile being an eSIM profile; Based on the request, the central unit (210) of the communication service provider associates (120) a communication profile existing in the transportation vehicle (20) with the specific user, so that the communication profile can be used by the user in the transportation vehicle (20), wherein the communication profile was not associated with the user before being associated through the central unit (210) of the communication service provider; and The association between the specific user and the communication profile is canceled so that other users can associate with and use the communication profile, thereby avoiding the need to delete the communication profile and to generate, load, and install new communication profiles for other users.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The request is sent from the central unit (220) of the transportation management party to the central unit (210) of the communication service provider.

3. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The request includes information about communication profiles and / or information about a specific user.

4. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The method further includes: receiving user input for using the communication profile present in the means of transport (20), and sending the request to the central unit (210) of the communication service provider based on the user input.

5. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The association was canceled based on input from another user.

6. A storage medium having a software program configured to run on one or more processors and thereby be used to implement the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A system for providing communication functionality in a transport vehicle (20), the system comprising one or more processors configured to: Receive a request for using a communication profile present in the vehicle (20), the request involving associating the communication profile with a specific user, and the communication profile being an eSIM profile; Based on this request, a communication profile is associated with the specific user so that the user can use the communication profile on the transportation vehicle (20), wherein, The communication profile was not associated with the user before being associated through the central unit (210) of the communication service provider; and The association between the specific user and the communication profile is canceled so that other users can associate with and use the communication profile, thereby avoiding the need to delete the communication profile and to generate, load, and install new communication profiles for other users.

Images