Method and system for providing multi-SIM multi-activity functionality

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and system for providing multi-SIM multi-activity (MSMA) functionality for an electronic control unit (ECU). The MSMA device comprises a housing comprising: at least one wireless network access device (NAD); at least one antenna and an interface configured to communicatively couple the NAD to at least one external ECU, in particular an ECU of a vehicle, to provide at least one additional independent network access channel for the ECU.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of telematics, and in particular to a MultiSIM Multi Active function for data communication. Background Art

[0002] Advances in the field of connected cars and autonomous vehicles involve the inclusion of telematics control units (TCUs) into the onboard systems of such vehicles. A TCU is an embedded wireless system that enables the connection of a vehicle to cloud services or other vehicles via a cellular network, for example using the V2X standard. The TCU can collect data such as vehicle speed, location, engine data, etc. from various subsystems in the vehicle. The TCU can also use Wifi and Bluetooth to enable in-vehicle connectivity.

[0003] Multiple SIM Multiple Activity (MSMA) is a cellular communication feature that allows multiple separate and independent communication channels to operate simultaneously. In the context of the automotive industry, MSMA enables the separation of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) data from consumer data consumption and data plans.

[0004] A common implementation for providing Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) functionality to an existing TCU is to use two Network Access Devices (NADs), such as wireless modems, within a telematics control unit. However, in this approach, the existing TCU hardware and software must be adjusted to support the DSDA functionality, resulting in the need for further development and repeated certification. Therefore, this approach only provides a personalized solution for the corresponding existing TCU architecture and embedded environment, and the implementation is expensive.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the implementation of the MSMA function of the existing TCU system architecture. Summary of the invention

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a multi-SIM multi-activity MSMA device. The MSMA device comprises a housing, the housing comprising: at least one wireless network access device NAD; at least one antenna and an interface, the interface being configured to communicatively couple the NAD to at least one external electronic control unit ECU, in particular an ECU of a vehicle, to provide at least one additional independent network access channel for the ECU.

[0007] For example, the MSMA device may be a dual SIM dual active (DSDA) device. The device may be a portable accessory module and may be attachable and connectable to an existing ECU, such as a TCU. The ECU provides a first NAD, and the MSMA device provides at least one additional NAD. Altogether, this implements the MSMA functionality.

[0008] The network access channel provided by the MSMA device and the network access channel provided by the ECU can operate independently of each other. Thus, they simultaneously achieve independent communications.

[0009] Furthermore, the MSMA device may include at least one antenna, thereby providing a space-saving solution.

[0010] MSMA devices can be pre-developed and certified for use before being installed and attached to an existing ECU. In other words, MSMA devices can be developed and certified once, rather than as a separate solution for adding MSMA functionality to an existing ECU that needs to be customized based on the pre-existing situation and certified separately.

[0011] Furthermore, there is no need to perform any physical changes to existing ECUs to implement MSMA functionality, as the accessory MSMA device may allow for quick and simple installation of the ECU and a cost-effective, fast, and efficient implementation.

[0012] The configuration of the MSMA device as an add-on to a standard ECU allows the functionality of the NAD to be divided. For example, one NAD may be assigned to communications related to autonomous driving, while another NAD may be assigned to communications related to infotainment.

[0013] In an embodiment, the ECU provides a first network access channel. The first network access channel may be provided by a NAD included in the ECU. Thus, an existing configuration of an existing ECU may be used and combined with an MSMA device to provide the MSMA function, thereby providing an efficient, particularly cost-effective implementation of the MSMA function.

[0014] In another embodiment, the first network access channel and at least one additional independent network access channel provided by the ECU are configured to specifically provide communication with original equipment manufacturer, OEM, data or consumer data. In other words, access to OEM and consumer data is separate. Thus, sufficient communication resources for critical OEM data are ensured. In addition, the OEM's data stream and the consumer-generated data can be split and analyzed separately.

[0015] According to another embodiment, at least one additional independent network access channel provides a cellular connection, thereby enabling wireless communication and connection with other ECUs, cloud services, etc.

[0016] In another embodiment, the interface comprises a wired interface, in particular an Ethernet interface. Thus, the MSMA device is highly portable and can be positioned in a cost-effective and space-saving manner. In addition, high data throughput to the MSMA device can be achieved, such as data throughput supporting 5G.

[0017] In an embodiment, the MSMA device is a portable device that is preferably detachably coupled to a vehicle and / or ECU. Thus, a quick and simple installation of an accessory MSMA device is achieved. Furthermore, the MSMA device thereby provides a space- and weight-saving solution for adding MSMA functionality to an existing ECU.

[0018] In another embodiment, the MSMA further includes a processor and a computer-readable medium, the computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the device to control communication between the NAD and an external ECU. Specifically, a software development kit SDK and an application programming interface API can be used to control the communication. In other words, the MSMA device includes control software to complete the accessory module. The SDK and API can be compatible with existing ECUs. Thus, efficient control of MSMA functions is provided. The inclusion of a processor and a computer-readable medium in the MSMA device further achieves a high degree of compatibility with external ECUs, and enables the installation and implementation of the MSMA device without having to perform any modifications to existing ECUs.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the processor or SDK and API are configured to integrate at least one additional network access channel into the in-vehicle infotainment IVI system. Thus, a pre-existing communication structure can be used, making the accessory MSMA device compatible with the external ECU and thus more efficient.

[0020] In an embodiment, the at least one antenna comprises at least one integrated antenna and / or an external antenna. Thus, the design or form factor of the MSMA device can be improved in terms of space and functionality. Including an antenna to the MSMA device has the advantage of saving space and the cost of cables and connectors.

[0021] In an embodiment, the MSMA device further comprises a WiFi module, for example comprised in the NAD, the WiFi module being configured to provide a wireless local area network (WLAN) access to at least one additional independent network access channel.

[0022] In this way, the MSMA device can act as a router between an additional network access channel, such as a 5G network access channel, and an additional device, such as an ECU or a client device (e.g. a driver portable device). Thus, the MSMA can directly provide a hotspot for using the additional network access, such as to access a 5G network, in particular without having to connect to a (other) ECU.

[0023] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for providing a multi-SIM multi-active MSMA functionality. The method comprises establishing a communication between a MSMA device as described above and an engine control unit ECU and managing the communication via an interface. The communication may be established, for example, by the MSMA and / or by the ECU. The established communication may be managed by the MSMA and / or by the ECU.

[0024] The interface may be an application programming interface. Thus, an accessory MSMA device may be implemented into an existing ECU without necessarily modifying the ECU. In contrast, an MSMA device includes its own interface to provide a connection to and manage communications with the ECU.

[0025] In an embodiment, the ECU is a telematics control unit TCU. Thus, a wireless connection between a vehicle including the TCU and a cloud service is achieved, for example.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the method further comprises assigning the original equipment manufacturer OEM data and the consumer data to a respective one, in particular a different one, of the network access device NAD of the MSMA device and the external NAD included in the ECU. Again, this step can be performed by the MSMA and / or the ECU. Thus, sufficient communication resources for the OEM data are ensured. Furthermore, the OEM's data and the consumer-generated data can be split and analyzed separately. Thus, for example, costs can be split.

[0027] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method described above. All attributes of the method disclosed herein also apply to the computer program product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The features, objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description set forth in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0029] Figure 1 depicts a block diagram of a system including an MSMA device and an ECU communicatively coupled to the MSMA according to one or more embodiments;

[0030] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method for providing MSMA functionality according to one or more embodiments is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1Depicted is a block diagram of a multi-SIM multi-active MSMA device 100. The MSMA device 100 includes a housing 102 including at least one network access device NAD 104, at least one antenna 106, an interface 108, a processor 114, and a computer readable medium CRM 116. The MSMA device 100 also requires a power source.

[0032] The MSMA device 100 provides MSMA functionality to an external ECU 110. The ECU 110 may preferably be a telematics control unit TCU of a vehicle such as an automobile. The external ECU 110 uses the NAD 112 of the ECU 110 to provide a first network access channel. The first network access channel is compatible with the MSMA device. The NAD 104 of the MSMA device 100 provides at least one additional network access channel. The one or more network access channels provided by one or more NADs 104 and the first network access channel provided by the NAD 112 of the ECU 100 operate independently of each other. For example, the MSMA device 100 may include an additional NAD 104, thereby providing dual SIM dual active DSDA functionality. In this case, the MSMA device 100 is a DSDA device. For example, the NAD 112 of the ECU 110 may exclusively provide communication of OEM data, and the NAD 104 of the MSMA device 100 may exclusively provide communication of consumer data, or vice versa.

[0033] The MSMA device 100 is a portable device. The housing 102 is configured to be detachably coupled to a vehicle, such as a car, and / or an external electronic control unit ECU 110. The MSMA device can be implemented anywhere at a vehicle, such as at a car, where no metal shielding is provided. The design of the MSMA device, in particular the design of the housing of the MSMA device, can follow the contours of a vehicle, in particular a car.

[0034] NAD 104 and / or NAD 114 may be wireless modems. NAD 104 provides an additional independent network access channel. The channel preferably provides a cellular connection.

[0035] The interface 108 includes a wired interface, preferably an Ethernet interface. The interface 108 may also include an interface with a computing device of the vehicle. The interface 108 may include a user interface displayed at a screen of the vehicle, such as a screen for in-vehicle infotainment. The interface communicatively couples the MSMA device 100, and in particular the NAD 104 of the MSMA device 100, to the ECU 110.

[0036] The antenna 106 may be included in the transceiver. The at least one antenna 106 may include an integrated antenna, and alternatively or additionally include an external antenna. Specifically, the MSMA device 100 may be designed like Harman's "Conformal Smart Antenna" without any shark fins.

[0037] The MSMA device 100 includes a processor 114 and a CRM 116. The processor 114 may be an application processor. The CRM 116 has instructions stored thereon that cause the MSMA device 100 to control communications between the NAD 104 and the ECU 110. The processor 114 may thereby integrate the additional network access channel provided by the NAD 104 into the in-vehicle infotainment system.

[0038] The MSMA device 100 is controlled using a software development kit SDK and an application programming interface API. The SDK enables any ECU 110 to establish communication with the MSMA device 100. The SDK manages the MSMA device 100 via the API. The SDK can also manage other functions of the MSMA device 100, such as power. The SDK and API can be configured to integrate additional network access channels provided by the NAD 104 into the in-vehicle infotainment system. For example, the SDK can implement the implementation of additional apps.

[0039] Figure 2 A method 200 for providing MSMA functionality is described. In step 202, communication between the MSMA device 100 and the ECU 110 is established. This may be accomplished via the interface 108 and a software development kit. For example, communication may be established via a wired connection, in particular an Ethernet connection. In step 204, communication between the MSMA device and the ECU is managed via the interface 108. In step 206, OEM data and consumer data are assigned to one of the NADs 104 or 114, respectively. For example, OEM data may be assigned to the NAD 104 of the MSMA device 100, and consumer data may be assigned to the NAD 112 of the ECU 110, or vice versa. The data so assigned is then processed using the NAD 104 or 112.

[0040] Reference numerals

[0041] 100+ SIM Multi-Activity MSMA Devices

[0042] 102 Shell

[0043] 104 Network Access Device NAD

[0044] 106 Antenna

[0045] 108 interfaces

[0046] 110 Electronic Control Unit ECU

[0047] 112ECU NAD

[0048] 114 processors

[0049] 116 Computer readable medium

[0050] 200 Methods used to provide MSMA functionality

[0051] 202-206 Steps of method 200

Claims

1. Multi-SIM multi-activity MSMA device, including: Housing, comprising: at least one wireless network access device NAD; at least one antenna; and An interface is configured to communicatively couple the NAD to at least one external electronic control unit ECU, in particular an ECU of a vehicle, to provide at least one additional independent network access channel for the ECU.

2. The MSMA device of claim 1, wherein: The ECU provides a first network access channel.

3. The MSMA device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first network access channel provided by the ECU and the at least one additional independent network access channel are configured to exclusively provide communications with original equipment manufacturer, OEM, data or consumer data.

4. A MSMA device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one additional independent network access channel provides a cellular connection.

5. A MSMA device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The interface comprises a wired interface, in particular an Ethernet interface.

6. A MSMA device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The MSMA device is a portable device that is preferably detachably coupled to the vehicle and / or the ECU.

7. The MSMA device of any preceding claim, further comprising a processor and a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the device to control communications between the NAD and the external ECU.

8. A MSMA device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The MSMA device is controlled using a software development kit SDK and an application programming interface API.

9. The MSMA device of claim 7 or 8, wherein: The processor or the SDK and the API are configured to integrate the at least one additional network access channel into an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system.

10. An MSMA device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The at least one antenna comprises at least one integrated antenna and / or an external antenna.

11. The MSMA device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a WiFi module, in particular a WiFi module comprised in the NAD, the WiFi module being configured to provide a wireless local area network (WLAN) access to the at least one additional independent network access channel.

12. A method for providing a multi-SIM multi-active MSMA function, the method comprising: Establishing communication between the MSMA device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and an engine control unit ECU; as well as The communications are managed via an interface.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein: The ECU is a telematics control unit TCU.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12 or 13, further comprising assigning original equipment manufacturer OEM data and customer data to a corresponding one, in particular a different one, of the network access device NAD of the MSMA device and an external NAD included in the ECU.

15. A computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of claims 12 to 14.

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