Method for automatically reproviding a roaming policy of a vehicle

Abstract

A method for automatically re-providing a roaming policy for a vehicle while tracking a stolen vehicle includes transmitting a first wireless communication from a user equipment via an authorized first cellular network. The first wireless communication includes a current geographic location of the user equipment. A user equipment maintains a barring list identifying an unlicensed cellular network. Based on determining that the user equipment is approaching a geo-fence between a first network coverage area of a first cellular network and a second network coverage area of a second cellular network identified on the barring list, the method includes removing the second cellular network from the barring list. By removing a second cellular network from the barring list and based on the user equipment entering a second network coverage area, the method includes transmitting a second wireless communication from the user equipment via the second cellular network, the second wireless communication including an updated geographic location of the user equipment.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this section and in aspects of the description that may not otherwise be identified as prior art at the time of filing, is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art against the present disclosure. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to reprovisioning or updating a vehicle's cellular communication roaming policy, and more particularly to automatically reprovisioning a stolen vehicle's communication protocol to enable roaming before the stolen vehicle travels into a coverage area of ​​a roaming network. Background Art

[0004] When a vehicle is under tracking or theft surveillance, the vehicle transmits its geographic location via a cellular network to a central control or monitoring entity so that the monitoring entity can track and recover the stolen vehicle. However, vehicles are typically provided with communication protocols that prohibit roaming use of cellular networks outside of the vehicle's home network. Therefore, if a stolen vehicle travels into a roaming area where the vehicle is not authorized to communicate via a cellular network, the vehicle cannot send its geographic location and the monitoring entity cannot continue to track the stolen vehicle.

[0005] In order to continue tracking the stolen vehicle after it travels to the roaming area, when it is determined that the stolen vehicle is traveling within the active coverage area toward the roaming area, the vehicle's communication protocol is re-provisioned to enable roaming communications via the roaming cellular network. Summary of the invention

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method that, when executed by data processing hardware, causes data processing hardware to perform an operation. The operation includes sending a first wireless communication from a user device via a first cellular network. The first wireless communication includes a current geographic location of the user device. The first cellular network includes an authorized cellular network that the user device is authorized to use for wireless communication. The user device maintains a prohibited list, the prohibited list identifying one or more cellular networks that the user device is not authorized to use for wireless communication. The operation includes determining that the user device is approaching a geofence based on the current geographic location of the user device. The geofence includes a geographic boundary between a first network coverage area of ​​the first cellular network and a second network coverage area of ​​the second cellular network. A second cellular network is identified on the prohibited list. Based on determining that the user device is approaching the geofence, the operation includes removing the second cellular network from the prohibited list. By removing the second cellular network from the prohibited list, and based on the user device entering the second network coverage area, the operation includes sending a second wireless communication from the user device via the second cellular network. The second wireless communication includes an updated geographic location of the user device.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the operation further includes receiving an operation instruction at the user device by removing the second cellular network from the prohibited list. The operation instruction is sent to the user device from a central system remote from the user device via the second cellular network. An operation parameter of the user device is adjusted based on the operation instruction.

[0008] In some examples, removing the second cellular network from the forbidden list includes sending an instruction from a central system via the first cellular network for the user device to clear the forbidden list. The central system is remote from the user device.

[0009] In some aspects, the operations further include attempting to send a second wireless communication from the user device via at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network through a second cellular network identified on the prohibited list and based on the user device entering the second network coverage area. In further aspects, attempting to send the second wireless communication from the user device includes a threshold waiting period between respective attempts to send the second wireless communication. The threshold waiting period is reduced based on a tracking state associated with the user device.

[0010] In some embodiments, determining that the user device is approaching the geo-fence is further based on at least one of a distance between the user device and the geo-fence, a directional heading of the user device, and a speed of the user device. Optionally, the user device comprises a vehicle.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system. The system includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions executed on the data processing hardware, the instructions causing the data processing hardware to perform an operation. The operation includes sending a first wireless communication from a user device via a first cellular network. The first wireless communication includes a current geographic location of the user device. The first cellular network includes an authorized cellular network that the user device is authorized to use for wireless communication. The user device maintains a prohibition list, the prohibition list identifying one or more cellular networks that the user device is not authorized to use for wireless communication. The operation includes determining that the user device is approaching a geofence based on the current geographic location of the user device. The geofence includes a geographic boundary between a first network coverage area of ​​the first cellular network and a second network coverage area of ​​the second cellular network. A second cellular network is identified on the prohibition list. Based on determining that the user device is approaching the geofence, the operation includes removing the second cellular network from the prohibition list. By removing the second cellular network from the prohibition list, and based on the user device entering the second network coverage area, the operation includes sending a second wireless communication from the user device via the second cellular network. The second wireless communication includes an updated geographic location of the user device. Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features.

[0012] In some embodiments, the operation further comprises receiving an operation instruction at the user device by removing the second cellular network from the prohibited list. The operation instruction is sent to the user device from a central system remote from the user device via the second cellular network. An operation parameter of the user device is adjusted based on the operation instruction.

[0013] In some examples, removing the second cellular network from the forbidden list includes sending, via the first cellular network, from a central system an instruction for the user device to clear the forbidden list. The central system is remote from the user device.

[0014] In some aspects, the operations further include attempting to send a second wireless communication from the user device via at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network through a second cellular network identified on the prohibited list and based on the user device entering the second network coverage area. In further aspects, attempting to send the second wireless communication from the user device includes a threshold waiting period between respective attempts to send the second wireless communication. The threshold waiting period is reduced based on a tracking state associated with the user device.

[0015] In some embodiments, determining that the user device is approaching the geo-fence is further based on at least one of a distance between the user device and the geo-fence, a directional heading of the user device, and a speed of the user device. Optionally, the user device comprises a vehicle.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions executed on the data processing hardware, the instructions causing the data processing hardware to perform an operation. The operation includes sending a first wireless communication from the vehicle via a first cellular network. The first wireless communication includes a current geographic location of the vehicle. The first cellular network includes an authorized cellular network that the vehicle is authorized to use for wireless communication. The vehicle maintains a prohibition list, the prohibition list identifying one or more cellular networks that the vehicle is not authorized to use for wireless communication. The operation includes determining that the vehicle is approaching a geofence based on the current geographic location of the vehicle. The geofence includes a geographic boundary between a first network coverage area of ​​the first cellular network and a second network coverage area of ​​the second cellular network. A second cellular network is identified on the prohibition list. Based on determining that the vehicle is approaching the geofence, the operation includes removing the second cellular network from the prohibition list. By removing the second cellular network from the prohibition list, and based on the vehicle entering the second network coverage area, the operation includes sending a second wireless communication from the vehicle via the second cellular network. The second wireless communication includes an updated geographic location of the vehicle. Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features.

[0017] In some embodiments, the operations further include receiving an operating instruction at the vehicle by removing the second cellular network from the prohibited list. The operating instruction is sent to the vehicle from a central system remote from the vehicle via the second cellular network. An operating parameter of the vehicle is adjusted based on the operating instruction.

[0018] In some examples, removing the second cellular network from the prohibited list includes sending an instruction from the central system via the first cellular network for the vehicle to clear the prohibited list. The central system is remote from the vehicle.

[0019] In some aspects, the operations further include attempting to send a second wireless communication from the vehicle via at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network through a second cellular network identified on the prohibited list and based on the vehicle entering a coverage area of ​​the second network. In further aspects, attempting to send the second wireless communication from the vehicle includes a threshold wait period between respective attempts to send the second wireless communication. The threshold wait period is reduced based on a tracking state associated with the vehicle.

[0020] In some implementations, determining that the vehicle is approaching the geo-fence is further based on at least one of a distance between the vehicle and the geo-fence, a directional heading of the vehicle, and a speed of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a user equipment wirelessly communicating with a central system remote from the user equipment via a first cellular network, wherein a communication protocol of the user equipment is not provided to enable roaming.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a user equipment communicating wirelessly with a central system via a second cellular network, wherein a communication protocol for the user equipment is provided to enable roaming.

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a user device geographically located within a first network coverage area of ​​a first cellular network and proximate a geo-fence at or near a geographical boundary of the first network coverage area, wherein a communication protocol of the user device is not provided to enable roaming.

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a user device geographically located within a first network coverage area of ​​a first cellular network and proximate a geo-fence at or near a geographical boundary between the first network coverage area and a second network coverage area of ​​a second cellular network, wherein a communication protocol for the user device is provided to enable roaming.

[0026] Figure 5 is a flow chart of an example method for tracking a geographic location of a user device and reprovisioning a communication protocol of the user device to enable roaming.

[0027] Figure 6 is a flow chart of another example method for tracking a geographic location of a user device and reprovisioning a communication protocol of the user device to enable roaming.

[0028] Figure 7 is a flow chart of another example method for re-provisioning a communication protocol of a user equipment to enable roaming.

[0029] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0032] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly engaged with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0033] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0034] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced with the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by a memory; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0035] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class and / or an object. The term "shared processor" covers a single processor that executes some or all codes from multiple modules. The term "group processor" covers a processor that executes some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all codes from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes a memory that stores some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional memory. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals propagated through the medium, and therefore can be considered to be tangible and non-transient memory. Non-limiting examples of non-temporary memory include tangible computer-readable media, which include non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0036] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0037] A software application (i.e., software resource) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0038] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0039] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0040] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be realized in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system that includes at least one programmable processor, which may be special-purpose or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to send data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0041] The process and logic flow described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (also referred to as data processing hardware), which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. The process and logic flow can also be performed by a dedicated logic circuit (e.g., FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit)). As an example, a processor suitable for executing a computer program includes both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more large-capacity storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or be operably connected to receive data from it or transmit data to it or both. However, a computer does not need to have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0042] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touch screen) for displaying information to the user and optionally a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0043] Vehicles are typically equipped with a communication module or telematics system that sends and receives signals or communications via a cellular network, such as to enable data transfer and other communications between one or more onboard systems or controllers at the vehicle and a backend controller or central system remote from the vehicle. For example, the telematics system can send the vehicle's geographic location to the central system (e.g., as determined by a global positioning system (GPS) module at the vehicle), and the central system can send instructions related to operating system updates to the onboard systems. Typically, vehicle communication modules are not provided for roaming, so when the vehicle travels outside the network coverage area provided by the authorized cellular network and enters the network coverage area provided by the unauthorized or roaming cellular network, the connection between the onboard systems at the vehicle and the central system is lost. Among other disadvantages, the loss of connectivity between the central system and the vehicle results in the inability to notify the central system of the vehicle's geographic location, and the inability of the central system to transmit instructions to the vehicle, such as enabling or disabling operation of the vehicle's engine or powertrain system, enabling or disabling operation of the vehicle's ignition system, operating the vehicle's exterior lighting system (e.g., flashing the vehicle's headlights or emergency lights), unlocking or locking the vehicle's doors, etc.

[0044] For example, a common problem that occurs in areas near international borders (such as along the border between the United States and Mexico) is that a vehicle is stolen and driven across the international border, such as into Mexico from the United States. Because vehicles with communication protocols generally do not provide for roaming to be enabled in an adjacent country (e.g., a vehicle registered in the United States does not have roaming enabled in Mexico), the stolen vehicle loses connectivity after the stolen vehicle crosses the border into the adjacent country, and the stolen vehicle cannot transmit its geographic location to track and recover the vehicle.

[0045] As further discussed below, the present disclosure allows a user device to maintain connectivity when traveling between a network coverage area of ​​an authorized cellular network and a network coverage area of ​​an unauthorized or roaming cellular network by automating the process of re-provisioning the user device's communication protocol to enable roaming when it is determined that the user device is approaching the boundary of the network coverage area of ​​the authorized cellular network. Therefore, when the user device travels from the network coverage area of ​​the authorized cellular network to the network coverage area of ​​the roaming cellular network, the user device connects to the roaming cellular network and communicates with the central system via the roaming cellular network. Although discussed herein in relation to a vehicle with a communication protocol, it should be understood that the systems and methods discussed herein are applicable to any suitable user device that communicates via a cellular network, such as a vehicle, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, etc.

[0046] refer to Figure 1-4, the user device or vehicle 100 includes a communication module or telematics system 102 configured to wirelessly communicate with a background system or central system 200 remote from the user device 100. The communication module 102 wirelessly communicates with the central system 200 via one or more cellular networks or public land mobile networks (PLMNs) 300 to send information from one or more onboard systems of the user device 100 to the central system 200 and receive instructions or system updates from the central system 200. For example, the user device 100 is equipped with a GPS module 104 and one or more sensors 106, the GPS module 104 determines the geographic location 110 of the user device 100, and the one or more sensors 106 capture sensor data 112 representing the condition of the user device 100 or the environmental conditions at the user device 100, respectively.

[0047] In the illustrated example of the vehicle 100 , one or more sensors 106 may capture sensor data 112 representing a speed 112 a of the vehicle 100 , a direction of travel or directional heading 112 b of the vehicle 100 , a fuel level of the vehicle 100 , and the sensors 106 may capture image data 112 c representing areas inside or outside the vehicle, etc. Communications wirelessly transmitted from the communication module 102 of the vehicle 100 to the central system 200 via the cellular network 300 may include the geographic location 110 of the vehicle 100 and / or the captured sensor data 112 .

[0048] The subscriber identity module (SIM) 108 identifies which cellular networks 300 the communication module 102 is authorized to use. The cellular networks 300 provide corresponding network coverage areas 302, which include geographic areas where the user device 100 can wirelessly connect to transmitters associated with the cellular network 300. In addition, the cellular networks 300 can be classified as authorized cellular networks 300A for which the user device 100 is authorized to use for wireless communication and prohibited cellular networks 300F for which the user device 100 is not authorized to use for wireless communication. For example, for a user device 100 registered in the United States, a cellular network 300 having a network coverage area 302 that provides cellular connections to U.S. territories is classified as an authorized cellular network 300A, and a cellular network 300 having a network coverage area 302 that provides cellular connections to territories outside the United States (e.g., Canada or Mexico) is classified as a prohibited cellular network 300F. The SIM 108 maintains an authorized list or OPLMN list 304 identifying one or more authorized cellular networks 300A and a forbidden list or forbidden PLMN (FPLMN) list 306 identifying one or more forbidden cellular networks 300F.

[0049] Although the SIM 108 is shown at the user device 100, it should be understood that the SIM 108 and the authorized list 304 and the prohibited list 306 can be maintained by the central system 200, wherein the central system 200 communicates with the cellular network 300 to identify the authorized cellular network 300A and the prohibited cellular network 300F. Therefore, the user device 100 can operate in an active scanning mode, wherein the communication module 102 attempts to connect to any available or nearby cellular network 300, and based on whether the cellular network 300 is an authorized cellular network 300A or a prohibited cellular network 300F, the cellular network 300 allows or prohibits connection.

[0050] Therefore, the user device 100 communicates with the remote system 200 via one or more authorized cellular networks 300A that the user device 100 is authorized to use for wireless communication, and the user device 100 is not provided to send wireless communication via the prohibited cellular network 300F. That is, by the SIM 108 of the user device 100 maintaining the prohibited list 306, the user device 100 does not attempt to send communication via the cellular network 300 identified on the prohibited list 306.

[0051] The central system 200 includes data processing hardware 202 and memory hardware 204 in communication with the data processing hardware 202. The memory hardware 204 stores instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware 202, cause the data processing hardware 202 to perform operations. For example, the memory hardware 204 stores instructions for re-provisioning a communication protocol managed by the SIM 108 of the user equipment 100 to enable roaming.

[0052] In addition, the instructions for re-provisioning the communication protocol of the user device 100 to enable roaming may be executed by the controller 116 of the user device 100. The controller 116 may house the communication module 102 and also include data processing hardware 118 and memory hardware 120 that communicates with the data processing hardware 118 and stores instructions to be executed on the data processing hardware 118. Optionally, the instructions for re-provisioning the user device 100 are stored in the memory hardware 204 of the central system 200 for execution on the data processing hardware 118 of the user device 100. As discussed further below, when the user device 100 is in a stolen state or a surveillance state (e.g., where the central system 200 is tracking the geographic location 110 of the user device) and it is determined that the user device 100 is approaching the boundary of the authorized cellular network 300A and may lose connection with the central system 200, the instructions for re-provisioning the communication protocol of the user device 100 to enable roaming are executed.

[0053] With the user device 100 communicatively connected to the central system 200 via the authorized cellular network 300A, the central system 200 tracks the geographic location 110 of the user device 100 based on the wireless communication 101 received from the user device 100. For example, when the user device 100 is in a stolen state or a surveillance state, the communication module 102 sends the wireless communication 101 including the geographic location 110 of the user device 100 to the remote system 200, so that the remote system 200 tracks the user device 100 to recover or intercept the user device 100.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, when the user device 100 is in a monitoring state and is geographically located within a first network coverage area 302, 302a of a first cellular network 300, 300a, a first wireless communication 101, 101a is sent from the user device 100 to the central system 200 via the first cellular network 300a, which is identified as an authorized cellular network 300A on an authorized list 304. The first wireless communication 101a includes a first or current geographic location 110, 110a of the user device 100, so that the central system 200 tracks the user device 100 based on receiving the first wireless communication 101a. In addition, the first wireless communication 101a may include sensor data 112 captured by one or more sensors 106 at the user device 100. In the illustrated example of a vehicle 100, the first wireless communication 101a includes the current geographic location 110a of the vehicle 100 and the captured sensor data 112, such as the speed 112a of the vehicle 100 and the directional heading 112b of the vehicle 100.

[0055] When the user device 100 travels within the first network coverage area 302a, the user device 100 continues to wirelessly communicate with the central system 200 via the first cellular network 300 to enable tracking of the user device 100. For example, the communication module 102 sends wireless communications to the central system 200 at regular intervals. In addition, when the user device 100 and the central system 200 are communicatively connected via the first cellular network 300, the user device 100 is operable to receive operating instructions and / or system updates 201 from the central system 200. In the illustrated example of the vehicle 100, the vehicle 100 is operable to receive instructions 201 from the central system 200 to instruct the vehicle 100 to perform an emergency stop or other driving maneuver, enable or disable operation of the engine or powertrain system of the vehicle 100, enable or disable operation of the ignition system of the vehicle 100, operate the exterior lighting system of the vehicle 100 (e.g., flashing the headlights or emergency lights of the vehicle 100), unlock or lock the doors of the vehicle 100, etc.

[0056] The boundaries or limits of the first network coverage area 302a of the first cellular network 300a may generally correspond to a territorial boundary or border 10, such as an international or regional border (e.g., the border between the United States and Mexico), wherein when the user device 100 travels outside the boundaries of the first network coverage area 302a, the user device 100 loses connectivity with the first cellular network 300a. To avoid losing connectivity with the user device 100 while in a monitored state, a geo-fence 12 is established at or near the boundary of the first network coverage area 302a (such as at or near the territorial boundary 10) so that the communication protocol of the user device 100 can be re-provisioned to enable roaming based on the user device 100 approaching or crossing the geo-fence 12. By enabling roaming at the user device 100, one or more disabled networks 300F are recharacterized as authorized networks 300A, so that the user device 100 can send wireless communications via the previously disabled networks and maintain connectivity between the user device 100 and the central system 200 on the other side of the geographical boundary 10, such as for tracking and recovering the user device 100 and for receiving operating instructions 201 from the central system 200.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the geo-fence 12 is established as a geographic boundary along the territorial boundary 10 and between a first network coverage area 302a of a first cellular network 300a and a second network coverage area 302b of a second cellular network 300b ( Figure 4 ). By the second cellular network 300b being identified as a prohibited cellular network 300F on the prohibited list 306, the communication module 102 may not be able to send wireless communications via the second cellular network 300b. Figure 3 As shown, connectivity between the user device 100 and the central system 200 is lost with the user device 100 being at a second or newer geographic location 110b outside of the first network coverage area 302a and without another authorized cellular network 300A providing coverage at the second geographic location 110b.

[0058] To prepare the user device 100 for connection to the second cellular network 300b, the central system 200 determines that the user device 100 is approaching the geofence 12 based on the first wireless communication 101a and attempts to remove the second cellular network 300b from the prohibition list 306. For example, the central system 200 determines that the user device 100 is approaching the geofence 12 based on the first geographic location 110a and / or at least one of the speed 112a of the user device 100, the directional heading 112b of the user device 100, and the distance or proximity of the user device 100 to the geofence 12.

[0059] In the illustrative example of the vehicle 100, the central system 200 determines that the vehicle 100 is approaching the geofence 12 when the vehicle 100 is within a threshold distance of the geofence 12 (such as ten kilometers or less, five kilometers or less, one kilometer or less, etc.). Alternatively, it is determined that the vehicle 100 is approaching the geofence 12 based on an expected travel time between the vehicle 100 and the geofence 12, a sudden decrease in the distance between the vehicle 100 and the geofence 12, etc.

[0060] Based on determining that the user device 100 is approaching the geo-fence 12, the central system 200 performs a re-provisioning process by attempting to send a wireless communication or instruction or SIM update 201 to the user device 100 via the first cellular network 300a. The wireless communication 201 includes instructions for the user device 100 to re-provision the communication protocol of the user device to achieve roaming, such as by updating the SIM 108 to remove the second cellular network 300b from the forbidden list 306. For example, the wireless communication 201 instructs the user device 100 to clear the forbidden list 306 and / or add the forbidden cellular network 300F to the authorized list 304 to characterize the cellular network 300 as an authorized cellular network 300A. The central system 200 attempts to re-provision the communication protocol of the user device 100 through the user device located within the first network coverage area 302a of the first cellular network 300a (i.e., before the user device crosses the geo-fence 12), so that the instruction 201 can be sent via the first cellular network 300a before the user device exits the first network coverage area 302a.

[0061] In other words, when the central system 200 determines that the user device 100 is approaching the geo-fence 12, the central system 200 performs an over-the-air (OTA) SIM update to clear the banned list 306 maintained by the SIM 108 of the user device 100. When the user device 100 leaves the first network coverage area 302a of the first cellular network 300a and enters the second network coverage area 302b of the second cellular network 300b, performing the OTA SIM update while the user device 100 is connected to the first cellular network 300a allows the user device 100 to connect to the previously banned second cellular network 300b, thereby allowing the user device 100 to be tracked more continuously and resulting in a greater chance of recovery of the user device 100.

[0062] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , by re-provisioning the user device 100 to enable roaming, removing the second cellular network 300b from the forbidden list 306 and / or clearing the forbidden list 306 from the SIM 108. Therefore, the second cellular network 300b is identified as an authorized cellular network 300A, and the user device 100 is able to connect to the second cellular network 300b and use the second cellular network 300b for wireless communication.

[0063] By enabling roaming at the user device 100 and based on the user device 100 crossing the geographical boundary 10, crossing the geographical fence 12 and / or entering the second network coverage area 302b of the second cellular network 300b, the user device 100 sends a second wireless communication 101, 101b to the central system 200 via the second cellular network 300b. The second wireless communication 101b includes a second or updated geographical location 110b of the user device 100, so that the central system 200 continues to track the user device 100. In addition, the connection of the user device 100 and the central system 200 via the second cellular network 300b allows the central system 200 to send additional operating instructions 201 to the user device 100. The user device 100 may adjust its operating parameters or perform a given function based on the operating instructions 201 received from the central system 200, such as executing an emergency procedure, enabling or disabling the operation of the user device 100, executing an alarm or warning procedure, etc.

[0064] Thus, with the user device 100 in the monitoring state, the central system 200 tracks the geographic location 110 of the user device 100 via wireless communications 101 from the user device 100 to the central system 200. When the central system 200 determines that the user device 100 is approaching the geo-fence 12, the central system 200 adjusts the communication protocol of the user device 100 to enable roaming, such as by sending an instruction 201 to the user device 100 to clear the prohibited list 306 maintained by the SIM 108. With roaming enabled, the user device 100 sends additional wireless communications 101, and the central system 200 continues to track the geographic location 110 of the user device 100 in the monitoring state.

[0065] The monitoring status of the user device 100 may be based on the user activating the monitoring status (e.g., the user reporting that the user device 100 has been stolen or lost) and / or the central system 200 activating the monitoring status (e.g., a government agency issues an AMBER alert associated with the user device 100, or issues a valid warrant allowing the user device 100 to be tracked). Optionally, the monitoring status is pushed to the user device 100 based on the satisfaction of a condition. In the illustrated example of the vehicle 100, the monitoring status is established based on the identification of the vehicle 100 as a stolen vehicle by a criminal database in communication with the central system 200, based on the operation of the vehicle 100 without the presence of a valid key card, based on the anti-theft device of the vehicle 100 being triggered, etc.

[0066] Based on the monitoring status associated with the user device 100, the central system 200 establishes a geo-fence 12. In the illustrated example, the geo-fence 12 is established at or near the international border 10. However, it should be understood that the geo-fence 12 is a configurable value that can be established at any suitable geographical location for triggering a re-provisioning process. In some examples, the geo-fence 12 is established based on the boundaries of the network coverage area 302 of the authorized cellular network 300A, so that the re-provisioning process can be performed before the user device 100 travels outside the network coverage area 302 and cannot connect to the authorized cellular network 300A to receive the re-provisioning instruction 201.

[0067] In some examples, operations for the re-provisioning process are performed at the central system 200. For example, the central system 200 determines that the user device 100 is in a monitoring state, and instructs the user device 100 to send a first wireless communication 101a including a current geographic location 110a of the user device 100, so that the central system 200 tracks the geographic location 110 of the user device 100. In addition, the central system 200 establishes a geo-fence 12 between a first network coverage area 302a of a first cellular network 300a and a second network coverage area 302b of a second cellular network 300b. The central system 200 determines that the user device 100 is approaching the geo-fence 12 based on the geographic location 110 of the user device 100. In addition, determining that the user device 100 is approaching the geo-fence 12 is based on at least one of a speed 112a of the user device 100, a directional heading 112b of the user device 100, and a distance between the user device 100 and the geo-fence 12. Based on determining that the user device 100 is approaching the geo-fence 12, the central system 200 attempts to enable roaming of the user device 100, such as by sending an instruction 201 via the first cellular network 300a to cause the SIM 108 to clear the prohibited list 306. Therefore, by enabling roaming (e.g., by the prohibited list 306 at the SIM 108 being cleared), the user device 100 sends a second wireless communication 101b including a second updated geographic location 110b of the user device 100.

[0068] In some cases, the central system 200 cannot enable roaming of the user device 100 before the user device 100 crosses the geo-fence 12 or the geographical boundary 10 or the user device 100 enters the second network coverage area 302b of the second cellular network 300b. For example, the user device 100 receives an instruction 201 from the central system 200 instructing the user device 100 to clear the prohibited list 306, but when the user device 100 crosses the geo-fence 12 or the geographical boundary 10 and enters the second network coverage area 302b of the second cellular network 300b, the update of the SIM 108 is still in progress. In this example, the first network coverage area 302a and the second network coverage area 302b at least partially overlap ( Figure 4 ), and the user device 100 performs a dragging process, in which the user device 100 sends wireless communications including the geographic location 110 of the user device 100 via the first cellular network 300a until the SIM 108 is updated to enable roaming or the user device 100 is out of range of the first cellular network 300a. The user device 100 may also perform a dragging process when traveling into the second network coverage area 302b before completely receiving the instruction 201 from the central system 200, so that the user device 100 remains connected to the first cellular network 300a to receive the instruction 201 from the central system 200.

[0069] In addition, if the user device 100 loses connection with the first cellular network 300a before the SIM 108 is updated to enable roaming, the user device 100 enters an accelerated scanning condition, in which the communication module 102 attempts to reconnect to the first cellular network 300a in order to complete the reception of the instruction 201 and / or send the wireless communication 101 for tracking the user device 100. Therefore, if the user device 100 returns to the first network coverage area 302a, the user device 100 will connect to the first cellular network 300a and complete the re-provisioning process. That is, by identifying the second cellular network 300b on the forbidden list 306 and the user device 100 being located within the second network coverage area 302b of the second network 300b, the user device 100 attempts to send the wireless communication 101 via the first cellular network 300a.

[0070] Alternatively, if the user device 100 loses connection with the first cellular network 300a before the SIM 108 is updated to enable roaming, the user device 100 attempts to connect to the second cellular network 300b to complete the re-provisioning process and / or send wireless communications 101 for tracking the user device 100. For example, the central system 200 sends an instruction 201 to the second cellular network 300b to cause the second cellular network 300b to accept the connection and wireless communications 101 from the user device 100. Therefore, even if the SIM 108 at the user device 100 is not updated to identify the second cellular network 300b as an authorized cellular network 300A, the communication module 102 attempts to connect to the second cellular network 300b. In other words, by identifying the second cellular network 300b on the forbidden list 306 and the user device 100 being located within the second network coverage area 302b of the second network 300b, the user device 100 attempts to send wireless communications 101 via the second cellular network 300b.

[0071] When the user device 100 loses connection with the cellular network 300, the user device 100 may wait a threshold period of time before attempting to reconnect to the cellular network 300 in order to save battery or processing power as the user device 100 moves toward the coverage area 302 of the cellular network 300. Based on the user device 100 being in the monitoring state, the threshold period of time between reconnection attempts may be reduced or eliminated to reconnect to the cellular network 300 more quickly. In other words, the user device 100 enters an accelerated scanning state in which the user device 100 adjusts its standard period of time between connection attempts (i.e., reduces or eliminates the threshold period of time between attempts) to connect to the cellular network 300 more quickly. In other words, attempting to reconnect to the cellular network 300 to send wireless communication 101 includes a threshold waiting period between reconnecting and a corresponding attempt to send the wireless communication 101 via the cellular network 300. Based on the user device 100 being in the monitoring state, the threshold waiting period is reduced or eliminated. Therefore, if the user device 100 loses connection with the first cellular network 300a before the SIM 108 is updated to enable roaming, the user device 100 attempts to connect to the first cellular network 300a and / or the second cellular network 300b to complete the re-provisioning process and / or send wireless communications 101 for tracking the user device 100, and based on the user device 100 being in a monitoring state, the threshold waiting period between connection attempts is reduced or eliminated.

[0072] For example, the user device 100, when not in the monitoring state, may be provided to include a threshold waiting period of two minutes between reconnection attempts in response to losing connection with the cellular network 300. Based on the user device 100 being in the monitoring state, the user device 100 may be provided to adjust the threshold waiting period to 30 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, etc., or the user device 100 may be provided to eliminate the threshold waiting period.

[0073] In some examples, operations for the re-provisioning process are performed at the user device 100. For example, the user device 100 determines a monitoring state (e.g., based on an anti-theft device at the user device 100, based on an instruction 201 received from the central system 200, etc.), and sends a first wireless communication 101a including a current geographic location 110a of the user device 100. When the user device 100 is in the monitoring state, the user device 100 is in a geo-fence aware state, wherein the user device 100 determines that it is approaching a geo-fence 12 based on the current geographic location 110a of the user device 100. The geo-fence 12 may be stored in a memory 120 at the user device 100 and / or determined based on an instruction 201 received from the central system 200. Determining that the user device 100 is approaching the geo-fence 12 may be further based on at least one of a speed 112a of the user device 100, a directional heading 112b of the user device 100, and a distance between the user device 100 and the geo-fence 12 as determined at the user device 100. Based on determining that the user device 100 is approaching the geo-fence 12, the user device 100 attempts to enable roaming, such as by instructing the SIM 108 to remove the second cellular network 300b from the forbidden list 306 or by instructing the SIM 108 to clear the forbidden list 306. Therefore, with roaming enabled and the user device 100 located within the second network coverage area 302b of the second cellular network 300b, the user device 100 sends a second wireless communication 101b including a second updated geographic location 110b of the user device 100.

[0074] Optionally, the central system 200 identifies the cellular networks 300 that are present on the authorized list 304 and the forbidden list 306. For example, based on a customer agreement managed by the central system 200, the central system 200 instructs the SIM 108 to update the authorized list 304 and / or the forbidden list 306. In addition, the central system 200 can identify different authorized cellular networks 300A and different forbidden cellular networks 300F for different user devices 100 managed by the central system 200. Thus, one cellular network 300 is characterized as an authorized cellular network 300A for one user device 100, and one cellular network 300 is characterized as a forbidden cellular network 300F for another user device 100. In this way, the authorized list 304 and the forbidden list 306 are specific to the SIM 108 at each user device 100 managed by the central system 200, allowing for greater flexibility in communication protocols across the user devices 100 managed by the central system 200.

[0075] Figure 5A flow chart of an example method 500 for tracking a geographic location 110 of a user device 100 and re-provisioning a communication protocol of the user device 100 to enable roaming is provided. The central system 200 and / or the controller 116 at the user device 100 may perform operations of the method 500. At operation 502, the method 500 includes sending a first wireless communication 101a from the user device 100 via a first cellular network 300a. The first wireless communication 101a includes a current geographic location 110a of the user device 100. The first cellular network 300a is identified as an authorized cellular network 300a that the user device 100 is authorized to use for wireless communication. The SIM 108 associated with the user device 100 maintains a prohibited list 306 that identifies prohibited cellular networks 300F that the user device 100 is not authorized to use for wireless communication. At operation 504, the method 500 includes determining that the user device 100 is approaching a geo-fence 12 based on the current geographic location 110a of the user device 100. The geo-fence 12 includes a geographic boundary at least partially established between a first network coverage area 302a of a first cellular network 300a and a second network coverage area 302b of a second cellular network 300b, wherein the second cellular network 300b is identified on a forbidden list 306 as a forbidden cellular network 300F that the user device 100 is not currently authorized to use for wireless communication. At operation 506, and based on determining that the user device 100 is approaching the geo-fence 12, the method 500 includes attempting to remove the second cellular network 300b from the forbidden list 306. For example, the user device 100 is instructed to update the SIM 108 to clear the cellular network 300 from the forbidden list 306. At operation 508, the method 500 includes sending a second wireless communication 101b from the user device 100 via the second cellular network 300b. The second wireless communication 101b includes an updated geographic location 110b of the user device 100. Furthermore, the second wireless communication 101 b is transmitted by removing the second cellular network 300 b from the forbidden list 306 and based on the user equipment 100 entering the second network coverage area 302 b of the second cellular network 300 b.

[0076] Figure 6A flow chart of another example method 600 for tracking the geographic location 110 of a user device 100 and re-provisioning the communication protocol of the user device 100 to enable roaming is provided. The central system 200 and / or the controller 116 at the user device 100 may perform the operations of the method 600. In the illustrated example, the method 600 includes operations for tracking the geographic location 110 of a vehicle 100 and re-provisioning the SIM 108 at the vehicle 100. At operation 602, the method 600 includes reporting the vehicle 100 as stolen and entering a stolen or monitored state. At operation 604, the method 600 includes enabling tracking of the stolen vehicle 100, such as by sending an instruction 201 from the central system 200 to the vehicle 100 to prompt the transmission of a wireless communication 101 including the geographic location 110 of the vehicle 100. At operation 606, the method 600 includes determining that the vehicle 100 is approaching a geo-fence 12. In the illustrated example, the vehicle 100 is determined to be approaching the geofence 12 when the geographic location 110 of the vehicle 100 is less than a threshold distance from the geofence 12 and the directional heading 112b of the vehicle 100 is generally pointing toward the geofence 12. Operation 606 is an iterative loop, and thus the vehicle 100 continues to send wireless communications 101 including the geographic location 110 of the vehicle, at least until it is determined that the vehicle 100 is approaching the geofence 12. At operation 608, and based on the determination that the vehicle 100 is approaching the geofence 12, the method 600 includes sending, from the vehicle 100 to the central system 200, wireless communications 101 indicating that the vehicle 100 is approaching the geofence 12, so as to prompt the central system 200 to send instructions 201 for updating the SIM 108 to enable roaming. At operation 610, the method 600 includes determining that the vehicle 100 has crossed the geofence 12. At operation 612, the method 600 includes determining that the vehicle 100 is greater than a threshold distance beyond the geofence 12. Based on determining that the vehicle 100 is greater than the threshold distance beyond the geofence 12, the method 600 includes clearing the prohibited list 306 on the SIM 108 at operation 614. At operation 616, the method 600 includes performing an automatic selection of the cellular network 300, wherein the vehicle 100 should connect to the second cellular network 300b because the previously prohibited second cellular network 300b is no longer identified as a prohibited cellular network 300b. At operation 618, the method 600 includes determining whether a connection has been established between the vehicle 100 and the second cellular network 300b. If the vehicle 100 is not wirelessly connected to the second cellular network 300b, operation 620 establishes a waiting period of a threshold number of minutes or seconds before repeating operations 614 and 616. The threshold waiting period can be reduced from a standard waiting period based on the vehicle 100 being in a tracking or monitoring state.If the vehicle 100 is indeed wirelessly connected to the second cellular network 300 b , the method 600 includes sending a second wireless communication 101 b from the vehicle 100 to continue tracking the geographic location 110 of the vehicle 100 at operation 622 .

[0077] Figure 7 A flow chart of another example method 700 for re-provisioning a communication protocol of a user device 100 to enable roaming is provided. The central system 200 may perform the operations of the method 700. In the illustrated example, the method 700 includes operations for re-provisioning a SIM 108 at a vehicle 100. At operation 702, the method 700 includes receiving an indication at the central system 200 that the vehicle 100 is approaching a geofence 12. For example, a controller 116 at the vehicle 100 determines that the vehicle 100 is approaching a geofence 12 based on a geographic location 110 of the vehicle 100, and the controller 116 sends a wireless communication 101 to the central system 200 to notify the central system 200 that the vehicle 100 is approaching a geofence 12. At operation 704, the method 700 includes sending an instruction 201 from the central system 200 to enable roaming of the vehicle 100. In the illustrated example, the instruction 201 is sent from the central system 200 to the user device 100 to instruct the user device 100 to update the SIM 108 to clear the forbidden list 306. At operation 706 , the method 700 includes performing an OTA SIM update to update the authorized list 304 maintained at the SIM 108 of the vehicle 100 to include the second cellular network 300 b .

[0078] Thus, when the vehicle 100 is in a stolen state, the controller 116 and / or the central system 200 enters a geo-fence aware state, wherein the controller 116 and / or the central system 200 automates a re-provisioning process to allow roaming and connection to the previously prohibited cellular network 300F. The controller 116 and / or the central system 200 establishes a geo-fence 12 between the authorized cellular network 300A and the prohibited cellular network 300F. The controller 116 and / or the central system 200 uses the distance from the geo-fence 12 and the directional heading 112b to determine where to start the handoff process. When the vehicle 100 approaches the geo-fence 12 (e.g., determined using GPS location, velocity vector, proximity to the geo-fence, etc.), the controller 116 and / or the central system 200 preemptively initiates a background call and begins the re-provisioning and SIM update process to allow roaming in the previously non-roaming area. If the controller 116 and / or the central system 200 cannot re-provision and update the SIM 108 before the vehicle 100 crosses the geo-fence 12, the controller 116 and / or the central system 200 initiates a drag process to maintain a connection with the authorized cellular network 300A for as long as possible. If the vehicle 100 is no longer able to maintain a connection with the authorized cellular network 300A, the controller 116 and / or the central system 200 enters an accelerated scanning condition in which the vehicle 100 scans for an authorized cellular network 300A and connects to it. From there, the controller 116 and / or the central system 200 completes the re-provisioning and SIM update. If the vehicle 100 is a certain distance from the geofence 12 and a certain distance from the authorized cellular network 300A, and the controller 116 and / or the central system 200 are unable to re-provision the SIM 108 at the vehicle 100 in a timely manner (i.e., the stolen vehicle is driven too quickly into the non-roaming area), the controller 116 and / or the central system 200 allows the vehicle 100 to attempt to connect to the prohibited cellular network 300F.

[0079] Reprovisioning of communication protocols at a stolen vehicle to enable roaming results in better tracking of the stolen vehicle and a greater chance of vehicle recovery. Preemptively initiating the reprovisioning process allows SIM updates to occur while the vehicle still has a cellular connection. Furthermore, because the reprovisioning process is automated based on the vehicle's theft status or surveillance status and parameters of the vehicle relative to coverage areas where cellular networks are prohibited, roaming is enabled in selective vehicles, resulting in cost savings due to reduced use of roaming networks and flexibility of roaming policies across multiple user devices or vehicles managed by a central system.

[0080] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0081] The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. It can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method performed by data processing hardware, the method causing the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising: sending a first wireless communication from a user device via a first cellular network, the first wireless communication comprising a current geographic location of the user device, the first cellular network comprising an authorized cellular network that the user device is authorized to use for wireless communication, and the user device maintaining a prohibited list that identifies one or more cellular networks that the user device is not authorized to use for wireless communication; determining, based on a current geographic location of the user device, that the user device is approaching a geo-fence comprising a geographic boundary between a first network coverage area of ​​a first cellular network and a second network coverage area of ​​a second cellular network, the second cellular network being identified on the prohibited list; removing a second cellular network from the prohibited list based on determining that the user equipment is approaching the geo-fence; as well as By removing the second cellular network from the forbidden list and based on the user equipment entering the second network coverage area, a second wireless communication is sent from the user equipment via the second cellular network, the second wireless communication including the updated geographic location of the user equipment.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operation further includes receiving an operation instruction at the user device by removing the second cellular network from the prohibited list, the operation instruction being sent to the user device from a central system remote from the user device via the second cellular network, and adjusting an operation parameter of the user device based on the operation instruction.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein removing the second cellular network from the forbidden list comprises sending an instruction for the user device to clear the forbidden list from a central system via a first cellular network, the central system being remote from the user device.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the operations further comprise attempting to send a second wireless communication from the user device via at least one of the group consisting of a first cellular network and a second cellular network through a second cellular network identified on the prohibited list and based on the user device entering a second network coverage area.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein attempting to send a second wireless communication from the user device comprises a threshold waiting period between respective attempts to send the second wireless communication, the threshold waiting period being reduced based on a tracking state associated with the user device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that the user device is approaching the geo-fence is further based on at least one item selected from the group consisting of: a distance between the user equipment and the geo-fence; The directional heading of the user equipment; and The speed of the user equipment. The method of claim 1 , wherein the user device comprises a vehicle.

8. A system, comprising: Data processing hardware; as well as Memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions for execution on the data processing hardware, the instructions causing the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising: sending a first wireless communication from a user device via a first cellular network, the first wireless communication comprising a current geographic location of the user device, the first cellular network comprising an authorized cellular network that the user device is authorized to use for wireless communication, and the user device maintaining a prohibited list that identifies one or more cellular networks that the user device is not authorized to use for wireless communication; determining that the user device is approaching a geo-fence based on a current geographic location of the user device, the geo-fence comprising a geographic boundary between a first network coverage area of ​​a first cellular network and a second network coverage area of ​​a second cellular network, the second cellular network being identified on the prohibited list, wherein determining that the user device is approaching the geo-fence is further based on at least one item selected from the group consisting of: a distance between the user equipment and the geo-fence; The directional heading of the user equipment; and the speed of the user equipment; removing a second cellular network from the prohibited list based on determining that the user equipment is approaching the geo-fence; and By removing the second cellular network from the forbidden list and based on the user equipment entering the second network coverage area, a second wireless communication is sent from the user equipment via the second cellular network, the second wireless communication including the updated geographic location of the user equipment.

9. A vehicle, comprising: Data processing hardware; as well as Memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions for execution on the data processing hardware, the instructions causing the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising: sending a first wireless communication from the vehicle via a first cellular network, the first wireless communication including a current geographic location of the vehicle, the first cellular network including an authorized cellular network that the vehicle is authorized to use for wireless communication, and the vehicle maintaining a prohibited list that identifies one or more cellular networks that the vehicle is not authorized to use for wireless communication; Determining that the vehicle is approaching a geofence based on a current geographic location of the vehicle, the geofence comprising a geographic boundary between a first network coverage area of ​​a first cellular network and a second network coverage area of ​​a second cellular network, the second cellular network being identified on the prohibited list, wherein determining that the vehicle is approaching the geofence is further based on at least one item selected from the group consisting of: the distance between the vehicle and the geofence; The vehicle's directional heading; and The speed of the vehicle; based on determining that the vehicle is approaching the geo-fence, removing a second cellular network from the prohibited list; and By removing the second cellular network from the prohibited list and based on the vehicle entering the second network coverage area, a second wireless communication is sent from the vehicle via the second cellular network, the second wireless communication including an updated geographic location of the vehicle.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein removing the second cellular network from the prohibited list comprises sending instructions for the vehicle to clear the prohibited list from a central system via a first cellular network, the central system being remote from the vehicle.

Images