Communication system and method for providing communication function

Abstract

The present disclosure designs a communication system comprising: a first slot designed for a plurality of first communication forms using a communication profile allocated to the first slot; a second slot designed for a plurality of second communication forms using a communication profile assigned to the second slot; a configuration module designed to variably assign a respective communication profile to the first slot and the second slot on the basis of at least one assignment criterion, the at least one assignment criterion relating to the availability of at least one of the plurality of first communication forms and / or the plurality of second communication forms; and a communication module designed to perform communication via the first slot or the second slot using a communication profile allocated by the configuration module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a communication system, a vehicle having such a communication system, a computer-implemented method for providing communication functionality, and a storage medium for performing the method. In particular, this disclosure relates to the required allocation of eSIM profiles and slots (such as a primary and secondary slot in dual-SIM technology). Background Technology

[0002] Modern vehicles typically employ multiple communication profiles to enable vehicle-based services, user-specific communications, and more. However, using multiple profiles can lead to conflicts, especially when two profiles cannot be used simultaneously. For example, an incoming phone call on one profile might interrupt the data connection of another profile, causing it to degrade or be suspended. This can result in interruptions to vehicle-based services, leading to user dissatisfaction. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a communication system, a vehicle having such a communication system, a computer-implemented method for providing communication functionality, and a storage medium for performing the method, all capable of ensuring communication capabilities for different forms of communication. The objective of this disclosure is particularly to prevent communication interruptions in situations such as modems with multiple slots.

[0004] The task is solved by the technical solution in the independent claim. Advantageous design solutions are given in each dependent claim.

[0005] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a communication system, particularly a communication system for a vehicle, is provided. The communication system includes: a first slot (also referred to as a main slot) designed for multiple first communication modes when using a (first) communication profile assigned to the first slot; a second slot (also referred to as a secondary slot) designed for multiple second communication modes when using a (second) communication profile assigned to the second slot; a configuration module designed to variably assign corresponding communication profiles to the first slot and the second slot for communication based on at least one allocation criterion, wherein the at least one allocation criterion relates to the availability of at least one of the multiple first communication modes and / or the multiple second communication modes; and a communication module designed to implement the communication via the first slot or the second slot using the communication profile assigned through the configuration module.

[0006] According to the present invention, communication profiles can be flexibly assigned to two slots with different capabilities during operation, thereby enabling targeted assurance of the availability of communication forms or services, such as telephone, messaging, and data connectivity. For example, two slots may be designed for telephone, but one of the slots may be designed solely for data connectivity. If a communication profile in a slot receives and conducts a call without a data connection, the communication profile in the slot with the data connection is degraded, thus interrupting the data connection (e.g., in the case of dual SIM dual standby (DSDS)). The communication system can now change or exchange the assignment of communication profiles and slots upon receiving a call, thereby assigning the communication profile receiving the call to the slot with the data connection and maintaining the data connection. As a result, in this example, both desired services, namely telephone and data connectivity, can be provided simultaneously. Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure enable users to always have access to the provided communication forms or services when needed.

[0007] The configuration module and communication module may include software components / algorithms designed to execute on at least one processor and thereby perform the functions of the respective modules.

[0008] The configuration module and the communication module can be implemented in a common software and / or hardware module. Alternatively, the configuration module and the communication module can be implemented in separate software and / or hardware modules.

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure are described with reference to the first and second slots. However, this disclosure is not limited to two slots and may include n slots, where n > 2, that can be implemented in embodiments of this disclosure. For example, a communication system may include one main slot and multiple secondary slots.

[0010] As used within the scope of this disclosure, the term "slot" refers to (e.g., a software-based) module that is (fixedly) configured or capable of being used for a specific form of communication or service, such as telephone, messaging, and data connection, and is assigned to a communication profile to establish a network connection. In conventional systems, a slot is a physical slot into which a SIM card is inserted to establish a network connection. In this disclosure, a slot can be a software-based "slot," such as an eSIM profile assigned to the slot. However, this disclosure is not limited to a software-based "slot" and in other embodiments may be a SIM card inserted into a physical slot, which is subsequently "exchanged" (and / or assigned) by software.

[0011] Preferably, the first slot is a DDS (Dedicated Data Subscription) slot. DDS means that the communication profile assigned to the first slot (“slot master”) is used for the data connection.

[0012] Preferably, the second slot is an NDDS (Non-Dedicated Data Subscription) slot. NDDS means that the communication profile assigned to the second slot (“sub-slot”) is not used for data connection.

[0013] Preferably, the communication system is designed for dual SIM dual standby (DSDS). In DSDS, both communication profiles can be accessed permanently as long as no calls are made. Once a call is made through a communication profile, the other communication profile cannot be accessed temporarily for the duration of the call; it enters standby mode, i.e., the communication profile is downgraded or suspended.

[0014] Preferably, the plurality of first communication forms (the first slot being capable of being used for the plurality of first communication forms) are selected from or comprised of the group consisting of telephone (or, for example, voice calls via telephone rates), messaging (e.g., SMS), and data connections (or, for example, data usage via data rates).

[0015] Alternatively or supplementally, the plurality of second communication forms (the second slot being capable of being used for the plurality of second communication forms) are selected from or comprised of the group consisting of telephone (or, for example, voice calls via telephone rates), messaging (e.g., SMS), and data connections (or, for example, data usage via data rates).

[0016] Preferably, the plurality of first communication forms (the first slot being usable for the plurality of first communication forms) and the plurality of second communication forms (the second slot being usable for the plurality of second communication forms) are at least partially different. For example, the plurality of first communication forms may include or may be telephone, messaging, and data connection, and the plurality of second communication forms may include or may be telephone and messaging (i.e., no data connection).

[0017] Preferably, the number of the plurality of first communication forms is greater than the number of the plurality of second communication forms. For example, the plurality of first communication forms may be three communication forms (e.g., telephone, message sending and receiving, and data connection), and the plurality of second communication forms may be two communication forms (e.g., telephone and message sending and receiving).

[0018] Preferably, when another communication profile (e.g., the communication profile in the second slot) receives and processes a call, the communication profile (e.g., the communication profile in the first slot) is degraded. In the degraded or suspended state, the communication profile is still logically registered in the network but no longer physically registered, and the service of the degraded or suspended communication profile is no longer available.

[0019] The configuration module is designed to variably allocate corresponding communication profiles to a first slot and a second slot for communication based on at least one allocation criterion, wherein the at least one allocation criterion relates to the availability of at least one of the plurality of first communication forms and / or the plurality of second communication forms.

[0020] Preferably, the at least one form of communication involves a data connection. In other words, availability can involve a data connection, wherein, for example, it can be ensured that the data connection is maintained and will not be interrupted, for example, due to a degradation of the communication profile.

[0021] In some implementations, the configuration module may be designed to allocate communication profiles for communication in a way that enables and / or maintains a data connection during a call. In other words, it can be ensured that when a call is being received, the data connection is maintained and is not interrupted by, for example, degradation of the communication profile.

[0022] As used within the scope of this disclosure, the term "communication profile" specifically includes SIM profiles, but also includes other common and future communication profiles capable of enabling communication functions.

[0023] A corresponding communication profile is assigned to each of the two slots, wherein this assignment can be changed or swapped during operation. For example, a first communication profile can be assigned to the first slot, and a second communication profile can be assigned to the second slot. This assignment can be changed or swapped by assigning the second communication profile to the first slot and the first communication profile to the second slot.

[0024] Preferably, the first communication profile is a first SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) profile, particularly a first eSIM (Embedded Subscriber Identity Module) profile. Alternatively or supplementarily, the second communication profile may be a second SIM profile, particularly a second eSIM profile.

[0025] eSIM is a virtualized SIM card profile that is permanently installed on the eUICC chip within the device. Once the eSIM profile is installed on the eUICC, it functions like a physical SIM card, which includes a unique ICCID and an authentication key generated by the communication service provider for network use.

[0026] Communication service providers can be manufacturers or managers of communication profiles, and in particular, can be network operators (Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)) of mobile networks. Communication service providers can, for example, implement communication within mobile networks according to LTE (Long Term Evolution) and / or 5G standards.

[0027] Preferably, one of the first and second communication profiles is a global SIM or eSIM, and the other communication profile in the first and second communication profiles is a user-specific SIM or eSIM. The difference between a global SIM or eSIM and a user-specific SIM or eSIM is that a global SIM or eSIM does not have a local IP address and / or has greater latency and / or does not correspond to KYC (Know Your Customer). A global SIM or eSIM may, for example, be assigned to a vehicle and / or a vehicle manufacturer, while a user-specific SIM or eSIM may be assigned to the user.

[0028] Preferably, the communication system includes a modem. Communication can be performed using a selected slot and a communication profile assigned to the slot. In particular, the modem can be a single modem, so that two communication profiles cannot be used simultaneously. However, the variable allocation of communication profiles and modem slots according to the invention ensures that the user always has access to the provided form of communication or service when needed.

[0029] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a means of transportation, particularly a vehicle, is provided. This means of transportation includes a communication system according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0030] The means of transportation can be a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle), a ship, or an aircraft (e.g., a drone used for passenger transport), but is not limited to these. For example, the means of transportation can also be shoes or other portable devices (e.g., wearable devices, clothing, etc.). The term "vehicle" includes cars, trucks, buses, motorhomes, motorcycles, etc., used for transporting people, goods, etc. This term specifically includes motor vehicles used for the transport of people.

[0031] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a computer-implemented method for providing communication functionality, particularly for a vehicle, is provided. The method includes: assigning a first communication profile to a first slot and a second communication profile to a second slot based on at least one allocation criterion, wherein the first slot is designed for a plurality of first communication forms and the second slot is designed for a plurality of second communication forms, and wherein the at least one allocation criterion relates to the availability of at least one of the plurality of first communication forms and / or the plurality of second communication forms; and implementing communication via the first or second slot using the assigned communication profile.

[0032] The methods used to provide communication functions can implement various aspects of the communication system described in this paper.

[0033] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a software (SW) program is provided. This SW program can be designed to execute on one or more processors, and thereby perform the methods described herein for providing communication functions.

[0034] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a storage medium is provided. This storage medium may include a working program designed to execute on one or more processors, and thereby perform the methods described herein for providing communication functions.

[0035] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, software having program code is provided. This software is designed to execute methods for providing communication functions when the software is running on one or more software-controlled devices.

[0036] According to another independent aspect of this disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes: one or more processors; and at least one memory connected to the one or more processors and containing instructions executable by the one or more processors to perform the methods described herein for providing communication functionality.

[0037] A processor or processor module is a programmable arithmetic unit, i.e., a machine or electronic circuit, that controls other components according to transmitted instructions and thereby advances algorithms (processes). Attached Figure Description

[0038] Several embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which will be described in detail below. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 A vehicle with a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated schematically.

[0040] Figure 2A and2B The schematic illustration shows the required allocation of communication profiles and slots according to embodiments of this disclosure, and

[0041] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a method for providing communication functionality according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals shall be used for the same and same functions of the components.

[0043] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 having a communication system 100 for providing communication functions is schematically shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] exist Figure 1 In the example, the communication system 100 is integrated into the vehicle 10. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the communication system 100 may also be present in, for example, mobile terminal devices or other portable devices (e.g., wearable devices, clothing, etc.). The term "mobile terminal device" specifically includes smartphones, but also includes other mobile phones or handsets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and all common and future electronic devices equipped with communication technologies.

[0045] The communication system 100 includes: a first slot 110 designed for multiple first communication modes when using a communication profile assigned to the first slot 110; a second slot 120 designed for multiple second communication modes when using a communication profile assigned to the second slot 120; a configuration module 130 designed to variably assign corresponding communication profiles to the first slot 110 and the second slot 120 for communication based on at least one allocation criterion, wherein the at least one allocation criterion relates to the availability of at least one of the multiple first communication modes and / or the multiple second communication modes; and a communication module 140 designed to implement communication via the first slot 110 or the second slot 120 using a communication profile assigned by the configuration module.

[0046] Therefore, flexible allocation of communication profiles to slots 110 and 120 during operation allows for targeted assurance of the availability of communication methods or services. The communication profile can be an eSIM profile, but this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0047] The forms of communication may include, but are not limited to, telephone (or, for example, voice calls via telephone rates), messaging (e.g., SMS), and / or data connections (or, for example, data use via data rates).

[0048] In some embodiments, the plurality of first communication modes and the plurality of second communication modes are at least partially different. For example, the plurality of first communication modes (the first slot 110 can be used for the plurality of first communication modes) may include telephone, messaging, and data connection, and the plurality of second communication modes (the second slot 120 can be used for the plurality of second communication modes) may include telephone and messaging, but not data connection.

[0049] In some implementations, the communication system is designed for dual SIM dual standby (DSDS). In DSDS, both communication profiles in the two slots 110 and 120 can be permanently accessed as long as no calls are being made. Once a call is made via a communication profile, the other communication profile is temporarily unavailable for the duration of the call; it enters standby mode, i.e., the communication profile is downgraded or suspended. The configuration module 130 can be designed to change the allocation of communication profiles to slots 110 and 120, making data connectivity possible and / or maintaining data connectivity during a call. In other words, it can be ensured that when a call is received on the other communication profile, the data connection is maintained and is not interrupted, for example, due to the downgrading of the communication profile.

[0050] In some embodiments, the communication module 140 includes a modem, or a modem. In particular, the modem may be a single modem, so that the two communication profiles A and B cannot be used simultaneously without restriction. However, the flexible allocation of the communication profiles to slots 110 and 120 according to the invention ensures that the user always has access to the provided form of communication or service when needed.

[0051] Figure 2A and 2B The diagram schematically illustrates the required allocation of communication configuration files A and B according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0052] The first communication profile A can be the first eSIM profile, and the second communication profile B can be the second eSIM profile.

[0053] exist Figure 2A and 2B In the example, the communication of the first slot 110 consists of telephone T, message sending and receiving M, and data connection D. The communication of the second slot 120 consists of telephone T and message sending and receiving M, but no data connection.

[0054] When the second communication profile B in the second slot 120 receives and conducts a call, the first communication profile A in the first slot 110 may be downgraded. In a downgraded or suspended state, the first communication profile A is still logically registered in the network but is no longer physically registered in the network, and the service of the downgraded or suspended first communication profile A is no longer available.

[0055] Assume that the first communication profile A or the first slot 110 is currently selected for communication, and data communication, for example within cloud-supported navigation or entertainment streaming, occurs via the data connection D of the first slot 110 and the associated first communication profile A. If the second communication profile B receives a message in this state, such as in... Figure 2A The call shown can exchange communication profiles A and B with the allocation of slots 110 and 120, thereby maintaining data connection D and the data connection is now made through the second communication profile B in the first slot 110.

[0056] However, this disclosure is not limited to this example and many other applications are conceivable. For example, currently, a second communication profile B or a second slot 120 can be selected for communication, and now entertainment streaming is to be started. The assignments of communication profiles A and B with slots 110 and 120 can then be swapped to enable a data connection D for streaming media when using the second communication profile B.

[0057] In some embodiments, one of the communication profiles (e.g., first communication profile A) may be a global SIM or eSIM, and the other communication profile (e.g., second communication profile B) may be a user-specific SIM or eSIM.

[0058] The difference between a global SIM or eSIM and a user-specific SIM or eSIM is that a global SIM or eSIM does not have a local IP address and / or has greater latency and / or does not correspond to KYC (Know Your Customer). A global SIM or eSIM can be assigned to a vehicle and / or vehicle manufacturer, for example, while a user-specific SIM or eSIM can be assigned to the user.

[0059] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a method 300 for providing communication functionality according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Method 300 may be implemented by corresponding software executable by one or more processors (e.g., CPU).

[0060] The method includes: in block 310, assigning a first communication profile to a first slot and assigning a second communication profile to a second slot based on at least one assignment criterion, wherein the first slot is designed for a plurality of first communication forms and the second slot is designed for a plurality of second communication forms, and wherein the at least one assignment criterion relates to the availability of at least one of the plurality of first communication forms and / or the plurality of second communication forms; and in block 320, implementing communication via the first slot or the second slot using the assigned communication profile.

[0061] According to the present invention, communication profiles can be flexibly assigned to two slots with different capabilities during operation, thereby ensuring the availability of communication forms or services, such as telephone, messaging, and data connectivity, in a targeted manner. For example, two slots can be designed for telephone, but only one of the two slots can be designed for data connectivity. If the communication profile in the slot now receives and conducts a call without a data connection, the communication profile in the slot with the data connection is degraded, thereby interrupting the data connection (e.g., in the case of dual SIM dual standby (DSDS)). The communication system can now change or exchange the allocation of communication profiles and slots when a call is received, so that the communication profile receiving the call is assigned to the slot with the data connection and the data connection is maintained. As a result, in this example, two desired services, namely telephone and data connectivity, can be provided simultaneously. Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure enable users to always have access to the provided communication forms or services when needed.

[0062] Although the invention has been described and explained in more detail through preferred embodiments, it is not limited to the disclosed examples, and those skilled in the art can derive other variations therefrom without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, a large number of possible variations are evident. It is also apparent that the exemplary embodiments mentioned are merely examples and should not be construed in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, application possibilities, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description and the description of the drawings enable those skilled in the art to embodied the exemplary embodiments, wherein, knowing the disclosed inventive concept, they can make various changes, for example, to the function or arrangement of the various components mentioned in the exemplary embodiments, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, for example, as further interpreted in the specification.

Claims

1. A communication system (100), comprising: The first slot (110) is designed for multiple first communication forms (T, M, D) when using a communication profile assigned to the first slot (110); The second slot (120) is designed for multiple second communication forms (T, M) when using a communication profile assigned to the second slot (120); A configuration module (130) is designed to variably allocate corresponding communication profiles (A, B) to the first slot (110) and the second slot (120) based on at least one allocation criterion, wherein the at least one allocation criterion relates to the availability of at least one communication form (D) among the plurality of first communication forms (T, M, D) and / or the plurality of second communication forms (T, M); and The communication module (140) is designed to implement communication via the first slot (110) or the second slot (120) using a communication profile (A, B) assigned by the configuration module (130).

2. The communication system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first communication forms (T, M, D) include telephone (T), message sending and receiving (M), and data connection (D); and / or The plurality of second forms of communication include telephone (T) and messaging (M).

3. The communication system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The number of the plurality of first communication forms (T, M, D) is greater than the number of the plurality of second communication forms (T, M, D).

4. The communication system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The communication system (100) is designed for dual SIM dual standby.

5. The communication system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The availability of the at least one form of communication (D) relates to the availability of a data connection, and wherein the configuration module (120) is designed to allocate communication profiles (A, B) for communication, enabling and / or maintaining a data connection during a call.

6. The communication system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The communication profiles (A, B) are SIM profiles, particularly eSIM profiles.

7. The communication system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The communication module (140) includes a modem or a modem, and communication is performed via the modem.

8. A means of transportation, particularly a vehicle (10), comprising a communication system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A computer-implemented method (300) for providing communication functions, the method comprising: A first communication profile is assigned (310) to a first slot (110) and a second communication profile is assigned (310) to a second slot (120) based on at least one allocation criterion, wherein the first slot (110) is designed for a plurality of first communication forms (T, M, D) and the second slot (120) is designed for a plurality of second communication forms (T, M), and wherein the at least one allocation criterion relates to the availability of at least one communication form (D) among the plurality of first communication forms (T, M, D) and / or the plurality of second communication forms (T, M); and (320) Communication is performed via the first slot (110) or the second slot (120) using the assigned communication profile (A, B).

10. A storage medium comprising a software program designed to execute on one or more processors and thereby perform the method (300) according to claim 9.

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