METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SELECTING AND USING A DYNAMIC TELEMATICS NETWORK

Abstract

System, comprehensive: a vehicle-based processor (3) configured for the following: Storing SIM profiles of locally connectable wireless devices in a vehicle memory; Monitoring cellular network signal strengths of other cellular networks (61) associated with other stored SIM profiles while a vehicle (31) is in motion; and In response to the signal strength of a currently connected cellular network (61) falling below a predetermined threshold, the processor (3) automatically selects and connects to another cellular network (61) using an associated stored SIM profile; and the processor (3) is also configured to instruct a locally connectable wireless device, from which the associated stored SIM profile used to connect to the other cellular network (61) has been obtained, to disconnect from the other cellular network (61) before the processor (3) automatically connects to the other cellular network (61).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The exemplary embodiments generally relate to a method and a device for selecting and using a dynamic telematics network. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle telematics services use cellular networks to provide connectivity between the vehicle and remote networks and devices. These cellular networks are accessed, for example, via an onboard modem or a cellular device connected to a telematics control unit (TCU).

[0003] The prior art is known from US 2015 / 0358798A1. This describes a system with a vehicle-based processor that stores SIM profiles in a vehicle memory and monitors network signal strengths while a vehicle is driving.

[0004] US 2014 / 0274006A1 describes a system with a vehicle-based processor, vehicle memory, and the monitoring of network signal strengths.

[0005] US patent 2014 / 0120859A1 describes a system with a vehicle-based processor, vehicle memory, and the monitoring of network signal strengths.

[0006] In one example, a TCU is connected to an embedded vehicle modem, which may have a cellular identification number or an assigned account. This account can be registered for a single vehicle and may be different from that of the user's mobile phone. In another example, the TCU may be connected to a user's mobile phone, such as via a wireless or wired connection, and may use the cellular connection provided by the phone to send and receive data from remote networks.

[0007] In a vehicle environment, the onboard modem and / or TCU may be equipped with a more powerful antenna than a typical mobile phone. Furthermore, the vehicle itself can attenuate a mobile phone signal, reducing network coverage. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for a user's mobile phone to utilize the vehicle's cellular antenna. Consequently, the vehicle environment can negatively impact mobile services or, at the very least, result in weaker signal strength compared to services provided by the vehicle's embedded cellular device.

[0008] A variety of cellular devices may be available for connection or may be connected to a vehicle computer. Which device is selected for use is typically determined by user preference settings (e.g., without limitation, a primary driver device may be designated as a primary usage device, and other occupant devices may be designated as secondary devices if the primary device is not present). SUMMARY

[0009] In a first illustrative embodiment, a system includes a vehicle-based processor configured to store SIM profiles of a locally connectable wireless device in vehicle memory. The processor is also configured to monitor the network signal strengths of other networks associated with different SIM profiles while the vehicle is in motion and, if the signal strength of the currently connected network falls below a predetermined threshold, to automatically select and connect to a new network associated with one of the stored SIM profiles.

[0010] In a second illustrative embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes automatically selecting and connecting, via a telematics control unit, to a second network associated with a previously stored SIM profile, in response to a determination that a signal strength of a first network has fallen below a predetermined threshold, wherein the SIM profile represents a wireless network to which a locally connectable wireless device is associated.

[0011] In a third illustrative embodiment, a computer-implemented method involves automatically selecting and connecting to a new network, via a telematics control unit, in response to a signal strength of a currently connected network falling below a predetermined threshold. This new network is associated with a previously stored SIM profile and corresponding SIM profile connection information. In this embodiment, the previously stored SIM profiles identify wireless networks associated with locally connectable wireless devices, and the connection is established using the previously stored SIM profile connection information. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connection to the new network is established after a device, from which the SIM profile associated with the new network was obtained, receives a command to disconnect from the new network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows an illustrative vehicle computer system; Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a process of cellular signal utilization; Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the process of registering with a selected network; and Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a process for cellular signal / device selection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are purely illustrative and can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of certain components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching a person skilled in the art how the claimed subject matter can be used in various ways.

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 presents an exemplary block topology for a vehicle-based computer system 1 (VCS) for a vehicle 31. An example of such a vehicle-based computer system 1 is the SYNC system manufactured by The Ford Motor Company. A vehicle equipped with a vehicle-based computer system may have a visual front-end interface 4 located in the vehicle. The user can also interact with the interface if, for example, it is equipped with a touchscreen. In another illustrative embodiment, interaction takes place by pressing buttons, a spoken dialogue system with automatic speech recognition, and speech synthesis.For example, with regard to the illustrative embodiments, a user can enter a single parameter or a set of parameters that define specific networks or SIM profiles preferred for use in certain scenarios. The manufacturer can also define specific network parameters for use with particular scenarios, which in some cases may be reconfigurable by the user and, depending on the design choice, in other scenarios may be hard-coded by the manufacturer or only verifiable.

[0014] In the illustrative embodiment 1, which is shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a processor 3 controls at least one section of the operation of the vehicle-based computer system. Provided within the vehicle, the processor enables onboard processing of instructions and routines. Furthermore, the processor is connected to both non-persistent memory 5 and persistent memory 7. In the illustrative embodiment, the non-persistent memory is random access memory (RAM), and the persistent memory is hard disk storage (HDD) or flash memory. In general, persistent (non-volatile) memory can include any form of storage that manages data when a computer or other device is powered off. This includes, but is not limited to, HDDs, CDs, DVDs, magnetic tapes, solid-state drives, portable USB drives, and any other suitable form of persistent storage.For example, without restriction, a SIM profile can be retrieved from a wired or wirelessly connected mobile device and stored locally on the vehicle computer. This is an example of a profile that can be used in conjunction with the illustrative embodiments to provide connectivity options.

[0015] The processor is also provided with a number of different inputs that allow the user to connect to it. In this illustrative embodiment, a microphone 29, an auxiliary input 25 (for input 33), a USB input 23, a GPS input 24, a screen 4, which can be a touchscreen display, and a Bluetooth input 15 are provided. An input selector 51 is also provided so that a user can switch between different inputs. The input for both the microphone and the auxiliary input is converted from analog to digital by a converter 27 before being sent to the processor. Although not shown, numerous vehicle components and auxiliary components that communicate with the VCS can use a vehicle network (such as, but not limited to, a CAN bus) to transmit data to and from the VCS (or components thereof).The “vehicle network” is to be distinguished from a LAN or WAN that provides connectivity outside the vehicle, such as a network connection established through the use of an onboard SIM profile or a SIM profile obtained from a connected wireless device.

[0016] Outputs of the system may include, but are not limited to, a visual display 4 and a loudspeaker 13 or a stereo system output. The loudspeaker is connected to an amplifier 11 and receives its signal from the processor 3 through a digital-to-analog converter 9. Output may also be made to a remote BLUETOOTH device such as a PND 54 or a USB device such as a vehicle navigation device 60 along the bidirectional data streams shown at 19 and 21, respectively.

[0017] In an illustrative embodiment, the system 1 uses the BLUETOOTH transceiver 15 to communicate with a user's portable device 53 (e.g., mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, or any other device that has wireless remote network connectivity) 17. The portable device can then be used to communicate with a network 61 outside the vehicle 31, for example, by communicating 55 with a cell tower 57 59. In some embodiments, a tower 57 may be a Wi-Fi access point. The portable device 53 may include a subscriber identity or identification module (SIM) containing connectivity authorization information.Relevant information or data from the SIM module for providing cellular network connectivity can be transferred to the VCS memory and stored in a SIM profile for subsequent use when selecting an available cellular network for vehicle connectivity during a particular journey.

[0018] A representative communication between the portable device and the BLUETOOTH transceiver is represented by signal 14.

[0019] Pairing a portable device 53 and the BLUETOOTH transceiver 15 can be initiated by a button 52 or similar input. Accordingly, the CPU is instructed to pair the BLUETOOTH transceiver with a BLUETOOTH transceiver in a portable device.

[0020] Data can be transmitted between the CPU 3 and the network 61 using, for example, a data plan, data-over-voice, or DTMF tones assigned to the portable device 53. Alternatively, it may be desirable to include an onboard modem 63 with an antenna 18 to transmit data between the CPU 3 and the network 61 over the voice band 16. The portable device 53 can then be used to communicate with a network 61 outside the vehicle 31, for example, by communication 55 with a cell tower 57 59. In some embodiments, the modem 63 can establish communication 20 with the tower 57 to communicate with the network 61. As a non-limiting example, the modem 63 can be a cellular USB modem, and the communication 20 can be cellular communication.

[0021] In an illustrative embodiment, the processor is equipped with an operating system that includes an API for communicating with modem application software. The modem application software can access an embedded module or firmware on the Bluetooth transceiver to complete wireless communication with a remote Bluetooth transceiver (such as one in a portable device). Bluetooth is a subset of the IEEE 802 PAN (Personal Area Network) protocols. IEEE 802 LAN (Local Area Network) protocols include Wi-Fi and have significant cross-functionality with IEEE 802 PAN. Both are suitable for wireless communication within a vehicle. Other communication methods that can be used in this area include free-space optical communication (such as IrDA) and non-standard consumer IR protocols.

[0022] In another embodiment, the portable device 53 includes a modem for voice-band or broadband data communication. In the data-over-voice embodiment, a technique known as frequency-division multiplexing can be implemented when the owner of the portable device can speak through the device while data is being transmitted. At other times, when the user is not using the device, the data transmission can utilize the entire bandwidth (in one example, 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz). Although frequency-division multiplexing is common and still used for analog cellular communication between the vehicle and the internet, it has been largely replaced by hybrid forms of code-domain multiple access (CDMA), time-domain multiple access (TDMA), and space-domain multiple access (SDMA) for digital cellular communication.If the user has a data plan assigned to the portable device, it is possible that the data plan enables broadband transmission and the system could utilize a much wider bandwidth (which would speed up data transmission). In yet another embodiment, the portable device 53 is replaced by a cellular communication device (not shown) installed in the vehicle 31. In yet another embodiment, the ND 53 (Nomadic Device = portable device) can be a wireless local area network (LAN) device capable of communicating via, for example (and without limitation), an 802.11g network (i.e., Wi-Fi) or a WiMAX network.

[0023] In one embodiment, incoming data can be transmitted by the portable device via Data-Over-Voice or a data plan through the onboard Bluetooth transceiver and into the vehicle's internal processor 3. In the case of certain temporary data, the data can be stored, for example, on the HDD or other storage media 7 until the data is no longer needed.

[0024] Additional sources that may be connected to the vehicle include a personal navigation device 54, which may have, for example, a USB connection 56 and / or an antenna 58; a vehicle navigation device 60, which may have a USB 62 or other connection; an onboard GPS device 24; or a remote navigation system (not shown) that has connectivity to the network 61. USB is a type of serial network protocol. The serial protocols IEEE 1394 (FireWire™ (Apple), i.LINK™ (Sony), and Lynx™ (Texas Instruments)), EIA (Electronics Industry Association), IEEE 1284 (Centronics Port), S / PDIF (Sony / Philips Digital Interconnect Format), and USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) form the basic framework of device-to-device serial standards. Most protocols can be used for either electrical or optical communication.

[0025] Furthermore, the CPU could communicate with various other auxiliary devices 65. These devices could be connected via a wireless device 67 or a wired connection 69. The auxiliary device 65 could include, but is not limited to, personal media players, wireless health devices, portable computers, and the like.

[0026] Furthermore, or alternatively, the CPU could be connected to a vehicle-based wireless router 73, which uses, for example, a Wi-Fi (IEEE 803.11) 71 transceiver. This allows the CPU to connect to remote networks within the range of the local router 73.

[0027] In addition to representative processes executed by a vehicle computer system located in a vehicle, in certain embodiments the representative processes can be executed by a computer system that communicates with a vehicle computer system. Such a system may include, but is not limited to, a wireless device (e.g., and without limitation, a mobile phone) or a remote computer system (e.g., and without limitation, a server) connected by the wireless device. Collectively, such systems can be referred to as vehicle-associated computer systems (VACS). In certain embodiments, depending on the specific implementation of the system, certain components of the VACS can execute specific parts of a process.For example, if, without limitation, a process includes a step of sending or receiving information with a coupled wireless device, then it is likely that the wireless device will not perform this part of the process, since the wireless device does not "send and receive" information to itself. An average person will understand when it is inappropriate to apply a particular system of computing to a given solution.

[0028] Vehicle telematics control units (TCUs) utilize connectivity options to provide wireless signal transmission and reception between a vehicle and remote devices. This typically involves a cellular signal, provided (as mentioned above) either by an onboard vehicle modem or a mobile user device connected to the TCU. If an onboard modem is provided, it is not uncommon to include a cellular provider plan, which is often different from the one associated with a cellular user device.

[0029] Environmental and cellular network operating conditions can affect the cellular signals available to the vehicle. For example, cellular network coverage, vehicle signal attenuation, weather, network load, signal obstructions (such as high hills or buildings), electromagnetic interference, and other factors can all affect cellular signals. In a scenario where two occupants with wireless devices assigned to different wireless carriers are traveling in a vehicle equipped with an onboard modem assigned to a third wireless carrier, any one of the three available cellular signals may be the strongest, depending on the individual's location during the journey.Telematics deployment models are often unaffected by the relative strength of these signals, simply selecting a signal at the start of a journey and only changing signals if the selected signal is no longer available. This can lead to significantly reduced performance or unusable telematics services during a journey, with the initially selected signal dropping below its original strength but remaining detectable. In other examples, not using the strongest available or preferred signal can result in a slower user experience than would otherwise be possible.

[0030] The illustrative embodiments include systems and methods that enable the use of the strongest cellular signal, dynamically selected by a vehicle computer system while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle telematics control unit can use the onboard telematics hardware with SIM profiles from any available cellular device (for example, represented by wireless occupant devices) to access the network corresponding to that device. Switching between available networks may be limited by the vehicle based on associated network costs or payment obligations in some embodiments.In general, the vehicle's TCU can dynamically deploy the best available network to provide the best available signal strength and data rates, utilizing the onboard antenna, which may be more powerful and less affected by vehicle attenuation. This can improve the user experience by increasing throughput and reducing packet loss or error.

[0031] Furthermore, the TCU can transmit a Wi-Fi or other wireless signal to all wireless occupant devices within a vehicle environment, allowing these devices to utilize the strongest (or otherwise selected) signal. However, due to a weak or lost signal, these specific devices may experience reduced or no direct cellular connectivity. If the strongest usable signal changes (i.e., another network signal becomes the strongest), the process can switch to the new network associated with the strongest signal, based on the SIM profile of the device associated with that signal. This switching or switching can continue throughout a journey to ensure cellular connectivity based on all available signals.The vehicle can receive SIM profiles from the various available devices, which, if desired, provide guidance regarding which networks could be used. These profiles can be used to determine the signal strength of the different available networks, and communication via the strongest signal network can be achieved, for example, by using the SIM profile assigned to the strongest network as a proxy for the vehicle's SIM profile (whereby the vehicle TCU connects based on the connectivity authorization provided by the SIM profile called by the mobile device to which the SIM profile belongs).

[0032] In some cases, the system cannot switch networks unless a current or preferred signal falls below a predetermined threshold, which may include a weak signal or a complete signal loss. This reduces frequent switching, as the difference between throughput and the experience gained by switching might go unnoticed by users. User preferences can also be applied to determine when the system switches between networks. For example, a user might prefer to use a data plan associated with a mobile device that has a relatively high data limit, rather than a vehicle modem data plan with a relatively low limit, unless the network signal for the mobile device's cellular network falls below a certain predefined threshold.The signal threshold can be specified by the user or the OEM depending on the specific application and implementation.

[0033] In such cases, if a network designated as a preferred network exists, switching to a non-preferred network cannot occur until the preferred network signal falls below a threshold (even if the vehicle modem network signal is stronger), and switching back can occur when the mobile device's preferred network signal rises above the threshold (even if the vehicle modem network signal is stronger). Even subject to such limitations, the ability to dynamically switch between signals without waiting for a complete signal loss can significantly improve the user experience.When potential new connection sources are lost or become available (for example, due to devices whose power state changes or which enter / exit the vehicle), the vehicle computer system or TCU can maintain a list of available networks and their respective signal strengths. This list typically reflects all networks available to the vehicle at any given time. The TCU can also remove SIM profiles, thus preventing the use of a device's SIM profile when the actual device is absent.

[0034] By storing the SIM profiles of all available connected / connectable devices in the vehicle, the system can use these profiles to determine relative network strengths of networks to which these SIM profiles are assigned and provide connectivity based on the strongest available (or otherwise limited) network.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a process for cellular signal utilization. With reference to the illustrative embodiments described in this figure, it is clarified that a general-purpose processor can be temporarily activated as a special-purpose processor to execute some or all of the representative procedures shown herein. When executing code that provides instructions for performing some or all of the steps of the procedure, the processor can be temporarily repurposed as a special-purpose processor until the procedure is complete. In another example, where appropriate, firmware operating according to a pre-configured processor can cause the processor to function as a special-purpose processor deployed to execute the procedure or a suitable variation thereof.

[0036] In this example, a vehicle computer or TCU is already connected to an initial cellular network. Since this process could be triggered at any time during the journey, any suitable, currently connected network signal can be used as the basis for an initial determination of network strength. In a slight variation, if a preferred or primary device is present, but the network accessible based on the device's SIM profile is not currently connected, the process can also include a determination of whether the primary device's associated network signal is above a predetermined threshold.If the primary / preferred network signal is above the threshold, a switch to (or initial use of) the primary device's network can be performed, even if a currently connected network signal is above the predetermined threshold for a switch.

[0037] The process begins by checking the signal strength of a currently used cellular network, which is usable based on a locally available and connectable cellular device at 201. The cellular device could be either a device installed in the vehicle or a device that is somehow connected or linked to a TCU or other vehicle computer system. The process compares a current network signal strength to a predetermined signal strength (which indicates, for example, a usable or preferred minimum signal strength). The predetermined signal strength may be defined by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or the user, depending on the specific implementation. The signal strength or preferred signal may be defined according to various related parameters such as minimum usable signal or minimum throughput, cost, etc.If the signal strength at 203 is above the threshold, the process can loop and continue checking the signal strength until it falls below the threshold. As mentioned earlier, this loop could also include checking the signal strength of a preferred network (if no connection currently exists) and switching to the preferred network if its signal strength is above the threshold. This can occur even if the signal strength of the currently connected network is not below the threshold checked at 203. Other thresholds may be defined for different devices and their associated networks.

[0038] If the network signal strength of the currently connected device is below the predetermined threshold of 203, the process can check the network signal strengths of any other available devices / networks at 205. The modem embedded in the TCU monitors the signal strengths of all cellular networks for all devices in the vehicle for which SIM profiles are available and sorts the signal strength into a list. This can be done, for example, by periodically scanning for available cellular networks and storing the SIM profiles of each device (after connecting to each device and obtaining the SIM profile) locally on the vehicle, and then checking the networks associated with those SIM profiles.For example, if there are two user devices in the vehicle (and both are available for connection) and one vehicle has an onboard modem, and the currently connected network signal strength is below the threshold, the process can check the signal strengths of the other networks associated with the user devices and the onboard modem.

[0039] If one of the alternative networks has a better signal strength at 207, or if the signal strength of the currently connected network is below the threshold, the process selects the available network with the strongest signal for connectivity at 209. In another example, the selection may also be constrained by device preferences, so that a network with a stronger signal or higher signal strength than that of a currently connected network, but not necessarily the highest signal strength, is selected based on other predefined criteria (e.g., without restriction, network or network-related device classification, device / plan identification criteria, onboard device versus mobile device, etc.).

[0040] Once a different network is selected for connectivity, the process sends a command to the consumer device (for which the SIM profile is native) on the new network to disconnect from the network at 210. It then connects a modem embedded in the TCU to the new cellular network using the SIM profile assigned to that network at 211 and can also provide wireless connectivity (e.g., Wi-Fi) services to other devices in the vehicle at 213. This allows each existing wireless device to utilize the strongest (or otherwise selected) signal in conjunction with the vehicle telematics hardware for improved connectivity. Currently, only one device can connect to a network using a SIM profile, so the profile-providing (native) cellular device disconnects from a connected network before the TCU connects.This deregistration can, for example, be based on an instruction from the TCU to the device to deregister. In other embodiments, a mobile network operator can choose to use the most recent connection request as the basis for automatically disconnecting a previously registered device (such as the native device), or multiple connections can be established based on a single set of registration data.

[0041] At step 215, the process determines whether the network in use is a preferred network, that is, the network designated as a preferred or primary network among all currently available network options. In some cases, no preferred network exists (if only secondary-designated user devices are present and there is no preference for a user device over an onboard device), but in other cases, a specific device (or the use of any user device) can be preferred over an onboard modem (where all other conditions, such as signal strength, are equal or within parameter limits). If a preferred network is used, the process loops to continue monitoring the network signal strength.

[0042] If no preferred network is currently in use (e.g., without limitation, if a network associated with an onboard device or a network associated with a secondary device is in use because the signal strength of a preferred network of a primary device is too weak), the process checks the signal strength of any available preferred networks at 217. If any of the preferred networks at 291 exceeds the threshold specified for that network (or the general threshold), the process switches any signals in use to the identified preferred network at 221. Otherwise, the process continues monitoring any available preferred network with a threshold signal strength.

[0043] Again, after switching to the preferred network at 221, the process provides a wireless connection supported by the new network at 223.

[0044] Fig. Figure 3 shows an illustrative process for logging into a selected network. With reference to the illustrative embodiments described in this figure, it should be clarified that a general-purpose processor can be temporarily activated as a special-purpose processor to execute some or all of the exemplary procedures shown herein. When executing code that provides instructions for performing some or all of the steps of the procedure, the processor can be temporarily repurposed as a special-purpose processor until the procedure is completed. In another example, where appropriate, firmware operating according to a pre-configured processor can cause the processor to function as a special-purpose processor provided for executing the procedure or a suitable variation thereof.

[0045] In the illustrative example, the process determines which devices capable of providing SIM profiles with cellular connectivity are available at 301 in a vehicle. These devices may have identified themselves as vehicle computers, or the vehicle computer may search for available devices. The process then connects to the available device(s) at 303, which may involve a sequential connection or a multitude of concurrent device connections, depending on the capabilities and configuration of the vehicle computer system.

[0046] For each connected device, the process logs the mobile network operator, SIM profile, connection / account information, and available network strength (based on the SIM profile) in a network registration list 305. This process can track changes in the relative signal strengths of each network over time (since the telematics control unit can track network signal strength based on the stored SIM profiles), so the list generally reflects the currently available networks and their corresponding signal strengths. If the device (or network) corresponds to a preferred device or is otherwise classifiable as distinct from additional available networks, an identifier may be included on the list to identify the network as a preferred network 309.

[0047] If and when a local connectivity signal is lost from any of the network-providing devices 311, the process removes the device from list 313. This particular signal refers to the signal used to connect the vehicle computer to the device (e.g., Bluetooth) and not the cellular signal from the device to the network. If the device is powered off, Bluetooth or other local connectivity is disabled, the device is removed from the vehicle, or the device otherwise becomes unavailable for use by the vehicle computer, the signal is essentially lost, and the network is no longer a viable option. The SIM profile is removed to prevent unintended use.

[0048] The process continues to manage the list of signals and their strengths, removes lost devices as needed, and if new devices are switched on or come within communication range 315, the process repeats adding the network identifier and additional link parameters for the newly available network provided by the device.

[0049] Fig.Figure 4 illustrates a process for cellular signal / device selection. With reference to the illustrative embodiments described in this figure, it is clarified that a general-purpose processor can be temporarily activated as a special-purpose processor to execute some or all of the exemplary procedures shown herein. When executing code that provides instructions to perform some or all of the steps of the procedure, the processor can be temporarily repurposed as a special-purpose processor until the procedure is complete. In another example, where appropriate, firmware operating according to a pre-configured processor can cause the processor to function as a special-purpose processor deployed to execute the procedure or a suitable variation thereof.

[0050] In this illustrative example, the process registers an active cellular network (i.e., the network currently used for connectivity) with a remote server (401). This typically occurs when connecting to a new cellular network. The remote server uses the identified network connection to communicate with the vehicle, and this identification process in this example also includes sending a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to the remote server (403). Identifying the vehicle allows the remote server to forward remote access and communication requests, which can be routed through the server acting as a gateway, to the identified vehicle over the identified network.

[0051] Identifying the basis for connection (e.g., the SIM profile and / or mobile identification number) enables the gateway server to appropriately route communication across a cellular network. Since the gateway may typically attempt to contact a vehicle by dialing the mobile phone number associated with the vehicle modem, the gateway must know if an alternative to the embedded vehicle SIM profile is being used for connectivity purposes, as dialing the "default" vehicle-associated number will be ineffective in such a case.

[0052] Furthermore, in this example, the process begins with the use of the identified, registered network for telematics communication at 405. This may include, but is not limited to, handling data transmission requests with remote units, handling remote requests for vehicle data or functionality control, navigation services, etc. While the cellular network connection in this example persists at 407 (and / or remains above a predetermined threshold signal strength), a network switchover only occurs if the currently connected network is a non-preferred network and a preferred network with adequate signal strength is available.

[0053] If the cellular signal of the connected network is lost or degrades below a threshold at 407, the process searches for a new network and disconnects from the current network at 409. The connection to the current network can persist until a new network is identified for connection. If the currently connected network is not a preferred network, the process can search for a preferred network with a signal strength above a threshold. If the currently connected network in this example is a preferred network and has a signal strength above the predetermined threshold, the process does not search for another network to connect to. In other examples, the process can switch to a different preferred network if the signal strength of the other preferred network (or other network of equal weight) indicates that improved telematics services could be obtained.

[0054] While searching for an alternative network, the process considers whether any available preferred networks have signal strengths above a predetermined threshold 413 (either a threshold defined for each network individually or for networks in general). If an available preferred network with a signal strength above the threshold is found, the process connects to that network at 415 and maintains that connection until the cellular signal is lost (or a local connection to the device providing network availability is lost and the SIM profile is removed).

[0055] If no preferred network is available above the threshold signal strength at 413, the process determines whether any network is available above the threshold signal strength at 417. Again, the vehicle tracks the current network signal strengths of the networks associated with all stored SIM profiles, so the TCU knows the relative signal strengths of all available networks at any given time.

[0056] If no network has a signal strength above the threshold, the process (if a large number of networks meet these criteria) identifies the network with the highest relative signal strength and connects to this network at 419. Since no preferred networks meeting the signal strength criteria have been found in the process at this point, the process selects the strongest available secondary network.

[0057] If no available networks have a signal strength above the predetermined threshold, the process determines at 421 whether a user or OEM setting indicates that a preferred network should be given priority over a network with the highest residual signal strength. This means the user is more likely to connect to a preferred network with a signal strength below the threshold or to connect to any network with the highest available (but below the threshold) signal strength.

[0058] If the preferred network option is selected, the process connects to the preferred network with the strongest available signal strength at port 423. While the signal strength in this case is below the threshold, this selection represents the best available preferred network. If the signal strength option is selected, the process simply connects to the best available network at port 425, regardless of any preference ranking.

[0059] By utilizing the SIM profiles of available devices in conjunction with vehicle telematics hardware, improved signal strength can be achieved while driving. Providing a dynamic network switching function based on the available signal strength of all available networks allows for the maintenance of better connectivity throughout a journey, eliminating the need for a user to manually switch between available networks after noticing a deterioration in the current signal strength. These concepts can enhance the overall telematics experience for users in a vehicle and reduce dissatisfaction.

[0060] Although representative embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the claimed subject matter. Rather, the terms used in the specification are descriptive and not limiting, and it is understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the features of different implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated.

Claims

[1] System, encompassing: a vehicle-based processor (3) configured for the following: Storing SIM profiles of locally connectable wireless devices in a vehicle memory; Monitoring cellular network signal strengths of other cellular networks (61) associated with other stored SIM profiles while a vehicle (31) is in motion; and In response to the signal strength of a currently connected cellular network (61) falling below a predetermined threshold, the processor (3) automatically selects and connects to another cellular network (61) using an associated stored SIM profile; and the processor (3) is also configured to instruct a locally connectable wireless device, from which the associated stored SIM profile was obtained and used to connect to the other cellular network (61), to disconnect from the other cellular network (61) before the processor (3) automatically connects to the other cellular network (61). [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the locally connectable wireless devices include wireless occupant devices. [3] System according to claim 1, wherein the locally connectable wireless devices include an onboard vehicle modem (63). [4] System according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined threshold includes a complete loss of signal. [5] System according to claim 1, wherein the processor (3) is configured to automatically select one cellular network (61) with a stronger signal than the other cellular network (61). [6] System according to claim 1, wherein the processor (3) is configured to select a cellular network (61) with the strongest signal and a designation as a preferred network (61) over the other network (61) depending on the fact that the signal strength of the selected network (61) is above the predetermined threshold. [7] System according to claim 6, wherein the processor (3) is configured to select a network (61) that is not designated as a preferred network (61) but has a signal strength above the predetermined threshold, as the other network (61) in response to the fact that the cellular network (61) with the strongest signal and designated as a preferred network (61) does not have a signal strength above the predetermined threshold. [8] System according to claim 1, wherein the processor (3) is configured to remove the SIM profile of a locally connectable wireless device from the vehicle memory if the locally connectable wireless device is no longer connectable. [9] System according to claim 1, wherein the processor (3) is configured to switch to a preferred cellular network (61) in response to the fact that a network signal strength of the preferred network (61) is above the predetermined threshold and the currently connected network (61) is not a preferred network (61). [10] Computer-implemented method, comprising: In response to the signal strength of a currently connected network (61) falling below a predetermined threshold, automatically selecting a new network (61) from a list of networks (61) stored in memory that have associated SIM profiles and connecting to it, via a telematics control unit, wherein the list represents wireless networks (61) that are assigned to locally connectable wireless devices; wherein the connection takes place after issuing a disconnect instruction which instructs a device from which a SIM profile selected to provide connectivity to the new network (61) has been obtained to disconnect from the new network (61). [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the locally connectable wireless devices include an onboard vehicle modem (63). [12] Method according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined threshold includes a complete loss of signal. [13] Method according to claim 10, wherein the automatic selection further includes the automatic selection of a network (61) with the highest available signal strength. [14] Method according to claim 10, wherein the locally connectable wireless devices include wireless occupant devices. [15] Computer-implemented method, comprising: In response to the fact that the signal strength of a currently connected network (61) has fallen below a predetermined threshold, a new network (61) is automatically selected from a list of SIM profile-associated networks (61) and corresponding SIM profile connection information stored in memory, and a connection is established to it via a telematics control unit, wherein the list represents wireless networks (61) that are associated with locally connectable wireless devices, the connection being established using the SIM profile connection information after an instruction has been given to a device from which the SIM profile was received to disconnect from the new network (61).

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