Communication device

Abstract

Communication device (100) on board a motor vehicle (105), wherein the communication device (100) is set up for communication in a wireless network (160) depending on a communication profile (130, 135) and comprises the following: - a processing facility (110), - a first data storage device (115) permanently connected to the communication device (100) and configured to record at least one first communication profile (130) and to provide a recorded first communication profile (130); and - a reading device (120) for temporarily receiving a second data storage device (125) which is configured to provide a second communication profile (135) received therein; - for wireless connection of the reader (120) - the communication device (100) and / or the processing device (110) a first interface (145) and - the reader (120) has a second interface (150); - where, if the first (145) and the second interface (150) are within range of each other, a data connection is automatically established; - wherein the communication device (100) is set up to carry out the following steps: - Requesting (315) the entry of a code or PIN to unlock the second communication profile (135) stored in the second data storage (125), - Unlocking (325) the second communication profile (135) after entering (320) the code or PIN, - Determine (330) a communication request originating from a user or terminal of the network (160) and assigned to the second communication profile (135), and - Communicating (335) the communication device (100) using the second communication profile (135) with the network (160) or with one of its terminal devices.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a technique for using a communication profile with a communication device. In particular, the invention relates to a communication device configured for communication in a wireless network.

[0002] A motor vehicle comprises a communications device that is configured for communication in a wireless network, in particular a mobile radio network. Using a communications service in the network typically requires a communications profile that may include information such as a user ID, a telephone number, or an address of a service offered, such as SMS or MMS. The communications profile typically also identifies a person who will pay communications costs. Such a profile is also called a SIM profile (SIM: subscriber identity module) and can be permanently stored on a special data carrier, a SIM card. Alternatively, the SIM profile can be loaded onto a data storage device permanently installed in the communications device, also known as an eSIM (embedded SIM).

[0003] The communication profile is usually provided by a network operator. However, not every operator offers the storage of communication profiles on an eSIM. Some mobile phones can be equipped with a SIM card and support a protocol called SAP (SAP: SIM Access Profile, also rSAP: remote SIM Access Profile), which can be used to provide the communication profile via a local wireless Bluetooth interface. The on-board communication device in the vehicle can participate in the network using this protocol with the communication profile stored on the SIM card in the mobile phone. However, SAP requires a relatively high amount of energy, which can put a strain on the mobile phone's energy storage. More than half of the mobile phones currently available do not support SAP.

[0004] US 2015 / 0 181 644 A1 concerns a communication device with two wired SIM cards.

[0005] US 6 356 769 B1 relates to a communication device with several SIM card compartments for different sized SIM card formats.

[0006] US 2012 / 0 214 450 A1 relates to a communication device with two SIM cards, which are connected wired or wirelessly depending on the design.

[0007] US 2018 / 0 102 812 A1 concerns a communication device with an interface for a SIM card.

[0008] One object underlying the present invention is to provide an improved technique for facilitating the use of a communication profile stored on a SIM card. The invention achieves this object by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Subclaims specify preferred embodiments.

[0009] A communication device is provided on board a motor vehicle, which is configured for communication in a wireless network depending on a communication profile. The communication device comprises a processing device, a first data memory permanently connected to the communication device and configured to receive at least one first communication profile and to provide a received first communication profile; and a reading device for temporarily receiving a second data memory configured to provide a second communication profile stored therein.

[0010] For wireless connection of the reader - the communication device and / or the processing device has a first interface and - the reader has a second interface.

[0011] Furthermore, it is provided that when the first and second interfaces are within range of each other, a data connection is automatically established.

[0012] Furthermore, the communication device is set up to carry out the following steps: - Requesting the entry of a code or PIN to activate the second communication profile stored in the second data memory, - Activation of the second communication profile after entering the code or PIN, - Determining a communication request originating from a user or a terminal device of the network and associated with the second communication profile, and - The communication device communicates with the network or with one of its terminals using the second communication profile.

[0013] The communication device can participate in the network and exchange data using the communication profile stored in the second data storage device. The described technology can be used in particular if a network operator does not provide the communication profile for the first data storage device. The described technology is not limited to the use of a specific mobile phone as a reader. In particular, it is not necessary for a SAP-capable mobile phone to be used. This makes it easier for a user to flexibly use the communication profile stored in the SIM card. The reader does not have to be inseparably connected to the motor vehicle, as described in more detail below.

[0014] The first data storage device can, in particular, comprise an eSIM card, and the second data storage device preferably comprises a SIM card. The reader device can comprise a standalone device configured solely to provide the communication profile stored in the second data storage device. To exchange this information, the communication device and the reader device can support a suitable communication protocol. Alternatively, the reader device can also support additional functions, in particular direct participation in the network based on the locally available communication profile.

[0015] The communication device can be configured to carry out communication related to the motor vehicle using the first communication profile and communication related to a user using the second communication profile. For example, communication whose endpoint comprises a component of the motor vehicle can be carried out using the first communication profile. Such communication can be used, for example, for an automatic emergency call in the event of an accident, for navigation or traffic information, for telemetry or predictive maintenance data. Communication related to the user preferably comprises a voice channel, but can also comprise the exchange of other data, for example text, an image or a video clip, which is directed to the user as a person or originates from the user.

[0016] The communication device preferably comprises an input device for activating the second communication profile stored in the second data memory. The communication profile can be assigned to a user, and the user can enter an activation code, also called a PIN, using the input device. If a correct code is entered, the communication profile can be provided. If the code is missing or an incorrect code is entered, provision of the communication profile can be refused. Alternatively, the input device can also be configured, for example, to scan a biometric feature of the user.

[0017] In conventional designs, the reader is connected via a wired interface.

[0018] According to the invention, the reader is connected via a wireless interface. The wireless interface can be implemented according to a known standard, for example, Bluetooth, WiMAX, or WLAN. This allows a user to carry the reader with them and use the communication profile stored in the second data storage device with different communication devices. For example, the user may have several motor vehicles at their disposal, such as several family cars or several vehicles in a rental car fleet, and the user can flexibly use the reader together with the second data storage device with the communication devices of all vehicles.

[0019] The wirelessly connected reader can be connected, in particular, via Bluetooth LE. LE stands for "low energy" and denotes a variant that requires significantly less electrical power than a traditional Bluetooth connection. The reader can be equipped with a local energy storage device, which then requires less frequent charging. Other names for this technology include BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or Bluetooth Smart.

[0020] In another embodiment, the reading device is supplied with power wirelessly. For example, a charging mat installed on board the motor vehicle for inductive charging, for example, a mobile phone, can be used. The reading device can include a coil through which an alternating electromagnetic field provided by the charging mat can be converted into electrical energy.

[0021] In a refinement, data and electrical energy can be transmitted in an entangled manner. For example, RFID or NFC technology can be used to transmit energy to the reader using an alternating electromagnetic field. The reader can transmit information, for example, by changing its electromagnetic impedance. The changed impedance can cause a change in the absorption of energy from the alternating field, so that the current required to provide the alternating field varies. The changes can be sensed, and the transmitted information extracted. Similarly, information can be transmitted to the reader by modulating the strength of the alternating field.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle comprises a communication device as described herein. The motor vehicle can be used to communicate with the network in an improved manner without placing high demands on a network operator or the reading device.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a reading device is configured to temporarily accommodate a data storage device, wherein the data storage device is configured to provide a second communication profile stored therein. The reading device can be connected to a communication device configured to communicate in a wireless network based on a communication profile, wherein the connection is established via Bluetooth LE. In contrast to a reading device connected via conventional Bluetooth, the reading device can be used for extended periods without requiring recharging of a local energy storage device.

[0024] In another variant, the reader can be connected to the communication device using a combined wireless data and power transmission. This can be achieved, for example, using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). Very different frequencies in the range between a few kilohertz and several gigahertz can be used for power and data transmission. Existing components can be used cost-effectively for one of the purposes described herein.

[0025] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 a communication device on board a motor vehicle, Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary reader for a data storage device for a communication profile; and Fig. 3 a flowchart of a method for providing a communication profile illustrated.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a communication device 100 on board a motor vehicle 105. The communication device 100 typically comprises a processing device 110, a first data memory 115 permanently connected to the communication device 100, and a reading device 120 configured to temporarily receive a second data memory 125. The data memories 115, 125 are each configured to receive a communication profile and provide it, in whole or in part, to the communication device 100.

[0027] The first data memory 115 cannot be removed or replaced by the communication device 100 or the processing device 110 during normal use. One or more first communication profiles 130 can be stored in the first data memory 115, which can subsequently also be modified, overwritten, or deleted. The first data memory 115 can, in particular, comprise an eSIM memory or an eSIM card.

[0028] The second data storage device 125 can, for example, be inserted into or removed from the reading device 120 by a user. The second data storage device 125 can, in particular, be embodied as a SIM card. A connection between the reading device 120 and the second data storage device 125 generally comprises at least one electrical contact; typically, six contact surfaces are formed on the reading device 120, and the second data storage device 125 has a corresponding number of mating contacts. Different sizes of SIM cards can optionally be supported, for example, SIM, mini-SIM, micro-SIM, and / or nano-SIM. In a further embodiment, the reading device 120 is configured to accommodate multiple second data storage devices 125 simultaneously.

[0029] In a first embodiment, a connection 140 between the reader 120 and the communication device 100 or the processing device 110 is wired and can, in particular, comprise a data channel for transmitting information and a power channel for supplying the reader 120 with electrical energy. For example, the connection 140 can be implemented according to one of the USB standards. The communication device 100 or the processing device 110 can have a first interface 145, and the reader 120 can have a second interface 150, which can be connected by means of a suitable cable.

[0030] In a second embodiment, the connection 140 is wireless, with the interfaces 145, 150 being configured as transmitters or receivers, respectively. The wireless connection 140 can be configured, for example, according to a WLAN or Bluetooth standard. Particularly preferably, the connection 140 is configured according to the Bluetooth LE standard, which is typically specified for transmissions over distances of less than approximately 10 meters and, in particular, can require only modest power consumption on the reader 120 side, both during operation and in standby mode. The reader 120 can have a local energy storage device for power supply.

[0031] An energy storage device of the reading device 120 can be occasionally charged using a known wired charger. Alternatively, a wireless charging device can be provided, which can transmit electrical energy to the charger 120, in particular using an alternating electromagnetic field. In yet another embodiment, the wireless data transmission and the wireless energy transmission are combined, for example, according to an RFID standard.

[0032] The reader 120 can be attached to the motor vehicle 105 or operate independently of the motor vehicle 105. In one embodiment, the reader 120 can be freely movable. A user can actively move the reader 120; the reader 120 can be attached to the user's body or to a movable object such as a mobile phone or a key. If a wireless connection 140 is provided, a data connection can be established automatically when the interfaces 145 and 150 are within range of each other.

[0033] The communication device 100 can include an input device 155 for the user. Using the input device 155, the user can, for example, control the establishment of the connection 140 or the activation of the second communication profile 135. In particular, the user can use the input device 155 to enter a code or PIN required to unlock the second communication profile 135. The PIN can be transmitted via the connection 140 to the reader 120 and into the second data storage 125 using a standard exchange protocol.

[0034] The communication device 100 may comprise further elements, not all of which are shown in Fig. 1. For example, an antenna 160 is typically provided for transmitting or receiving wireless information. The antenna 160 may be connected to a transmitting or receiving device, and these may be connected to a modem for converting data into analog signals and back. For ease of illustration, it is assumed that such elements are included in the processing device 110.

[0035] The communication device 100 is configured for communication in a wireless network 160, of which only one transmitting or receiving station is symbolically represented. An operator of the network 160 or a portion thereof enables communication in the network 160 by providing communication profiles 130, 135.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary reader 120 for a second data memory 125 for the second communication profile 135. A cross-section is shown in the left-hand section, and a longitudinal section is shown in the right-hand section. The reader 120 can be compact and, for example, be the size of a coin. A flat, cylindrical shape is chosen as an example, although virtually any other shape is also possible. The reader 120 optionally includes an eyelet 205 for attachment, for example, as a key chain to a key ring.

[0037] The reading device 120 comprises a housing 210 and a receptacle 215 for the second data storage device 125. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection 140 is wireless, and the second interface 150 comprises an antenna 220. An energy storage device 225 can be provided for energy supply. To charge the energy storage device 225, a suitable electrical plug connection or a coil 230 can be included, which is configured to provide electrical energy from an alternating electromagnetic field. In a further embodiment, the energy storage device 225 is omitted, and the energy supply is provided directly by means of the coil 230. In yet another embodiment, the antenna 220 is omitted, and the data transmission is carried out by modulating the alternating field applied to the coil 230. A processing device 235 can be provided to control processes in the reading device 120. Electrical connections within the reading device 120 are not included. Fig. 2 shown.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of a method 300 for providing a second communication profile 135. The method 300 can be carried out, in particular, by means of a communication device 100. Parts of the method 300 can be executed, in particular, by means of the processing device 110 and / or the processing device 235. For this purpose, one of the processing devices can comprise a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller, and the method 300 can be in the form of a computer program product with program code means. The computer program product can also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method specified herein can be transferred to the communication device 100 or the reading device 120, or vice versa.

[0039] For example, a wireless connection 140 is assumed; a modification of the method 300 for using a wired connection 140 can be easily carried out by a competent person in the art. In a step 305, the second data storage device 125—for example, in the form of a SIM card—can be inserted into the reader 120. If the reader 120 has an energy storage device 225, this can be charged. In a step 310, the reader 120 comes within range of the communication device 100, and in a step 315, a first data exchange can take place between the communication device 100 and the reader 120. The data exchange can serve to prepare for or request the entry of a code or PIN, which may be necessary to activate the second communication profile 135 stored in the second data storage device 125.

[0040] In a step 320, the user can enter the PIN using the input device 155, and the second communication profile 125 can be unlocked using the PIN. The second communication profile 125 can be provided to the communication device 100 in a step 325. After performing this step 325, data transmission between the network 160 and the communication device 100 can be enabled using the second communication profile 135. Data transmission can include incoming or outgoing data or an incoming or outgoing connection.

[0041] In a step 330, a communication request can be determined that is preferably assigned to the second communication profile 135. Another communication request, which is assigned to the first communication profile 130 and stored in the first data memory 110 of the communication device 100, will not be considered further here. The communication request can originate from the user or from a terminal device of the network 160. Subsequently, in a step 335, the communication device 100 can communicate with the network 160 or one of its terminal devices using the second communication profile 135.

[0042] In a step 340, the reader 120 may move out of range of the communication device 100, causing the connection 140 to become unreliable or to be lost completely. Communication is typically still possible for a predetermined period of time; however, after this period, for example, approximately seven seconds, the communication is typically terminated. Communication can be resumed once the connection 140 is re-established. This function is typically part of a communication process between the communication device 100 and the network 160. Reference symbol 100 communication device 105 Motor vehicle 110 Processing facility 115 first data storage 120 readers 125 second data storage 130 first communication profile 135 second communication profile 140 connection 145 first interface 150 second interface 155 Input device 160 Network 205 eyelet 210 housing 215 recording 220 antenna 225 energy storage units 300 procedures 305 Insert SIM card into reader 310 Reader comes within range of the communication device 315 Data exchange 320 Enter PIN, Unlock 325 Provide communication profile 330 Determine communication request 335 Communication with communication profile 340 Reader is out of range of the communication device 345 End communication

Claims

[1] Communication device (100) on board a motor vehicle (105), wherein the communication device (100) is configured for communication in a wireless network (160) depending on a communication profile (130, 135) and comprises the following: - a processing device (110), - a first data memory (115) which is permanently connected to the communication device (100) and is configured to record at least one first communication profile (130) and to provide a recorded first communication profile (130); and - a reading device (120) for temporarily receiving a second data memory (125) which is configured to provide a second communication profile (135) recorded therein; - whereby for the wireless connection of the reader (120) - the communication device (100) and / or the processing device (110) has a first interface (145) and - the reader (120) has a second interface (150); - wherein, when the first (145) and the second interface (150) are within range of each other, a data connection is automatically established; - wherein the communication device (100) is configured to carry out the following steps: - requesting (315) the entry of a code or a PIN to activate the second communication profile (135) stored in the second data memory (125), - Activation (325) of the second communication profile (135) after entry (320) of the code or PIN, - determining (330) a communication request originating from a user or a terminal of the network (160) and associated with the second communication profile (135), and - communicating (335) the communication device (100) using the second communication profile (135) with the network (160) or with one of its terminals. [2] Communication device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the communication device (100) is configured to - a communication related to the motor vehicle (105) by means of the first communication profile (130) and - to carry out a communication related to a user by means of the second communication profile (135). [3] Communication device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an input device (155) is provided for activating the second communication profile (135) stored in the second data memory (125). [4] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reading device (120) is connected by means of Bluetooth LE. [5] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a wireless charging device which wirelessly supplies the reading device (120) with energy by means of an alternating electromagnetic field. [6] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein data and electrical energy are transmitted in an entangled manner. [7] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (130) and the second communication profile (135) is or comprises a SIM profile. [8] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first data memory (115) comprises an eSIM memory and / or wherein the second data memory (125) is designed as a SIM card. [9] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reading device (120) has six contact surfaces intended for contacting six mating contacts of the second data memory (125). [10] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (130) and / or the second communication profile (135) - an identifier of the user, - a telephone number or - includes an address of a service offered. [11] Motor vehicle (105) comprising a communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

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