Communication Module Lifecycle Deactivation via Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of communication networks face challenges in determining when a vehicle's communication module, such as those equipped with eCall solutions, has reached the end of its lifecycle, leading to high administration and operational costs due to the difficulty in setting a User identification device, like a SIM card, into an Out-of-Service-State.
Innovation Solution
A method where a signal characterizing the end of lifecycle is generated within a vehicle's control device and transmitted to the communication module, which then sends a message to a central processing device to deactivate the User identification device, ensuring it is set into an irreversible Out-of-Service-State.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual checking of SIM devices is performed to determine end of lifecycle, then accuracy of lifecycle detection is improved, but administration and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module automatically detects the end of lifecycle by monitoring its own operational status and sending a deactivation message to the network operator when the vehicle reaches end of lifecycle, eliminating the need for manual checking by operators
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the end of lifecycle condition by the communication module itself before manual intervention would be required, allowing automatic initiation of the deactivation process
2Device complexity
If indirect conclusion method is used to determine SIM device lifecycle status, then operational complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module autonomously determines its own lifecycle status by monitoring its operational state and sending explicit deactivation messages to the network operator, providing accurate lifecycle status information without requiring complex manual verification procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module provides feedback to the network operator about its operational status by automatically sending deactivation messages when the vehicle reaches end of lifecycle, enabling accurate lifecycle tracking without manual intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If SIM device remains active after vehicle end of lifecycle, then device versatility is maintained, but harmful factors increase due to security risks and administrative burden
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module performs preliminary deactivation by sending a deactivation message to the network operator before the SIM device is physically removed or the vehicle is scrapped, ensuring the device is securely deactivated in advance to eliminate security risks
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by deactivating the SIM device through network operator receipt of the deactivation message before any potential security threats can arise from the device remaining active in an end-of-life vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of setting a User identification device (16), for example a SIM device, within a communication module (14) into an Out-of-Service-State at the end of lifecycle of said communication module (14) or of a device (10) incorporating such a communication module (14), said communication module (15) being allocated to a communications network (15). In order to provide solutions which easily allow to setting a User identification device within a communication module into an Out-of-Service-State at the end of lifecycle without creating any high administration and operational cost, the method is being characterized by the following steps: a) within a control device (11), which is at least temporarily in connection with said communication module (14), a signal characterizing the end of lifecycle is generated; b) the signal characterizing the end of lifecycle is transmitted from said control device (11) to said communication module (14); c) based on the received signal a message is sent (19) via said communications network (15) from the communication module (14) to a central processing device (18), which is allocated to said communications network (15), said message containing information that the User identification device (16) shall be taken Out-of-Service, d) within said central processing device (18), based on the received message the User identification device (16) is set into an Out-of-Service-State. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a communication module (14) and to a system (100).