Paired Alias Equipment SIM Switching for Vehicle Call Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alias equipment (AE) devices, which combine in-car WiFi hotspots, vehicle trackers, and diagnostic tools, lack voice capabilities despite being data-capable, leading to frustration when misplaced or stolen as they cannot make voice calls.
Innovation Solution
Pairing a subscriber identity module (SIM) in a user equipment (UE) with a SIM in the AE, allowing the AE to register for voice and data connections when the UE is not registered, enabling outgoing and incoming voice calls using the vehicle's phone interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the AE uses a data-only SIM card, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the voice calling capability is lost when the UE is misplaced or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the SIM card capability between data-only and voice-capable modes based on the operational status of the UE. When the UE is operational and connected, the AE SIM remains data-only. When the UE is misplaced or stolen, the system activates voice capability on the AE SIM, allowing the user to make and receive calls from the AE device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of SIM card functionality from static (always data-only) to dynamic (switching between data-only and voice-capable). This is achieved by configuring the AE SIM to support both data and voice, but only activating voice capability when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining simplicity and providing adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the AE is registered for voice and data connections always, then voice calling capability is maintained, but network resources are wasted when the UE is operational
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the registration status of the AE for voice services based on UE availability. When the UE is operational and connected to the network, the AE is registered only for data services, conserving network resources. When the UE is misplaced or stolen, the system registers the AE for both voice and data services, ensuring voice calling capability is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of the AE SIM to support both voice and data capabilities, but only activates voice registration when the UE is determined to be misplaced or stolen. This preliminary preparation allows rapid switching without requiring physical SIM changes or complex reconfiguration, while avoiding unnecessary network resource consumption during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If the AE can make voice calls independently, then user convenience is improved when UE is lost, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The AE device is designed with universal capability to support both data-only and voice-call functions through a single SIM card configuration. The device hardware includes voice calling infrastructure, but the functionality is selectively activated based on UE status. This multi-functionality approach allows the AE to serve as both a data device and a voice communication device when needed, improving user convenience without requiring separate devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Solutions are disclosed that provide call capability for an alias equipment (AE) having a subscriber identity module (SIM) that is paired with a SIM of a user equipment (UE). An AE may be a combination of an in-car WiFi hotspot, vehicle tracker, and diagnostic code reader that uses a cellular connection to provide smart connectivity for an automobile. When the automobile is operational (i.e., running), the AE registers with a wireless network (e.g., cellular network). If the UE is currently registered, the AE is registered for data only (i.e., no voice), whereas, if the UE is not currently registered, the AE is registered for both voice and data. A voice and data registration permits the AE to make and receive calls. If the user misplaces the UE, the AE may be temporarily moved to a voice and data registration to alert contacts that the UE is missing.