Telematics Data Routing via Dynamic Protocol Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular networks lack effective means to ascertain the IP address of a vehicle telematics unit for IP connectivity, leading to costly and cumbersome voice-based methods, and SMS has limitations in security and message length for data transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the availability of an IP connection with the vehicle, using IP for secure and large messages, SMS for smaller secure messages, and establishing a PPP session for future use, allowing alternative carriers like WiFi for connectivity when necessary, enabling targeted location-based services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voice call is used to obtain IP address, then IP connectivity can be established, but communication cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SMS message as an intermediary to convey the IP address from the telematics unit to the call center. Instead of requiring a voice call to establish IP connectivity, the system uses SMS as a mediator to transmit the IP address information, thereby eliminating the need for expensive voice minutes while maintaining reliable IP connection establishment.
2Ease of operation
If SMS is used for data transmission, then message delivery is simple, but security level and message length are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic message delivery system that adapts the transmission method based on the security requirements and message characteristics. The system dynamically selects between SMS and IP-based transmission: using SMS for simple, short, non-sensitive messages, and switching to IP connectivity for large or secure messages. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission parameter (protocol selection) based on message requirements. By evaluating message size, security level, and content type, the system adjusts the transmission method parameter - using SMS protocol for simple cases and IP protocol for complex cases - thereby optimizing both ease of operation and security level according to specific needs.
3Productivity
If IP connection is established frequently, then data transmission efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing and maintaining IP connections proactively before they are needed. The system keeps IP connections alive through periodic keep-alive messages and pre-establishes connectivity when the vehicle is known to be in range, so that when data transmission is required, the connection is already ready. This eliminates the need for frequent connection establishment and teardown cycles, improving efficiency while managing complexity through predictive connection management.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved mobile connectivity system and method allow for data transfers, such as related to service delivery, to and from mobile wireless units in an economical and secure manner. The system utilizes existing IP connectivity when available and otherwise determines an appropriate data exchange mechanism based on the length and security requirements of the intended exchange. Data exchange mechanisms include SMS, IP and other suitable protocols, and wireless carriers include cellular and non-cellular wireless carriers. In an example, each subscriber unit periodically, or when triggered, sends its location to a call center to allow the delivery of location-based services.