Telematics Network Access Device Using Secondary SIM for Operator Flexibility

Solution Overview

Problem

In automotive telematics systems, switching between SIM cards for different mobile operators disrupts communication between telematics service providers and devices, limiting access to advanced features like vehicle security and navigation.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that uses a network access device with a processor and antenna to send identifiers to a telematics service provider, allowing it to determine whether data should be processed by the network access device or a secondary device, enabling seamless communication and feature access without requiring a separate antenna or hands-free kit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the driver replaces the telematics system's SIM card with a mobile phone's SIM card to use different mobile operators, then the driver can access different mobile operators' services, but the telematics service provider can no longer communicate with the telematics device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile operator flexibilityVSAvoidtelematics service communication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the SIM card functionality into two distinct components: a primary SIM card embedded in the telematics system for maintaining service provider communication, and a secondary removable SIM card for mobile operator flexibility. This segmentation allows each SIM card to serve its specific purpose independently without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network access device acts as an intermediary between the telematics system and mobile devices. It receives data from the telematics service provider and determines whether to process it locally or forward it to a secondary device, enabling seamless communication while allowing SIM card switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the telematics system uses a fixed SIM card for service provider communication, then reliable telematics service is maintained, but the driver cannot easily switch between different mobile operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetelematics service communicationVSAvoidmobile operator flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the SIM card functionality into two distinct components: a primary SIM card embedded in the telematics system for maintaining service provider communication, and a secondary removable SIM card for mobile operator flexibility. This segmentation allows each SIM card to serve its specific purpose independently without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network access device is designed to handle multiple functions: it communicates with the telematics service provider using the primary SIM card, interfaces with mobile devices using the secondary SIM card, and determines data routing based on current needs. This multi-functionality enables the system to maintain reliability while providing operator flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a separate antenna or hands-free kit is added to enable SIM card switching, then mobile operator flexibility is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile operator flexibilityVSAvoidantenna and hardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network access device is designed to handle multiple functions: it communicates with the telematics service provider using the primary SIM card, interfaces with mobile devices using the secondary SIM card, and determines data routing based on current needs. This multi-functionality enables the system to maintain reliability while providing operator flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The network access device autonomously determines whether to process data locally or forward it to a secondary device based on the SIM card configuration and current needs, eliminating the need for external control hardware or complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8798587B2Systems and methods for using two or more subscriber identification module cards in telematics applications

Publication Date: 2014.08.05 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A system for providing access to a telematics service provider has a network access device and an antenna in communication with the network access device. The antenna provides wireless communication between the processor and the telematics service provider. A processor of the network access device is configured to send an equipment identifier and a subscriber identifier of a network access device to the a telematics service provider, send an equipment identifier of the network access device and the subscriber identifier of a secondary device to the telematics service provider, and determine if data received from the telematics service provider is to be processed by the processor of the network access device or the secondary device.