Telematics Device Configuration via Two-Way SMS Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for configuring telematics devices in vehicles are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and costly due to reliance on manual entry or circuit-switched data communication, which are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
Configuring telematics devices using two-way short message service (SMS) with a series of binary SMS messages to update parameters such as MIN, MDN, SID, NAI/password, OTASP number, and PRL flag, enabling over-the-air service provisioning and setting additional system settings like button behavior and language.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual entry or circuit switched data communication is used for configuring telematics devices, then configuration can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual entry (mechanical human operation) with automated SMS-based configuration. The system uses automated message exchange between the telematics device and configuration server to programmatically set parameters, eliminating the need for manual keyboard entry and reducing configuration time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter from circuit-switched data communication to packet-switched SMS messaging. This parameter change enables more efficient use of cellular network resources and allows parallel configuration of multiple devices, improving overall configuration productivity while reducing network resource consumption.
2Reliability
If circuit switched data via cellular voice channel is used for configuration, then parameters can be transmitted, but airtime and system utilization costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes circuit-switched voice channel with packet-switched SMS messaging. SMS messages are transmitted over the cellular data network using packet switching, which is more efficient for small data transmissions. This reduces airtime consumption and network resource utilization while maintaining reliable parameter transmission.
3Ease of operation
If manual entry of configuration parameters is used, then configuration can be completed, but the process becomes resource-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service configuration where the telematics device automatically receives and processes configuration parameters via SMS messages. The device autonomously parses the incoming messages, extracts configuration data, and applies settings without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for configuring a telematics device is constructed so as to use two-way short message service (SMS) to provide improved configuration execution. Mobile identification number (MIN), Mobile Directory Number (MDH), Home System Identification (SID) number, SID/NID pairs, NAI/password for packet data, over the air service provisioning (OTASP) number, and Preferred Roaming List (PRL) flag can be easily updated with no manual or voice channel configuration actions. In addition, other system settings such as button behavior, language, call barring, adding units to hands-free calling, etc. may be updated as well. In an example, a series of binary SMS messages configures the telematics device, with a subset of the messages being used specifically for configuration while the remaining message initiates a packet data session to complete additional configuration.