Vehicle Telematics Voice Fallback Strategy for Cellular Roaming Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle telematics units face challenges in establishing efficient wireless communications with call centers due to varying wireless communication protocols and high data roaming costs, necessitating a method to judiciously select connection strategies that minimize roaming costs and ensure reliable voice and data connections.
Innovation Solution
A voice fallback connection method for vehicle telematics units that attempts origination of a voice channel cellular connection using previously attached base stations, establishing a modem data connection if successful, and employing alternative connection strategies if primary attempts fail, including retry methods and fallback to voice-only calls to minimize data roaming costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication protocols are available for vehicle telematics units, then communication versatility is improved, but connection complexity and cost management become worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting connection parameters such as protocol selection, base station attachment status, and connection type (voice vs. data) based on current network conditions and cost considerations. The system changes operational parameters to optimize both versatility and complexity management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a flexible, adaptive connection strategy that can dynamically switch between different protocols and connection methods. The system continuously evaluates available protocols and adjusts its connection approach in real-time based on network availability, cost factors, and communication requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data roaming is used for vehicle telematics communication, then communication coverage is improved, but communication cost is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking attachment status to base stations before initiating data roaming connections. The system performs preliminary checks to determine if a previously attached base station is available, and if so, uses that existing attachment to avoid costly data roaming charges while maintaining communication coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a decision-making layer that mediates between the need for communication coverage and the cost of data roaming. This intermediary logic evaluates multiple factors including attachment status, protocol availability, and cost considerations to select the optimal connection path.
3Reliability
If voice channel connection is attempted first before data connection, then connection reliability is improved, but connection time is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by attempting to attach to a previously attached base station before establishing the actual communication connection. This preliminary attachment check ensures that the subsequent connection attempt is more likely to succeed, improving reliability while minimizing additional time through the use of pre-established base station relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for making vehicle originated calls to a telematics service provider or other call center. The method includes identifying a call type associated with a desired wireless communication of speech or data to the call center, and then carrying out one of a number of different call connection processes depending on the call type. For voice channel cellular connections, an in-band modem cellular connection is preferably established in most instances using a connection retry strategy that includes primary, secondary, and possibly tertiary connection attempts. The system and method can be carried out in connection with various cellular system technologies, but is especially suited for use with GSM systems.