Vehicle Interface Module Provisioning via Segmented Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle telematics systems lack efficient methods for provisioning and activating vehicle interface modules (VIMs) across different levels, including manufacturers, dealerships, and telematics services providers, leading to complexities in customization, data management, and service activation.
Innovation Solution
A systematic approach for provisioning VIMs involving manufacturing, testing, and configuration at the manufacturer level, followed by dealership-level installation and verification, and telematics services provider-level data association, utilizing test and inactive SIM cards, and over-the-air software updates to ensure seamless integration and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If VIMs are pre-configured and activated at the manufacturer level, then service activation time is reduced, but device complexity and provisioning costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring VIMs with default settings, installing test SIM cards, and performing functional tests at the manufacturer level before shipping to dealerships. This advance preparation reduces activation time at the dealership while the system manages the associated complexity through automated provisioning workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning process is segmented into distinct phases: manufacturer-level configuration and testing, shipping to dealership, and final activation at the dealership. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining efficiency benefits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If VIMs are customized for specific vehicle makes and models, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing VIMs with a common platform that can be configured for multiple vehicle makes and models. The system uses standardized interfaces and configuration files that allow a single VIM design to serve multiple vehicle types, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by providing vehicle-specific configuration files and parameters tailored to each make and model while maintaining a universal hardware platform. This allows customization only where necessary (in software configuration) rather than requiring different hardware designs for each vehicle type.
3Reliability
If functional testing is performed at the manufacturer level, then reliability is improved, but testing time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs functional testing at the manufacturer level as a preliminary action before shipping VIMs to dealerships. This advance testing ensures reliability by identifying and correcting issues early, while the standardized test procedures and automated systems minimize the time and resources required.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides systems and methods for provisioning a vehicle interface module comprising receiving a VIM from a VIM manufacturer and entering appropriate VIM data into a dealer inventory, activating a SIM card for the VIM and installing the VIM in a predetermined vehicle, selecting a wireless activated VIM from the dealer inventory and connecting the VIM to an OBD-II port of the vehicle, connecting a configuration PC to the VIM and downloading a modem configuration, selecting and downloading a vehicle-specific configuration file, accessing a telematics services provider's web portal, entering appropriate vehicle data, and associating the vehicle with the VIM, installing the VIM in the predetermined vehicle, and conducting an installation verification test.