Abstract: A technique and system are provided for executing retry procedures to resolve a packet connection failure during a CDMA 1xRTT packet session. In particular, the DTE is configured and controlled to retry based on either failure signals from the NAD or the Application Service Timer. Moreover, in one aspect, the DIE is configured and controlled to retry the packet connection selectively for traffic channel assignment failure, PPP connection failure, TCP/IP connection failure and Application service failure. In this way, the end user will experience a shorter service delivery time for packet-based telematics services.

Abstract: The described method and system provide for processing telematics service-related calls on a telematics-equipped vehicle when the vehicle ignition is off. By utilizing one or more call timers, the described invention is able to prevent excessive drain to the vehicle battery while still providing broad access to telematics services when the vehicle ignition is off. Certain types of calls may be excepted from the call timers, and different types of calls may use different call timers. A call center may also intervene and modify the process by changing the values of the timers.

Abstract: A system and method of extending the range of a vehicle telematics unit includes determining that a vehicle telematics unit is outside of a geographic range beyond which time division multiple access (TDMA) transmissions sent from the vehicle telematics unit to a base station arrive at the base station after a time slot allocated to the vehicle telematics unit in a time frame has passed; calculating a time delay that causes the TDMA transmissions to arrive at the base station in the allocated time slot of a subsequent time frame; and sending TDMA transmissions from the vehicle telematics unit at a time determined using the time delay.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating between a vehicle and a central facility includes initiating at a vehicle a request for turn-by-turn directions; establishing a packet-switched call between the vehicle and a central facility using a wireless carrier system and a mobile dialed number (MDN) associated with the vehicle; receiving determined route information at the vehicle from the central facility via the packet-switched call; offering a vehicle occupant a service option that uses a circuit-switched call; and if the vehicle occupant accepts the service option, directing the wireless carrier system to establish the circuit-switched call using the MDN while maintaining the packet-switched call in a dormant state.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and reporting telematics unit communication network system acquisition and scanning performance is disclosed herein. An example of the method includes monitoring a scan of all cellular networks that are available to a vehicle telematics unit, and during the monitoring, recognizing a predetermined trigger. In response to the predetermined trigger, a memory buffer in the telematics unit stores data associated with at least one of performance or outcome of the scan. At least some of the stored data is transmitted from the telematics unit to a server in selective communication with the telematics unit.

Abstract: A method and communications system for generating and using compact digital certificates for secure wireless communication. Each compact certificate includes a digital signature and only a portion of the data used in generating the signature. The remaining certificate data is pre-stored on one or more wireless devices for which secure communication is desired. Upon receiving a compact certificate, the wireless device authenticates the certificate using its digital signature along with both the data contained in the certificate and the data pre-stored on the wireless device. This approach permits secure connections to be established between wireless devices using relatively small digital certificates.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a communication message to a vehicle occupant using a vehicle telematics unit. The method carried out by the system involves receiving a broadcasted message having a plurality of different codes at a vehicle telematics unit, generating a text message by converting at least some of the codes into one or more words, and concatenating the words together to form the text message. The method further involves presenting the text message to an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The described method and system provide for over-the-air configuration of a telematics-equipped vehicle by wireless carriers and telematics service providers (TSPs). Regardless of whether a telematics-equipped vehicle has been provisioned for cellular service or not, the TSP and wireless carrier may control undesirable location updating from the vehicle, for example, by setting certain triggers or conditions upon the telematics unit before processing location updates provided by the telematics unit. These triggers or conditions may also be programmed into the telematics unit, whether through an OTA configuration session, or pre-loaded during manufacture. The TSP or wireless carrier may conduct OTA configuration sessions with the telematics unit to provision the telematics unit for cellular service, or provide the telematics unit with software or firmware updates.

Abstract: Vehicle telematics systems and methods for vehicle telematics systems are provided. The telematics system includes a first antenna, a second antenna, and a processing device. The first antenna is disposed at a first location on the vehicle. The second antenna is disposed at a second location on the vehicle. The second location is remote from the first location. The processing device is coupled to the first antenna and the second antenna. The processing device is configured to monitor a parameter that is indicative as to whether the first antenna is operational, communicate using the first antenna if the parameter indicates that the first antenna is operational, and communicate using the second antenna if the parameter indicates that the first antenna is not operational.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a system and method for efficiently establishing a data call connection from a TSP call center to deactivated telematics units without a subscriber profile being in an HLR or VLR and without the use of a “500” number. An equipment identifier associated with a deactivated telematics unit may be delivered to the wireless network provider, and a calling line ID based on the equipment identifier and a common number for deactivated telematics units may be translated into a paging address through which the deactivated telematics unit may be paged. An appropriate paging strategy based on the network topology may be used to page the deactivated telematics unit and establish a data call connection with the deactivated telematics unit. The deactivated telematics unit may then be provisioned or perform or have performed on it other functions based on the data call connection.

Abstract: A method of operating a telematics unit includes replacing a mobile identification number (MIN) or a mobile dialed number (MDN) stored in a telematics unit with a temporary geographical mobile identification number (GMIN) that prevents the telematics unit from using all of its features; associating the GMIN with a mobile equipment identification number (MEID) of the vehicle telematics unit; storing the associated GMIN and MEID at a central facility; paging the telematics unit using the associated GMIN and MEID; and instructing the telematics unit via the page to communicate with the central facility over a wireless data connection.

Abstract: 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 each of which utilize at least one of a number of different voice and data call origination processes. The system and method can be carried out in connection with various cellular system technologies, but is especially suited for use with GSM systems.

Abstract: 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 each of which utilize at least one of a number of different voice and data call origination processes. The system and method can be carried out in connection with various cellular system technologies, but is especially suited for use with GSM systems.

Abstract: The described invention provides a method and system for allowing subscribers of a telematics service provider (TSP) to make hands-free phone calls within their vehicles through a telematics unit over a network or hardware-based pre-pay system, wherein the telematics unit or a wireless network provider associated with the TSP controls the ingoing and outgoing hands-free calling (HFC) processes. The wireless network provider, through its system at a remote call center or through the telematics unit, may determine whether the subscriber has subscribed to the TSP's HFC service, whether the subscriber has a sufficient remaining balance to initiate, receive or continue a call, and whether a user of the telematics unit is “roaming.” When a user attempts to make or receive a call through the telematics unit, the wireless network provider or the telematics unit may handle the incoming or outgoing call processing, and may further provide subscriber account balance notifications to the user.

Abstract: A method for establishing a wireless, mobile-terminated data connection with a telematics-equipped vehicle so that data can be sent to and received from the vehicle. Generally, the method involves receiving network address update information from a wireless carrier system, using the network address update information to determine if a network address currently exists for a particular telematics-equipped vehicle, and using the current network address (if one exists) to establish a wireless, mobile-terminated data connection with the telematics-equipped vehicle. This method addresses some of the challenges involved in creating a mobile-terminated data connection with a device that has a temporary or dynamic network address.

Abstract: A method of communicating with a telematics-equipped vehicle includes receiving a circuit-switched telephone call at a central facility from a telematics-equipped vehicle via a wireless carrier system that is in local communication with the telematics-equipped vehicle; determining during the circuit-switched telephone call that a separate packet-data communication session between the telematics-equipped vehicle and the central facility is desired; identifying the wireless carrier system that is in local communication with the telematics-equipped vehicle; querying the identified wireless carrier system from the central facility to determine whether the telematics-equipped vehicle is authorized to establish a packet-data communication session using the identified wireless carrier system; if so, obtaining an Internet protocol (IP) address from the identified wireless carrier system; and commencing the exchange of data between the telematics-equipped vehicle and the central facility using the obtained IP address.

Abstract: A vehicle telematics unit or other electronic hardware in a vehicle authenticates an incoming SMS message and provides additional security features above and beyond those inherent to the SMS protocol. A call center uses a mathematical function to derive a security code, and then sends an SMS message to the vehicle. The telematics unit can utilize the transmitted information to authenticate the sender of the SMS message and/or its contents. One group of suitable mathematical functions utilizes keyed-hash message authentication codes (HMACs).