Method for operating a mobile communication device and mobile communication device

• US 8,670,784 B2
• Filed: 08/07/2010
• Issued: 03/11/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Audi AG (Volkswagen AG)
• Original Assignee: Audi AG (Volkswagen AG)
• Inventors: Sellschopp, Stefan
• Primary Examiner(s): Magloire, Vladimir
• Application Number:
  US13/498,028
• Publication Number:
  US 20120252428A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,312 Days
• Field of Search: 455406-408, 4554561-4566, 340/988, 340/989
• US Class Current: 455/456.1
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/20 Instruments for performing navigational calculations G01C21/24, G01C21/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0826 for reduction of network costs H04L41/0833 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0883 Semiautomatic configuration, e.g. proposals from system
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/06 specially adapted for file transfer, e.g. file transfer protocol [FTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/52 specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/535 Tracking the activity of the user network monitoring arrangements H04L43/00; recording of computer activity G06F11/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/61 taking into account QoS or priority requirements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/50 Service provisioning or reconfiguring

Abstract

A mobile communication device having the capability of using the Internet does the same depending on a situation. For example, in the home country, to which a flat rate applies, larger amounts of data are downloaded during Internet use than in foreign countries, to which a flat rate does not apply. Corresponding situation profiles can be set by a user. The Internet can then be used in a cost-optimized manner.

Claims

1. A method for operating a mobile communication device having Internet capability, comprising:

establishing a plurality of different situation profiles, each situation profile defining a different situation using at least one situation parameter, each situation profile having an associated requirement that specifies a permitted extent of Internet utilization;

storing the situation profiles in a user account in a central data processing device, the user account being assigned to a motor vehicle;

establishing a data link between the mobile communication device and the motor vehicle;

conveying identification information for the motor vehicle to the central data processing device;

matching the identification information with the user account stored in the central data processing device, in order to call up situation profiles from the user account;

before or during utilization of the Internet by the mobile communication device, determining a current value for each situation parameter based on a current situation; and

downloading data from the Internet to the extent specified by the requirement associated with the situation profile defined by the current value.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein

a location situation parameter is used for classifying a location of the mobile communication device, and

the location situation parameter has a current value which is detected by a position detection device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein an operator situation parameter is used for designating a user of the mobile communication device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein

the requirement associated with each situation profile specifies a permitted number and permitted resolution of images to be downloaded during utilization of the Internet, and/or

the requirement associated with each situation profile specifies a permitted bit rate while downloading audio files, and/or

the requirement associated with each situation profile specifies Internet filter settings.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein

the requirement associated with each situation profile specifies a permitted number and permitted resolution of images to be downloaded during utilization of the Internet, specifies a permitted bit rate while downloading audio files, and specifies Internet filter settings.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

during utilization of the Internet, determining a total data volume sum for Internet data usage by the mobile communication device; and

reporting the data volume sum to a user.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising reporting the data volume sum to the central data processing device.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

during utilization of the Internet in the current situation, determining a total data volume sum for Internet data usage by the mobile communication device; and

reporting the data volume sum to a user.

9. The method according to claim 2, wherein an operator situation parameter is used for designating a user of the mobile communication device.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein

the requirement associated with each situation profile specifies a permitted number and permitted resolution of images to be downloaded during utilization of the Internet, specifies a permitted bit rate while downloading audio files, and specifies Internet filter settings.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

during utilization of the Internet in the current situation, determining a total data volume sum for Internet data usage by the mobile communication device; and

reporting the data volume sum to a user.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising reporting the data volume sum to the central data processing device.