Information Processing with External Cellular Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles face challenges in maintaining communication connectivity due to generational changes in cellular network standards, necessitating costly replacements of built-in communication modules.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that utilizes an externally-connected communication apparatus, such as a SIM card, to access a cellular network and receive authentication from a communication system, allowing for seamless transition through stored authentication data without requiring a built-in cellular module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a built-in cellular communication module is used to maintain communication connectivity, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring hardware replacements with network standard changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the authentication function from the communication module by storing authentication data in general storage (e.g., file system or database) rather than embedding it in the cellular module itself. This segmentation allows the authentication credentials to be independently managed and updated without replacing the entire communication hardware, thus maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the authentication data storage universal by using a standard storage interface that can accommodate different types of authentication credentials for various network standards (4G, 5G, etc.). This multi-functionality allows the same hardware configuration to support multiple communication standards without requiring specialized storage for each standard, thereby reducing the need for hardware replacements.
2Reliability
If authentication data is stored in the communication module itself, then authentication reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when network standards change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication data from the communication module and stores it in a separate, accessible storage location within the host system. This extraction allows the authentication credentials to be independently updated to match changing network standards without affecting the communication module hardware, thereby maintaining authentication reliability while improving adaptability to new standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic authentication data management by allowing the authentication credentials to be updated in the storage system according to network standard changes. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to evolving communication standards (from 4G to 5G and beyond) while maintaining reliable authentication through properly managed credential updates.
3Reliability
If a dedicated communication module with embedded authentication is used, then communication security is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service maintenance of authentication data by implementing automated detection and update mechanisms. The system can automatically detect when authentication credentials need updating (e.g., when network standards change) and retrieve new credentials from remote servers, eliminating the need for manual intervention or specialized repair services while maintaining security through proper credential management.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An information processing apparatus (10) comprises a storage configured to store first authentication data for receiving authentication from a first communication system (2); a communication interface (105) capable of accessing a predetermined cellular network, the communication interface being for connecting to a communication apparatus (11) holding second authentication data; and a controller (101) configured to access the first communication system (2) via the communication apparatus (11) and the cellular network in a case where the communication apparatus (11) connects to the cellular network by using the second authentication data, and to receive authentication from the first communication system (2) by using the first authentication data.