Terminal Network Credential Activation for Connecting Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Current network access methods for mobile computing devices require dedicated hardware, such as cellular network modules, which increase manufacturing costs and complexity, especially for devices needing features like self-reporting and remote monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows a terminal apparatus to select and activate a network access credential from a plurality of available credentials to provide network access to a connecting apparatus via a local connection, enabling cost-effective network access without the need for dedicated hardware in the connecting apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated network access hardware (such as cellular network modules) is included in the connecting apparatus, then the connecting apparatus can independently access the network, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal apparatus is provisioned with multiple network access credentials (e.g., multiple SIM cards or profiles) that can be selectively activated. The terminal apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as both a user device and a network access provider for the connecting apparatus. By sharing the terminal's network access capability through local connection, the connecting apparatus gains network access without needing dedicated hardware, thus reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal apparatus acts as an intermediary between the network and the connecting apparatus. Instead of the connecting apparatus directly accessing the network (which would require dedicated hardware), the terminal apparatus mediates the connection by using its own network credentials to provide access to the connecting apparatus through a local connection interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If dedicated network access hardware is included in the connecting apparatus, then the connecting apparatus can independently access the network, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal apparatus is provisioned with multiple network access credentials (e.g., multiple SIM cards or profiles) that can be selectively activated. The terminal apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as both a user device and a network access provider for the connecting apparatus. By sharing the terminal's network access capability through local connection, the connecting apparatus gains network access without needing dedicated hardware, thus reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal apparatus acts as an intermediary between the network and the connecting apparatus. Instead of the connecting apparatus directly accessing the network (which would require dedicated hardware), the terminal apparatus mediates the connection by using its own network credentials to provide access to the connecting apparatus through a local connection interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal apparatus uses a plurality of network access credentials, then network access can be provided to multiple connecting apparatuses or for multiple purposes, but the management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access flexibilityVSAvoidcredential management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic selection and activation of appropriate network access credentials based on the connecting apparatus identity or service requirements. The terminal apparatus automatically manages the plurality of credentials without requiring manual intervention, selecting the appropriate credential based on pre-configured rules or identifiers associated with the connecting apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9549366B2Method and apparatus for providing network access to a connecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.01.17 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

A method and apparatus are provided for providing network access to a connecting apparatus. A method may include determining, at a terminal apparatus, a selection of a network access credential for a network from a plurality of available network access credentials installed on the terminal apparatus. The method may further include responsive to the selection, activating the selected network access credential. The method may additionally include using the activated network access credential to cause a connecting apparatus to be provided with access to the network via a local connection between the terminal apparatus and the connecting apparatus. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.