Vehicle Communication Switching for Cellular Access Beyond Public Wi-Fi
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in vehicles face challenges in ensuring consistent network access, as vehicles without cellular contracts cannot communicate outside public wireless LAN service areas, and reliance on public wireless LANs can result in communication disruptions during movement.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus equipped with both a cellular communication module and a wireless communication module, along with a controller that switches to cellular communication using temporary contract information when necessary, such as during emergencies, to ensure stable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vehicle uses public wireless LAN for communication, then it can communicate within service areas, but communication is disrupted when moving outside these areas
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is designed to support multiple communication methods (cellular communication and wireless LAN communication) within a single vehicle communication device. This multi-functionality allows the vehicle to switch between communication networks based on location and service requirements, ensuring continuous communication coverage both within and outside public wireless LAN service areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's onboard computer acts as an intermediary that manages communication between different networks. It receives notification from the notification device about temporary contract information and coordinates switching between wireless LAN and cellular networks, enabling seamless transition and maintaining communication reliability across different geographic areas.
2Ease of operation
If a vehicle without cellular contract uses public wireless LAN, then it can communicate locally, but communication stability deteriorates during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system dynamically switches between wireless LAN and cellular networks based on the vehicle's location, movement state, and available temporary contract information. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain stable communication during movement by transitioning to cellular networks when appropriate, while still utilizing wireless LAN for local communication when stationary and within service areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring temporary contract information through notification devices before cellular communication is needed. This advance preparation ensures that when the vehicle needs to move or exit wireless LAN coverage, the necessary authentication and network access information are already available, enabling immediate and stable connection to cellular networks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system switches to cellular communication using temporary contract information, then communication coverage is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication functions (wireless LAN communication, cellular communication, notification reception, and network switching) into a single integrated vehicle communication device. This merging reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate devices for each function, while still providing extended communication coverage through multiple network interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system capable of rapidly communicating information. In the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus including a first communication module configured to use a cellular communication network and a second communication module configured to use a wireless communication network other than the cellular communication network performs a predetermined process related to communication performed by the first communication module when receiving first data via the second communication module.