Bluetooth-Mediated Wi-Fi Direct Connection Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for establishing Wi-Fi Direct connections between devices often require prior knowledge of each other's physical channel and IP address, which can lead to increased setup time and complexity, especially when devices lack IP addresses or are unaware of each other's channels.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using Bluetooth to discover and exchange information about the physical channel and address between devices, allowing them to establish a Wi-Fi Direct connection using a different wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi Direct, without requiring prior knowledge of each other's addresses or IP addresses, thereby reducing setup time and simplifying the connection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices use traditional Wi-Fi Direct connection methods requiring prior knowledge of physical channel and IP address, then connection establishment can be achieved, but setup time increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Bluetooth as an intermediary communication channel to facilitate the exchange of Wi-Fi connection parameters (physical channel and address) between devices. Instead of requiring devices to directly discover each other on Wi-Fi channels, they first establish a Bluetooth connection to share the necessary connection information, thereby reducing the time and complexity of direct Wi-Fi discovery while maintaining reliable connection establishment.
2Reliability
If devices require prior knowledge of physical channel and IP address for Wi-Fi Direct connection, then connection can be established, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Bluetooth serves as a simplified intermediary that handles the complex task of exchanging Wi-Fi connection parameters. The device complexity is reduced because the Bluetooth stack already provides robust pairing and data exchange mechanisms, eliminating the need for devices to implement complex Wi-Fi discovery and parameter negotiation protocols directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the exchange of connection parameters (physical channel and address) as a preliminary action during the Bluetooth pairing phase, before the actual Wi-Fi Direct connection is attempted. This preliminary exchange of information simplifies the subsequent Wi-Fi connection process, as devices already have the necessary parameters ready.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices perform wireless searching to discover each other without prior address knowledge, then connection can be established, but time required for searching increases
Solution Approach 1:
Bluetooth acts as a fast intermediary discovery mechanism that operates on already-paired devices. Since Bluetooth pairing typically occurs first (when devices are physically close), the subsequent Wi-Fi discovery can leverage this existing Bluetooth connection to immediately exchange parameters, eliminating the need for time-consuming Wi-Fi channel scanning and device searching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs device discovery and parameter exchange as a preliminary action through Bluetooth before initiating Wi-Fi Direct connection. This preliminary Bluetooth-based discovery phase captures the necessary connection information while devices are in proximity, so that the actual Wi-Fi connection can proceed immediately without repeated searching.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices and apparatus are disclosed, including a method of establishing a wireless connection with a device, the method including transmitting at least one Bluetooth advertising message on at least one Bluetooth channel, receiving a Bluetooth message indicating a connection request from the device, sending a Bluetooth message indicating at least one of a physical channel and an address to the device, and establishing the wireless connection with the device using the at least one of the address and the physical channel, wherein the wireless connection uses a different wireless technology to Bluetooth. Also disclosed is a method of establishing a wireless connection with a device, the method including receiving a Bluetooth advertising message from the device, sending a Bluetooth message indicating a connection request to the device, receiving a Bluetooth message indicating at least one of an address of the device and a physical channel, and establishing the wireless connection with the device using the at least one of the address and the physical channel, wherein the wireless connection uses a wireless technology different to Bluetooth.