Wireless Camera AP Mode Setup via Mobile Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional installation process for wireless network cameras is inconvenient and time-consuming, as it requires a PC to connect to both the access point and the camera, and lacks a simple method for devices without text and graphical input/output interfaces, such as network video surveillance devices.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first electronic device, such as a network camera, operates in access point mode to search for nearby access points, receives setting information from a second device like a smartphone or computer, and then switches to client mode to connect to the target access point using this information, eliminating the need for a PC in the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conventional installation procedure is used where PC connects to both AP and camera, then the camera can be configured to connect to wireless network, but the installation process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the access point and the network camera. The mobile device receives wireless network setting information from the access point and transmits it to the camera, eliminating the need for PC involvement and simplifying the installation process to merely pushing buttons on both devices simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service installation by allowing the camera and access point to automatically exchange configuration information through the mobile device intermediary. The user only needs to initiate the process by pushing buttons, while the devices autonomously complete the wireless network configuration without requiring manual parameter entry or PC assistance.
2Loss of time
If WPS feature is used for quick wireless setup, then installation time is reduced, but it requires both AP and camera to support WPS feature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal installation method that works across different device types and configurations. By using a mobile device as an intermediary that can communicate with both the access point and camera through standard protocols, the system achieves broad compatibility without requiring specific features like WPS to be present on both endpoints.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves as a versatile intermediary that bridges compatibility gaps between devices with different capabilities. It can extract wireless network information from various access point types and transmit it to different camera models, making the installation process universally applicable regardless of whether the original devices support WPS or other quick-setup features.
Data Source
AI summary
A setting method for connecting to wireless network access points, and an electronic device are applied to connect a network video surveillance device such as a network camera, a network video server or a network video recorder to wireless network access points. A first electronic device is set to operate in an access point mode. A second electronic device is connected to the first electronic device wirelessly, and setting information of a target access point is sent to the first electronic device by the second electronic device. After the first electronic device obtains the setting information, the first electronic device is switched to operate in a client mode instead of the access point mode. The first electronic device is connected to the target access point according to the setting information.