Network Initialization via Cellular Identifier for Wi-Fi Output Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for displaying Internet content on devices, such as televisions, require a specialized controller device for initialization and configuration, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based apparatus that sends an identifier to an output device to establish a network connection using both cellular and Wi-Fi communication modules, allowing for initialization without a specialized controller device, enabling connection to a Wi-Fi network and control of content presented by the output device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a specialized controller device is used to initialize and configure the computing device for Wi-Fi connection, then the initialization process can be completed, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the initialization functionality from a separate specialized controller device and integrates it directly into the computing device itself. The computing device now contains its own Wi-Fi communication module and processor capable of establishing connections without external control, eliminating the need for the specialized controller while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a media player, establish Wi-Fi connections independently, and control output devices directly. This multi-functionality replaces the need for specialized controller hardware, reducing system complexity while maintaining operational capability.
2Reliability
If a specialized controller device is used to initialize and configure the computing device, then proper network connection can be established, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The initialization and network configuration capabilities are extracted from the specialized controller device and built into the computing device's processor and Wi-Fi communication module. This integration maintains reliable network connection establishment while eliminating the additional cost of requiring a separate controller device.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device performs self-initialization and self-configuration for network connections without requiring external specialized controller hardware. The device autonomously establishes Wi-Fi connections and configures itself, reducing system cost while maintaining connection reliability.
3Ease of operation
If cellular communication module is used to receive Wi-Fi configuration instructions, then initialization can occur without Wi-Fi connection, but additional hardware is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular communication module serves as an intermediary during the initialization phase, allowing the device to receive Wi-Fi configuration instructions when Wi-Fi is not yet available. This mediator approach enables flexible initialization without permanently increasing system complexity, as the cellular module is only needed temporarily during setup.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a processor configured to send an identifier to an output device such that the output device presents the identifier. The apparatus also includes a cellular communication module and a Wi-Fi communication module operatively coupled to the processor. The cellular communication module can be configured to establish a connection with a cellular network. The cellular communication module can be configured to receive, from a server via the cellular network, Wi-Fi configuration instructions in response to the server receiving the identifier and the Wi-Fi configuration instructions from a communication device. The Wi-Fi communication module can be configured to establish a connection with a Wi-Fi network based on the Wi-Fi configuration instructions. The Wi-Fi communication module can be configured to receive, from the communication device, a command configured to control content presented by the output device after the connection with the Wi-Fi network has been established.