Companion Device Network Association for Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with limited capabilities face challenges in connecting to networks due to hardware and software differences, requiring users to manually input connection information, which is cumbersome and inefficient, especially for devices with small user interfaces or limited connectivity options.
Innovation Solution
A system where a companion device acts as a facilitator to predict and generate network connection information for a mobile device, allowing it to connect to a first network based on a predicted relationship with a second network, by modifying and associating security information, enabling automatic network association without user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual network connection input is required for mobile devices, then connection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary network discovery and connection information gathering by a second device (e.g., smartphone) before the first device (e.g., wearable) needs to connect. The second device proactively scans for available networks, obtains connection details including security credentials, and prepares this information for transfer, eliminating the need for manual input at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The second device acts as an intermediary between the network infrastructure and the first device. It performs network discovery on behalf of the first device, retrieves connection information from network infrastructure, and transfers this information to the first device through a direct communication channel, thereby mediating the complex connection process.
2Productivity
If network connection information is transferred between devices, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the network discovery capabilities and connection management functions of the second device with the connection execution capabilities of the first device. By combining these functions into a coordinated two-device system, the patent achieves rapid connection establishment without requiring each individual device to possess all capabilities independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The second device creates a copy of the network connection information (including SSID, security credentials, and connection parameters) obtained from network infrastructure and transfers this copy to the first device. This copying approach allows the first device to connect rapidly without performing its own lengthy discovery and authentication process.
3Reliability
If security information is associated with predicted networks, then reliability is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the second device monitors network connection status and validates the transferred connection information. The first device provides feedback on connection success or failure, allowing the system to verify that the transferred security credentials are valid and appropriately associated with the target network, thereby maintaining reliability while managing information security.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are described for allowing a first device to learn how to connect to a first network using information that a second device obtained about a second network that is related to the first network. The second device can perform a virtual network discovery of the first network on behalf of the first device. The second device can describe how to initiate one or more connections to the first network by modifying the information the second device obtained about the second network. The second device can send the information identifying how to initiate the connections to the first network to the first device. The first device can automatically initiate connections to the first network without requiring user input.