Concierge Launcher One-Click WLAN Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing wireless local area networks (WLANs) is cumbersome for users, requiring manual authentication and configuration, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially for guests who need to connect to unfamiliar networks.
Innovation Solution
The Concierge Launcher application allows mobile devices to detect and connect to WLAN services with one click by advertising available services and their providers, enabling users to select and validate the service, thereby launching the appropriate application automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual authentication and configuration is required to access WLAN, then security and control are improved, but user convenience and access speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring authentication credentials and network parameters on the mobile device before the user needs to access the WLAN. The device automatically retrieves and stores authentication information, so when the user needs to connect, the authentication has already been prepared in advance, eliminating manual input requirements while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device autonomously handles the authentication process with the WLAN without requiring manual user intervention. The device automatically detects available networks, selects the appropriate one, inputs credentials, and establishes connection based on pre-configured preferences and user selections, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous user control.
2Reliability
If manual authentication and configuration is required to access WLAN, then network control is improved, but access time and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication credentials and network configuration parameters are retrieved and stored on the mobile device in advance, before the user needs to access the WLAN. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming manual authentication process while maintaining network control through pre-validated credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the manual authentication steps by automatically performing the authentication process using pre-stored credentials. The device rushes through the connection establishment by leveraging previously obtained authentication information, significantly reducing access time while maintaining security through the use of validated credentials.
3Loss of information
If service information is provided out-of-band via person-to-person communication or signs, then information accuracy is improved, but system complexity and user effort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback loops where the mobile device queries the WLAN for service information, receives authentication credentials and network parameters directly from the network infrastructure, and automatically configures itself. This eliminates the need for out-of-band information provision while maintaining accuracy through direct digital communication between system components.
Data Source
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Figure 4A
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein an application launcher, referred to herein as a "Concierge Launcher," that enables a mobile device to access a wireless local area network (WLAN) and launch an application with one click. In an example embodiment, the WLAN advertises one or more services, for example a Concierge Service, along with the identity of the provider of the service and optionally a Uniform Resource Indicator (URI) for the application to use the service. The mobile device is configured to detect the advertisement and notify an end user of the availability of the service. If the end user selects the service, the provider of the service is validated, and an application, such as a web browser, on the mobile device configured to use the service is started.