Cross-Subnet Device Pairing via AP Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for data exchange between mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are inconvenient due to the need for cloud service registration and fail to facilitate pairing across different subnets, leading to difficulties in discovering and pairing devices even within the same subnet if routers are misconfigured.
Innovation Solution
A method and electronic apparatus that generate a pairing list by searching devices within the same subnet, scanning nearby access points, and using a server to combine lists based on similarity, allowing devices from different subnets to be paired by determining proximity through wireless communication techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cloud service registration is used for data exchange between apparatuses, then data exchange capability is provided, but user convenience deteriorates due to registration and login requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device discovery and pairing function from the cloud service ecosystem, enabling direct apparatus-to-apparatus communication through multicast DNS and SSDP protocols without requiring cloud account registration or login operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism using multicast DNS and SSDP protocols as mediators to facilitate automatic device discovery and pairing between apparatuses, eliminating the need for direct user intervention in registration and login processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multicast domain name system or simple service discovery protocol is used, then same-subnet apparatus pairing is enabled, but cross-subnet pairing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the device pairing mechanism universal by supporting both same-subnet and cross-subnet pairing scenarios through a unified approach that combines multicast DNS/SSDP for same-subnet discovery with AP-based proximity detection for cross-subnet extension
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to device discovery by introducing physical proximity detection through access point scanning as an additional criterion beyond traditional subnet-based network connectivity, enabling cross-subnet pairing based on spatial proximity
3Reliability
If routers are configured traditionally, then subnet isolation is maintained, but apparatus discovery within the same subnet becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where apparatuses actively scan for access points and exchange discovery information through multicast DNS and SSDP protocols, continuously updating their pairing lists based on detected proximity and connectivity status to maintain reliable discovery despite router configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a system and an electronic apparatus for searching nearby apparatuses are proposed. The method includes: searching at least one first apparatus belonging to a first subnet which the electronic apparatus belongs to, and accordingly generating a first list; scanning at least one access point (AP) near the electronic apparatus, and accordingly generating a first AP list; uploading the first AP list to a server, and receiving a second list from the server, where the second list includes at least one second apparatus, and a similarity between a second AP list of each second apparatus and the first AP list is higher than a predetermined threshold; and uniting the first list and the second list to generate a pairing list including at least one apparatus to be paired.