Device Association via Access Identification Information
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face time-consuming and complex operations when joining a wireless local area network (WLAN) or establishing connections between devices, particularly due to the difficulty in selecting the correct access point or device from multiple similar options, which is exacerbated by the lack of clear configuration processes in existing Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) standards.
Innovation Solution
A device association method that utilizes access identification information, generated by one device and broadcasted or transmitted through a registrar, to simplify the process of identifying and connecting to the correct device, reducing user interaction by eliminating the need to manually select from multiple devices, and integrating the registrar function into either the access point or the device itself for streamlined network association.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually select from multiple access points or devices to join a WLAN or establish connections, then the system maintains compatibility with existing WPS standards and basic device discovery functionality, but the operation becomes time-consuming and complex for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating access identification information at the source device and pre-configuring it in the network. When a device needs to join, the identification information is already prepared and can be directly used for association, eliminating the need for users to manually search and select from multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where access identification information acts as a mediator between the source device and the joining device. This intermediary element enables direct association without requiring users to manually select from multiple discovered devices, thus simplifying the operation and reducing time loss.
2Device complexity
If the registrar function is integrated into the access point or device itself, then the system structure is simplified and operation is streamlined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the registrar function directly into the access point or the device itself, combining multiple functions into a single entity. This integration simplifies the overall system structure by eliminating separate registrar components while maintaining the ability to generate and manage access identification information.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the access point or device itself capable of functioning as a registrar, the system achieves multi-functionality. The same device that provides network access also performs registration and credential management, reducing the need for additional specialized components and simplifying the system architecture.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a device association method, apparatus, and system, where the method includes: receiving a broadcast frame or a configuration response frame that includes access identification information generated by a first device and that is sent by a second device; and identifying the second device according to the access identification information and associating with the second device. In the embodiments of the present invention, the first device identifies a matched second device according to the access identification information, and then may directly associate with the second device, thereby avoiding a process of selecting a correct second device from multiple second devices, simplifying a process for the first device to join a WLAN in which the second device is located, and also making an operation by a user simpler.