Electronic Device Network Reconnection via Intermediary

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method that allows a sub-device to conveniently reconnect to a WLAN network using the connection information of a mobile terminal without requiring the user to manually search and select the network.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a communication module, processor, and memory that sends a request for connection information to a second device when the connection to a network is interrupted, allowing it to reconnect based on the received information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sub-device connects to a WLAN network manually, then the connection can be established, but the reconnection process becomes complex and requires user intervention when the connection is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of reconnectionVSAvoidreconnection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent stores WLAN connection information (SSID, password, etc.) in advance in the sub-device's memory during the initial connection phase. When connection interruption occurs, the pre-stored information is automatically retrieved and used for reconnection, eliminating the need for user intervention and simplifying the reconnection process while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sub-device autonomously performs the reconnection process by automatically detecting connection status, retrieving stored connection information from its own memory, and initiating reconnection without requiring user input. This self-service mechanism reduces operational complexity and improves ease of reconnection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the sub-device stores WLAN connection information locally, then reconnection can be performed automatically, but security risks increase due to potential exposure of connection credentials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconnection reliabilityVSAvoidsecurity risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the mobile terminal as an intermediary that securely manages and transmits connection information. Instead of the sub-device directly storing sensitive credentials, the mobile terminal acts as a secure intermediary that provides connection information only when needed, reducing security risks while maintaining reconnection reliability through controlled information sharing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a temporary copy of connection information in the sub-device's memory for automatic reconnection purposes only. The original secure storage remains in the mobile terminal, and the copied data is used transiently for reconnection without exposing long-term security credentials, balancing reliability with security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Speed

If the sub-device automatically requests connection information from the mobile terminal, then reconnection speed improves, but communication overhead between devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconnection speedVSAvoidcommunication overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Connection information including SSID, password, and network parameters is stored in advance in the sub-device's memory during the initial connection phase. When connection interruption occurs, the sub-device immediately retrieves this pre-stored information and initiates reconnection without requiring real-time communication with the mobile terminal, thereby improving reconnection speed while minimizing communication overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11219081B2Method and electronic device for network connection
Publication Date: 2022.01.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11219081B2 patent drawing
  • US11219081B2 patent drawing
  • US11219081B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and an electronic device for network connection. The electronic device according to various embodiments comprises: a communication module; a processor electrically connected to the communication module; and a memory electrically connected to the processor, wherein, upon execution, the memory may store instructions that enable the processor to connect to a first network, to request connection information of a second electronic device with respect to the first network from the second electronic device when the connection of the first network is interrupted, and to connect to the first network on the basis of received connection information of the second electronic device with respect to the first network upon reception of the connection information of the second electronic device with respect to the first network. Other embodiments are also possible.