Electronic Device Automatic Wi-Fi Connection via Payment Credentials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customers are inconvenienced by having to manually enter Wi-Fi passwords at commercial facilities, and there is no secure way for merchants to prevent unauthorized access when sharing passwords with others.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with near-distance and cellular wireless communication circuits that automatically connects to a merchant's Wi-Fi after performing a payment, using credential information received from a server to establish a secure Wi-Fi connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If customers manually enter Wi-Fi passwords at commercial facilities, then they can access Wi-Fi service, but it causes inconvenience and security risks when passwords are disclosed to unauthorized persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a server and mobile device that mediates between the customer and the Wi-Fi access point. The server stores credential information and automatically provides it to authorized customers through their mobile devices, eliminating the need for manual password entry and preventing unauthorized access. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the connection process automated (improving ease of operation) while maintaining security through controlled credential distribution (improving reliability).
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing credential information on the server and pre-authorizing specific customer devices before they need Wi-Fi access. When a customer makes a purchase, their device has already been registered and authorized in advance, allowing automatic credential transmission without manual intervention. This preliminary authorization process improves ease of operation by eliminating manual password entry while maintaining security through pre-vetted access control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Wi-Fi passwords are shared with staff members for customer assistance, then service quality improves, but unauthorized persons may also access Wi-Fi
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different access credentials to different users based on their specific needs and authorization levels. Each customer device receives unique credential information tailored to that device, while staff members can assist customers without receiving master passwords. This localized credential distribution maintains service quality (adaptability) while preventing unauthorized access, as each credential is specific to an authorized device rather than a general shared password.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of credential distribution from static shared passwords to dynamic device-specific credentials. Instead of giving the same password to multiple people (which creates security risks), the server generates and transmits unique credential sets to authorized devices. This parameter change allows staff to assist customers with their own devices while maintaining security, as unauthorized persons cannot obtain valid credentials without server authorization.
3Ease of operation
If automatic Wi-Fi connection is implemented through payment integration, then user convenience is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the payment process with the Wi-Fi connection process into a single integrated workflow. When a customer completes a purchase through the mobile device, the same device automatically receives and connects to Wi-Fi credentials without requiring separate manual steps. This merging of functions enhances ease of operation by making the entire process seamless while managing complexity through unified system architecture that handles both payment and credential distribution through the same mobile device interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device is provided and includes a housing; first and second near-distance wireless communication circuits configured to support wireless connection to an access point (AP); a cellular wireless communication circuit; a touchscreen display; a processor connected to the first and second near-distance wireless communication circuits, the cellular wireless communication circuit, and the display; and a memory connected to the processor which stores an application program configured to make payment using the first near-distance wireless communication circuit and instructions which cause the processor to perform a transaction with an external point-of-service (POS) device via the first near-distance wireless communication circuit; receive a result of the transaction comprising receipt information and connection information, the connection information comprising credential information; and connecting to the AP through the second near-distance wireless communication circuit based on the credential information after receiving the transaction result.