Dual-Mode Wireless Device Provisioning via WLAN Agent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual-mode wireless devices face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.4 wireless protocols, requiring cumbersome configuration processes that often necessitate a serial connection to a personal computer for provisioning parameters.

Innovation Solution

A wireless device that operates in dual-mode by using an IEEE 802.11 WLAN device to receive provisioning parameters for joining an IEEE 802.15.4 WPAN network, allowing for configuration and operation in both protocols without the need for a serial connection, utilizing a provisioning agent to provide necessary network IDs and security credentials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a serial connection to a personal computer is used for provisioning parameters, then configuration reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration reliabilityVSAvoidprovisioning process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a provisioning agent as an intermediary component that runs on the wireless device itself to mediate the provisioning process. This agent receives provisioning parameters through the wireless interface and automatically configures the device, eliminating the need for external serial connections while maintaining configuration reliability through automated, error-free parameter transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless device performs self-provisioning by executing a provisioning agent that automatically receives and processes provisioning parameters through the wireless interface. The device configures itself without requiring external intervention or serial connections to personal computers, thereby simplifying the provisioning process while ensuring reliable configuration through automated procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If a serial connection to a personal computer is used for provisioning parameters, then configuration accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidprovisioning ease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The provisioning agent acts as an intermediary that receives provisioning parameters through the wireless interface and automatically processes them with high accuracy. This eliminates manual configuration steps and serial connection requirements, maintaining precise parameter transmission while significantly improving ease of operation through wireless, automated provisioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical serial connection system with a wireless electronic communication system. The provisioning agent receives parameters wirelessly and automatically configures the device, substituting physical connection mechanisms with electronic wireless transmission, thereby maintaining configuration accuracy while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual-mode operation is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless device is designed with multi-functionality to operate in dual-mode, supporting both IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.4 protocols. The provisioning agent provides a universal configuration mechanism that works across both protocol modes, allowing the device to adapt to different network environments while managing complexity through a unified provisioning approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The provisioning agent serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of dual-mode operation by providing a unified configuration interface. It receives provisioning parameters appropriate for the target protocol mode and automatically configures the device accordingly, thereby maintaining protocol adaptability while reducing the perceived complexity for users through automated protocol-specific configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10103866B2Provisioning a dual mode wireless device for operation in accordance with a layer-2 wireless protocol after being operational in accordance with another layer-2 wireless protocol

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 TELIT IOT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A wireless device operates in a first wireless network using a first wireless protocol to receive a set of provisioning parameters for joining a second wireless network that uses a second wireless protocol. The first wireless network may be based on a shared wireless broadcast medium. The wireless device then joins the second wireless network using the set of provisioning parameters. In an embodiment the first wireless protocol is according to IEEE 802.11 specifications, while the second wireless protocol is according to IEEE 802.1.5.4 specifications.