Host Computer Virtual Access Point for Automatic Device Internet Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems require manual setup and user intervention for multiple devices to share an Internet connection through an intermediate device, which is cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A system where a host computer with a WAN interface establishes a virtual access point and automatically exchanges network access information with appliance computers via a LAN interface, allowing them to connect to the Internet without user input, using methods such as exchanging MAC addresses or predefining a SSID for automatic connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual setup and user intervention are used for Internet connection sharing, then connection establishment is possible, but the process is cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of Internet connection setupVSAvoidtime required for manual configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-exchanges network access information (MAC addresses, SSIDs) between the host computer and appliance computers before Internet connection is needed. This preliminary exchange of connection credentials enables automatic connection establishment later without requiring user input, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The appliance computers automatically connect to the Internet through the host computer without user intervention. The system performs self-service by automatically exchanging network access information and establishing connections, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing both operational complexity and time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If automatic exchange of network access information is implemented, then user interaction is eliminated, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of Internet connectionVSAvoidcomplexity of automatic connection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The host computer acts as an intermediary between the Internet and appliance computers. It automatically exchanges network access information with appliance computers and manages their Internet connections. This intermediary approach enables high automation while centralizing the complexity management in one device, thus resolving the contradiction between extent of automation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9531844B2Automatic internet connection sharing among related devices

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Internet connection may come through a single host computer and sent to appliance computers, as in a laptop or camera. This application intends to automatically connect the appliances to the Internet established by the host computer by means of either electronic communication or preprogramming both computers with the same network access information.