IoT Easy Setup Reconnection via Soft Access Point Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT devices without displays face challenges in user-friendly internet connection setup due to the complexity of re-performing Easy Setup operations, which are often time-consuming and require user knowledge of specific steps.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus and user terminal device that operate as a soft access point to facilitate reconnection by scanning for and broadcasting identification information, allowing seamless rejoining to an access point without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smartphone is used to mediate the Easy Setup operation for IoT devices, then the internet joining process can be achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and inconvenient for users
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic apparatus pre-stores connection information to the first access point in memory. When reconnection is needed, it automatically retrieves and uses this stored information without requiring users to re-enter details or follow complex setup procedures, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining reliable internet joining capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic apparatus autonomously performs scanning for the first access point and reconnection operations using its own stored credentials. The device serves itself by automatically operating as a second access point and facilitating its own rejoining process without requiring continuous user intervention or smartphone mediation, thus eliminating time loss while ensuring reliable connection
2Reliability
If the Easy Setup operation is re-performed manually, then reconnection can be achieved, but users lack knowledge of the required operation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic apparatus automatically executes the entire reconnection process including scanning for the first access point, operating as a second access point, and transmitting connection information. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to understand or perform complex steps, making the operation extremely simple while ensuring reliable reconnection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic apparatus acts as an intermediary by automatically managing the reconnection process between the user's intent to reconnect and the actual network connection. It mediates the complex technical steps (scanning, soft access point operation, information transmission) transparently, making the process easy for users while maintaining reliable reconnection
3Extent of automation
If the electronic apparatus operates as a soft access point for reconnection, then automated rejoining is enabled, but additional communication protocols and modes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic apparatus integrates multiple communication functions (station mode for scanning, soft access point mode for broadcasting, and information transmission protocols) into a single unified reconnection system. This multi-functionality enables automated rejoining while managing complexity through integrated design, where the device seamlessly switches between modes as needed for the reconnection process
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes at least one communication interface; and at least one processor operatively coupled with the at least one communication interface and configured to control the electronic apparatus, wherein the processor may be further configured to: based on a release of a communication connection with a first access point, control the at least one communication interface to perform scanning for rejoining with the first access point, and based on reception of a signal including identification information of the electronic apparatus from a user terminal device through the at least one communication interface, control the at least one communication interface to operate as a second access point.