Monitoring Device Onboarding With Multi-SSID QR Credentials
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for on-boarding monitoring devices into electronic monitoring systems are limited by the need to connect via a single SSID and WIFI credential, leading to connectivity issues if the network fails or if a better connection is available, requiring repetitive and cumbersome processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows a monitoring device to store and connect to multiple SSIDs and WIFI credentials using a single QR code, prioritizing the strongest signal for initial connection and switching to alternative connections if the primary fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a monitoring device connects to a wireless network via a single SSID and WIFI credential, then the on-boarding process is simple, but the reliability of connectivity is poor because the device cannot switch to alternative networks if the primary network fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the user device display multiple SSIDs and their credentials before the monitoring device connects. The QR code is generated in advance containing all necessary network information, so the monitoring device is pre-equipped with alternative connection options before any connectivity issues arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of network credentials from a single set to multiple sets. Instead of providing one SSID and password, the system provides several SSIDs with their corresponding credentials, allowing the monitoring device to switch between different network parameters based on availability and signal strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a monitoring device is configured to connect to a specific SSID, then the connection is stable initially, but the adaptability is poor when network conditions change or better networks become available
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares multiple network credentials in advance through the QR code, so when connectivity issues arise or better networks become available, the monitoring device can immediately switch to a pre-configured alternative without requiring reconnection procedures or user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the network connection dynamic by enabling the monitoring device to switch between multiple SSIDs based on real-time conditions such as signal strength and network availability, rather than being statically bound to a single network.
3Ease of operation
If the on-boarding process requires selecting and inputting WIFI credentials manually, then security is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the cumbersome process
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a QR code as a digital copy that contains encoded network credentials. Instead of manually transmitting sensitive information through multiple steps, the credentials are copied into a scannable format that can be rapidly and securely transferred to the monitoring device in a single action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical manual process of selecting and inputting credentials with an automated optical scanning process. The camera-based QR code scanning substitutes for manual keyboard input, reducing errors and improving ease of operation while maintaining security through encoded data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for on-boarding/integrating a monitoring device, such as a smart camera, into an electronic monitoring system. A plurality of access points to a wireless network are displayed on a user device such as a smartphone. Each of the plurality of access points has a corresponding credential associated therewith. Some or all of the plurality of access points are selected. A computer-readable code including information for the selected access points and associated credentials is generated. The monitoring device reads the computer-readable code to obtain the information for the selected access points and associated credentials. Access points may be prioritized for connection to the wireless network based on signal strength.