Network Access Discovery for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in connecting mobile devices to networked multifunction devices (MFDs) due to differences in network residency, requiring credentials and configuration parameters that are often unknown, leading to administrative overhead and inefficiency, especially in enterprise WiFi environments where multiple SSIDs are present.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically determine the correct network information for connecting a mobile device to an MFD by establishing a short-range communications link, receiving network device information, and using identifiers to identify and connect to the appropriate network, storing necessary parameters for future use, and prompting users for input when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing pairing solutions (NFC hotspots, BLE tags) are used to identify device network address, then device identification is achieved, but network connection access information is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines device identification functionality with network access information provision into a single integrated solution. The MFD transmits both its network address and the surrounding network information (SSID, credentials, configuration parameters) together through the short-range communication link, eliminating the need for separate pairing and network configuration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a metadata server as an intermediary that stores and manages network access information. When the MFD cannot directly provide network information, the mobile device queries the metadata server using the MFD's network address as a key, and the server returns the appropriate network configuration details, enabling automatic connection.
2Reliability
If manual network configuration is implemented, then network connection is established, but administrative overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the system to automatically obtain and configure network access information without requiring administrative intervention. The mobile device automatically queries the metadata server, retrieves the correct network configuration for the target MFD, and configures the network connection autonomously, eliminating manual setup and reducing administrative overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing network access information in the metadata server before it is needed. Network configuration details are prepared in advance and associated with specific MFDs, so when a user wants to connect to an MFD, the information is already available and can be retrieved immediately without manual configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile device and MFD reside on different networks, then device independence is maintained, but direct connection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the metadata server as an intermediary that bridges the gap between mobile devices and MFDs on different networks. The server stores network access information that enables the mobile device to automatically join the appropriate network to reach the MFD, eliminating the need for users to manually configure network switching while preserving device independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal connection mechanism that works across different network environments. The system handles various network scenarios (same network, different networks, wired, wireless) through a unified approach using short-range communication for device identification and metadata server for network information retrieval, making the connection process equally easy regardless of network configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for establishing a network connection between a mobile electronic device and a target network device includes establishing a short-range communications link between the mobile electronic device and the target network device. The method may also include, by a processor, executing an application that causes the processor to receive network device information from the target network device, via the short-range communications link, use the identifier associated with the target network device to identify a network to which the target network device is connected, use a transmitter component of the mobile electronic device to establish the network connection between the mobile electronic device and the target network device, via the identified network, and cause the transmitter component to send a communication to the target network device, via the identified network. The network device information comprises an identifier associated with the target network device.