Network Connection Setting Information Transfer Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting home network devices to a router are either insecure, complex, or costly, and require repetitive network settings for each device, making them inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a communication interface and processor that stores network connection setting information from a first device and transmits it to a second device upon request, allowing easy and secure connection to a home network without user intervention, using communication methods like Bluetooth, ZigBee, or IEEE 802.11 signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If WPS push-button-connect method is used to connect home network devices, then connection convenience is improved, but network security deteriorates because all near devices can access the router

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection convenienceVSAvoidnetwork security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the first device store network connection setting information before the second device needs to connect. This pre-stored information is then automatically provided to the second device, eliminating the need for repetitive manual configuration while maintaining security through controlled information sharing between authorized devices only.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses copying by having the second device obtain network connection setting information from the first device that has already been configured. Instead of manually re-entering credentials, the second device receives a copy of the connection settings (SSID, password, etc.) from the first device, significantly simplifying the connection process while maintaining security through authenticated device-to-device communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If Soft access point method is used for network connection settings, then network connection capability is improved, but operation complexity increases due to multiple steps required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connection capabilityVSAvoidsettings complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the complex multi-step SoftAP configuration process and replaces it with a simple information transfer mechanism. Instead of requiring users to execute applications, enable SoftAP, connect to wireless networks, and manually input passwords through multiple steps, the system extracts only the essential function of providing connection credentials through automatic device-to-device communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by enabling the first device to automatically provide its network connection setting information to the second device without requiring user intervention. The devices autonomously communicate and transfer the necessary connection parameters, eliminating the need for users to manually configure network settings through complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If Wi-Fi easy setting method with Bluetooth is used, then connection convenience is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional Bluetooth module

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection convenienceVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies universality by enabling home network devices to use their existing Wi-Fi communication capability for dual purposes: both for providing network access and for transferring connection setting information. This eliminates the need for separate Bluetooth modules, as the Wi-Fi interface performs multiple functions including configuration data transfer, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining connection convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If manual network settings are performed for each device, then network security is maintained, but time consumption increases due to repetitive configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by having the first device store its network connection setting information in advance. When the second device needs to connect, it automatically receives this pre-stored information from the first device, eliminating the need for repetitive manual configuration while maintaining security through controlled information sharing between authorized devices only.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11659475B2Electronic apparatus and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic apparatus connectable with a network, includes a communication interface configured to communicate with a first device and a second device; and a processor configured to store network connection setting information of the first device, determine, in response to receiving, from the second device, a signal requesting network connection setting information, whether the second device is capable of using the network connection setting information of the first device, and transmit the stored network connection setting information of the first device to the second device in accordance with a result of the determination.