Portable Terminal Access Point Function Without Password Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable terminals require manual input of password information to connect to an Access Point (AP) for packet data services, making the process inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A portable terminal apparatus and method that enables the AP function by generating and broadcasting a beacon message with pre-stored information, allowing the terminal to act as an AP and allocate resources for neighboring Wi-Fi terminals, thereby simplifying the connection process and eliminating the need for user-inputted password information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the portable terminal connects to an Access Point manually with password input, then the connection security is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient manual password input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection process convenienceVSAvoidtime for password input

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent stores password information in advance in the portable terminal before connection is needed. When connecting to the Access Point, the pre-stored password is automatically used without requiring manual input, thus resolving the contradiction between connection convenience and time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the portable terminal acts as an Access Point with pre-stored information, then the ease of operation improves by eliminating manual password input, but the device complexity increases due to additional AP function implementation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection process simplicityVSAvoidAP function implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable terminal is designed to perform multiple functions including both normal terminal operations and Access Point functionality. By integrating the AP function into the existing terminal architecture, the patent enables the device to switch between modes without requiring separate dedicated hardware, thus resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the portable terminal broadcasts beacon messages to enable AP function, then the productivity improves by enabling automatic connection services, but the use of energy increases due to continuous broadcasting and network maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic connection service capabilityVSAvoidenergy for beacon broadcasting

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic beacon message broadcasting rather than continuous transmission. The AP function activates periodically to broadcast beacon messages and maintain network connections, allowing the terminal to enter low-power states between broadcasting cycles. This periodic operation enables automatic connection services while managing energy consumption more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3637946B1Apparatus and method for providing access point function in portable communication system

Publication Date: 2023.07.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An apparatus and method for providing an Access Point (AP) function of a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus includes an AP function unit for performing the AP function by using the portable terminal in an environment where an AP is not present, and a controller for, if there is a terminal to be connected to the AP, performing connection to the terminal directly without having to perform a process of inputting password information of the AP.