Automatic Wireless Network Selection for Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in manually configuring web-enabled printing devices to connect to wireless networks, especially those operating in the 5 GHz frequency band, as they often cannot automatically switch to compatible 2.4 GHz networks when the 5 GHz network is out of range, leading to customer service issues.
Innovation Solution
A client computing device automatically selects a wireless network of a different frequency band (2.4 GHz) for a target device (like a printer) by identifying related SSIDs with base substrings, allowing the device to connect using shared credentials without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a printing device is designed to connect only to 5 GHz wireless networks, then network speed and bandwidth are improved, but compatibility and ease of connection are worsened because the device cannot automatically switch to 2.4 GHz networks when 5 GHz networks are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency band selection by enabling the printing device to automatically switch between 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz wireless networks based on availability. The device first attempts to connect to 5 GHz networks for optimal performance, but automatically falls back to 2.4 GHz networks when 5 GHz networks are unavailable, making the connection capability adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the printing device capable of operating with both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz wireless networks, effectively giving it universal compatibility across different frequency bands. This multi-functionality allows the device to connect to either type of network depending on what is available, resolving the contradiction between optimizing for 5 GHz performance and maintaining broad compatibility.
2Measurement precision
If manual configuration is required for wireless network connection, then connection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation is worsened leading to user frustration and customer service calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the printing device to automatically discover, select, and connect to appropriate wireless networks without requiring manual user configuration. The device autonomously handles network detection, credential verification, and connection establishment, eliminating the need for users to manually input SSIDs or passwords while maintaining accurate connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the printing device with wireless network credentials and authentication information before deployment. This allows the device to automatically authenticate and connect to networks without requiring real-time user input, combining the accuracy of pre-configured credentials with the simplicity of automatic connection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a client computing device connected to a 5 GHz network attempts to instruct a printing device to connect to the same network, then network consistency is improved, but connection success is worsened because the printing device cannot connect to 5 GHz networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that translates connection instructions from the client computing device (connected to 5 GHz) to the printing device (capable of 2.4 GHz only). The system automatically identifies compatible 2.4 GHz networks and redirects connection attempts appropriately, serving as a mediator between the client's desired network and the printer's capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the printing device initiate or accept instructions to connect to 2.4 GHz networks rather than requiring the client device to instruct connection to 5 GHz networks. This reversal of the connection target frequency band resolves the incompatibility while maintaining the client's ability to initiate the connection process.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to selection of a wireless network for use by a target computing device. Examples include a determination that a client computing device is connected to a first wireless network of a first frequency band and having a first service set identifier (SSID). Examples further include selection of a second wireless network of a second frequency band for use by the target computing device without user intervention, the second wireless network having an SSID including at least a base substring of the first SSID.