Proximity-Based Coupling Service SoftAP Network Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing a Wi-Fi network between devices without a hardware router is challenging due to the lack of protocols for exchanging network credentials and device information, and determining which device should function as the network host.
Innovation Solution
A proximity-based coupling service using onboard radio transmitters to generate a wireless network, where one device acts as a software-enabled access point (SoftAP) and the other as a client, with the first device transmitting an invitation communication including network credentials and identification information to establish a Wi-Fi Personal Area Network (PAN).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hardware router is used to establish Wi-Fi network, then network connection is reliable, but device portability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network hosting functionality from the hardware router and implements it as a software module (SoftAP) within the mobile device itself. This allows the device to function as both client and host, eliminating the need for external hardware router while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can act as a Wi-Fi client to connect to existing networks, as a SoftAP to create ad-hoc networks, and as a Bluetooth device for proximity detection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the device adaptable to different networking scenarios while maintaining reliability through software-based solutions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a software router is used to establish Wi-Fi network, then device portability is improved, but network establishment difficulty increases due to lack of protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the SoftAP module with necessary network parameters and protocols before actual network establishment is needed. The device detects proximity through Bluetooth first, then automatically initiates the SoftAP process with pre-prepared credentials and settings, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing establishment difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses Bluetooth communication as an intermediary mechanism to exchange device information and network credentials between proximate devices before establishing the Wi-Fi SoftAP connection. This intermediary step simplifies the overall process by automatically sharing necessary information that would otherwise require manual input, making the software-based network establishment as easy as hardware-based solutions.
3Device complexity
If onboard radio transmitters are used to generate wireless network, then hardware complexity is reduced, but network credential exchange capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into two distinct phases: first using Bluetooth (low-complexity radio) for proximity detection and credential exchange, then using Wi-Fi SoftAP (higher-bandwidth radio) for data transmission. This segmentation allows the system to use simpler hardware for the critical credential exchange phase while reserving higher-capability hardware for data transmission, thus preventing information loss without requiring complex hardware throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameters by switching between different radio protocols based on the task at hand. Bluetooth parameters (lower data rate, higher proximity accuracy) are used for credential exchange, while Wi-Fi parameters (higher data rate) are used for media file transmission. This parameter change allows the system to overcome the limitations of individual radio transmitters by using each for its optimal function.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods may provide for implementing a proximity-based coupling service. In one example, the method may include detecting, utilizing a first communication protocol, the presence of a second device by a first device, initiating a wireless network utilizing a second communication protocol, wherein the first device is to serve as a software-enabled access point (SoftAP), and configuring the second device to join the wireless network utilizing the second communication protocol.