QR Code-Based Wi-Fi Device Pairing and Secure Connection Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) methods, such as PIN, push button configuration, and Near Field Communication (NFC), face security vulnerabilities and complexity issues, particularly with the PIN method being difficult to implement on devices with limited UI and high hardware requirements, and NFC requiring specialized interfaces, leading to a need for a simpler and more secure connection method.

Innovation Solution

A method involving acquiring configuration password and device identifier information through scanning QR codes, NFC, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi signals, followed by encryption and verification processes to establish a secure connection between devices using a device connection code, allowing devices to connect securely without supporting multiple WPS configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PIN method is used for WPS configuration, then security can be improved, but device complexity and user operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses QR codes as a visual copy of configuration information that can be scanned and automatically processed. Instead of manually entering PIN codes, the configuration data is encoded in QR code images that devices can scan and interpret, eliminating manual input complexity while maintaining security through encrypted configuration data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input (typing PIN codes) with automated optical recognition (scanning QR codes). The configuration process transitions from manual keyboard input to automated camera-based recognition, significantly reducing user effort and potential for errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If NFC method is used for WPS configuration, then operation simplicity can be improved, but device hardware requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidhardware requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes QR code scanning a universal configuration method that works across all devices with cameras, regardless of whether they have NFC, Bluetooth, or other specialized hardware. This multi-functional approach allows any device to participate in WPS configuration through a single standardized method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses QR codes as disposable visual tokens that can be generated and scanned once for configuration purposes. Unlike expensive NFC hardware interfaces, QR codes are free to generate and scan, requiring only basic camera functionality that is universally available on modern devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple WPS configuration methods are supported, then adaptability can be improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration method compatibilityVSAvoidsoftware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration process into distinct phases: QR code generation, QR code scanning, data extraction, and verification. By dividing the complex multi-method configuration process into separate modular steps, each handling a specific function, the system achieves adaptability without requiring all methods to be simultaneously implemented.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces QR codes as an intermediary medium that bridges different configuration scenarios. Instead of implementing multiple direct configuration protocols, the system uses QR codes as a universal intermediary that can encode and transmit configuration data in a standardized format readable by any device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2963959B1Method, configuration device, and wireless device for establishing connection between devices
Publication Date: 2017.07.26 HUAWEI DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP2963959B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2963959B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2963959B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method for establishing a connection between devices, a configuration device, and a wireless device, so that a simple and secure connection may be established between the devices, so as to improve user experience. The method includes: acquiring configuration password information of a first wireless device and device identifier information of the first wireless device; performing verification on the configuration password information of the first wireless device with the first wireless device; and sending, to the first wireless device, a first encryption value obtained after a generated device connection code is encrypted; acquiring configuration password information of the second wireless device and device identifier information of the second wireless device; performing verification on the configuration password information of the second wireless device with the second wireless device; and sending, to the second wireless device, a second encryption value obtained after the device connection code is encrypted and the device identifier information of the first wireless device. The present invention is applicable to the communications field.