Virtual WiFi Hotspot via Bluetooth GATT for Simultaneous Network Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless solutions for smart terminals, such as WiFi and WiFi hotspots, are mutually exclusive, making network sharing cumbersome and inconvenient for users, as they require enabling Bluetooth network sharing functions separately.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow simultaneous use of WiFi and WiFi hotspot functions by creating a virtual WiFi hotspot using Bluetooth Generic Attribute (GATT) when the WiFi function is enabled, enabling network sharing through a Bluetooth PAN connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If WiFi function is enabled, then WiFi connectivity is provided, but WiFi hotspot function is automatically disabled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork sharing capabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines WiFi and WiFi hotspot functions that were previously mutually exclusive. By using Bluetooth GATT to create a virtual WiFi hotspot while WiFi is enabled, the system merges two separate network sharing modes into a unified solution, allowing simultaneous operation of both functions without requiring separate Bluetooth PAN connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces Bluetooth GATT as an intermediary layer between the WiFi module and the access terminal. This intermediary enables the creation of a virtual WiFi hotspot that bridges the WiFi connection and the access terminal, allowing network sharing without disabling the primary WiFi function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If Bluetooth network sharing is used, then network sharing is achieved, but the process is cumbersome and requires multiple operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork sharing capabilityVSAvoidconnection establishment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the virtual WiFi hotspot through Bluetooth GATT with preset hotspot names and passwords before an access terminal needs to connect. This preparation eliminates the need for real-time configuration during connection establishment, reducing user operations and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual WiFi hotspot automatically manages its own configuration and connection processes through Bluetooth GATT, reducing the need for manual user intervention. The system self-configures the hotspot parameters and handles connection requests without requiring users to navigate through multiple Bluetooth pairing interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If virtual WiFi hotspot is created through Bluetooth GATT, then simultaneous WiFi and hotspot functions are enabled, but additional Bluetooth PAN connection is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous network functionsVSAvoidconnection protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the Bluetooth interface multi-functional by using it for both creating the virtual WiFi hotspot through GATT and establishing the network connection through PAN. This universal use of Bluetooth protocol reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function, simplifying the overall device architecture despite the dual-function requirement.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3537733B1Network sharing method and system
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 HUIZHOU TCL MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP3537733B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3537733B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3537733B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed are a network sharing method, and a method and a system for accessing network. The network sharing method comprises: detecting whether a terminal device enables a WiFi function as receiving a WiFi hotspot creating operation; creating a virtual WiFi hotspot configured with preset hotspot name and password through a Bluetooth Generic Attribute (GATT) as detecting that the WiFi function is enabled; and establishing a Bluetooth PAN connection with an access terminal through the virtual WiFi hotspot to achieve network sharing.