Smart Device Wi-Fi Access Point Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smart device technologies face inefficiencies in enabling the wireless access point mode, requiring manual user intervention and complex operations to diagnose network issues when the Wi-Fi chip malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling a wireless access point by generating and broadcasting a Wi-Fi broadcast message with a specific Service Set Identifier (SSID) when a control event is triggered, allowing the smart device to automatically switch to wireless access point mode and simplify the operation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual user intervention is required to enable wireless access point mode, then the device can switch modes, but the operation process becomes complex and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation processVSAvoidtime for enabling access point mode
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures the Wi-Fi broadcast message template with all necessary parameters (SSID, authentication type, encryption method) before actual mode switching is needed. When a control event triggers access point mode, the pre-configured template is automatically populated and broadcast, eliminating the need for manual configuration steps and reducing the time required to enable access point mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically generates and broadcasts the Wi-Fi broadcast message without requiring user intervention. The control application detects the trigger event, retrieves the pre-configured template, populates it with current device information, and broadcasts the message autonomously, making the system self-sufficient in the mode switching process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If physical buttons or keys are used to switch operation mode, then the Wi-Fi chip can enable access point mode, but the operation becomes complex and requires user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of mode switchingVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing interface with an automated software-based control system. The control application monitors for trigger events (such as network connection failures) and automatically executes the mode switching sequence by generating and broadcasting the appropriate Wi-Fi message, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control application monitors network status and detects when the device cannot connect to the network. Based on this feedback, the system automatically triggers the access point mode switching process, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual device needs without requiring user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the Wi-Fi chip is set in monitoring mode, then the device can access the network, but the device cannot provide network access when malfunction occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork access capabilityVSAvoidnetwork availability during malfunction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The Wi-Fi chip is configured to support multiple operation modes including both monitoring mode (for normal network access) and access point mode (for providing network access). The system can dynamically switch between these modes based on operational needs, making the chip universal and adaptable to different network scenarios, ensuring network availability even when the device cannot connect to external networks.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic mode switching capability where the Wi-Fi chip can transition between monitoring mode and access point mode based on real-time network conditions. When the device detects it cannot connect to the network, it dynamically switches to access point mode to provide network access, creating a flexible and adaptive network configuration system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3076745B1Methods and apparatuses for controlling wireless access point
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3076745B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3076745B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3076745B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses methods and apparatuses for controlling a wireless access point, belonging to the technical field of smart device. The method includes: when detecting that a control event for a smart device is triggered, acquiring (101, 302) a service set identifier SSID corresponding to the control event; generating (102) a specified Wireless Fidelity Wi-Fi broadcast message according to the SSID corresponding to the control event; and broadcasting (103, 304) the specified Wi-Fi broadcast message, such that the smart device enables the wireless access point according to the Wi-Fi broadcast message. In the present disclosure, the operation process in which the smart device enables the wireless access point is simplified, and the use efficiency of the smart device is improved.