Embedding Graphic Data in WiFi Beacon Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users and access point owners face difficulties in distinguishing the origin of available WIFI networks when viewing a WIFI network list, as existing methods do not provide clear service information or visual differentiation.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that process graphic data and instructions embedded in a vendor-specific field of a beacon frame, allowing for the generation and display of graphic output or animation in the WIFI network list, enabling users to easily identify the origin of WIFI networks and allowing access point owners to provide service information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If graphic data is embedded in beacon frames, then visual differentiation and service information are improved, but beacon frame complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds graphic data within the vendor-specific information element of the beacon frame, nesting the graphic content inside the existing wireless communication protocol structure. This allows service information to be transmitted without adding a separate communication channel or protocol layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from text-based network identification to graphic-based identification by embedding image data in the beacon frame. This adds a visual dimension to the network information, allowing users to distinguish networks through images rather than just text names.
2Ease of operation
If graphic data is transmitted in beacon frames, then user experience is improved, but data transmission bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transmits only essential graphic data in the beacon frame, using partial action by selecting only the most important visual identification elements. The full-resolution images are not transmitted but rather sufficient graphic information to enable network identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphic data is segmented into vendor-specific information elements within the beacon frame structure, separating the graphic identification data from other network parameters. This allows efficient transmission by organizing graphic data in a dedicated segment of the protocol.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a device (102) configured to process graphic data and/or instructions embedded in a vendor specific field of a beacon frame and a method of an access point (104) for transmitting such a vendor specific field. The device is configured to detect a WIFI beacon frame (174), read graphic data (176) and/or process instructions of a vendor specific field of the beacon frame, generate graphic output (180) based on the graphic data of the vendor specific field, and to exhibit the graphic output in a WIFI network list on the display (184). The device is further configured to replace and/or modify of a standard WIFI network list and/or add indicia to a standard WIFI network list based on the graphic data and/or instructions of one or more vendor specific fields (230). A series of beacon frames with service information embedded in their vendor specific fields provides for assembled graphic output and/or animation as graphic output.