Pre-authorization WiFi Credential Distribution for Seamless Network Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Travelers face frustration when connecting to Wi-Fi networks in various locations, such as hotels, airports, and airplanes, due to cumbersome and time-consuming processes, often requiring repeated authentication and dealing with unwanted advertisements during internet access.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device receives pre-authorization network credentials for a scheduled event, which are stored and automatically used when the device is within the associated location and time, eliminating the need for manual connection and reducing the occurrence of unwanted advertisements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual Wi-Fi connection process is used, then network access can be established, but the process is time-consuming and frustrating for travelers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of Wi-Fi connectionVSAvoidtime to connect to network
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by sending Wi-Fi credentials to the user's device before the user arrives at the location. The credentials are automatically stored and configured in advance, so when the user arrives, the connection is established automatically without requiring manual input. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating the time-consuming manual connection process while ensuring network access is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically managing the Wi-Fi connection process. The electronic device autonomously receives, stores, and utilizes the credentials without user intervention. The device automatically connects to the network when it detects the relevant SSID, eliminating the need for users to manually configure settings or read terms of use, thus improving ease of operation and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If travelers manually connect to each device's Wi-Fi network, then each device can access the network, but the process must be repeated for multiple devices and locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connection efficiencyVSAvoidrepeated authentication time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies universality by providing a single set of credentials that can be used across multiple devices and locations. The credentials are sent to the user's device in advance and can be automatically applied when connecting to networks at the scheduled event location. This eliminates the need to manually authenticate separately for each device, improving connection efficiency and reducing repeated authentication time.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs the authentication process in advance by sending credentials before the user arrives. This preliminary action allows the device to be pre-configured with the necessary information, so when multiple devices need to connect, the process is already prepared and can be executed automatically without repeated manual authentication, thus improving productivity and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If automatic connection is implemented, then connection process is simplified, but credentials must be pre-distributed and managed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of Wi-Fi connectionVSAvoidcredential management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing a credential distribution mechanism that mediates between the network provider and the user's device. The credentials are sent through an electronic communication channel (email, messaging app, etc.) before the user arrives. This intermediary system handles the complexity of credential management, allowing automatic connection to be implemented without requiring complex real-time authentication systems at the point of connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs credential distribution and device configuration in advance, before the user needs to connect. This preliminary action moves the complexity of credential management to a pre-arrival phase, where it can be handled through standard electronic communication channels. The actual connection process then becomes simple and automated, as the device already has the necessary credentials configured, thus achieving high automation without complex real-time management systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11997486B2Method and system of providing WiFi credentials through remote invitations
Publication Date: 2024.05.28 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US11997486B2 patent drawing
  • US11997486B2 patent drawing
  • US11997486B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Computer implemented methods, systems, and computer program products are provided including identifying a new reservation from an electronic device for automatic access to a network; conveying the credentials to the electronic device prior to arriving at a structure associated with the network; and granting access to a network once the electronic device is detected by the network.