WIFI Frame Configuration for Smart TV Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing configuration methods for smart devices, such as smart televisions, are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring manual input of WIFI network details using remote controls, which can be inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that generate and broadcast a WIFI frame containing configuration data, such as SSID and password, allowing the smart device to configure itself without a pre-established connection, using frames like Probe Request to share configuration data directly with the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration using remote control is used, then configuration can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration operationVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The second terminal performs self-configuration by automatically intercepting and parsing WIFI frames containing configuration data, eliminating the need for manual remote control operations. The device configures itself by extracting SSID, password, and other network parameters from the broadcasted WIFI frames.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

WIFI frames serve as an intermediary carrier to transmit configuration data from the first terminal to the second terminal. The configuration data is embedded within standard WIFI protocol frames (Probe Request, Data Frame, etc.), enabling automatic configuration through wireless communication without direct user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If pre-established connection is required for configuration, then configuration data can be transmitted, but connection setup adds complexity and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration data transmissionVSAvoidconnection setup process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Configuration data is prepared and embedded in WIFI frames in advance, before any connection is established. The first terminal generates and broadcasts configuration-containing WIFI frames proactively, allowing the second terminal to receive and process configuration data without requiring a pre-existing communication channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Standard WIFI protocol frames are used for dual purposes: both for normal wireless communication and for transmitting configuration data. By utilizing existing WIFI frame structures (Management Frame, Control Frame, Data Frame), the invention avoids creating a separate dedicated configuration protocol, thereby reducing system complexity.

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

3Productivity

If configuration data is transmitted through multiple steps, then data can be delivered, but the process becomes complex and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple configuration parameters (SSID, password, encryption type, channel information) are merged into a single WIFI frame structure for simultaneous transmission. This consolidation allows the second terminal to receive all necessary configuration data in one reception event, eliminating the need for multiple sequential transmission steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

When configuration data exceeds the capacity of a single WIFI frame, the data is segmented into multiple frames for transmission. The second terminal reconstructs the complete configuration data by combining information from multiple received frames, enabling efficient transmission of large configuration datasets without overwhelming the communication protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3032514B1Method and device for performing configuration
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3032514B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3032514B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3032514B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and a device for performing configuration. Taking an example in which a first terminal is a mobile terminal and a second terminal is a smart television, the method for the mobile terminal side includes: generating (S101) a WIFI frame, which contains configuration data for configuration of the smart television; and broadcasting (S102) the WIFI frame to enable the smart television to be configured according to the configuration data acquired from parsing the WIFI frame received. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, no connection needs to be pre-established between the mobile terminal and the smart television.