Wireless Network Connection Method Using AP-ST Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless network connection techniques, such as Wi-Fi Direct and NFC, face limitations including restricted connections, long searching times, narrow bandwidths, and the need for specific hardware, making them unsuitable for dynamic environmental changes and moving scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A method where electronic devices automatically detect each other and select a suitable wireless network service provider by switching between access point (AP) and station (ST) modes, calculating weights to determine a primary AP for stable connections, allowing other devices to connect through it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Wi-Fi Direct technique is used for wireless network connection, then connection can be established between devices, but connection is restricted to one-to-one or one-to-few only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidconnection restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the network role into two distinct modes: AP mode for devices that can provide network access and ST mode for devices that need to connect to the network. This segmentation allows multiple ST devices to connect to a single AP device, enabling one-to-many connections and resolving the connection restriction limitation of Wi-Fi Direct.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication unit is designed to universally support both AP mode and ST mode, allowing any device to function as either a network provider or a network client depending on the situation. This multi-functionality enables flexible network formation adaptability to various connection scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If Bluetooth technique is used for wireless network connection, then connection can be established, but searching time between devices is long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection speedVSAvoidsearching time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Devices perform preliminary actions by proactively announcing their presence and capabilities through weight information exchange before actual connection is needed. This preliminary action allows other devices to have advance knowledge of available connection targets, eliminating the need for time-consuming discovery searches when connection is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where devices broadcast their weight information and connection status continuously. Other devices can receive this feedback and make informed connection decisions without needing to actively search, significantly reducing connection establishment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If NFC technique is used for wireless network connection, then connection can be established, but close contact between devices is required and bandwidth is narrow

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoiddevice proximity requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts connection parameters including weight values based on real-time conditions such as signal strength, device mobility, and network status. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize connection quality and bandwidth utilization without requiring fixed device proximity, making the connection process more flexible and efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If Alljoyn technique is used for wireless network connection, then devices can connect to wireless network, but all devices must be connected to a specific access point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork formation flexibilityVSAvoidcentralized connection requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring all devices to connect to a centralized access point (Alljoyn approach), the patent inverts the model by allowing any device to become an AP and provide network access to others. This inversion distributes the network coordination function across multiple devices, enabling more flexible and decentralized network formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9066352B2Wireless network connection method of electronic device and electronic device thereof

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 ACER INC

AI summary

A wireless network connection method of an electronic device is provided. The electronic device has an access point (AP) mode and a station (ST) mode. When the electronic device starts a wireless network connection function, the electronic device is switched to the ST mode. Electronic devices in the AP mode are searched within a nearby area. If no electronic device in the AP mode is found, the electronic device is switched to the AP mode to automatically connect to a wireless network, and wireless network services are provided to other electronic devices in the ST mode in the nearby area. If electronic devices in the AP mode are found, the weights of the electronic devices are respectively calculated to set one of the electronic devices as a primary AP, and the electronic devices other than the primary AP are allowed to connect to the wireless network through the primary AP.