Wireless Terminal PIN Role Assignment via Capability Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, especially in ad hoc mode, the setup of wireless connections and security configurations is complex, and existing solutions like Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) often fail due to incorrect determination of the PIN code display terminal, leading to connection failures and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication terminal that includes a tentative determination unit to assess which terminal should display or input the PIN code based on the presence and capabilities of display and input units in partner terminals, ensuring accurate role assignment for successful network setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a terminal desiring to join and a setup terminal both have display and input units, then both terminals can potentially display PIN codes, but it becomes uncertain which terminal should display the PIN code, leading to connection setup failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing a role assignment mechanism that creates distinct functional identities (display terminal vs. input terminal) between the two terminals. Even though both terminals have identical hardware capabilities (display and input units), the system assigns asymmetric roles through the determination unit, which selects one terminal as the display terminal and the other as the input terminal based on predetermined criteria. This resolves the uncertainty by creating functional differentiation from identical capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing role determination before the actual PIN code display and input operations. The determination unit decides which terminal will be the display terminal and which will be the input terminal in advance, during the connection setup initiation phase. This preliminary assignment prevents subsequent confusion and ensures that each terminal knows its designated function before the critical PIN code exchange occurs.
2Ease of operation
If WPS is applied to ad hoc network, then connection setup can be simplified, but determining which terminal displays the PIN code becomes complex since terminals are on even ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the terminals to automatically determine their own roles without requiring user intervention or external coordination. The determination unit at each terminal autonomously decides whether this terminal should be the display terminal or the input terminal based on the exchanged capability information and predetermined determination criteria. This self-determination mechanism simplifies the overall process by eliminating the need for manual role assignment or complex negotiation protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by implementing an information exchange mechanism where terminals share their display and input unit capabilities with each other. The determination unit uses this feedback information about the partner terminal's capabilities, combined with the tentative determination result, to make the final role assignment. This feedback loop ensures that the role determination is based on mutual capability awareness rather than arbitrary selection.
3Reliability
If manual input of wireless settings is required, then network security can be maintained, but the setup process becomes complex and difficult for users unfamiliar with wireless LAN technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing the PIN code as a mediator that bridges the security requirement and user-friendly operation. Instead of requiring users to manually configure complex wireless security settings, the system uses a simplified PIN code exchange process where one terminal displays the PIN and the other inputs it. This intermediary mechanism maintains security (through the PIN verification) while dramatically simplifying the user interaction, making it accessible to users unfamiliar with wireless LAN technology.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication terminal includes a tentative determination unit for tentatively determining a role of a display terminal, a transmission unit for transmitting wireless data including information indicating the result of the tentative determination and first information on presence or absence of a display unit and an input unit of the wireless communication terminal, a receiving unit for receiving response data including information indicating a terminal as a display terminal and second information on presence or absence of a display unit and an input unit of a wireless communication terminal having received the wireless data, and a determination unit for determining the role of the display terminal based on the information indicating a terminal as the display terminal and the second information.