Wireless Target Device Automatic Network Connection via Ad-Hoc Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices without input interfaces, such as speakers or network bridging devices, cannot efficiently connect to wireless networks due to the lack of a manual input interface for security keys, making it costly to incorporate such interfaces and complicating network access.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that establish an ad-hoc wireless network between a wireless executing device and a target device, allowing the executing device to transmit access settings over this network, enabling the target device to automatically connect to a target network, thereby eliminating the need for manual input interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an input interface (keyboard/touch screen) is incorporated into wireless devices for manual security key input, then network connection capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary that holds the security key and transmits it to the wireless device through an ad-hoc network. This mediator approach allows the wireless device to connect to networks without having its own input interface, as the mobile device serves as the external interface for security key input and transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the security key input function from the wireless device itself and relocates it to an external mobile device. By taking out the input interface requirement from the wireless device, the solution reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining network connection capability through the external device's interface.
2Ease of operation
If manual input interface is added to wireless devices, then security key entry is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device acts as a mediator that provides the security key entry interface externally. Instead of building expensive input interfaces into each wireless device, the system uses the mobile device's existing interface capabilities to perform security key entry, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as a security key repository, provides the input interface for security key entry, establishes the ad-hoc network, and transmits the security key to the wireless device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated input interfaces in wireless devices, reducing manufacturing costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless devices without input interfaces are used, then device cost is reduced, but automatic network connection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs preliminary actions by storing the security key in advance and establishing the ad-hoc network connection before the wireless device needs to connect to the target network. This preliminary setup enables the wireless device to automatically connect without needing its own input interface or automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between low-cost wireless devices without input interfaces and the requirement for automatic network connection. By handling security key management and transmission, the mediator enables automatic connection capability in devices that would otherwise lack this capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for allowing a wireless target device to automatically connect to a target network. The method is to be implemented by a wireless executing device in a wireless network system. In the method, the wireless executing device is configured to establish an ad-hoc wireless network with the wireless target device, and to transmit an access setting to the wireless target device over the ad-hoc wireless network. The access setting enables the wireless target device to connect to the target network automatically.