WLAN Information Publishing Server Using AP MAC Address Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for publishing information through WLAN hotspots require users to install client software on mobile devices, limiting user development and preventing targeted information delivery to different hotspots.

Innovation Solution

A method where a terminal device sends a MAC address of an Access Point (AP) to an information publishing server, allowing the server to send specific information content based on the AP's MAC address, enabling targeted publishing of different information to various WLAN hotspots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If information publishing client software is installed on mobile terminal devices, then information can be published to WLAN users, but user development is significantly restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation publishing capabilityVSAvoiduser development
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by having terminal devices automatically obtain and display information content without requiring users to install or configure any software. The terminal device simply sends a request to the information publishing server, which automatically retrieves and delivers the appropriate content based on the AP MAC address.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The information publishing server provides universal service to all terminal devices within a WLAN hotspot regardless of device type or operating system. The server handles information retrieval, processing, and delivery for diverse devices through a single platform, eliminating the need for device-specific client software.

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

2Device complexity

If same information is published to all mobile terminal devices, then information publishing is simplified, but different information cannot be published for different WLAN hotspots

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation publishing systemVSAvoidtargeted information delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements local quality by delivering different information content to different WLAN hotspots based on their specific characteristics. The information publishing server uses the AP MAC address to identify the local hotspot environment and retrieves information content that is specifically suited for that location, rather than using a uniform approach for all hotspots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of information content based on the AP MAC address parameter. By using the MAC address as a key variable, the server dynamically selects and delivers different information content for different WLAN hotspots, transforming a static publishing system into a dynamic, location-aware system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If MAC address-based targeted publishing is implemented, then different information can be published for different WLAN hotspots, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetargeted information deliveryVSAvoidinformation publishing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information publishing server acts as an intermediary between the terminal devices and the information content sources. It receives the AP MAC address from the terminal device, uses this as a key to retrieve appropriate information content, and delivers the content to the terminal device. This intermediary approach centralizes the complexity in the server rather than requiring complex logic in each terminal device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the AP MAC address as a copying key to retrieve pre-configured information content associated with that specific hotspot. Instead of generating or analyzing complex parameters, the system simply copies the appropriate information content from its database using the MAC address as the retrieval key, simplifying the matching process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2816827B1Method and apparatus for distributing information, and network system
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2816827B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2816827B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~2
  • EP2816827B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention provides an information publishing method and apparatus. The present invention relates to the communications field and is capable of publishing different information for different WLAN hotspots. The information publishing method includes: receiving, by an information publishing server, an information content request message sent by a terminal device, where the information content request message carries a MAC address of an AP; obtaining, by the information publishing server according to the MAC address of the AP, information content corresponding to the MAC address of the AP; and sending, by the information publishing server, the information content to the terminal device. The present invention is used for information publishing.