FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to Wi-Fi Hotspot access or access and connection to Wi-Fi technology. More particularly, the present invention relates to method and system enabling a user to connect to a WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspot by scanning a Quick Response Code and/or contextual actions on an App or scanner device providing a seamless connectivity to the hotspots.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The modern cell phone is used for much more than voice communications. With the introduction of cellular data networks and protocols, cell phones have become tools for surfing the net, sending and receiving email, text and multimedia messaging, streaming video and audio, internet messaging and chatting, position location devices (via GPS), on and on (hence their common name of “smart phone” or “Swiss-army phone” in many circles).

Wi-Fi technology, due to the technical advantage of fast transmission speed, wider transmission range is widely applied in the radio communication of equipment, now as existing notebook computers, mobile phones, Mp4, wireless Internet access data cards all have the communication interface of Wi-Fi.

Now-a-days most of user devices have the facility of Wi-Fi hotspots for accessing the internet in a real time manner. As the frequency of use of wireless communication has increased, it is necessary to connect a new wireless communication device to a Wi-Fi communication network. In addition, in case where a temporary connection between wireless devices is required based on a Wi-Fi communication technology, pairing should be performed between the wireless devices.

There are known methods which enable a device handset to connect to a SSID without entering a password. The user may have to authenticate themselves on the hotspot/hotspot captive portal. The functionality is singular and isn’t combined with other context building and informing the App of services at the location/context.

The present invention intends to address the above and other limitations of contemporary methods by providing an improved method and system enabling a user to connect to a WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspot by scanning a Quick Response Code providing a seamless connectivity to the hotspots. Further, the proposed invention enables easy connectivity to hotspots in vicinity by scanning a QR code, without asking for a Wi-Fi password giving a ‘roaming’ like experience to users, allowing them to connect to any and every Wi-Fi hotspot.

The present invention, therefore, is directed to a method and a system related therewith wherein a two-dimensional barcode i.e. a QR code creates context for a scanning device to understand which location it is currently at, as well as directing the user to the appropriate app to utilize that context. The context once passed to the App allows the app to provide contextual information and seamless interconnectivity between the context-location’s services and services and programs on the scanner device and internet content.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to connecting an App to PM WANI Compliant Wi-Fi Hotspot via a two-dimensional barcode i.e. a Quick Response Code and/or contextual actions on the App or scanner device and its related method and system.

The user device can be any Wi-Fi enabled device such as, smart phone, laptop, tabs, or the like which use internet connectivity through the Wi-Fi-Hotspot.

Service provider or partner can be any entity which provides internet connection or other services to the user device. A partner can give any name to their Wi-Fi hotspot. Contemporary Wi-Fi technology allows for a ‘roaming’ like experience when the SSID name is same across all hotspots. The present invention, irrespective of the name of a hotspot, ensures if a partner is part of the PM Wani system once a QR related with said partner is accesses/scanned, the connectivity to said partner hotspot can be achieved. The QR code related to a partner according to the present invention is generated by the partner. Such a QR code can be customised by adding meta data of the ’location’ where the QR code will be placed/fixed/pasted. Such meta data in turn passes the information to the backend server(s) via a deep link about the location of the user scanning said QR code at a location where it is placed/fixed/pasted as indicated by the meta data. Upon identifying the ‘location of the user’, the backend server presents available Wi-Fi hotspot and services at that location to the user.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a roaming Wi-Fi experience to a user even if the Wi-Fi SSID names are different in the Wi-Fi hotspot ecosystem in that a user can stay connected to any Wi-Fi hotspot by scanning a two-dimensional barcode i.e. a QR code.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a two-dimensional barcode i.e. a single QR Code to permit apps to connect to WANI compliant hotspots in vicinity automatically, and provide a seamless connectivity to the hotspots, as well as but not limited to payment for Wi-Fi Usage on WANI Compliant Hotspots, electronic payment, social media, internet content etc.

Another object of the present invention is that it permits App to discover connected services at a location, e.g. electric payments, products Listings, social media profile, particulars etc.

Another object of the present invention is that it enables connection to a Wi-Fi hotspot with no manual intervention (searching from list of SSIDs in a phone) required.

Another object of the present invention is that it enables detection, connection and payment to WANI hotspots from one app.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a method enabling a user to connect to a WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspot by a two-dimensional barcode i.e. a QR code and/or contextual actions on an app or scanner device, the method comprising: generating or providing a two-dimensional barcode for scanning by an electronic device of a user; scanning the two-dimensional code by said electronic device of the user prompting a log request into a backend server; receiving a deep-link URL from the backend server on the user’s device; redirecting to the deep-link domain triggering to open a related App on the user’s electronic device; scanning nearby Wi-Fi hotspot networks and computing availability of available Wi-Fi network hotspots prioritizing availability of a partner location WI-Fi network hotspot; displaying available options on the user’s electronic device prioritizing availability of a partner location WI-Fi network hotspot; connecting through a one-click option to the available Wi-FI network hotspots depending on the selection by the user in that the user stays connected to any Wi-Fi hotspot by scanning the QR code.

In the above method, the step of redirecting to the deep-link domain comprising opening a related App on the user’s electronic device and prompting login into the App with the users’ phone number and OTP received on said phone. Further, the step of redirecting to the deep-link domain comprising prompting to download the related App from an App store on the user’s electronic device.

In the above method, the step of scanning comprising sending two-dimensional barcode data to the backend server with the user’s information. The step of scanning further comprising connecting to one or more routers configured to continuously broadcast their presence announcing their MAC and SSID.

In the above method, the step of displaying available options comprising response from the backend server with the services at the partner’s location selected at the time of onboarding as well as MAC ID of the partner’s router.

In the above method, the step of selection of the Wi-Fi option by the user comprising receiving a response from the backend server if the user has an active plan at the time of selection.

In the above method, the response from the backend server checked by the App on the user’s electronic device and based on availability of an active plan the App prepares to connect to the router. Alternatively, the response from the backend server checked by the App on the user’s electronic device and based on unavailability of an Active plan the user is prompted to purchase a plan.

In the above method, the step of connecting through a one-click option comprising: initiating a connection request to the router; checking by the router of the validity of the connection request with the server; receiving a response by the router either allowing an internet session or sending a negative response; receiving a response from the backend server with the services at the partner’s location selected at the time of onboarding as well as MAC ID of the partner’s router; receiving internet session information from the backend server on the App; displaying connection information and session usage details on the App.

The Wi-Fi hotspot device may present the two-dimensional barcode on the display screen of the Wi-Fi hotspot device such that the user’s electronic device can read the presented two-dimensional barcode or the two-dimensional code i.e QR code can be displayed on paper, display board, stickers or the like as well. For example, a user may scan the two-dimensional barcode being placed/pasted/fixed at a location being displayed on a paper, display board, stickers, and easily scan the two-dimensional barcode to access the hotspot.

A two-dimensional barcode may be considered as a two-dimensional extension of a traditional one-dimensional “barcode”. The two-dimensional barcode may be construed as an image for example a quick response code (QR code) in which a piece of text information is encapsulated. Specific content of the text information is not limited, and may be, for example, a uniform resource locator (URL), an electronic mail (e-mail) address, personal contact card information, or the like. The two-dimensional barcode generated by the Wi-Fi hotspot device may be used for encapsulating Wi-Fi authentication information. The two-dimensional barcode embodiment of the present disclosure may further be replaced by a barcode, a three-dimensional barcode, or other predefined graphics, all of which can be used for encapsulating Wi-Fi authentication information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figs. 1 illustrates detection and connection to a WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspot by scanning a Quick Response Code and/or contextual actions on a App or scanner device providing a seamless connectivity to the hotspots according to the present invention.

Fig. 2A illustrates a flowchart of the method providing a single QR Code to discover connected services at a location according to the present invention.

Fig. 2B illustrates a flowchart of the method permitting apps to connect to WANI compliant hotspots in vicinity automatically and provide a seamless connectivity to the hotspots.

While the disclosed subject matter is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the invention to the embodiments described. The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is made with reference to the accompanying figures. Exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate the subject matter of the disclosure, not to limit its scope, which will be defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described and/or shown may be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular indefinite articles "a", "an", and the definite article "the" should be considered to include or otherwise cover both single and plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. In other words, these articles are applicable to one or more referents. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed to include or otherwise cover "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “client device”, “user device”, “user” defines the same user device which include being not limited to mobile, laptop, desktop, tab or the like which use internet connectivity through the Wi-Fi-Hotspot.

Referring to Fig. 1, the following example explains how an App is connected to PM WANI Compliant Wi-Fi Hotspot via a Quick Response Code and/or contextual actions on the App or scanner device according to the present invention:

For example, a user U who has a smart phone device M, present at location L scanning a QR Code Q, with an App A.

U scans Q without any App A and with any scanner, U is prompted to navigate to the embedded URI (Uniform resource identifier). The URI is a deep link to the device’s platform’s App repository page where A can be downloaded from. A has a QR code scanner utility built in.

App A scans Q and extracts a string that’s embedded within the Q’s deep link and decrypts it to get a string D.

- A makes an API call to backend server with D to ask what services are linked to Q at location L. A receives a list of services available at the location.
- If one of the services are of WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspot, then the server sends the payload containing MAC address of the router R and SSID at the location (both linked to the Unique code D passed to the app).
- App A scans for router MAC and SSIDs that match the MAC and SSID combination passed to A via the payload.
- If found, user is presented with the Wi-Fi option in A
- If user selects Wi-Fi option, then:
A connects M to the SSID.
A makes an API call to the backend to authorize A for an internet session.
If A qualifies for a free session then internet access is seamless.
Else A is presented with a set of data packs that A can purchased.
If A purchases then A is connected to the internet with that session.
If A does not purchase, then the app A disconnects M from the SSID.

Referring to Fig. 2A, it can be seen that how a user scans QR code and is prompted to follow a URL. Backend server(s) responds with a deep link which either triggers the app to open or app store to download the app. The backend server includes cloud based server(s). If the user downloads the app or opens the app, the app is informed of the context by the unique ID provided in the QR Code and deep link. Thereafter, the App checks availability of partner location Wi-Fi currently else other network Wi-Fi hotspots. Priority is always given for to connect to a partner’s hotspot. The App presents services as well as one-click button for connection to other Wi-Fi networks (if available).

Referring now to Fig. 2B, it can be seen that how a user Selects the connect to Wi-Fi option and then the App connects to the backend server(s) to check whether the current mobile user has an active session/plan. If in case of no active session/plan, the user is prompted to purchase a plan to continue. Once purchased the app initiates a request to the router to initiate the internet session. Further, the router checks the validity of the current internet session and prevents accessing the internet until it is authenticated and validated with the backend server(s).

In order to explain contextual QR Code generation, each partner location with a Wi-Fi hotspot gets access to an Administration portal where the partner can download a printable QR code. When any partner requests download of a QR Code, said partner get an option to tag the QR code with some meta data about where the QR code will be deployed at. The partner will get a screen where a map is displayed with where the partner hotspot is located and a ring indicating range of the partner’s Wi-Fi hotspot. The partner places the pin on the map where the QR code will be placed and then receives a QR code. The data payload of the QR is a deep-link URL with a unique ID/code embedded within it. As is known, a QR code is globally unique. Any activity on the QR code such as scanning will be uniquely attributed to the unique ID embedded within. After generating the QR code selects from a bouquet of services available at the location the default which is Wi-Fi which cannot be de-selected.

Referring further to Fig. 2A which illustrates a flowchart of the method providing a single QR Code to discover connected services at a location according to the present invention is illustrated. The method of Fig. 2a is performed by a Wi-Fi hotspot device, and the method may include the following steps.

At step 110, a two-dimensional barcode is generated or provided for scanning by an electronic device, at step 112 once the user scans the two-dimensional code by his/her electronic device, such scanning prompts a log request into a backend server and sends a deep-link URL from the backend server for further browsing by the user at step 110, at step 114 the browser on the user’s electronic device redirects to the deep link domain and triggers to open a related App on the user’s electronic device. Moving to step 116 the browser checks if the related App is installed or not. At step 118, if the related App is already installed in the user’s electronic device, the user is prompted to login into the App with the user’s authentication for example, through a phone number and OTP received on said phone. At step 120, if the related App is not installed on the user’s electronic device, the user is prompted to download the related App from an App store available on the user’s device and move further with login into the App with the user’s authentication for example, through a phone number and OTP received on said phone.

At step 122, the App scans nearby Wi-Fi hotspot networks and checks availability of available Wi-Fi network hotspots prioritizing availability of a partner location WI-Fi network hotspot in that the App sends the two-dimensional code data to the backend server with user information. The step of scanning at 122 comprising connecting to one or more routers configured to continuously broadcast their presence announcing their MAC and SSID at step 124. At step 126, the backend server responds with the details of the services at the partner’s location selected at the time of onboarding as well as MAC ID of the partner’s router. At step 128, available options are displayed on the user’s electronic device prioritizing availability of a partner location Wi-Fi network hotspot along with the option to connect to Wi-Fi if the MAC ID of the partner’s router is in range.

Referring now to Fig. 2B, at step 130, the user selects Wi-Fi option available to him/her and upon doing so the backend server at step 132 checks if the user has an active plan currently and respond to the App on the user’s electronic device. At step 134, the App checks the response received from the backend server and at step 136 checks if the user has a active plan. If the user has an active plan, the App prepares to connect to the router providing access to an internet session at step 138 through one click option. If the user has no active plan, the user is prompted to purchase a plan at step 140 and thereafter allowed access to an internet session through one-click option.

To explain the process of connecting through a one-click option, at step 142 the App initiates a connection request to the router. The router at step 144 checks the validity of the connection request with the backend server. The backend server at step 146 checks and responds with the services at the partner’s location selected at the time of onboarding as well as MAC ID of the partner’s router. Based on the response received from the backend server, the router at step 148 responds and allows internet session or sends a negative response. In case of allowance for an internet session, the user is prompted to use the internet session wherein the App at step 150 displays connection information and session usage details in that the backend server sends at step 152 internet session information to the user providing the details of the use.

Embodiments of the present disclosure thus relates to a method for connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot device, a Wi-Fi hotspot device, and user electronic device, which improves user experience.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof.

Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the foregoing description be limited to the exact description set forth above, but rather that such description be construed as encompassing such features that reside in the present invention, including all the features and embodiments that would be treated as equivalents thereof by those skilled in the relevant art.

The scope of the present invention herein disclosed is not limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above but can be determined only by a fair reading of the appended claims.

CLAIMS:

WE CLAIM:

1. A method enabling a user to connect to a WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspot by a two-dimensional barcode i.e. a QR code and/or contextual actions on an app or scanner device, the method comprising:
generating or providing a two-dimensional barcode for scanning by an electronic device of a user;
scanning the two-dimensional code by said electronic device of the user prompting a log request into a backend server;
receiving a deep-link URL from the backend server on the user’s device;
redirecting to the deep-link domain triggering to open a related App on the user’s electronic device;
scanning nearby Wi-Fi hotspot networks and checking availability of available Wi-Fi network hotspots prioritizing availability of a partner location WI-Fi network hotspot;
displaying available options on the user’s electronic device prioritizing availability of a partner location WI-Fi network hotspot;
connecting through a one-click option to the available Wi-FI network hotspots depending on the selection by the user in that the user stays connected to any Wi-Fi hotspot by scanning the QR code.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electronic device comprising a mobile/smart phone or a tablet computer, or a smart wearable device such as a smart watch or smart glasses, or the like which use internet connectivity through the Wi-Fi-Hotspot.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of redirecting to the deep-link domain comprising opening a related App on the user’s electronic device and prompting login into the App with the users’ phone number and OTP received on said phone.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of redirecting to the deep-link domain comprising prompting to download the related App from an App store on the user’s electronic device.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of scanning comprising sending two-dimensional barcode data to the backend server with the user’s information.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1 to 5, wherein the step of scanning further comprising connecting to one or more routers configured to continuously broadcast their presence announcing their MAC and SSID.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of displaying available options comprising response from the backend server with the services at the partner’s location selected at the time of onboarding as well as MAC ID of the partner’s router.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of selection of the Wi-Fi option by the user comprising receiving a response from the backend server if the user has an active plan at the time of selection.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the response from the backend server checked by the App on the user’s electronic device and based on availability of an active plan the App prepares to connect to the router.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the response from the backend server checked by the App on the user’s electronic device and based on unavailability of an Active plan the user is prompted to purchase a plan.

11. The method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the step of connecting through a one-click option comprising:
initiating a connection request to the router;
checking by the router of the validity of the connection request with the backend server;
receiving a response by the router either allowing an internet session or sending a negative response;
receiving a response from the backend server with the services at the partner’s location selected at the time of onboarding as well as MAC ID of the partner’s router;
receiving internet session information from the backend server on the App;
displaying connection information and session usage details on the App.