SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING A DEVICE TO A NETWORK FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[001] The disclosure relates generally to network connectivity, and more particularly to a system and a method for communicating network credentials to an embedded device for establishing a connection with a network.
BACKGROUND
[002] In several IoT (Internet of Things) applications, independent devices such as embedded devices need to be connected to an available network for their functioning, usage, and monitoring. These devices require an easy to use, user-friendly, and quick way for connecting wirelessly to the network. Often embedded devices connect to a wireless network for communicating with other devices.
[003] It is well known that, for a device to connect to a wireless network, a network SSID and network password is needed. Using an input interface such as a keyboard, the network SSID can either be selected or entered, while the network password is mostly entered by typing it. Once the network password is verified, the device is allowed to connect to the wireless network. But in case of an embedded device, providing an input interface for entering the network SSID and network password, would require additional hardware and software, thereby increasing the cost and complexity of each of these devices.
[004] Currently, several embedded devices make use of a mobile device or a smartphone or a tablet for establishing a connection with a network. In such cases, the embedded devices include a process of receiving data such as network SSID and network password from a user’s smartphone by establishing (or using) a connection between the embedded device and the smartphone. This connection may include but not be limited to a wired, WiFi, or a Bluetooth connection. The challenges or constraints involved in such known methods require establishing a connection between the two devices (i.e., the embedded device and the smartphone).
[005] For example, in case to establish a wireless connection between the smartphone and the embedded device, the user needs to first select or type SSID of the embedded device and then enter embedded device password on the smartphone to connect to the embedded device. Once the two devices (the embedded device and the smartphone) are connected, the user enters
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the network SSID and the network password corresponding to the network that the embedded device needs to be connected, on the smartphone which has its own keyboard, either a hard or soft keyboard. The network SSID and network password is then communicated to the embedded device. Once the embedded device has received network SSID and the network password, it disconnects from the mobile device and attempts to connect to the wireless network, using the network SSID and network password received. If successful, it starts communicating using the network.
[006] Additionally, this method suffers from the drawback that, if there is an error in the network SSID or network password and the connection is not established, the embedded device is denied connectivity to the network and has already lost connectivity with the user’s smartphone. If the user does not confirm whether the device has, in fact, connected to the network, the device remains out of communication with the other devices it needs to connect with. Even if the user realizes that the attempted connection has failed, he or she has to manually re-establish wireless connection between the user’s smartphone and the embedded board by entering the embedded device SSID and embedded device password, after which the earlier process has to be repeated. However, it is to be noted that above error cases are caused due to an error in network password or network SSID, and not due to any issues related to the actual network/router.
[007] The issue(s) mentioned above is not encountered when a Bluetooth connection is used between the smartphone and the embedded device for transferring credentials. However, inclusion of such a module, in addition to the Wi-Fi module, would increase the cost of the embedded board.
[008] Thus it is seen that, the existing methods for the embedded devices for establishing a connection with a network is often cumbersome, expensive, and time consuming, involving multiple installation and operative functions at both ends.
SUMMARY
[009] In order to solve at least some of the above mentioned problems, there exists a need for a system and a method that provides a quick, convenient way for an embedded device to connect to a network. Moreover, a system and a method is needed that facilitates the transfer of data associated with network credentials (network SSID and network password) from a user’s smartphone to an embedded device to enable it to connect to the network.
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[0010] Briefly, according to an exemplary embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a first device configured for communicating network credentials to a second device.
[0011] The first device includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores a plurality of modules to be executed by the processor, wherein the plurality of modules are configured to enable a user to input the network credentials pertaining to a network, encode the network credentials into one or more data signals. Further, the modules are configured to transmit optically, one or more encoded data signals to the second device and also transmit optically, a sync signal simultaneously along with the one or more encoded data signals. The system also includes the second device configured for establishing a connection with the network. The second device includes a receiver and a controller. The receiver is configured for receiving optically, two or more signals. The two or more signals include the sync signal and the one or more encoded data signals from the first device. The controller includes a memory unit, wherein the memory unit stores a plurality of modules to be executed by the controller, and wherein the plurality of modules are configured to decode using the sync signal the one or more received encoded data signals to obtain network credentials of the network and connect the second device to the network based on decoded network credentials.
[0012] Briefly, according to another exemplary embodiment, a method for communicating network credentials to an embedded device for establishing a connection with a network is provided. The method includes enabling a user, using an input interface of a mobile device to input network credentials, pertaining to the network. The method further includes encoding, using an encoder in the mobile device, the network credentials into one or more data signals. The method further includes transmitting optically, using a plurality of sections of a display screen of the mobile device, at least two signals to the embedded device. At least one optical signal transmitted includes a sync signal and the remaining optical signals includes one or more encoded data signals. In addition, the method includes receiving optically, by the at least two photo detectors existent on the embedded device, at least two signals. The received signals includes the sync signal and at least one encoded data signal transmitted optically by the plurality of sections of the display screen of the mobile device. The method further includes decoding, using a decoder existent in the embedded device, the encoded data signals to obtain network credentials of the network. Lastly, the method includes connecting the embedded device, by a controller in the embedded device, to the network based on decoded network credentials.
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[0013] Briefly, according to yet another exemplary embodiment, a method for connecting an embedded device to a network is provided. The method includes scanning for one or more available networks, using a controller existent in the embedded device. The method further includes displaying, by a display module present on the embedded device, a network name or service set of identifiers (SSID) for the one or more available networks for connecting to the embedded device. The method further includes selecting at least one SSID of the one or more displayed networks, using a switch existent on the embedded device. In addition, the method includes receiving at least two sets of optical signals from a mobile device, using at least two photo detectors existent on the embedded device. The first set of optical signals represent sync signal and the second set of optical signals correspond to the encoded user typed credentials. The method further includes decoding a password of the selected network from the encoded user typed credentials. Lastly, the method includes connecting the embedded device to the network, based on the decoded password.
[0014] The summary above is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Further aspects, exemplary embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments can be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a system configured for facilitating a first device to communicate network credentials to a second device for establishing a connection with a network, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functional components of an example system 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for communicating network credentials (SSID and password) to an embedded device for establishing a connection with a network, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for encoding the network credentials,
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entered by a user on the smartphone into one or more data signals and decoding the one or more data signals for obtaining the network credentials for connecting an embedded device with the network, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0020] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computing device utilized for implementing the system 100 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
[0023] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0024] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not comprise only those steps but may comprise other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase “in an
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embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0026] At least one exemplary embodiment is generally directed towards a system and a method for communicating network credentials to an embedded device to enable it to connect to a network. A system and method to enable, an embedded device with a controller, to connect to a wireless network using network credentials obtained from a smartphone or a tablet is provided. The smartphone may be processor enabled device with light emitting capability.
[0027] Some embodiments may relate to a method for communicating network credentials to an embedded device for establishing a connection with a network. The method includes enabling a user, using an input interface of a mobile device to input network credentials, pertaining to the network. The method further includes encoding, using an encoder in the mobile device, the network credentials into one or more data signals. The method further includes transmitting optically, using a plurality of sections of a display screen of the mobile device, at least two signals to the embedded device. At least one optical signal transmitted includes a sync signal and the remaining optical signals includes one or more encoded data signals. In addition, the method includes receiving optically, by the at least two photo detectors existent on the embedded device, at least two signals. The received signals includes the sync signal and at least one encoded data signal transmitted optically by the plurality of sections of the display screen of the mobile device. The method further includes decoding, using a decoder existent in the embedded device, the encoded data signals to obtain network credentials of the network. Lastly, the method includes connecting the embedded device, by a controller in the embedded device, to the network based on decoded network credentials.
[0028] Some descriptions herein may relate to a method for connecting an embedded device to a network. The method includes scanning for one or more available networks, using a controller existent in the embedded device. The method further includes displaying, by a display module present on the embedded device, a network name or service set of identifiers (SSID) for the one or more available networks for connecting to the embedded device. The method further includes selecting at least one SSID of the one or more displayed networks,
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using a switch existent on the embedded device. In addition, the method includes receiving at least two sets of optical signals from a mobile device, using at least two photo detectors existent on the embedded device. The first set of optical signals represent sync signal and the second set of optical signals correspond to the encoded user typed credentials (data signals). The method further includes decoding a password of the selected network from the encoded data signal(s). Lastly, the method includes connecting the embedded device to the network, based on the decoded data signal.
[0029] In some embodiments, an implementation of a method to enable an embedded device with controller, to connect to a wireless network using network credentials obtained from another device, through a process involving optical encoding, transmission, reception, decoding and network connection is provided.
[0030] In addition to the illustrative aspects, exemplary embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a system 100 configured for facilitating a first device to communicate network credentials to a second device for establishing a connection with a network, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates a user 102, a first device 104, a second device 110 and a network 114. The first device 104 comprises a display screen 106. The display screen (display module) is split into a split screen illustrating a dual display (for representative purposes only) represented by reference numeral 106-A and 106-B. The second device 110 comprises at least two photo detectors as shown by reference numeral 112-A and 112-B. Each component is described in further details below.
[0032] In one embodiment, the system 100 is configured to connect the network enabled device 110 to the network 114, by transferring network credentials to the device 110 from another device 104, without the need for setting up a wireless, or wired connection between the two devices (the first device 104 and the second device 110).
[0033] The word ‘network password’, ‘password’, ‘network credentials’ refer the same and is used interchangeably in the description. In one embodiment, the network credentials include a network name and a network password. In another embodiment, when a switch and a display module are present on the embedded device, the network credentials include only password.
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The word mobile device, smart phone and first device refer the same and is used interchangeably in the description. The word embedded device and the second device refer the same and is used interchangeably in the description. The use of word 'controller' in the embedded device or the second device, and the word 'processor' in the smartphone or the first device mentioned herein, technically refer the same and is used purposely to differentiate its existence in the first device and the second device and explain its operations clearly with respect to the first device and the second device.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 1, the system 100 illustrates the first device 104 configured for communicating network credentials to the second device 110. Examples of the first device 104 include, but are not limited to mobile device, a smart phone, a tablet device, a laptop, a notebook computer, a personal data assistant (PDA), and the like. The first device 104 includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores a plurality of modules to be executed by the processor. In one embodiment, the processor may include plurality of modules (not shown) such as a user interface module, an encoder, a display module (106).
[0035] In particular, the first device 104 includes an input interface module to enable the user 102 to input data. In one embodiment, the user interface module is configured to enable the user 102 to input the network credentials pertaining to a network (for example 114) of the one or more available networks. In another embodiment, the user interface module is configured to enable the user 102 to input the network credentials pertaining to a network that the user has selected by using a switch present on the second device 110.
[0036] The encoder is configured to encode the inputted (by the user 102) network credentials into one or more data signals. In one embodiment, any encoding methods may be implemented to encode the network credentials into one or more data signals and is not limited to the encoding method described herein. The encoder is configured to encode the user typed credentials into ‘1’s and ‘0’s and display the result on any one of the display screen (106-A or 106-B) in flashes of ‘Bright’ and ‘Dark’ signals, corresponding to each 1 and 0 with one section, say 106-A, displaying a continuous stream of alternating bright and dark signals.
[0037] In one example embodiment, the encoder is configured to encode the network credentials into one or more data signals by converting each character of the inputted network credentials to a binary equivalent of its American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) value. The binary equivalent can be the 7 or 8 bit equivalent. In one example
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embodiment, the 7 or 8 bit binary equivalent can be used to provide support for additional languages and Unicode characters. Further, the encoder is configured for concatenating the seven or eight bit binary data of each character of the inputted network credentials into a string. The string is appended with unique start and stop bits to avoid interference due to ambient lighting factors and is transmitted as optical signals by display section 106-B.
[0038] In one embodiment, the transmitter (display) of the first device 104 is configured to transmit optically, one or more encoded data signals (as shown by reference numeral 108-B) to the second device 110. Further, the display module of the first device 104 is also configured to transmit optically, a sync signal (as shown by reference numeral 108-A) simultaneously along with the one or more encoded data signals (108-B). The encoded data signals 108-B and the sync signal 108-A are transmitted to the second device 110 by splitting the display screen 106 of the first device 104 into multiple sections. The FIG.1 illustrates dual screens (display 106-A and 106-B) for representative purposes. The sync signal is a constant frequency signal. The sync signal (clock signal) and the encoded data signal are both sent optically to the second device 110.
[0039] Considering, an example of splitting the display screen 106, into dual display 106-A and 106-B, where the first portion of the screen (106-A) is used to transmit the sync signal (108-A) and the second portion of the screen (106-B) is used to transmit the encoded data signals (108-B). In this example, once the user enters the network password on the user interface module, the display screen 106 transitions to a two sections on the display, i.e. 106-A and 106-B. The first portion (106-A) of the display is configured to transmit optically, a sync signal (as shown by reference numeral 108-A) simultaneously along with the one or more encoded data signals (108-B). For example, the first section 106-A of the display 106 is configured for flashing a series of bright and dark screens (for example starting with bright) at a predefined frequency. This frequency is derived from the optimum usage of the screen refresh rate of the first device i.e., the smartphone 104. Further, the second section 106-B of the display 106 is configured to transmit optically, the encoded data signals (108-B) corresponding to the string of the encoded binary data.
[0040] In particular, bottom portion of the screen as shown by reference numeral 106-B contains the actual encoded data that is also transmitted in flashes of bright and dark screens. Each bit of the string representing ‘one’ and ‘zero’ is displayed as bright and dark flashes on the second section of the display with every change of the state on the first section of the
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display. In one example embodiment, each ‘one’ and ‘zero’ is displayed as a bright and dark display after a predefined interval, i.e., with every change of the top section display, an encoded bit is displayed on the bottom section. For example, the encoded string constitutes the message to be flashed on the lower half of the display 106 with ‘1’ being displayed as a bright flash and ‘0’ being displayed as dark flash or vice versa.
[0041] Referring now again to FIG. 1, the system 100 illustrates the second device 110 configured for establishing a connection with the network 114. Examples of second device 110 include but are not limited to embedded devices. The embedded device may be implemented in IoT (Internet of Things) applications or any other applications requiring network connectivity.
[0042] The second device 110 includes a receiver for receiving optically, two or more signals. The receiver of the second device 110 comprises two or more photo detectors (as shown by reference numeral 112-A and 112-B) configured for receiving optically, two or more signals. The two or more signals comprise the sync signal (108-A) and the one or more encoded data signals (108-B) transmitted by the plurality of sections of the display screen (106) of the first device 104.
[0043] In one example embodiment, the photo detector (112-A) present on the embedded device (110) receives the clock signal (sync signal) from the first device 104. The photo detector (112-B) receives the encoded user typed network credentials from the first device 104. Each bit of the encoded data signal is read and recorded at every change of state of the sync signal to generate the string of binary data. In a preferred embodiment, the first device 104 is placed substantially parallel to the plane of the two or more photo detectors (112-A and 112-B). In one example embodiment, the at least two photo detectors are located at a distance of approximately the smartphone’s screen size (first device 104) such that the one photo detector is close to the top portion 106-A and the other to the bottom portion 106-B of the dual display 106, when the smartphone (first device 104) is facing it.
[0044] In the absence of a dedicated section or portion for simultaneous transmission of clock or sync signal, (clock or sync being critical to the data reading and decoding process), the clock or sync signal would have to be encoded into the data transmitted, thereby increasing the length of transmitted data, and hence the transmission time. In the embodiments disclosed here, the use of the split screen (dual display 106-A and 106-B) or multiple screens and two photo detectors (112-A and 112-B), the clock/sync signal is sent (and thus received) at the same
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time, as the network credentials, thereby drastically reducing the transmission time. Additionally, adding multiple photo detectors on embedded device 110 involves a very nominal price increase while optimizing user experience, in both time and effort.
[0045] The second device 110 includes a controller with a memory unit. The memory unit stores a plurality of modules to be executed by the controller, and wherein the plurality of modules includes a decoder (not shown). The decoder is configured to decode the received data signal (108-B) to obtain network credentials of the network 114. The decoder decodes the encoded data signal by grouping the received binary data into seven or eight bits binary data and then converting the seven or eight bits binary data into corresponding ASCII equivalents. Further, the decoder is then configured for converting the ASCII equivalents to the corresponding character and concatenating the characters to obtain the network credentials.
[0046] The controller then connects the second device 110 to the network 114 based on decoded network credentials. In one example embodiment, the code running on the controller of the embedded device (second device 110) controls the reception and decoding of the photo detector outputs. In one embodiment, the decoding of the received data is initiated only after the defined unique bit sequence (start bits) is received from the first device 104, and the reception is halted after the end sequence (stop bits) is received. In the absence of this start and end sequence process, there is a remote possibility that lighting conditions identical to a simpler start (and end) indication bit may initiate the reception (and halting reception) process at the receiver.
[0047] The output of the one of the photo detector (106-B) is read and recorded at every transition of the output of photo detector 106-A. For example, for every time photo detector's 106-A output is changed from 1 to 0, or 0 to 1 (or, high to low, and vice-versa), the output of photo detector 106-B is read and saved. In this way, a string of 1s and 0s corresponding to photo detector’s 106-B output is generated from which the network credentials can be decoded. The embedded device 110 can now attempt to connect to the network 114 with the decoded password and display the status of connection on its display module.
[0048] Accordingly, the system 100 provides a method to transfer data from a handheld device (first device 104) to the embedded device (second device 110) optically, without the need for a physical wired or wireless connection between the two devices (first device 104 and second device 110). In addition, the system 100 provides an optimum optical encoding method that drastically reduces the time taken to transfer data, using the concept of multiple photo
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detectors as well as usage of split device screens for maximum throughput.
[0049] The manner in which the system 100 facilitates communicating network credentials to the embedded device (second device 110) for establishing a connection with the network 114, from the first device 104 (smart phone) without the need for a physical wired or wireless connection between the first device 104 and second device 110 is described in further detail below.
[0050] FIG. 2 is a block diagram 200 illustrating functional components of an example system 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates a user’s smartphone 204, an embedded device 210 and a network 214. The user’s smartphone 204 comprises a display module 206. The display module 206 can be split into multiple screens. The display module 206 (screen) of the smartphone 204 is split into two screens (for representative purpose represented by reference numeral 206-A and 206-B) to separate the transmission of clock (sync signal) and network password. The embedded device 210 comprises at least two photo detectors as shown by reference numeral 212-A and 212-B. The embedded device 210 may also include a display section and a switch (not shown). The reference numeral 216 illustrates the operations running on the smartphone 204. The reference numeral 218 illustrates the inside firmware code running on the embedded device 210. Each component is described in further details below.
[0051] The system 200 illustrates the implementation for the embedded device 210 to connect to a known network 214 using network credentials received from the smartphone 204 using a process involving optical encoding, transmission and decoding.
[0052] In one embodiment, a firmware code running inside a controller (218) present on the embedded device 210 is configured to first scan for available wireless networks to the embedded device 210. The code is configured to execute the computer-readable instruction existing on a controller present on the embedded device 210 to display Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) of the one or more wireless networks. The display section on the embedded device 210, especially eliminates a few issues and simplifies the process, i.e. it is an additional simplification of the process for receiving network credentials. In this case, the network credentials include only the network password.
[0053] Further, the switch present on the embedded device 210 enables a user to select a wireless network to be connected. The selection (of the network to be connected to) is made
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by using a single press button selection method. The switch enables the scrolling and selection of displayed networks. The display section on the embedded device 210 assists the user, to decide the network that embedded device 210 needs to connect to.
[0054] The inclusion of the display section on the embedded device 210 eliminates the need for sending the network SSID by the smartphone device 204, as it has already been selected by the user on the embedded device 210. In the absence of this display section on the embedded device 210, the user would have to rely on the smartphone 204 to identify the available networks and type/copy the SSID. In one example, if the user was to type the SSID, they may not be aware of the case-sensitive nature of the SSID and incorrectly type it leading to a connection failure. In this method, the user selects the SSID on the embedded device 210 and its password is sent to the embedded device 210 from the smartphone 204.
[0055] In another embodiment, the embedded device 210 may not have a single press button for selecting a wireless network 214. In this case, the network 214 to be connected may need to be selected at smartphone 204. In this case, the embedded device 210 can display the available networks with a corresponding unique identifier/index– say a number. For example, network XYZ can have an index 1, and network ABC can have an index 2. The user 204 may then select the SSID on the smartphone 204 by entering the (index) number corresponding to the SSID, instead of typing the entire service set identifier.
[0056] In one embodiment, the embedded device 210 comprises two or more photo detectors 212-A and 212-B configured for receiving optically, two or more signals. The two or more signals comprise the sync signal (208-A) and the one or more encoded data signals (208-B) transmitted by the plurality of sections of the display screen (206) of the smartphone 204.
[0057] The user’s smartphone 204 has a mobile application (referred to as app hereinafter) installed on it. The ‘app’ is configured for receiving a password typed on the smartphone’s 204 keyboard by the user (as shown by reference numeral 202). The ‘app’ is also configured to encode (as shown by 205) the password/credentials to its binary equivalent through an encoding process and convert the encoded data into a series of flashes on the smartphone’s display screen 206. The series of flashes with intermediate bright and dark screens, representing the encoded password, are transmitted with two states (light and contrast flashes) and as shown by reference numeral 208-B. The encoded data signals 208-B are transmitted optically along with a sync signal 208-A simultaneously.
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[0058] The user positions the smartphone 204 in such a way that the screen faces the photo detectors (212-A and 212-B) of the embedded device 210, for the complete duration of the flashing screens, such that the encoded light impinges on the photo-detectors (212-A and 212-B) of the embedded device 210. The embedded device 210 is further configured for receiving the signal from the photo-detectors (212-A and 212-B). In one example embodiment, the photo detector (212-A) present on the embedded device (210) receives the clock data (sync signal 208-A) from the smart phone 204. The photo detector (212-B) receives the encoded user typed password from the smart phone 204. Each encoded data signal is received at every change of state of the sync signal to generate the string of binary data.
[0059] The decoder present in the embedded device 210 is configured for decoding the received encoded data signal to obtain the password (220) and using this password into the wireless network to establish the connection (222).
[0060] In some other embodiments, a manner in which network credentials are communicated to the embedded device for establishing a connection with the network is described in further detail below.
[0061] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method 300 for communicating network credentials to an embedded device for establishing a connection with a network, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 may be described from the perspective of a processor and a controller that is configured to execute computer-readable instructions to carry out the functionalities of the above described modules of the system 100 of FIG. 1.
[0062] In particular, the steps as described in FIG. 3 may be executed for transferring encoded data from a handheld device (first device 104) to the embedded device (second device 110) without the need for a physical wired or wireless connection between the two devices (first device 104 and second device 110). The first device 104 (smartphone 204) comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the processor and is configured to execute the steps 308 to 312 as shown in FIG. 3. The second device 110 (embedded device 210) comprises a controller with a memory unit and is configured to execute the steps 302 to 306, and 314 to 318 as shown in FIG. 3. Each step is described in detail below.
[0063] The use of word 'controller' in the embedded device or the second device, and the word 'processor' in the smartphone or the first device mentioned herein, technically refer the same and is used purposely to differentiate its existence in the first device and the second device
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and explain its operations clearly with respect to the first device and the second device. At step, 302, the controller existent in the embedded device scans for one or more available networks. At step 304, a network name or service set of identifiers (SSID) are displayed, by a display module present on the embedded device, for the one or more available networks for connecting to the embedded device. At step 306, at least one SSID of the one or more displayed networks are selected, using a switch existent on the embedded device.
[0064] At step 308, the processor enables a user to input the network credentials pertaining to a network. In one embodiment, the user interface module of the smart phone 204 (first device 104) is configured to enable a user to input the network credentials pertaining to the network selected at step 306. In one embodiment, the network credentials include a network name and a network password. In another embodiment, when a switch and a display module are present on the embedded device, the network credentials include only password.
[0065] At step 310, the processor encodes the network credentials into one or more data signals. The processor is configured to encode the inputted (by the user 102) network credentials into one or more data signals. In one embodiment, any encoding methods may be implemented to encode the network credentials into one or more data signals and is not limited to the encoding method described herein. The processor is configured to encode the user typed credentials into ‘1’s and ‘0’s and display the result on any one of the display screen (106-A or 106-B) in flashes of ‘Bright’ and ‘Dark’ signals, corresponding to each 1 and 0 with one section, say 106-A, displaying a continuous stream of light and dark lights.
[0066] At step 312, the processor is configured to transmit optically, one or more encoded data signals to the second device 110. Further, the processor of the first device 104 is also configured to transmit optically, a sync signal simultaneously along with the one or more encoded data signals. The encoded data signals and the sync signal are transmitted to the second device 110 by splitting the display screen of the first device 104 into multiple screens. The sync signal is a constant frequency signal. The sync signal (clock signal) and the encoded data signal are both sent optically to the second device 110.
[0067] At step 314, the photo detectors present on the embedded device 210 is configured for receiving optically, two or more signals. The two or more signals comprise the sync signal and the one or more encoded data signals transmitted by the plurality of sections of the display screen of the smartphone 204. The photo detectors receive the encoded user typed password from the first device 104. The photo detectors (112-A and 112-B) present on the embedded
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device (110) receives the encoded password from the first device 104. In a preferred embodiment, the first device 104 is placed substantially parallel to the plane of the two or more photo detectors. In one example embodiment, the at least two photo detectors are located at a distance of approximately the smartphone’s screen size (first device 104) such that the one photo detector is close to the top portion and the other to the bottom portion of the dual display, when the smartphone (first device 104) is facing it.
[0068] At step 316, the decoder decodes the one or more received data signals to obtain network credentials of the network. The decoder present in the embedded device 210 is configured to decode the one or more received encoded data signals to obtain network credentials of the network. At step 318, the controller connects the second device to the network based on decoded network credentials.
[0069] In some other embodiments, a manner in which the user-typed network credentials on the smartphone device are encoded into one or more data signals and the manner in which one or more encoded data signals are decoded for obtaining the encoded network credentials of the network to be connected is described in further detail below.
[0070] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method 400 for encoding the network credentials, entered by a user on the smartphone into one or more data signals and decoding the one or more data signals for obtaining the network credentials for connecting an embedded device with the network, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
[0071] FIG. 4A may be described from the perspective of the encoder that is configured to encode the entered user network credentials into one or more data signals on the smart phone 204 (first device 104). FIG. 4B may be described from the perspective of the decoder that is configured to decode the one or more encoded data signals for obtaining the network credentials on the embedded device 210 (second device 110). The encoder is configured to execute steps 402 to 408 and the decoder is configured to execute steps 410 to 414.
[0072] At step 402, the user enters or inputs the network credential pertaining to a network of the one or more available networks. Once the user enters the network password on the user interface of the smartphone 204, the encoder of the smartphone is configured to encode the network credentials into one or more data signals. At step 404, the encoder is configured to convert each character of the network credential to a binary equivalent of its American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) equivalent. At step 406, the encoder is further
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configured to convert the ASCII equivalent to a corresponding seven or eight bit binary data. In one example embodiment, the eight bit binary equivalent can be used to provide support for additional languages and Unicode characters. Further, the encoder is configured for concatenating the seven or eight bit binary data of each character of the inputted network credentials into a string. At step 408, the encoder is configured to concatenate the seven bit or eight bit binary data of each character in to a string. The string is appended with unique start and stop bits to avoid interference due to ambient lighting factors and is transmitted as optical signals.
[0073] In one embodiment, the display of the first device 104 is configured to transmit optically, one or more encoded data signals to the second device 110. Further, the transmitter of the first device 104 is also configured to transmit optically, a sync signal (simultaneously along with the one or more encoded data signals. The encoded data signals and the sync signal are transmitted to the second device 110 by splitting the display screen of the first device 104 into multiple screens. The sync signal is a constant frequency signal. The sync signal (clock signal) and the encoded data signal are both sent optically to the second device 110.
[0074] In one example embodiment, steps 402 to 408 may be explained using the following example. If the user typed network credential is ‘Aa’, then the data to be encoded by the encoder is ‘Aa’. The ASCII value of ‘A’ is 65 and the seven bit binary data equivalent of 65 is 1000001. Similarly, the ASCII value of ‘a’ is 97 and the seven bit binary data equivalent of 97 is 1100001. The end of the string is indicated by a four bit nibble with four consecutive zeroes (0000) as a terminating character of the encoding. The end of this data is indicated by a 4 bit nibble with 4 consecutive zeros, (Since non-printable ASCII characters lie in the range 0 to 31 (i.e. binary 0000000 to 0011111), a string starting with two 0s can be used as a unique indication of the end of the password. Thus, a string consists of 4 consecutive 0s is fixed as a terminating character for all encoding). Since non-printable ASCII characters lie between the ranges of 0 – 31, a string starting with two zeroes is sufficient for indicating the end of the network credential. However, a string comprising of four consecutive zeroes is fixed as a terminating character for all encoding operations. Hence, the encoded string pertaining to the user typed network credential would be ‘100000111000010000’.
[0075] Thus, once the password is entered on the smartphone 204, it is optically transferred to the embedded device 210 after the encoded data is prepended and appended with a unique start and end sequence to avoid interference due to ambient lighting factors. Each bit of the
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string representing ‘one’ and ‘zero’ is displayed as bright and dark flashes on the second portion of the display with every change of the state on the first portion of the dual display.
[0076] In some other embodiments, the transmission of the string begins with a countdown to zero to indicate the start of the transmission. The string is transmitted as one or more data signals by using the dual display represented by reference numeral 206-A and 206-B. The first portion of the dual display is configured for flashing a series of bright dark screens (for example 101010101010101010) at a predefined frequency. This frequency is derived from the optimum usage of the screen refresh rate of the smart phone 204. Further, the second portion of the dual display is configured to transmit one or more data signals corresponding to the string of the encoded binary data (for example 100000111000010000). Each bit of the string representing ‘one’ and ‘zero’ is displayed as bright and dark flashes on the second portion of the dual display with every change of the state on the first portion of the dual display.
[0077] The manner in which the two or more photo detectors of the embedded device 210 decode the one or more encoded data signals for obtaining the network credentials is described in further detail below.
[0078] In one embodiment, the two photo detectors are located at a distance of approximately the smartphone’s screen size such that the one photo detector is close to the top section and the other to the bottom, when the smartphone is facing it.
[0079] At step 410, the decoder is configured to split the string into blocks of seven bit or eight bit binary data. At step 412, the decoder is further configured to convert each block of the seven bit binary data is into the corresponding ASCII equivalent. At step 414, the decoder is configured to convert the ASCII equivalent into the corresponding character equivalent.
[0080] In one example embodiment, steps 410 to 414 may be explained using the following example. The embedded device 210 comprises at least two photo detectors as shown by reference numeral 212-A and 212-B. The code running on the embedded device 210 controls the reception and decoding of the photo detector outputs. The output of the second photo detector is read and recorded at every transition of the output of first photo detector i.e. every time photo detector #1's output changed from 1 to 0, or 0 to 1(or, high to low, and vice-versa), the output of photo detector #2 is read and saved. In this way, a string of 1s and 0s corresponding to second photo detector’s output is generated.
[0081] For example the voltage at the output of the first photo detector is
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‘101010101010101010’ and the voltage at the output of the second photo detector is ‘100000111000010000’. The voltage of the two or more photo detectors is received based on the two or more signals transmitted by of the dual display of the smart phone 204.
[0082] Further, the bits of the voltage output of the second photo detector are then grouped into sevens for decoding the characters. For example, ‘1000001’ would be decoded to ASCII 64, which in turn would be decoded to the character ‘A’. The bits ‘1100001’ would be decoded to ASCII 95, which in turn would be decoded to the character ‘a’. The voltage output of the first photo detector and the second photo detector is checked and saved at each transition (for example changes from high transition to low transition or from low transition to high transition). The last four bits of the string (‘0000’) are decoded for interpreting the end of the string. Hence, the encoded network credential is decoded as ‘Aa’.
[0083] Thus, the decoding of the received data signals is initiated only after the defined unique bit sequence is received from the mobile device, and the reception is halted after the end sequence is received. In the absence of this start and end sequence process, there is a remote possibility that lighting conditions identical to a simpler start (and end) indication bit may initiate the reception (and halting reception) process at the receiver. Hence, the embedded device 110 may now attempt to connect to the network 114 with the decoded password (‘Aa’) and display the status of connection on its display module.
[0084] Further, the system 100 may be also configured to operate using on or more variations as described below.
[0085] In one example embodiment, the user may enter the service set identifier (SSID) and network credential on the first device 104. The network credential would then be encoded using the encoder in the first device 104. In another example embodiment, the first device 104 may display the one or more wireless networks along with a unique number for each SSID. The user may select the SSID on the first device 104 by entering a number corresponding to the SSID, without entering the entire SSID. In yet another example embodiment, color sensitive photo detectors may be used on the second device 110. Different sections with a combination of different colors may then be displayed on the first device 104 screen, where each section corresponds to each photo detector.
[0086] Moreover, the above described system 100 facilitates an increased speed of transmission due to a combination of the split screen encoding on the first device 104 and the
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two or more photo detectors decoding on the second device 110. The first device 104 screen is maximized for optimum usage, without a risk of damage and has a prolonged usage rate. Usage of the split screen at the first device 104 and the two or more photo detectors at the second device 110, a reference stream (ones and zeroes) is sent separately on the same screen, at the same time as the actual data. If there was only one photo detector present at the second device 110, then the reference stream would need to be encoded into the string using known methods in the art (for example Manchester encoding). The drawback here is that the number of bits of the string to be encoded would increase, hence increasing the data transmission time between the first device 104 and the second device 110. Usage of the split display and two or more photo detectors reduces the data transmission time by a high duration. Also, the system 100 optimally uses and complies with recommended screen refresh rates.
[0087] Further, the usage of the selection switch may be eliminated by displaying the one or more wireless networks with a numeric ID, so that the user can enter only a single bit at the first device 104, for selecting the network. Also, the display module of the second device 110 may be eliminated, hence providing an interface for the user to select at least one wireless network from the one or more wireless networks already available on the first device 104.
[0088] FIG. 5 is a block diagram 500 for of a computing device utilized for implementing the system 100 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The modules of the system 100 described herein are implemented in computing devices. The computing device 500 comprises one or more processor 502, one or more computer-readable RAMs 504 and one or more computer-readable ROMs 506 on one or more buses 508.
[0089] Further, the computing device 500 includes a tangible storage device 510 that may be used to execute operating systems 520 and modules existing in the system 100. The various modules of the system 100 including the user interface, transmitter (display module), encoder, receiver and decoder can be stored in tangible storage device 510.Both, the operating system and the modules existing in the system 100 are executed by processor 502 via one or more respective RAMs 504 (which typically include cache memory).
[0090] Examples of storage devices 510 include semiconductor storage devices such as ROM 506, EPROM, flash memory or any other computer-readable tangible storage device 510 that can store a computer program and digital information. Computing device also includes R/W drive or interface 514 to read from and write to one or more portable computer-readable tangible storage devices 528 such as a CD-ROM, DVD, memory stick or semiconductor
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storage device. Further, network adapters or interfaces 512 such as a TCP/IP adapter cards, wireless WI-FI interface cards, or 3G or 4G wireless interface cards or other wired or wireless communication links are also included in computing device 500. In one embodiment, the modules existing in the system 100 can be downloaded from an external computer via a network (for example, the Internet, a local area network or other, wide area network) and network adapter or interface 512. Computing device 500 further includes device drivers 516 to interface with input and output devices. The input and output devices can include a computer display monitor 518, a keyboard 524, a keypad, a touch screen, a computer mouse 526, and/or some other suitable input device.
[0091] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0092] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
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Claims
1. A system comprising:
a first device configured for communicating network credentials to a second device; and wherein the first device comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores a plurality of modules to be executed by the processor, wherein the plurality of modules are configured to: enable a user to input the network credentials pertaining to a network; encode the network credentials into one or more data signals; transmit optically, one or more encoded data signals to the second device; and
transmit optically, a sync signal simultaneously along with the one or more encoded data signals; the second device configured for establishing a connection with the network, wherein the second device comprises:
a receiver configured for receiving optically, two or more signals; wherein the two or more signals comprise the sync signal and the one or more encoded data signals from the first device; and
a controller with a memory unit, wherein the memory unit stores a plurality of modules to be executed by the controller, and wherein the plurality of modules are configured to:
decode using the sync signal the one or more received encoded data signals to obtain network credentials of the network; and
connect the second device to the network based on decoded network credentials.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to execute the
computer-readable instructions to transmit optically, the two or more signals comprising
the sync signal and the one or more encoded data signals to the second device by:
splitting a display screen of the first device into a plurality of sections;
wherein one section of the plurality of sections of the display screen is
configured to transmit, optically the sync signal; and wherein the remaining sections of the plurality of sections of the display screen
are configured to transmit, optically one or more encoded data signals;
wherein each section of the plurality of sections of the display screen
transmits one encoded data signal.
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3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to execute the
computer-readable instructions to encode the network credentials into the one or more
encoded data signals by:
converting each character of the inputted network credentials into corresponding ASCII
equivalents; converting the ASCII equivalents to corresponding seven or eight bits binary data; and concatenating the seven or eight bits binary data of each character of the inputted network
credentials into a string.
4. The system as claimed in claim 2 and 3, wherein each bit of the string representing ‘one’ or ‘zero’ is displayed as a bright or dark flash on the remaining sections of the plurality of sections of the display screen of the first device with every change of the state of the sync signal.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiver of the second device comprises two or more photo detectors configured for receiving optically, two or more signals comprising the sync signal and the one or more encoded data signals transmitted by the plurality of sections of the display screen of the first device.
6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein each encoded data signal is received at every change of state of the sync signal to generate the string of binary data.
7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the controller in the second device is configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to decode the encoded data signal by:
grouping the received binary data into seven or eight bits binary data; converting the seven or eight bits binary data into corresponding ASCII equivalents; converting the ASCII equivalents to the corresponding character; and concatenating the characters to obtain the network credentials.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the second device further comprises:
a display module configured for displaying a network name or service set of identifiers (SSID) for the one or more available networks for the second device to establish the connection;
a switch configured for selecting at least one network to be connected by the second
device.
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9. The system of claim 1 and 8, wherein the one or more encoded data signals received from the first device correspond to the network credentials pertaining to the selected network to be connected.
10. A method for communicating network credentials to an embedded device for establishing a connection with a network, the method comprising:
enabling a user, using an input interface of a mobile device to input network credentials, pertaining to the network;
encoding, using an encoder in the mobile device, the network credentials into one or more data signals;
transmitting optically, using a plurality of sections of a display screen of the mobile device, at least two signals to the embedded device; wherein the at least one optical signal transmitted comprises a sync signal and the remaining optical signals comprises one or more encoded data signals;
receiving optically, by the at least two photo detectors existent on the embedded device, at least two signals comprising the sync signal and at least one encoded data signal transmitted optically by the plurality of sections of the display screen of the mobile device;
decoding, using a decoder existent in the embedded device, the encoded data signals to obtain network credentials of the network; and
connecting the embedded device, by a controller in the embedded device, to the network based on decoded network credentials.
11. The method of claim 10, comprising transmitting, optically the two or more signals by
splitting the display screen of the mobile device into a plurality of sections;
wherein one section of the plurality of sections of the display screen is configured to transmit, optically, the sync signal; wherein the sync signal comprises alternating bright and dark flashes at a fixed frequency; and
wherein the remaining sections of the plurality of sections of the display screen are configured to transmit, optically, one or more encoded data signals; wherein each section of the plurality of sections transmits one encoded data signal.
12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the encoded data signals correspond to a
string representing ‘one’ and ‘zero’ and are displayed, as bright and dark flashes on the
remaining sections of the plurality of sections of the display screen of the mobile device,
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connecting to the embedded device; selecting at least one SSID of the one or more displayed networks, using a switc
existent on the embedded device; receiving at least two sets of optical signals from a mobile device, using at least tw
photo detectors existent on the embedded device; wherein a first set of optic
signals represent sync signal and a second set of optical signals correspond to th
encoded user typed credentials; decoding a password of the selected network from the encoded user typed credential
and connecting the embedded device to the network, based on the decoded password.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second set of optical signals correspon
to a string representing ‘one’ and ‘zero’ and are read and recorded with every change i
state of sync signal.
15. The method as claimed in claim 13, receiving the second set of optical signal
corresponding to encoded user typed credentials of the selected network.