Patent Application
20110126095
Routers are commonly used to connect two or more computers or other electronic devices to each other, and usually to the Internet, by either wire or radio signals. This allows several computers to communicate with each other and to the Internet at the same time. A typical router will have a variety of settings and configurations that may be set or modified in order for a user to properly install the router, connect the router to various devices, and/or to manage network and router performance. As routers are becomingly increasingly common in the home, a user of one or more devices connected to a router may need to configure and modify settings of the router to perform various actions, such as accessing and surfing the Internet.
A user may personally configure and access settings of a router via a separate computing device. However, a user who lacks technical knowledge specifically related to router technology may find it difficult to properly configure the router and manage router settings.
The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures, in which the left-most digit of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in the same or different figures indicates similar or identical items or features.
Described herein are techniques for providing a touch-sensitive display and user interface implemented on a router. The user interface may include a plurality of category screens corresponding to a plurality of categories and a plurality of navigation keys. The plurality of categories relate to various characteristics of the router. Such navigation keys may be used to navigate within the plurality of categories and within screens associated with one of the categories. The user interface may also include a symbol, an image, or text that represents a different setting or feature of the router. By accessing the touch-sensitive user interface, a user may configure or modify settings associated with the router in order to connect one or more devices to the router.
As shown in
Navigation keys 108A-108D may be touch-sensitive keys residing on the user interface 106 that enable user 102 to physically actuate one of navigation keys 108A-108D to navigate from one category, such as category 110, to a second category, such as category 112. Moreover, navigation keys 108A-108D may either be displayed or hidden on user interface 106. For instance, navigation keys 108A-108D may initially be hidden but then appear upon actuation by user 102. Similarly, in another embodiment, the display of a particular one or more of navigation keys 108A-108D may indicate that the displayed navigations keys are actuable by user 102 while the hidden navigation keys are not. For example, provided that navigation keys 108A and 108B appear on user interface 106, and that navigation keys 108C and 108D are hidden from display, user may actuate navigation keys 108A and 108D but not navigation keys 108C and 108D. Alternatively, instead of constituting touch-sensitive keys residing on user interface 106, navigation keys 108A-108D may also be a plurality of selectable buttons situated in close proximity to user interface 106. Navigation keys 108A-108D may be depicted as any graphic, shape, symbol, color, or text, such as arrows or triangles, as shown in
In an example embodiment, and as shown in
In various embodiments, navigation keys 108A and 108B may constitute a set of first navigation keys and enable user 102 to navigate within categories 110-120. Moreover, in this embodiment, actuation of navigation key 108B causes user interface 106 to display a category screen associated with a category (i.e., category 114) to the right of a currently displayed category (i.e., category 112) and actuation of navigation key 108A causes user interface 106 to display a category screen associated with a category (i.e., category 110) to the left of a currently displayed category (i.e., category 112).
For instance, provided that user interface 106 currently displays a category screen associated with category 110, if user 102 were to actuate navigation key 108B, user interface 106 would then display a category screen corresponding to category 112. Further, from the category screen corresponding to category 112, user 102 could again actuate navigation key 108B to navigate from a category screen associated with category 112 to a category screen associated with category 114. Likewise, if user 102 were to actuate navigation key 108A, the category screen corresponding to category 112 would be displayed on user interface 106. In other words, user interface 106 displays category screens associated with categories 110-120 based on actuation of navigation keys 108A and 108B.
In various embodiments, actuation of navigation key 108D, represented by a downward triangle in
As shown, and as stated above, user 102 may actuate navigation keys 108A-108D causing user interface 106 to display various information pertaining to router 104. In an example embodiment,
Pursuant to the foregoing embodiment, from category screen 122, possible actions performed by user 102 depend on whether category 112 includes category screens in addition to category screen 122. For instance, if category screen 122 is the only category screen associated with category 112, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108A to return to the category screen associated with category 110 or actuate navigation key 108B to navigate to the category screen corresponding to category 114. On the other hand, if category 112 includes category screens in addition to category screen 122, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D from category screen 122 to navigate to the additional category screens corresponding to category 112. From those additional category screens associated with category 112, user 102 may actuate any one of navigation keys 108A, 108B, or 108D to access additional category screens that correspond to category 112. Additional embodiments are illustrated in
In various embodiments, system memory 202 is volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, miniature hard drive, memory card, or the like), or some combination of the two. The modules/processes 204 include a plurality of modules and/or processes for carrying out functions of router 104. Further, the modules/processes may be incorporated in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. The applications, OS, etc. 206 comprise any executing instructions on the router 104. Such instructions include, for example, an OS of the router 104, drivers for hardware components of the router 104, applications providing interfaces to settings or personalizations of the router 104, applications made specifically for the router 104, and third party applications of application providers. Collectively these applications/processes are hereinafter referred to as applications, OS, etc. 206. Such applications, OS, etc. 206 may be entirely or partially implemented on the router 104. In some embodiments, the applications, OS, etc. 206 are implemented partially on another device or server. Moreover, modules/processes 204 may be executed by processor(s) 210 to cause router 104 to perform a variety of functions. Data 208 may include any type of data stored on router 104 and/or utilized by processor(s) 210.
In some embodiments, the processor(s) 210 is a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both CPU and GPU, or other processing unit or component known in the art.
In various embodiments, the power supply 212 is any sort of power supply known in the art capable of supplying power to router 104.
In various embodiments, the display 214 is a liquid crystal display or any other type of display commonly used in a device having a display component. For example, display 214 may be a touch-sensitive screen, and can then also act as an input device or keypad, such as for providing a soft-key keyboard, navigation keys, buttons, or the like.
In various embodiments, sensors 216 are any type of sensor known in the art capable of receiving and sensing internal or external input. For instance, in one embodiment, sensors 216 detect when user 102 actuates one of navigation keys 108A-108D via the touch-sensitive user interface 106.
In some embodiments, the transceiver(s) 218 includes any sort of transceivers known in the art. For example, transceiver(s) 218 may include a radio transceiver and interface that performs the function of transmitting and receiving radio frequency communications via an antenna. The radio interface facilitates wireless connectivity between the router 104 and various cell towers, base stations and/or access points.
Transceiver(s) 218 may also include a near field interface that performs a function of transmitting and receiving near field radio communications via a near field antenna. For example, the near field interface may be used for functions, as is known in the art, such as communicating directly with nearby devices that are also, for instance, Bluetooth® or RFID enabled. A reader/interrogator may be incorporated into router 104.
Also, transceiver(s) 218 may include a wireless LAN interface that performs the function of transmitting and receiving wireless communications using, for example, the IEEE 802.11, 802.16 and/or 802.20 standards. For example, the router 104 can use a Wi-Fi interface to communicate directly with a nearby wireless access point such as for accessing the Internet directly without having to perform the access through the telecommunication service provider's network.
In some embodiments, the output device(s) 220 include any sort of output devices known in the art, such as a display (already described as display 214), speakers, or vibrating mechanism, or tactile feedback mechanisms. Output device(s) 220 may also include ports for one or more peripheral devices, such as various computing devices, telephones, and memory devices.
Router 104 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in
Router 104 may also have input device(s) 226 such as a touch-sensitive display or selectable buttons, etc. More particularly, and as mentioned above, input device(s) 226 include touch-sensitive navigation keys 108A-108D and button(s) 228 in close proximity to user interface 106.
In some embodiments, drive unit 230 includes computer storage media 232 that may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. System memory 202, removable storage 222, and non-removable storage 224 are all examples of computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by router 104. Any such computer-readable storage media may be part of router 104.
In various embodiments, any or all of system memory 202, removable storage 222, and non-removable storage 224, store programming instructions which, when executed, implement some or all of the above-described operations of router 104.
In various embodiments, router 104 may also contain communication connections 234 that allow router 104 to communicate with other computing devices, such as computing devices, telephones, and memory devices.
In various embodiments, after providing the user interface, router 104 receives actuation of a first navigation key at block 304. The actuation could be by user 102 and comprise a manual selection of one of navigation keys 108A-108D. Furthermore, such actuation may include either selection of any one of touch-sensitive navigation keys 108A-108D or selectable button(s) 228 that are situated in close proximity to user interface 106.
In some embodiments, in response to actuation of a first navigation key, router 104 navigates within a plurality of category screens corresponding to a plurality of categories at block 306. An example of one of the plurality of category screens is category screen 122 and the plurality of categories may correspond to categories 110-120. For instance, with respect to
In various embodiments, after navigating within a plurality of category screens, router 104 receives actuation of a second navigation key at block 308. As stated above, actuation of a second navigation key may comprise user 102 actuation of any one of navigation keys 108A-108D or selectable button(s) 228 in close proximity to user interface 106.
In response to receiving actuation of a second navigation key, router 104 navigates within a plurality of screens corresponding to one of the categories at block 310. In some embodiments, once user 102 navigates to one of categories 110-120, selection of navigation key 108D causes user interface 106 to display a second category screen corresponding to that particular category. For instance, provided that user interface 106 displays a category screen associated with category 112, actuation of navigation key 108D causes user interface 106 to display a second category screen also associated with category 112. Furthermore, if additional category screens corresponding to category 112 are available, user 102 may actuate any one of navigation keys 108A, 108B, or 108D to navigate to a third category screen associated with category 112 or to navigate to the previous category screen by actuating navigation key 108C. In other words, user 102 may navigate within a plurality of category screens corresponding to a particular category, as shown in block 310.
In various embodiments, user interface 106 may display one or more interstitial screens between a first screen and a second screen in block 312. For instance, provided that user 102 navigates to a category screen corresponding to category 112, user interface 106 may display an interstitial screen when user 102 navigates to a second category screen associated with category 112. In one embodiment such an interstitial screen may depict a transition between a first category screen and a second category screen. The interstitial screens described in block 312 will be described in further detail in
Independently of the displaying 312, user interface 106 may display an alert message associated with an actuated category at block 314. In some embodiments, user interface 106 displays an alert message when user 102 actuates any one of categories 110-120. Such alert messages may be any type of alert message known in the art, such as informing user 102 that a particular category is selected or notifying user 102 of an error associated with one of categories 110-120.
Lastly, router 104 dismisses an action associated with selection of a navigation key at block 316. For example, in response to actuation of one of navigation keys 108A, 108B, or 108D, subsequent actuation of navigation key 108C dismisses the previous user actuation. Therefore, user interface 106 will display a category screen that was displayed prior to the first user actuation.
Next, router 104 displays an error message on a screen associated with the category in block 404. In some embodiments, displaying 404 comprises displaying an error message corresponding to one of categories 110-120 on user interface 106. For instance, provided that user 102 navigates to a category screen corresponding to category 112, the category screen would display an error message if router 104 diagnosed an error relating to category 112.
Subsequently, in various embodiments, router 104 resolves the error in response to selection of a navigation key at block 406. Utilizing the example set forth above in the preceding paragraph, if user interface 106 displays an error message corresponding to category 112, selection of navigation key 108D would navigate user 102 to a second category screen enabling user 102 to resolve the error. In an example embodiment, this screen will instruct user 102 to carry out a plurality of steps to resolve the error. Further, user 102 may resolve the error via actuation of navigation keys 108A-108D.
In some embodiments, categories 512-520 include Internet category 512, telephone category 514, wireless category 516, connections category 518, and settings category 518. However, categories in addition to categories 512-520 may also be included without deviating from the spirit of the invention(s) set forth herein. User interface further displays that categories 512-520 each have corresponding symbols displaying a representation of a current state of each category. For instance, Internet category 512 is represented by a symbol that illustrates whether router 104 and/or a particular device is connected to the Internet. Moreover, telephone category 514 is represented by two telephones, identified as “1” and “2”, indicating whether two telephones and/or accounts associated with two telephones are connected and active. User interface 106 further displays wireless category 516 and a corresponding symbol that represents whether Wi-Fi is enabled and whether Wi-Fi security is either on or off. Further, connections category 518 and its associated symbol represent whether one or more devices are connected to router 104. Lastly, settings category is represented by a wrench indicating that settings and configurations of router 104 can be modified via a category screen corresponding to settings category 520. Categories 512-520 will be described in additional detail in
In one embodiment, navigation keys 108A-108D are used to navigate between a plurality of category screens associated with categories 510-520. More particularly,
In various embodiments, and as stated above with respect to
In one embodiment, category screen 602 is a category screen corresponding to Internet category 512. In this embodiment, category screen 602 is displayed when router 104 and/or one or more devices associated with router 104 are connected to the Internet. In particular,
In other embodiments, category screen 604 is also a category screen associated with Internet category 512. In this embodiment, category screen 604 is displayed when router 104 and/or one or more devices associated with router 104 are not connected to the Internet. More particularly,
In the foregoing embodiment, user interface 106 will display category screen 606 corresponding to Internet category 512 if user 102 actuates navigation key 108D illustrated in category screen 604. That is, category screen 606 will be displayed if user 102 would like to view additional information relating to why there is no Internet connection. In various embodiments, category screen 606 includes a graphic or symbol and corresponding text stating that “Your internet port has not been plugged in . . . Press down for help,” navigation keys 108A, 108B, and 108D, and symbols representing categories in addition to category 512. A disconnected Internet port is one example of why there is no Internet connection and it is understood that category screen 606 will display one or more of many reasons known in the art as to why no Internet connection exists. If user 102 desires to seek assistance in establishing an Internet connection, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D to navigate to one or more additional category screen corresponding with Internet category 512. It is contemplated that the one or more category screens may guide user 102 through a step-by-step process to establish an Internet connection.
In one embodiment, category screen 702 is a category screen corresponding to telephone category 514. In this embodiment, category screen 702 includes two different representations of a telephone, navigation keys 108A and 108B, and symbols representing categories in addition to category 514. As stated previously, actuation of navigation key 108A causes user interface 106 to display a category screen associated with home category 510 while actuation of navigation key 108B causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to wireless category 516.
In various embodiments, the manner in which each telephone is depicted in category screens 702-706 provides information regarding whether a telephone is active/inactive, whether a telephone is connected to or disconnected from the router 104, and whether a telephone connected to the router has a corresponding telephone number, or any combination thereof. It is understood that any graphic, symbol, color, or text may convey this information.
For instance, in one embodiment, category screen 702 displays a representation of a telephone that may be either colored or shaded (line 1 of router 104) and a representation of an outline of a telephone (line 2 of router 104). As shown, the telephone corresponding to line 1 of router 104 is active, meaning that the telephone is connected to line 1 and, therefore, is able to make and receive telephone calls. Further, category screen 702 illustrates that the telephone connected to line 1 of router 104 has a telephone number ((555) 555-1212) associated with it, which indicates that the telephone connected to line 1 of router 104 has an account assigned to this device. On the other hand, the telephone associated with line 2 of router 104 is represented by an outline of a telephone, conveying that the telephone associated with line 2 is in fact connected to line 2 of router 104 but the telephone connected to line 2 of router 104 has no active service associated with it. Further, unlike the telephone connected to line 1 of router 104, the telephone connected to line 2 of router 104 does not have an associated telephone number, meaning either that no account for line 2 is active or router 104 is unable to identify a telephone number. Moreover, in this embodiment, if the telephone connected to line 1 of router 104 is deactivated, the telephone connected to line 2 of router 104 will move to line 1.
In various embodiments, category screen 704 is a category screen corresponding to telephone category 514 and is displayed when there is no Internet connection. As with category screen 702, category screen 704 includes navigation keys 108A and 108B and also navigation key 108D. As shown, actuation of navigation key 108A causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to home category 510 and actuation of navigation key 108D causes user interface 106 to display a category screen associated with wireless category 516.
Additionally, in the above embodiment, category screen 704 includes a representation of a telephone associated with line 1 of router 104 and a representation of a telephone associated with line 2 of router 104. The representation of the telephone associated with line 1 of router 104 is greyed-out signifying that there is no telephone connected to line 1 of router 104. However, as shown, the representation of the telephone associated with line 2 of router 104 is an outline of a telephone, indicating that a telephone is connected to line 2 but there is no active service associated with that particular telephone. Category screen 704 indicates that neither line 1 nor line 2 of router 104 appear have telephone numbers associated with them, however, there also could be telephone numbers associated with one or both lines. Moreover, although not shown, category screens 702 and 704 may also indicate an error associated with either line 1 and/or line 2 of router 104, such as by inserting an “X” over the telephone representations.
As mentioned above, category screen 704 is displayed on user interface 106 when there is no Internet connection detected. More particularly, category screen 704 may include an error message or illustrate in any other manner that there is an error associated with line 1 and/or line 2 of router 104. If such an error exists, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D to navigate to category screen 706 which may describe the error and provide instructions regarding how to resolve the error. In this embodiment, category screen 706 displays that although line 1 is assigned a telephone number, there is no telephone plugged into line 1 of router 104. Accordingly, it logically follows that user 102 could resolve the above error by connecting a telephone into line 1 of router 104.
In one example embodiment, category screen 802 indicates that Wi-Fi security is enabled and may optionally display the name of a particular wireless network and a corresponding Wi-Fi password. Any graphic, symbol, or text may be used to indicate that Wi-Fi is currently enabled, such as an image of a padlock as shown in category screen 802. Moreover, category screen 802 may also provide user 102 an option of disabling Wi-Fi security by actuating navigation key 108D. By doing so, user 102 may navigate within a plurality of category screens corresponding to wireless category 516.
In response to actuation of navigation key 108D, user interface may display category screen 804, which provides a confirmation of whether user 102 would like to disable Wi-Fi security. If not, user 102 may actuate navigate 108A and return to category screen 802. Alternatively, if user 102 desires to turn off Wi-Fi security, user 102 may confirm by actuating navigation key 108B and navigating to category screen 806.
In this embodiment, category screen 808 displays to user 102 that Wi-Fi security is turned off. Any graphic, symbol, or text may be utilized to convey that Wi-Fi is currently disabled, such as displaying an image of a padlock with a line or cross through it, as shown in category screen 808. Similar to category screen 802, user 102 may now actuate navigation key 108A to navigate to a category screen corresponding to telephone category 514 or actuate navigation key 108B to navigate to a category screen associated with connections category 518. Moreover, category screen 808 illustrates that user 102 may be provided an option to turn Wi-Fi security back on by selecting navigation key 108D. In response to actuation of navigation key 108D, user 102 is presented with category screen 810, which confirms whether user 102 would like to enable Wi-Fi security. In this embodiment, if user 102 prefers to keep Wi-Fi security disabled, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108A and return to category screen 808. Alternatively, user may actuate navigation key 108B in category screen 810 if user 102 wishes to continue with enabling Wi-Fi security.
Following actuation of navigation key 108B in category screen 810, user interface 106 may display category screen 812, which is another interstitial screen indicating that router 104 is currently enabling Wi-Fi security. Once Wi-Fi security is enabled, user interface will again display that Wi-Fi security is on in category screen 802. At this point, user 102 may again be provided with the option of disabling Wi-Fi security by actuating navigation key 108D.
In another embodiment, similar to the process described above with respect to enabling and/or disabling Wi-Fi security, user 102 may also either enable or disable Wi-Fi. For instance, category screen 814 illustrates that Wi-Fi is currently turned off. However, user may enable Wi-Fi by actuating navigation key 108D, which results in showing an interstitial screen in category screen 816. Likewise, user may be provided the option of enabling Wi-Fi in a similar or different manner.
In various embodiments, with respect to category screen 902, actuation of navigation key 108A causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to wireless category 516 whereas actuation of navigation key 108B causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to settings category 520. Moreover, as shown by category screen 902, user interface 106 may display which ports of router 104 are associated with one or more connected devices. To view the one or more devices connected to router 104, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D to navigate to category screen 904.
In accordance with the above embodiment, category screen 904 illustrates a list of the one or more devices currently connected to router 104. Category screen 904 further specifies, by name, each device connected to router 104 and how each of the connected devices is connected to router 104. For instance, and as shown, Yaro's PC (Port 1), XBOX360 (Port 2), Amanda's laptop (Port 2), HuberHaxor (Wireless), UMAPhone (Wireless), and Memory Stick (USB) are each connected to router 104 via various connection mediums. A user 102 may navigate down the list, and thereby highlight a particular device, by actuating navigation key 108D one or more times. Moreover, if multiple connections are on a single port, such as XBOX360 and Amanda's laptop (Port 2), category screen 904 displays those devices as being connected to router 104 via the same port number (Port 2). Category screen 904 further enables a user 102 to return to previous category screen 902 by actuating navigation key 108A. On the other hand, if user 102 desires to view information about one of the connected devices, user 102 may scroll to a particular device by actuating navigation key 108D and then actuate navigation key 108B once the desired device is selected.
In various embodiments, in response to highlighting a particular connected device and actuating navigation key 108B, user 102 navigates to category screen 906, which displays device-specific information relating to the selected device. It is understood that device information may vary depending upon the particular device selected. For instance, information applicable to a laptop computer may be different than information relating to a UMAPhone. Further, user 102 may return to the list of connected devices set forth in category screen 904 by actuating navigation key 108A displayed in category screen 906.
In accordance with the foregoing embodiment, category screen 908 illustrates that user 102 may scroll up and down the list of the connected devices by actuating navigation keys 108C and 108D, respectively. Moreover, actuation of navigation key 108A returns user 102 to category screen 902 and actuation of navigation key 108B causes user interface 106 to display information relating to the selected device, such as in category screen 910. Category screen 908 further illustrates that once user 102 scrolls to the connected device at the bottom of the list (i.e., Memory Stick), an additional actuation of navigation key 108D causes selection of the connected device at the top of the list (i.e., Yaro's PC).
In another embodiment, a user may navigate directly between category screens that illustrate device-specific information relating to one or more devices connected to router 104. For instance, user 102 may navigate directly between category screen 906 and category screen 910 without first needing to navigate back to either category screens 904 and/or category screen 908. Moreover, provided that category screen 906 is currently being displayed on user interface 106, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D to navigate from the category screen depicting information relating to “Yaro's PC” to category screen 910, which illustrates information associated with “USB Name.” In this circumstance, user 102 would actuate navigation key 108D five times in order to navigate from category screen 906 to category screen 910. In various embodiments, user 102 may actuate navigation keys 108C and 108D one or more times to navigate between the devices listed under “Device Name” in category screens 904 and category screen 908.
Category screen 1002 further displays that a user 102 may navigate within the plurality of categories by actuating navigation keys 108A and 108B. For instance, actuation of navigation key 108A causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to connections category 518 whereas actuation of navigation key 108 causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to home category 510. Additionally, user 102 may view the various settings and configurations associated with router 104 by actuating navigation key 108D.
In some embodiments, category screens 1004 and 1008 illustrate a list of settings and/or configurations relating to router 104 and navigation keys 108A-108D. Such settings/configurations may include, but are not limited to, factory reset, device information, language preferences, firmware updates, network tools, router setup, time setup, emergency 911 address information, Wireless Priority Service (WPS) key information, VPN access, and diagnostic tools. It is contemplated that additional settings/configurations associated with router 104 may also be included within settings category 520.
In addition, category screens 1004 and 1008 further enable user 102 to return to category screen 1002 by actuating navigation key 108A and to view and make modifications within a particular setting/configuration by actuating navigation key 108B. In response to actuation of navigation key 108B in either category screen 1004 or 1008, user interface 106 displays an additional category screen, such as category screens 1006 and 1010, respectively, that enable user 102 to modify various settings/configurations of router 104. Further, user 102 may navigate between the list of settings set forth in category screens 1004 and 1008 by actuating navigation keys 108C and 108D. Once the desired setting is selected, user 102 need only actuate navigation key 108B to arrive at a category screen where settings may be modified. Moreover, in addition to enabling user 102 to modify settings relating to router 104, various category screens (i.e., category screens 1006 and 1010) may guide the user in making such modifications.
More particularly, and in various embodiments, regardless of whether bandwidth is considered sufficient or not, a category screen may illustrate bandwidth levels, such as by depicting upload and download speeds associated with router 104. For instance, category screen 1008 illustrates that since download speeds are sufficient for optimal voice quality, router 104 has sufficient bandwidth. Accordingly, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D to navigate back to category screen 1104. On the contrary, if bandwidth is determined to be low, user interface may display a category screen identifying bandwidth levels (i.e., category screen 1110) and providing an additional category screen that includes tips on how to increase bandwidth levels (i.e., category screen 1112). User 102 may access such tips by actuating navigation key 108D on category screen 1110. In response, user 102 may adjust settings/configurations on router 104 in an attempt to increase bandwidth levels.
More particularly, and in various embodiments, regardless of whether voice quality is considered good or poor, a category screen may illustrate voice quality levels. For instance, category screen 1208 illustrates that a connection between a particular device and router 104 allows for the best quality of voice calls. Accordingly, as voice quality is of a sufficient level, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D to navigate back to category screen 1204. On the contrary, if voice quality is determined to be poor or is below a predetermined level of acceptance, user interface 106 may display a category screen identifying voice quality levels (i.e., category screen 1210) and may provide an additional category screen that includes tips on how to increase voice quality (i.e., category screen 1212). User 102 may access such tips by actuating navigation key 108D on category screen 1210. In response, user 102 may adjust settings/configurations on router 104 in an attempt to increase voice quality levels.
Following selection of the setup setting (category screen 1302) via actuation of navigation key 108B, user interface 106 may display category screen 1304. In this embodiment, category screen 1304 instructs user 102 to connect router 104 to the Internet and provides a corresponding animation depicting how to plug a cable into router 104. At this point, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108A to return to category screen 1302, actuate navigation key 108C to exit the setup process, or actuate navigation key 108B provided that user 102 has connected the applicable cable to router 104. Provided that user 102 has connected the appropriate cable to router 104 and actuated navigation key 108B, router 106 may display category screen 1306, which illustrates whether the applicable cable has been connected to router 104. If so, user 102 may either actuate navigation key 108A to return to category screen 1304, actuate navigation key 108C to exit the setup process, or actuate navigation key 108B to continue the setup process for establishing an Internet connection. In this embodiment, actuation of navigation key 108B causes user interface 106 to display category screen 1308, which is an interstitial screen illustrating that router 104 is checking for an Internet connection.
In various embodiments, if router 104 determines, after a particular amount of time, that there is no Internet connection, user interface 106 may display category screen 1310. Category screen 1310 may display an error message, instruct user 102 how to resolve the error, and/or display additional steps to enable user 102 to connect router 104 to the Internet. Alternatively, if router 104 identifies an Internet connection, user interface 106 may display category screen 1312 informing user 102 that router 104 is now connected to the Internet. At this junction, user 102 may either actuate navigation key 108C to exit the setup process or actuate navigation key 108B to continue the setup process with respect to other settings of router 104.
Although the setup process illustrated in
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/264,627, entitled “Connected Home” and filed on Nov. 25, 2009. Application No. 61/264,627 is fully incorporated herein by this reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61264627 | Nov 2009 | US |
