Internet Access Control Device with Tamper-Resistant Reset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Internet content filtering systems are often bypassed by users, require technical knowledge to administer, and can slow down computer systems, posing challenges for unsophisticated users who need effective and passive filtering solutions.

Innovation Solution

A turn-key Internet content filtering system involving a reporting and control server and an Internet Access Control device with a visible indicator that cannot be easily reset by non-administrators, which interacts with a DNS server to block objectionable content and detect tampering attempts, providing a conspicuous notification and requiring minimal user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pure software content filtering is used, then content filtering capability is provided, but system performance slows down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent filtering capabilityVSAvoidsystem performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based content filtering with a hardware-based filtering device that operates independently from the user's computer system. The hardware filter intercepts and processes internet traffic at the network level, eliminating the performance burden from the user's computer while maintaining effective content filtering capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If hardware-based content filter is used, then system performance is not taxed, but cost increases and complexity of administration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidadministration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hardware filtering device is designed to operate autonomously without requiring technical administration. The device automatically manages content filtering, logs attempts to access blocked content, and provides visual notifications to users. This self-service approach eliminates the need for trained IT personnel while maintaining effective filtering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses visual indicators (lights) to communicate system status and filtering events to users. Different light patterns indicate various states such as blocked content attempts, system operation status, and tampering detection, providing intuitive feedback without requiring technical knowledge to interpret.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If content filtering device is made bypass-resistant, then filtering reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a separate hardware filtering device as an intermediary between the user's computer and the internet. This independent device handles all content filtering operations, preventing users from bypassing filters through software modifications. The physical separation and dedicated hardware architecture make circumvention difficult while maintaining manageable complexity through automated operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of information

If administrator must actively investigate improper access, then detection capability is provided, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of improper accessVSAvoiduser burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides immediate visual feedback through lights that illuminate when improper access attempts are detected. This real-time notification system eliminates the need for administrators to actively monitor or investigate filtering events, as the system automatically alerts users to blocked content attempts through conspicuous visual indicators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9118603B2System and method for managing attempted access of objectionable content and/or tampering with a content filtering device

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 MILLER EDWARD BLAKE

AI summary

An apparatus and method for managing a user's ability to access content on the Internet involves a reporting and control server, an Internet Access Control (IAC) device, the IAC device including at least one light to indicate when at least one disallowed event has occurred, and a reset component which, for the at least one light to be reset, must be coupled to the IAC device. The method involves receiving a web address, determining whether a requested Domain Name System (DNS) server is an acceptable DNS server, determining whether an IP address provided by the acceptable DNS server is a redirect IP address and, if so, indicating an objectionable content event has occurred by changing a state of at least one light on the IAC device, sending information so that a reporting and control server can transmit a reset, receiving the reset, and resetting the at least one light.