Network Connectivity Device Audible Alert for Telephone Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network configuration methods for home and small office/home office (SOHO) networks are PC-centric and visually oriented, making it difficult for users to manage and control network access using telephone devices, which is not user-friendly with the increased convergence of telephone functions and networked computing.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses an audible signal and voice messages to inform users of network association requests, allowing them to provide feedback through a telephone or similar device to permit or deny access, using a network access control device with an audible sound producing device and keypad to interact with the network connectivity device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If PC-centric visual interface methods are used for network configuration, then network security control is achieved, but user accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate when PC is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual graphical user interface (GUI) and keyboard/mouse interaction with an audible interface using voice commands and spoken responses. The system uses voice recognition to capture user input and voice synthesis to provide feedback, eliminating the need for visual display and complex keyboard navigation, thereby improving accessibility when PC is not available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables network configuration and control functions to be accessed through multiple device types including PCs, smartphones, and voice-enabled devices. The system adapts its interface based on the accessing device, providing visual GUI for PCs and voice-based interface for telephone devices, making the network management system universally accessible across different platforms and devices.
2Ease of operation
If manual PIN entry via GUI or button pressing is required, then network security is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual PIN entry through graphical interface or button pressing with voice-based authentication. Users provide authentication by speaking their PIN or password, which is captured by the voice recognition system. This maintains security through the same authentication mechanism while significantly improving ease of operation, especially for users with mobility impairments or when using telephone devices.
3Loss of information
If visual indicators are used for system status, then information accuracy is provided, but accessibility deteriorates for non-visual interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual indicators for system status with audible indicators. The system uses voice synthesis to announce network events, connection status, and system information. For example, when a device connects to the network, the system verbally announces the connection status. This provides equivalent information delivery to users of telephone devices or those who cannot access visual displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the information delivery from a two-dimensional visual display to a temporal auditory dimension. System status information is conveyed through spoken words over time rather than simultaneously displayed visual elements. This dimensional change enables accessibility for telephone devices and audio-only interfaces while maintaining complete information delivery about network status and events.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method of configuring a network connectivity device comprises receiving a network association request from a prospective client device requesting access to a network and sending an alert signal to a control device to cause the control device to emit an audible signal indicative of a network association request from a prospective client device. A prompt message is sent to the control device to cause the control device to provide instructions on providing feedback to the network connectivity device. The network connectivity device receives feedback from the control device and permits or denies access to the network responsive to the feedback from the control device.