Router-Based Network Access Time Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parental control methods require client-side software installation and maintenance, are easily circumvented by tech-savvy children, and often restrict internet access for all users, lacking flexibility and tamper-proof mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A router-based solution that enforces time limits for internet access across devices within a home network, tracking cumulative usage time and disabling access when limits are reached, without the need for client-side software, allowing flexible configuration and tamper-proofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If client-side parental-control software is installed on each device, then internet access can be limited to specified times, but the software is easily circumvented by removing or disabling it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a router as an intermediary device between the internet and client devices. The router enforces parental control policies centrally, eliminating the need for client-side software. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable access restriction (improving effectiveness) while removing complex software installation and maintenance requirements (reducing device complexity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the parental control functionality from individual client devices and consolidates it into the router. By removing client-side software and centralizing control in the network infrastructure, the system achieves both reliable enforcement and simplified deployment.
2Reliability
If the router is physically disabled to limit internet access, then all internet access is blocked, but this prevents all other users from accessing the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into different user profiles with individual access policies. Each user or device can have customized time limits and access restrictions configured independently. This allows the router to enforce limits on specific users while leaving other users unaffected, resolving the contradiction between reliable enforcement and user flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts access permissions based on user identity, time of day, and configured policies. Rather than a static all-or-nothing approach, the router continuously evaluates access requests against user-specific rules, enabling flexible control that adapts to different users and time periods.
3Reliability
If parental control policies are enforced, then internet access is restricted, but existing solutions require constant parent involvement and are difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables parents to configure comprehensive access control policies once through a web interface, after which the router autonomously enforces these policies without requiring daily parental intervention. The automated enforcement mechanism handles all access decisions based on pre-configured rules, resolving the contradiction between reliable tamper-proof enforcement and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of limiting access time to a computer network for client computing devices may comprise disposing an access controlling device such as router between the computer network and the client computing devices such that the client computing devices can only access the network through the access controlling device, at least while within an area of coverage thereof. A unique identifier may be stored for client computing devices whose access to the network is to be limited and a selectable allowable cumulative network access time period may be stored for at least some of these client computing devices. Using at least the unique identifiers, the cumulative network usage time may be tracked for each of the client computing devices. The access controlling device may then prevent further network access to those client computing devices whose tracked cumulative network usage time exceeds the selectable allowable cumulative network access time period.