Networked Self-Configuring Communication Device Using User Preference Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication devices lack the ability to efficiently configure and manage user preferences across multiple communication interfaces and devices, leading to suboptimal performance and user experience in networked environments.
Innovation Solution
A networked self-configuring communication device system that utilizes user preference information to generate, store, and update configuration settings, allowing seamless integration and operation across various communication interfaces and devices, including WPAN, WLAN, and cellular networks, using a personal electronic device that can communicate with local and remote devices to manage user preferences and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of device settings is performed for each communication device, then configuration accuracy is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a master configuration profile that stores user preferences and device settings. This profile can be copied and applied to multiple communication devices, ensuring consistent configuration accuracy while eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration of each device. The profile acts as a template that can be replicated across different devices and platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration by creating and storing a comprehensive user profile that contains all necessary device settings, network preferences, and operational parameters before the user actually uses the devices. This advance preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming manual configuration when devices are first used or when users switch between devices.
2Ease of operation
If device configuration is customized for each user and device, then user experience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration profile system that can serve multiple users and devices through a single centralized mechanism. The profile system is designed to be platform-agnostic and device-agnostic, working across different communication devices (televisions, set-top boxes, mobile devices) without requiring device-specific customization logic, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining personalized user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects user identity and applies the appropriate configuration profile without requiring manual user input or complex configuration procedures. The profile management system operates autonomously, retrieving and applying the correct user preferences and device settings automatically, which simplifies the user interface and reduces the perceived system complexity for end users.
3Productivity
If user preference information is stored and transferred across devices, then configuration efficiency is improved, but information security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a profile management system that acts as an intermediary between users and devices for storing and transferring configuration information. This intermediary layer centralizes the security management functions, including authentication, authorization, and data protection, allowing efficient profile transfer while maintaining consistent security controls. The mediator approach enables configuration efficiency through automated profile retrieval and application while consolidating security requirements in a manageable central location.
Data Source
AI summary
A first personal electronic (PE) device may enable generation, updating, and/or storage of user configuration information. The user configuration information may comprise information pertaining to device configuration and/or operational preferences specific to the device user and/or various use settings, connectivity, and/or use of available resources. The generation, updating, and/or storage of the user configuration information may be performed manually and/or automatically, and may be performed directly within the first PE device and/or via networked devices, which may communicatively coupled to the first PE device. A second PE device may be enabled to be communicatively coupled to the first PE device and/or the networked devices. The second PE device may then be enabled to download existing user configuration information from the first PE device and/or the networked device, and the downloaded user configuration may be utilized to configure the second PE device.