Method and apparatus for configuration of an internet appliance
First Claim
1. A system for configuring Internet appliances, comprising:
- a server having a connection to a network;
a data repository accessible by the server, and comprising data related to Internet appliances to be configured; and
control routines for configuring Internet appliances via the network connection;
wherein, upon receiving a request from an Internet appliance via the network connection the control routines consult the database for correct procedure, and interact with the appliance via the network connection to configure the appliance for Internet access and operation.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A network server is adapted to connect on the network with Internet appliances, and to fully configure such appliances over a network connection to access and operate on the Internet. In a preferred embodiment the appliances have first control routines adapted to cooperate with second routines at the server, and also a network address for connection. An initiation signal by a user at a network-connected appliance launches the first routines, causing the appliance to invoke the network address and to establish network communication with the server and to initiate configuration interaction. In some cases special telephone numbers are provided with new appliances, and the dial-up server, through Destination Number Information Service (DNIS) uses the dial-up number in conjunction with a data repository to select appropriate software for interfacing with and configuring a connecting appliance. A full range of services may be provided, including value-added services, such a browsers and browser configuration.
18 Citations
10 Claims
-
1. A system for configuring Internet appliances, comprising:
-
a server having a connection to a network;
a data repository accessible by the server, and comprising data related to Internet appliances to be configured; and
control routines for configuring Internet appliances via the network connection;
wherein, upon receiving a request from an Internet appliance via the network connection the control routines consult the database for correct procedure, and interact with the appliance via the network connection to configure the appliance for Internet access and operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
-
-
5. An Internet appliance comprising:
-
a network connection port; and
pre-programmed configuration routines, wherein, upon connection to the network and initiation by the user the appliance initiates a communication with a configuration server connected to the network, and interacts with compatible routines executing on the server to configure the appliance. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
-
-
8. A method for configuring an Internet appliance, comprising steps of:
-
(a) pre-programming the Internet appliance having a network port with first configuration routines adapted to interact with a remote network configuration server having second configuration;
(b) connecting the Internet appliance by the network port to a compatible network;
(c) providing an initiation signal at the Internet appliance, the signal causing the appliance to establish communication and initiate interaction with the configuration server; and
(d) configuring the Internet appliance for Internet access by interaction of the first and second configuration routines. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
-
Specification