Router management via touch-sensitive display

ROUTER MANAGEMENT VIA TOUCH-SENSITIVE DISPLAY

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.

61/264,627, entitled "Connected Home" and filed on November 25, 2009. Application No. 61/264,627 is fully incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Routers are commonly used to connect two or more computers or other electronic devices to each other, and usually to the Internet, by either wire or radio signals. This allows several computers to communicate with each other and to the Internet at the same time. A typical router will have a variety of settings and configurations that may be set or modified in order for a user to properly install the router, connect the router to various devices, and/or to manage network and router performance. As routers are becomingly increasingly common in the home, a user of one or more devices connected to a router may need to configure and modify settings of the router to perform various actions, such as accessing and surfing the Internet.

[0003] A user may personally configure and access settings of a router via a separate computing device. However, a user who lacks technical knowledge specifically related to router technology may find it difficult to properly configure the router and manage router settings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures, in which the left-most digit of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in the same or different figures indicates similar or identical items or features.

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a touch-sensitive display and user interface of a router, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a component level view of a router, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates operations comprising providing a user interface on a router for navigating within a plurality of categories, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates operations comprising providing a user interface on a router for resolving errors associated with the router, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a touch-sensitive user interface for navigating within a plurality of categories associated with a router, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates category screens displayed on a touch-sensitive user interface of a router associated with Internet connectivity, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates category screens displayed on a touch-sensitive user interface of a router associated with one or more telephones, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates category screens displayed on a touch-sensitive user interface of a router associated with Wi-Fi security, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates category screens displayed on a touch-sensitive user interface of a router associated with devices connected to the router, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates category screens displayed on a touch-sensitive user interface of a router associated with settings of the router, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates category screens displayed on a touch-sensitive user interface of a router associated with bandwidth of the router, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates category screens displayed on a touch-sensitive user interface of a router associated with voice quality, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates category screens displayed on a touch-sensitive user interface of a router associated with router setup, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates a plurality of interstitial screens displayed on a touch- sensitive user interface of a router, in accordance with various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Described herein are techniques for providing a touch-sensitive display and user interface implemented on a router. The user interface may include a plurality of category screens corresponding to a plurality of categories and a plurality of navigation keys. The plurality of categories relate to various characteristics of the router. Such navigation keys may be used to navigate within the plurality of categories and within screens associated with one of the categories. The user interface may also include a symbol, an image, or text that represents a different setting or feature of the router. By accessing the touch-sensitive user interface, a user may configure or modify settings associated with the router in order to connect one or more devices to the router.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of a user 102 interacting with a router

104, in accordance with various embodiments. Router 104 may reside in the user's 102 home and be connected to one or more of a plurality of devices via a network. The router 104 includes a touch-sensitive display which may depict various display screens displayed on a user interface 106 of the display. The user interface 106 may display a plurality of navigation keys 108A-108D (abbreviated as "Nav" in the figures) and representations of a plurality of categories 110-120. Hereinafter, when referring to the representations of categories 1 10-120 displayed on user interface 106, categories 1 10-120, or any one or combination thereof, will be used for the sake of consistency. FIG. 1 further illustrates that user interface 106 contains category screen 122, which, in some embodiments, corresponds to one of categories 110-120.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a bi-directional arrow illustrates that user 102 may interact with router 104 via the touch-sensitive display. User 102 may access settings and configurations of router 104 by accessing user interface 106. In particular, by actuating any one of navigation keys 108A-108D, user 102 may navigate either between or within categories 1 10-120. Categories 1 10-120 each correspond to a particular characteristic of router 104, such as a home screen for user interface 106, Internet connectivity, a plurality of telephones and associated telephone accounts, Wi- Fi security, devices connected to router 104, and various router 104 settings and/or configurations. It is understood that categories in addition to the categories mentioned immediately above may also be included as one of categories 110-120.

[0022] Navigation keys 108A-108D may be touch-sensitive keys residing on the user interface 106 that enable user 102 to physically actuate one of navigation keys 108A-108D to navigate from one category, such as category 1 10, to a second category, such as category 1 12. Moreover, navigation keys 108A-108D may either be displayed or hidden on user interface 106. For instance, navigation keys 108A-108D may initially be hidden but then appear upon actuation by user 102. Similarly, in another embodiment, the display of a particular one or more of navigation keys 108A- 108D may indicate that the displayed navigations keys are actuable by user 102 while the hidden navigation keys are not. For example, provided that navigation keys 108 A and 108B appear on user interface 106, and that navigation keys 108C and 108D are hidden from display, user may actuate navigation keys 108 A and 108D but not navigation keys 108C and 108D. Alternatively, instead of constituting touch-sensitive keys residing on user interface 106, navigation keys 108A-108D may also be a plurality of selectable buttons situated in close proximity to user interface 106. Navigation keys 108A-108D may be depicted as any graphic, shape, symbol, color, or text, such as arrows or triangles, as shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, navigation keys 108A-108D may be located at various locations on user interface 106.

[0023] In an example embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1, user interface 106 of router 104 displays categories 1 10-120, with category 1 10 being shaded and, thus, appearing darker than categories 1 12-120. Shading or coloring of a particular category, such as category 110, may indicate that a category screen associated with the shaded category is currently being displayed as category screen 122 on user interface 106. However, it is understood that any indicator may be used to convey that a category screen for a particular category is currently being displayed on user interface 106. FIG. 1 further illustrates that category 110 is a home category having a corresponding category screen that represents categories in addition to category 1 10, such as categories 1 12-120. Further, the category screen associated with category 1 10 may display categories 112-120 near the center of user interface 106, as shown in FIG. 1 , or in any other location of user interface 106.

[0024] In various embodiments, navigation keys 108 A and 108B may constitute a set of first navigation keys and enable user 102 to navigate within categories 110- 120. Moreover, in this embodiment, actuation of navigation key 108B causes user interface 106 to display a category screen associated with a category (i.e., category 1 14) to the right of a currently displayed category (i.e., category 112) and actuation of navigation key 108 A causes user interface 106 to display a category screen associated with a category (i.e., category 110) to the left of a currently displayed category (i.e., category 112). [0025] For instance, provided that user interface 106 currently displays a category screen associated with category 1 10, if user 102 were to actuate navigation key 108B, user interface 106 would then display a category screen corresponding to category 112. Further, from the category screen corresponding to category 112, user 102 could again actuate navigation key 108B to navigate from a category screen associated with category 112 to a category screen associated with category 114. Likewise, if user 102 were to actuate navigation key 108 A, the category screen corresponding to category 1 12 would be displayed on user interface 106. In other words, user interface 106 displays category screens associated with categories 110- 120 based on actuation of navigation keys 108A and 108B.

[0026] FIG. 1 further illustrates a set of second navigation keys 108C and

108D, which may be perpendicular to navigation keys 108 A and 108B, with navigation keys 108 A and 108B being on a horizontal axis and navigation keys 108C and 108D being along a vertical axis. Further, without deviating from the scope of the invention(s) set forth herein, navigation keys 108C and 108D may also be displayed along a horizontal axis and navigation keys 108 A and 108B may be displayed along a vertical axis. As shown in FIG. 1, navigation keys 108C and 108D may be used to navigate within or between a plurality of category screens associated with a particular one of the plurality of categories 1 10-120.

[0027] In various embodiments, actuation of navigation key 108D, represented by a downward triangle in FIG. 1, causes user interface 106 to display an additional category screen corresponding to the same category that was previously being displayed. For instance, in the above embodiment, if user 102 were to actuate navigation key 108B to navigate from a category screen corresponding to category 1 10 to a category screen associated with category 1 12, user 102 could subsequently select navigation key 108D to navigate to a second category screen associated with category 112. Further, if user 102 were to actuate navigation key 108D a second time, user interface 106 would display a third category screen associated with category 1 12. Likewise, from either the second or third category screen corresponding to category 1 12, user 102 may also actuate either navigation keys 108 A or 108B to cause user interface 106 to display an additional category screen associated with category 1 12. Moreover, according to FIG. 1, actuation of navigation key 108C would cause user interface 106 to display the category screen displayed just prior to user-actuation of navigation key 108D.

[0028] As shown, and as stated above, user 102 may actuate navigation keys

108A-108D causing user interface 106 to display various information pertaining to router 104. In an example embodiment, FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of categories 110-120 whereby category 110 is shaded and appears darker than categories 112-120, indicating that user interface 106 is displaying a category screen corresponding to category 110. From the home category 1 10 screen, user may select navigation keys 108A or 108B to navigate to one of categories 1 12-120. In the above example, user 102 actuates navigation key 108B, thereby causing a category screen 122 corresponding to category 1 12 to be displayed on user interface 106. As shown in FIG. 1 , the shading of category 1 12 indicates to user 102 that category screen 122 associated with category 112 is being displayed.

[0029] Pursuant to the foregoing embodiment, from category screen 122, possible actions performed by user 102 depend on whether category 112 includes category screens in addition to category screen 122. For instance, if category screen 122 is the only category screen associated with category 112, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108 A to return to the category screen associated with category 1 10 or actuate navigation key 108B to navigate to the category screen corresponding to category 1 14. On the other hand, if category 1 12 includes category screens in addition to category screen 122, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D from category screen 122 to navigate to the additional category screens corresponding to category 1 12. From those additional category screens associated with category 112, user 102 may actuate any one of navigation keys 108 A, 108B, or 108D to access additional category screens that correspond to category 1 12. Additional embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 2-13 and are described in greater detail with reference to those figures.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a component level view of router 104, in accordance with various embodiments. As illustrated, router 104 may comprise a system memory 202 storing modules/processes 204, applications, operating system (OS), etc. 206, and data 208. In addition, router 104 may include processor(s) 210, power supply 212, touch-sensitive display 214, sensors 216, transceiver 218, output devices 220, removable storage 222, and non-removable storage 224. Further, as shown, router 104 also may include input devices 226, comprising nav keys 108A-108D and button(s) 228, drive unit 230 including computer storage media 232, and communications connections 234 for communication with other devices.

[0031] In various embodiments, system memory 202 is volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, miniature hard drive, memory card, or the like), or some combination of the two. The modules/processes 204 include a plurality of modules and/or processes for carrying out functions of router 104. Further, the modules/processes may be incorporated in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. The applications, OS, etc. 206 comprise any executing instructions on the router 104. Such instructions include, for example, an OS of the router 104, drivers for hardware components of the router 104, applications providing interfaces to settings or personalizations of the router 104, applications made specifically for the router 104, and third party applications of application providers. Collectively these applications/processes are hereinafter referred to as applications, OS, etc. 206. Such applications, OS, etc. 206 may be entirely or partially implemented on the router 104. In some embodiments, the applications, OS, etc. 206 are implemented partially on another device or server. Moreover, modules/processes 204 may be executed by processor(s) 210 to cause router 104 to perform a variety of functions. Data 208 may include any type of data stored on router 104 and/or utilized by processor(s) 210.

[0032] In some embodiments, the processor(s) 210 is a central processing unit

(CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both CPU and GPU, or other processing unit or component known in the art.

[0033] In various embodiments, the power supply 212 is any sort of power supply known in the art capable of supplying power to router 104.

[0034] In various embodiments, the display 214 is a liquid crystal display or any other type of display commonly used in a device having a display component. For example, display 214 may be a touch-sensitive screen, and can then also act as an input device or keypad, such as for providing a soft-key keyboard, navigation keys, buttons, or the like.

[0035] In various embodiments, sensors 216 are any type of sensor known in the art capable of receiving and sensing internal or external input. For instance, in one embodiment, sensors 216 detect when user 102 actuates one of navigation keys 108A- 108D via the touch-sensitive user interface 106.

[0036] In some embodiments, the transceiver(s) 218 includes any sort of transceivers known in the art. For example, transceiver(s) 218 may include a radio transceiver and interface that performs the function of transmitting and receiving radio frequency communications via an antenna. The radio interface facilitates wireless connectivity between the router 104 and various cell towers, base stations and/or access points.

[0037] Transceiver(s) 218 may also include a near field interface that performs a function of transmitting and receiving near field radio communications via a near field antenna. For example, the near field interface may be used for functions, as is known in the art, such as communicating directly with nearby devices that are also, for instance, Bluetooth® or RFID enabled. A reader/interrogator may be incorporated into router 104.

[0038] Also, transceiver(s) 218 may include a wireless LAN interface that performs the function of transmitting and receiving wireless communications using, for example, the IEEE 802.11 , 802.16 and/or 802.20 standards. For example, the router 104 can use a Wi-Fi interface to communicate directly with a nearby wireless access point such as for accessing the Internet directly without having to perform the access through the telecommunication service provider's network.

[0039] In some embodiments, the output device(s) 220 include any sort of output devices known in the art, such as a display (already described as display 214), speakers, or vibrating mechanism, or tactile feedback mechanisms. Output device(s) 220 may also include ports for one or more peripheral devices, such as various computing devices, telephones, and memory devices.

[0040] Router 104 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 2 by removable storage 222 and nonremovable storage 224.

[0041] Router 104 may also have input device(s) 226 such as a touch-sensitive display or selectable buttons, etc. More particularly, and as mentioned above, input device(s) 226 include touch-sensitive navigation keys 108A-108D and button(s) 228 in close proximity to user interface 106.

[0042] In some embodiments, drive unit 230 includes computer storage media

232 that may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. System memory 202, removable storage 222, and non-removable storage 224 are all examples of computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by router 104. Any such computer-readable storage media may be part of router 104.

[0043] In various embodiments, any or all of system memory 202, removable storage 222, and non-removable storage 224, store programming instructions which, when executed, implement some or all of the above-described operations of router 104.

[0044] In various embodiments, router 104 may also contain communication connections 234 that allow router 104 to communicate with other computing devices, such as computing devices, telephones, and memory devices.

[0045] FIG. 3 is flowchart showing a method of navigating within a plurality of category screens corresponding to a plurality of categories, in accordance with various embodiments. Block 302 illustrates that router 104 provides a user interface having a plurality of navigation keys. In some embodiments, router 104 provides a touch- sensitive user interface 106 on display 214 that includes navigation keys 108A-108D. As stated above, navigation keys 108A-108D may be touch-sensitive and be of any shape, symbol, or color. Alternatively, navigation keys 108A-108D could comprise selectable button(s) 228 located in close proximity to user interface 106.

[0046] In various embodiments, after providing the user interface, router 104 receives actuation of a first navigation key at block 304. The actuation could be by user 102 and comprise a manual selection of one of navigation keys 108A-108D. Furthermore, such actuation may include either selection of any one of touch-sensitive navigation keys 108A-108D or selectable button(s) 228 that are situated in close proximity to user interface 106.

[0047] In some embodiments, in response to actuation of a first navigation key, router 104 navigates within a plurality of category screens corresponding to a plurality of categories at block 306. An example of one of the plurality of category screens is category screen 122 and the plurality of categories may correspond to categories 1 10- 120. For instance, with respect to FIG. 1, assume that user interface 106 displays a category screen corresponding to category 1 10. In various embodiments, in response to actuation of navigation key 108B, user 102 navigates to a category screen associated with category 112. Subsequently, actuation of navigation key 108B would cause user interface 106 to display a category screen associated with category 114. Similarly, actuation of navigation key 108 A would navigate user 102 back to a category screen associated with category 1 10. Accordingly, as an example implementation, actuation of navigation keys 108A and/or 108B enables user 102 to navigate within or between a plurality of category screens corresponding to categories 1 10-120, as set forth in block 306.

[0048] In various embodiments, after navigating within a plurality of category screens, router 104 receives actuation of a second navigation key at block 308. As stated above, actuation of a second navigation key may comprise user 102 actuation of any one of navigation keys 108A-108D or selectable button(s) 228 in close proximity to user interface 106.

[0049] In response to receiving actuation of a second navigation key, router 104 navigates within a plurality of screens corresponding to one of the categories at block 310. In some embodiments, once user 102 navigates to one of categories 110-120, selection of navigation key 108D causes user interface 106 to display a second category screen corresponding to that particular category. For instance, provided that user interface 106 displays a category screen associated with category 1 12, actuation of navigation key 108D causes user interface 106 to display a second category screen also associated with category 1 12. Furthermore, if additional category screens corresponding to category 112 are available, user 102 may actuate any one of navigation keys 108A, 108B, or 108D to navigate to a third category screen associated with category 1 12 or to navigate to the previous category screen by actuating navigation key 108C. In other words, user 102 may navigate within a plurality of category screens corresponding to a particular category, as shown in block 310.

[0050] In various embodiments, user interface 106 may display one or more interstitial screens between a first screen and a second screen in block 312. For instance, provided that user 102 navigates to a category screen corresponding to category 1 12, user interface 106 may display an interstitial screen when user 102 navigates to a second category screen associated with category 112. In one embodiment such an interstitial screen may depict a transition between a first category screen and a second category screen. The interstitial screens described in block 312 will be described in further detail in FIGS. 4-13.

[0051] Independently of the displaying 312, user interface 106 may display an alert message associated with an actuated category at block 314. In some embodiments, user interface 106 displays an alert message when user 102 actuates any one of categories 1 10-120. Such alert messages may be any type of alert message known in the art, such as informing user 102 that a particular category is selected or notifying user 102 of an error associated with one of categories 1 10-120.

[0052] Lastly, router 104 dismisses an action associated with selection of a navigation key at block 316. For example, in response to actuation of one of navigation keys 108A, 108B, or 108D, subsequent actuation of navigation key 108C dismisses the previous user actuation. Therefore, user interface 106 will display a category screen that was displayed prior to the first user actuation.

[0053] FIG. 4 is flowchart showing a method of diagnosing and resolving an error associated with one of a plurality of categories, in accordance with various embodiments. Initially, at block 402, router 104 diagnoses an error associated with a particular category of a plurality of categories. Such errors include any type of error known in the art relating to router technology. For instance, errors diagnosed in block 402 may include any type of error associated with router 104, networks associated with router 104, and/or devices connected to router 104, such as errors relating to Internet connectivity, one or more telephones and associated accounts connected to router 104, Wi-Fi security, and router 104 settings and configurations.

[0054] Next, router 104 displays an error message on a screen associated with the category in block 404. In some embodiments, displaying 404 comprises displaying an error message corresponding to one of categories 1 10-120 on user interface 106. For instance, provided that user 102 navigates to a category screen corresponding to category 112, the category screen would display an error message if router 104 diagnosed an error relating to category 1 12.

[0055] Subsequently, in various embodiments, router 104 resolves the error in response to selection of a navigation key at block 406. Utilizing the example set forth above in the preceding paragraph, if user interface 106 displays an error message corresponding to category 1 12, selection of navigation key 108D would navigate user 102 to a second category screen enabling user 102 to resolve the error. In an example embodiment, this screen will instruct user 102 to carry out a plurality of steps to resolve the error. Further, user 102 may resolve the error via actuation of navigation keys 108A-108D.

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates a category screen displayed on user interface 106 of router 104, in accordance with various embodiments. In an example implementation, FIG. 5 illustrates a category screen corresponding to a home category 510. User 102 may detect that the displayed screen is a home category since home category 510 is shown as being surrounded by a shaded box, thus indicating that a category screen associated with category 510 is being displayed on user interface 106. In this embodiment, home category 510 is depicted as a symbol of a house. However, it is contemplated that any graphic, symbol, or text may be used to represent home category 510. Moreover, the category screen associated with home category 510 displays representations of a plurality of categories 512-520 and a plurality of navigation keys 108A-108D. Hereinafter, when referring to the representations of categories 512-520 displayed on user interface 106, categories 512-520, or any one or combination thereof, will be used for the sake of consistency.

[0057] In some embodiments, categories 512-520 include Internet category

512, telephone category 514, wireless category 516, connections category 518, and settings category 518. However, categories in addition to categories 512-520 may also be included without deviating from the spirit of the invention(s) set forth herein. User interface further displays that categories 512-520 each have corresponding symbols displaying a representation of a current state of each category. For instance, Internet category 512 is represented by a symbol that illustrates whether router 104 and/or a particular device is connected to the Internet. Moreover, telephone category 514 is represented by two telephones, identified as "1" and "2", indicating whether two telephones and/or accounts associated with two telephones are connected and active. User interface 106 further displays wireless category 516 and a corresponding symbol that represents whether Wi-Fi is enabled and whether Wi-Fi security is either on or off. Further, connections category 518 and its associated symbol represent whether one or more devices are connected to router 104. Lastly, settings category is represented by a wrench indicating that settings and configurations of router 104 can be modified via a category screen corresponding to settings category 520. Categories 512-520 will be described in additional detail in FIGS. 6-13.

[0058] In one embodiment, navigation keys 108A-108D are used to navigate between a plurality of category screens associated with categories 510-520. More particularly, FIG. 5 illustrates that navigation keys 108 A and 108B are used to navigate between categories 510-520. For instance, provided that user interface 106 displays a category screen associated with home category 510, actuation of navigation key 108A navigates user 102 to a category screen corresponding to settings category 520. Likewise, actuation of navigation key 108B navigates user 102 to a category screen associated with Internet category 512. Further, by repeatedly actuating navigation key 108B, user 102 can navigate from a category screen associated with home category 510 to category screens corresponding to Internet category 512, telephone category 514, wireless category 516, and so forth.

[0059] In various embodiments, and as stated above with respect to FIG. 3, actuation of navigation key 108C from a category screen associated with home category 510 causes router 104 to dismiss a previous action. Further, if any one of categories 512-520 display an error message, actuation of navigation key 108D will enable user 102 to resolve the error. In one example implementation, resolving the error may comprise guiding user 102 through one or more steps to resolve the error.

[0060] FIG. 6 illustrates a plurality of category screens corresponding to an

Internet category 512, in accordance with various embodiments. More particularly, in some embodiments, FIG. 6 illustrates category screens 602, 604, and 606 corresponding to Internet category 512. As stated above, category screens 602-606 associated with Internet category 512 display whether router 104 and/or devices connected to router 104 are connected to the Internet. Moreover, user interface 106 displays category screens 602-606 when user 102 actuates one of navigation keys 108A-108D to navigate to category 512. Further, in each of category screens 602- 606, the symbol representing Internet category 512 is shaded, thus illustrating that a category corresponding to Internet category 512 is currently being displayed on user interface 106.

[0061] In one embodiment, category screen 602 is a category screen corresponding to Internet category 512. In this embodiment, category screen 602 is displayed when router 104 and/or one or more devices associated with router 104 are connected to the Internet. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates that category screen 602 includes a graphic or symbol and corresponding text stating that "You are connected to the Internet," navigation keys 108 A and 108B, and categories in addition to Internet category 512. Further, category screen 602 displays that user 102 may actuate navigation key 108 A to navigate to a category screen corresponding to home category 510 or actuate navigation key 108B to navigate to a category screen corresponding to telephone category 514.

[0062] In other embodiments, category screen 604 is also a category screen associated with Internet category 512. In this embodiment, category screen 604 is displayed when router 104 and/or one or more devices associated with router 104 are not connected to the Internet. More particularly, FIG. 6 displays that category 604 contains a graphic or symbol and associated text stating that "You are not connected to the Internet, please press DOWN for assistance," navigation keys 108A, 108B, and 108D, and symbols representing categories in addition to category 512. Moreover category screen 604 illustrates that user 102 may actuate navigation key 108 A to navigate to a category screen corresponding to home category 510 or actuate navigation key 108B to navigate to a category screen corresponding to telephone category 514. In addition, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D to obtain information describing why there is no Internet connection and to receive assistance in connecting to the Internet.

[0063] In the foregoing embodiment, user interface 106 will display category screen 606 corresponding to Internet category 512 if user 102 actuates navigation key 108D illustrated in category screen 604. That is, category screen 606 will be displayed if user 102 would like to view additional information relating to why there is no Internet connection. In various embodiments, category screen 606 includes a graphic or symbol and corresponding text stating that "Your internet port has not been plugged in... Press down for help," navigation keys 108A, 108B, and 108D, and symbols representing categories in addition to category 512. A disconnected Internet port is one example of why there is no Internet connection and it is understood that category screen 606 will display one or more of many reasons known in the art as to why no Internet connection exists. If user 102 desires to seek assistance in establishing an Internet connection, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D to navigate to one or more additional category screen corresponding with Internet category 512. It is contemplated that the one or more category screens may guide user 102 through a step-by-step process to establish an Internet connection.

[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates a plurality of category screens corresponding to a telephone category 514, in accordance with various embodiments. In particular, in various embodiments, FIG. 7 illustrates category screens 702, 704, and 706 corresponding to telephone category 514 that will be displayed when user 102 actuates one of navigation keys 108A-108D to navigate to telephone category 514. As stated above, category screens associated with telephone category 514 indicate whether telephones and associated accounts are connected to router 104. Further, in each of category screens 702-706, the symbol representing telephone category 514 is shaded, thus illustrating that a category corresponding to telephone category 514 is currently being displayed on user interface 106.

[0065] In one embodiment, category screen 702 is a category screen corresponding to telephone category 514. In this embodiment, category screen 702 includes two different representations of a telephone, navigation keys 108 A and 108B, and symbols representing categories in addition to category 514. As stated previously, actuation of navigation key 108 A causes user interface 106 to display a category screen associated with home category 510 while actuation of navigation key 108B causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to wireless category 516.

[0066] In various embodiments, the manner in which each telephone is depicted in category screens 702-706 provides information regarding whether a telephone is active/inactive, whether a telephone is connected to or disconnected from the router 104, and whether a telephone connected to the router has a corresponding telephone number, or any combination thereof. It is understood that any graphic, symbol, color, or text may convey this information.

[0067] For instance, in one embodiment, category screen 702 displays a representation of a telephone that may be either colored or shaded (line 1 of router 104) and a representation of an outline of a telephone (line 2 of router 104). As shown, the telephone corresponding to line 1 of router 104 is active, meaning that the telephone is connected to line 1 and, therefore, is able to make and receive telephone calls. Further, category screen 702 illustrates that the telephone connected to line 1 of router 104 has a telephone number ((555) 555-1212) associated with it, which indicates that the telephone connected to line 1 of router 104 has an account assigned to this device. On the other hand, the telephone associated with line 2 of router 104 is represented by an outline of a telephone, conveying that the telephone associated with line 2 is in fact connected to line 2 of router 104 but the telephone connected to line 2 of router 104 has no active service associated with it. Further, unlike the telephone connected to line 1 of router 104, the telephone connected to line 2 of router 104 does not have an associated telephone number, meaning either that no account for line 2 is active or router 104 is unable to identify a telephone number. Moreover, in this embodiment, if the telephone connected to line 1 of router 104 is deactivated, the telephone connected to line 2 of router 104 will move to line 1.

[0068] In various embodiments, category screen 704 is a category screen corresponding to telephone category 514 and is displayed when there is no Internet connection. As with category screen 702, category screen 704 includes navigation keys 108 A and 108B and also navigation key 108D. As shown, actuation of navigation key 108 A causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to home category 510 and actuation of navigation key 108D causes user interface 106 to display a category screen associated with wireless category 516.

[0069] Additionally, in the above embodiment, category screen 704 includes a representation of a telephone associated with line 1 of router 104 and a representation of a telephone associated with line 2 of router 104. The representation of the telephone associated with line 1 of router 104 is greyed-out signifying that there is no telephone connected to line 1 of router 104. However, as shown, the representation of the telephone associated with line 2 of router 104 is an outline of a telephone, indicating that a telephone is connected to line 2 but there is no active service associated with that particular telephone. Category screen 704 indicates that neither line 1 nor line 2 of router 104 appear have telephone numbers associated with them, however, there also could be telephone numbers associated with one or both lines. Moreover, although not shown, category screens 702 and 704 may also indicate an error associated with either line 1 and/or line 2 of router 104, such as by inserting an "X" over the telephone representations.

[0070] As mentioned above, category screen 704 is displayed on user interface

106 when there is no Internet connection detected. More particularly, category screen 704 may include an error message or illustrate in any other manner that there is an error associated with line 1 and/or line 2 of router 104. If such an error exists, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D to navigate to category screen 706 which may describe the error and provide instructions regarding how to resolve the error. In this embodiment, category screen 706 displays that although line 1 is assigned a telephone number, there is no telephone plugged into line 1 of router 104. Accordingly, it logically follows that user 102 could resolve the above error by connecting a telephone into line 1 of router 104.

[0071] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart including a plurality of category screens corresponding to a wireless category 516, in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, category screens 802-816 display a process enabling user 102 to enable/disable Wi-Fi and to enable/disable Wi-Fi security. Moreover, user interface may display category screens 802-816 when user actuates one of navigation keys 108A-108B to navigate to wireless category 516. In particular, category screen 802 illustrates a category screen corresponding to wireless category 516 that includes navigation keys 108 A, 108B, and 108D, an indication that Wi-Fi security is on, and representations of other categories in addition to wireless category 516. In addition, the symbol representing wireless category 516 is shaded indicating that a category screen corresponding to category 516 is currently being displayed on user interface 106. As mentioned previously, actuation of navigation key 108 A causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to telephone category 514. Likewise, user 102 actuation of navigation key 108B causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to connections category 518.

[0072] In one example embodiment, category screen 802 indicates that Wi-Fi security is enabled and may optionally display the name of a particular wireless network and a corresponding Wi-Fi password. Any graphic, symbol, or text may be used to indicate that Wi-Fi is currently enabled, such as an image of a padlock as shown in category screen 802. Moreover, category screen 802 may also provide user 102 an option of disabling Wi-Fi security by actuating navigation key 108D. By doing so, user 102 may navigate within a plurality of category screens corresponding to wireless category 516.

[0073] In response to actuation of navigation key 108D, user interface may display category screen 804, which provides a confirmation of whether user 102 would like to disable Wi-Fi security. If not, user 102 may actuate navigate 108 A and return to category screen 802. Alternatively, if user 102 desires to turn off Wi-Fi security, user 102 may confirm by actuating navigation key 108B and navigating to category screen 806. FIG. 8 illustrates that category screen 806 is an interstitial screen depicting a transition between category screens 804 and 808. In this embodiment, category screen 806 may display any type of graphic, symbol, or text indicating that router 104 is currently disabling Wi-Fi security. Moreover, category screen 806 may also indicate an amount of time before category screen 808 is displayed on user interface 106. After an unspecified amount of time (depicted as "n seconds"), user interface 106 displays category screen 808.

[0074] In this embodiment, category screen 808 displays to user 102 that Wi-Fi security is turned off. Any graphic, symbol, or text may be utilized to convey that Wi- Fi is currently disabled, such as displaying an image of a padlock with a line or cross through it, as shown in category screen 808. Similar to category screen 802, user 102 may now actuate navigation key 108 A to navigate to a category screen corresponding to telephone category 514 or actuate navigation key 108B to navigate to a category screen associated with connections category 518. Moreover, category screen 808 illustrates that user 102 may be provided an option to turn Wi-Fi security back on by selecting navigation key 108D. In response to actuation of navigation key 108D, user 102 is presented with category screen 810, which confirms whether user 102 would like to enable Wi-Fi security. In this embodiment, if user 102 prefers to keep Wi-Fi security disabled, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108 A and return to category screen 808. Alternatively, user may actuate navigation key 108B in category screen 810 if user 102 wishes to continue with enabling Wi-Fi security.

[0075] Following actuation of navigation key 108B in category screen 810, user interface 106 may display category screen 812, which is another interstitial screen indicating that router 104 is currently enabling Wi-Fi security. Once Wi-Fi security is enabled, user interface will again display that Wi-Fi security is on in category screen 802. At this point, user 102 may again be provided with the option of disabling Wi-Fi security by actuating navigation key 108D.

[0076] In another embodiment, similar to the process described above with respect to enabling and/or disabling Wi-Fi security, user 102 may also either enable or disable Wi-Fi. For instance, category screen 814 illustrates that Wi-Fi is currently turned off. However, user may enable Wi-Fi by actuating navigation key 108D, which results in showing an interstitial screen in category screen 816. Likewise, user may be provided the option of enabling Wi-Fi in a similar or different manner.

[0077] FIG. 9 illustrates a plurality of category screens corresponding to a connections category 518, in accordance with various embodiments. More particularly, category screens 902-910 may be displayed when user 102 actuates one of navigation keys 108A-108D to navigate to connections category 518. Further, category screens 902-910 show how to determine if one or more devices are currently connected to router 104 and, if so, to obtain information relating to the connected devices. For instance, category screen 902 corresponds to connection category 518 and includes navigation keys 108 A, 108B, and 108D, symbols representing categories in addition to connections category 518, and a graphic and/or text indicating whether any devices are connected to one or more ports of router 104. Further, category screen 902 illustrates that a symbol representing connections category 518 is shaded, thus meaning that a category screen corresponding to connections category 518 is currently being displayed on user interface 106.

[0078] In various embodiments, with respect to category screen 902, actuation of navigation key 108 A causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to wireless category 516 whereas actuation of navigation key 108B causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to settings category 520. Moreover, as shown by category screen 902, user interface 106 may display which ports of router 104 are associated with one or more connected devices. To view the one or more devices connected to router 104, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D to navigate to category screen 904.

[0079] In accordance with the above embodiment, category screen 904 illustrates a list of the one or more devices currently connected to router 104. Category screen 904 further specifies, by name, each device connected to router 104 and how each of the connected devices is connected to router 104. For instance, and as shown, Yaro's PC (Port 1), XBOX360 (Port 2), Amanda's laptop (Port 2), HuberHaxor (Wireless), UMAPhone (Wireless), and Memory Stick (USB) are each connected to router 104 via various connection mediums. A user 102 may navigate down the list, and thereby highlight a particular device, by actuating navigation key 108D one or more times. Moreover, if multiple connections are on a single port, such as XBOX360 and Amanda's laptop (Port 2), category screen 904 displays those devices as being connected to router 104 via the same port number (Port 2). Category screen 904 further enables a user 102 to return to previous category screen 902 by actuating navigation key 108A. On the other hand, if user 102 desires to view information about one of the connected devices, user 102 may scroll to a particular device by actuating navigation key 108D and then actuate navigation key 108B once the desired device is selected.

[0080] In various embodiments, in response to highlighting a particular connected device and actuating navigation key 108B, user 102 navigates to category screen 906, which displays device-specific information relating to the selected device. It is understood that device information may vary depending upon the particular device selected. For instance, information applicable to a laptop computer may be different than information relating to a UMAPhone. Further, user 102 may return to the list of connected devices set forth in category screen 904 by actuating navigation key 108 A displayed in category screen 906.

[0081] In accordance with the foregoing embodiment, category screen 908 illustrates that user 102 may scroll up and down the list of the connected devices by actuating navigation keys 108C and 108D, respectively. Moreover, actuation of navigation key 108 A returns user 102 to category screen 902 and actuation of navigation key 108B causes user interface 106 to display information relating to the selected device, such as in category screen 910. Category screen 908 further illustrates that once user 102 scrolls to the connected device at the bottom of the list (i.e., Memory Stick), an additional actuation of navigation key 108D causes selection of the connected device at the top of the list (i.e., Yaro's PC).

[0082] In another embodiment, a user may navigate directly between category screens that illustrate device-specific information relating to one or more devices connected to router 104. For instance, user 102 may navigate directly between category screen 906 and category screen 910 without first needing to navigate back to either category screens904 and/or category screen 908. Moreover, provided that category screen 906 is currently being displayed on user interface 106, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D to navigate from the category screen depicting information relating to "Yaro's PC" to category screen 910, which illustrates information associated with "USB Name." In this circumstance, user 102 would actuate navigation key 108D five times in order to navigate from category screen 906 to category screen 910. In various embodiments, user 102 may actuate navigation keys 108C and 108D one or more times to navigate between the devices listed under "Device Name" in category screens 904 and category screen 908.

[0083] FIG. 10 illustrates a plurality of category screens corresponding to a settings category 520, in accordance with various embodiments. As shown, category screens 1002-1010 enable user 102 to view and modify various settings and/or configurations pertaining to router 104. Moreover, user interface 106 may display category screens 1002-1010 in response to user 102 navigating to settings category 520 via any one of navigation keys 108A-108D. In various embodiments, category screen 1002 corresponds to category 520 and includes a plurality of icons representing different settings and/or configurations relating to router 104, navigation keys 108A, 108B, and 108D, and symbols representing categories in addition to category 520. Moreover, the symbol representing category 520 is shaded, indicating that a category screen corresponding to settings category 520 is currently being displayed on user interface 106.

[0084] Category screen 1002 further displays that a user 102 may navigate within the plurality of categories by actuating navigation keys 108 A and 108B. For instance, actuation of navigation key 108A causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to connections category 518 whereas actuation of navigation key 108 causes user interface 106 to display a category screen corresponding to home category 510. Additionally, user 102 may view the various settings and configurations associated with router 104 by actuating navigation key 108D.

[0085] In some embodiments, category screens 1004 and 1008 illustrate a list of settings and/or configurations relating to router 104 and navigation keys 108A-108D. Such settings/configurations may include, but are not limited to, factory reset, device information, language preferences, firmware updates, network tools, router setup, time setup, emergency 911 address information, Wireless Priority Service (WPS) key information, VPN access, and diagnostic tools. It is contemplated that additional settings/configurations associated with router 104 may also be included within settings category 520.

[0086] In addition, category screens 1004 and 1008 further enable user 102 to return to category screen 1002 by actuating navigation key 108 A and to view and make modifications within a particular setting/configuration by actuating navigation key 108B. In response to actuation of navigation key 108B in either category screen 1004 or 1008, user interface 106 displays an additional category screen, such as category screens 1006 and 1010, respectively, that enable user 102 to modify various settings/configurations of router 104. Further, user 102 may navigate between the list of settings set forth in category screens 1004 and 1008 by actuating navigation keys 108C and 108D. Once the desired setting is selected, user 102 need only actuate navigation key 108B to arrive at a category screen where settings may be modified. Moreover, in addition to enabling user 102 to modify settings relating to router 104, various category screens (i.e., category screens 1006 and 1010) may guide the user in making such modifications.

[0087] FIG. 11 illustrates a plurality of category screens corresponding to testing bandwidth of router 104, in accordance with various embodiments. Determining bandwidth of router 104 helps ensure that sufficient bandwidth is available for router 104 to perform a variety of functions at optimum levels of speed and efficiency. In an example implementation, category screen 1102 illustrates a list of settings corresponding to settings category 520. Included within a list of settings/configurations in category screen 1 102 is a setting for diagnostic tools, which contains a bandwidth test and a voice quality test, as shown in category screen 1104. After selection of the diagnostic tools setting (category screen 1102) and bandwidth test (category screen 1 104) via two actuations of navigation key 108B, user interface 106 may display category screen 1106 that is also an interstitial screen describing that router 104 is determining bandwidth of router 104. Subsequently, user interface 106 displays a category screen depicting whether bandwidth is sufficient (category screen 1 108) or low (category screen 1110).

[0088] More particularly, and in various embodiments, regardless of whether bandwidth is considered sufficient or not, a category screen may illustrate bandwidth levels, such as by depicting upload and download speeds associated with router 104. For instance, category screen 1008 illustrates that since download speeds are sufficient for optimal voice quality, router 104 has sufficient bandwidth. Accordingly, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D to navigate back to category screen 1 104. On the contrary, if bandwidth is determined to be low, user interface may display a category screen identifying bandwidth levels (i.e., category screen 1 110) and providing an additional category screen that includes tips on how to increase bandwidth levels (i.e., category screen 11 12). User 102 may access such tips by actuating navigation key 108D on category screen 11 10. In response, user 102 may adjust settings/configurations on router 104 in an attempt to increase bandwidth levels. [0089] FIG. 12 illustrates a plurality of category screens corresponding to testing voice quality of router 104, in accordance with various embodiments. Determining various settings and/or configurations of router 104 helps ensure that a connection between a particular device and router 104 allows for the best quality of voice calls. In an example implementation, category screen 1202 illustrates a list of settings corresponding to settings category 520. Included within a list of settings/configurations in category screen 1202 is a setting for diagnostic tools, which contains a bandwidth test and a voice quality test, as shown in category screen 1204. After selection of the diagnostic tools setting (category screen 1202) and voice quality test (category screen 1204) via two actuations of navigation key 108B, user interface 106 may display category screen 1206 that is also an interstitial screen describing that router 104 is currently determining voice quality. Subsequently, user interface 106 may display a category screen depicting whether a connection between a device and router 104 allows for the best quality of voice calls (category screens 1208 and 1210).

[0090] More particularly, and in various embodiments, regardless of whether voice quality is considered good or poor, a category screen may illustrate voice quality levels. For instance, category screen 1208 illustrates that a connection between a particular device and router 104 allows for the best quality of voice calls. Accordingly, as voice quality is of a sufficient level, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108D to navigate back to category screen 1204. On the contrary, if voice quality is determined to be poor or is below a predetermined level of acceptance, user interface 106 may display a category screen identifying voice quality levels (i.e., category screen 1210) and may provide an additional category screen that includes tips on how to increase voice quality (i.e., category screen 1212). User 102 may access such tips by actuating navigation key 108D on category screen 1210. In response, user 102 may adjust settings/configurations on router 104 in an attempt to increase voice quality levels.

[0091] FIG. 13 illustrates a plurality of category screens corresponding to router setup, in accordance with various embodiments. When a user 102 of router 104 either first installs router 104 or reconnects router 104, router 104 may provide a plurality of steps for guiding the user 102 in the setup process. In an example implementation, category screen 1302 illustrates a list of settings corresponding to settings category 520. Included within a list of settings/configurations in category screen 1302 is a setting for "Setup" of router 104.

[0092] Following selection of the setup setting (category screen 1302) via actuation of navigation key 108B, user interface 106 may display category screen 1304. In this embodiment, category screen 1304 instructs user 102 to connect router 104 to the Internet and provides a corresponding animation depicting how to plug a cable into router 104. At this point, user 102 may actuate navigation key 108 A to return to category screen 1302, actuate navigation key 108C to exit the setup process, or actuate navigation key 108B provided that user 102 has connected the applicable cable to router 104. Provided that user 102 has connected the appropriate cable to router 104 and actuated navigation key 108B, router 106 may display category screen 1306, which illustrates whether the applicable cable has been connected to router 104. If so, user 102 may either actuate navigation key 108 A to return to category screen 1304, actuate navigation key 108C to exit the setup process, or actuate navigation key 108B to continue the setup process for establishing an Internet connection. In this embodiment, actuation of navigation key 108B causes user interface 106 to display category screen 1308, which is an interstitial screen illustrating that router 104 is checking for an Internet connection.

[0093] In various embodiments, if router 104 determines, after a particular amount of time, that there is no Internet connection, user interface 106 may display category screen 1310. Category screen 1310 may display an error message, instruct user 102 how to resolve the error, and/or display additional steps to enable user 102 to connect router 104 to the Internet. Alternatively, if router 104 identifies an Internet connection, user interface 106 may display category screen 1312 informing user 102 that router 104 is now connected to the Internet. At this junction, user 102 may either actuate navigation key 108C to exit the setup process or actuate navigation key 108B to continue the setup process with respect to other settings of router 104.

[0094] Although the setup process illustrated in FIG. 13 describes a setup process for connecting router 104 to the Internet, the setup process may also relate to the setup of any other feature or setting of router 104.

[0095] FIG. 14 illustrates a plurality of category screens corresponding to various interstitial screens displayed on user interface 106, in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, such category screens 806, 812, 816, 1308, and 1402-1410 may depict a transition between one category screen and a second category screen. Further, and as shown in FIG. 14, category screens 806, 812, 816, 1308, and 1402-1410 may depict a transition state between two category screens by way of text or any graphic, symbol, or shape known in the art. The described interstitial screens assist user 102 in determining that user interface 106 is in the process of transitioning from a first category screen to a second category screen.

[0096] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.