Abstract:
An eportal system that includes a server and a client device, wherein the client device preferably is not configurable by common users of the client device, and wherein the server includes an admin system that manages content that can be communicated over the eportal system, maintains a log of all activity, and also manages client devices and users utilizing those client devices.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    None 
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    None 
       PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    None 
       REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0004]    None 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    1. Technical Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    The disclosure generally relates to computer networking, and more specifically to a system of networking and managing computer devices. 
         [0007]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0008]    The disclosure relates generally to a system of networked computer devices and a method of using the same. 
         [0009]    One previous approach was to use devices physically installed into students&#39; desks, thus reducing the chances of damage to the devices. One disadvantage of this approach is that the devices could then only provide limited functionality to the students. Another disadvantage is that this did not save the students from having to carry around heavy books for all of their classes. 
         [0010]    Another approach was to use a rugged laptop that has several modes of interaction, including an input device. A problem with this approach was that the devices did not adequately prevent users from using the devices within a limited set of available uses. Another problem is that these devices are more expensive and thus (1) there was an incentive for others to steal them, and (2) more money to replace. 
         [0011]    Yet another approach was to use student devices that administer and monitor tests given to students. A problem with this approach was that the devices had limited functionality and did not do much more than centralize a testing scheme. 
         [0012]    Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a recognizable unmet need for a computer system with user devices that have broad but specifically restricted functionality, which allows for efficient communication both to and from users to administrators, and allows students/users to minimize how much material needs to be physically carried around, and is still inexpensive enough that there is less incentive for theft and the devices are easier to replace. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0013]    Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present apparatus and method overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a system by providing a computer system with user devices that have broad but specifically restricted functionality, which allows for efficient communication both to and from users to administrators. 
         [0014]    The present apparatus and method includes an eportal system with a server and a client device. In one embodiment, the client device is not configurable by common users of the client device, and the server includes an admin system that manages and logs all content. 
         [0015]    According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present disclosure describes an eportal system having a server, network communications, and a client device, with the client device and the server communicating via the network communications. The client device has a custom ROM and a custom browser. A user utilizing the client device is prevented from configuring or modifying the client device. The server has an Admin System and a datastore, the datastore having registration information, and the registration information relates to students&#39; names, grade levels, and classes. The eportal system also has notifications, the notifications being sent from the server to the client device(s), and the notifications being messages, exams, content, and the like. The client device sends acknowledgement to the server in response to notifications, and the acknowledgement has response data that is stored in the datastore. Administrators, such as teachers, can access the response data, and this access includes reading and editing the response data. 
         [0016]    The network communications coming from the client device(s) are forwarded to the server and filtered before, and if, they are permitted to enter the World Wide Web and/or other servers. 
         [0017]    Utilizing the eportal system includes registering a client device, wherein the client device has a custom ROM, and users of the client device are prevented from modifying the client device. Another step is receiving network communications from the client device to a server, wherein the server has an Admin System and datastore. More steps include sending a notification with content from the server to the client device, sending acknowledgement from the client device to the server, the acknowledgment having response data, and storing the response data in the datastore. The client device has a browser and applications, and utilization also includes the step of filtering the network communications that are received by the server from the client device. 
         [0018]    More specifically, the present disclosure of an embodiment is an eportal system, the eportal system having a client device, a server, at least one network, and notifications. The network includes known wireless networks and new wireless networks. 
         [0019]    The client device includes a custom ROM, a browser, applications, and a unique portal number. The server includes an admin system, a datastore, registration information, individual login(s), response data, notification content, and acknowledgement(s). 
         [0020]    In an exemplary embodiment, when a client device is turned on for the first time, the client device will receive information relating to possible schools and school districts that the client device will be used in. The user will then enter their name, student ID number, and school name. The server will then associate this information with the client device&#39;s unique portal number, which is within the custom ROM, and the client&#39;s devices MAC address. Thus, the server will be storing how to address this user individually, or as part of a group of people that includes this user. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment, a school system sends a data file of students, student ID numbers, school attended, grade level, and any other relevant information, to the distributor of the client devices. This information is loaded into the server&#39;s datastore, and when the client device is turned on for the first time only the student&#39;s ID number need be entered, and from this piece of information the server can associate the client device with the correct student, school, grade, classes, or any other information that has been entered. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, the client devices are given a list of wireless networks that they are permitted to connect to, as well as the associated passwords, security, and any other information needed. In this embodiment, only administrators can enable client devices to connect to “new” wireless networks. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment, common users of client devices are permitted to connect the client devices to any wireless network for which they have the appropriate information. In yet another embodiment, the ports or plugs that the client devices have preferably, although not necessarily, only allow charging of the client devices&#39; battery, and not to add hard-drive space, share data, or install additional software. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment, when the client device is registering, the client device queries the Admin System to see if registration information exists for the supplied student ID. If not, registration information is requested of the client device&#39;s user, and subsequently, assuming the entered information is correct and/or acceptable, the client device is registered with the registration information. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, notifications are generated by an administrator. The administrator decides on the recipients of the notification, and also decides what content the notification will include. The notification can include any type communication from the server to client devices, or vice versa, and can include, for exemplary purposes only and without limitation, messages, questions for a quiz or test, and content, including multimedia content or links to any of above, or the content may include such things as emergency and/or administrative type communications to teachers. 
         [0026]    The administrator wishing to send a notification logs into the Admin System using their individual login. The administrator then creates a notification and chooses recipients of the notification. The notification is stored by the Admin System for retrieval by client devices by being stored in the datastore. Administrators may view notifications, acknowledgement of notifications, manage/delete notifications or acknowledgments. More specifically, administrators may view notifications sent to which device users, if and when any acknowledgements of those notifications were sent by client devices, and delete and/or amend the notifications and acknowledgments. 
         [0027]    To receive notifications, client device(s) query the Admin System for new notifications at a fixed interval. However, it is contemplated herein that the notification may be communicated to client device(s) by being “pushed” to the client device. The device user receives the notification and either the client device itself sends an automatic acknowledgment, and/or the device user composes an acknowledgment, and that acknowledgment, which includes response data, is stored in the datastore. The response data is associated with the original notification, and the response data includes, for exemplary purposes only and without limitation, responses to the quiz or test that comprised the notification, a mere response that the notification has been read, such as “OK” or similar, and/or a text reply with substantive content. 
         [0028]    It is contemplated herein that the described eportal system can be used in any similar situation, and the functionality can be applied in fields other than the educational field. For exemplary purposes only, and without limitation, the eportal system can also be used in the commercial field, wherein the users referred to as “students” may be employees of a company. 
         [0029]    Accordingly, a feature of the ePortal system and method of use thereof is its ability to provide expanded functionality for users, such as, for exemplary purposes only, students. 
         [0030]    Another feature of the ePortal system is its ability to prevent common users from negatively affecting performance of their devices. 
         [0031]    Another feature of the ePortal system is its ability to easily allow communication to selected users. 
         [0032]    Yet another feature of the ePortal system is its ability to monitor the results of these communications, and if they have been received and acknowledged. 
         [0033]    Still another feature of the ePortal system is its ability to prevent users from acquiring unfiltered access to the World Wide Web. 
         [0034]    Another feature of the ePortal system is its ability to allow for easy communications between superiors, such as teachers, and common users, such as students. 
         [0035]    Another feature of the ePortal system is its ability to deliver content to the user, such as digital versions of text books eliminating the need to carry and/or transport such content. 
         [0036]    Another feature of the ePortal system is its ability to enable communication between parent and teacher/administrator with regards to the device&#39;s assigned user, the student. 
         [0037]    These and other features of the eportal system will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the prior Summary, and following Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and Claims when read in light of the accompanying Detailed Drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0038]    The present fishing multi-cycle auto-disable device will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which: 
           [0039]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a system for using an ePortal system in an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0040]      FIG. 2A  is a flowchart showing exemplary initial steps to register a device; 
           [0041]      FIG. 2B  is a flowchart showing exemplary initial steps to register a device; 
           [0042]      FIG. 3A  is a flowchart showing exemplary steps of how notifications are propagated; 
           [0043]      FIG. 3B  is a flowchart showing exemplary steps of how notifications are propagated; 
           [0044]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing exemplary steps of how an ePortal device is used; and 
           [0045]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view depicting the elements and relationships of notifications and network communications. 
       
    
    
       [0046]    It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0047]    In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5  by way of example, and not limitation, therein is illustrated an eportal system  100 , wherein eportal system  100  comprises device  200 , server  300 , network  400 , and notifications  150 , wherein network  400  comprises known wireless network  410  and new wireless network  420 . 
         [0049]    Device  200  comprises custom ROM  205 , browser  210 , applications  220 , and unique portal number  240 . Server  300  comprises Admin System  310 , datastore  350 , registration information  360 , individual login  370 , response data  381 , notification content  382 , and acknowledgement  383 . 
         [0050]    Eportal system  100 , in an exemplary embodiment, can be used at schools S within school districts SD, wherein the device users DU comprise administrators A and students ST. Administrators A comprise network administrator NA and teacher administrators TA, wherein teacher administrators comprise class TC. Students ST comprise student ID SID and student grade level SG. 
         [0051]    Turning more particularly, to  FIG. 1 , illustrated therein is a schematic view of a system for using an ePortal device in an exemplary embodiment. At school S, which is within school district SD, device users DU, such as administrators A and students ST, use devices  200  that are connected to known wireless network  410 . Administrators A and students ST that are not physically located at school, can connect devices  200  via internet I. It is contemplated herein that in some embodiments, networks  400  may be wired networks, such as the connection between server  300  and the network  400 . 
         [0052]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , illustrated therein is a flowchart showing exemplary initial steps  1000  to register a device. Via step  1005  distributor D receives device  200  from manufacturer M. Next, via step  1010 , distributor loads custom ROM  205  on device  200 . In one embodiment, custom ROM  205  locks device  200  down to prevent anyone other than network administrator NA from configuring device  200 , wherein said configuring includes, for exemplary purposes only, installing new software, installing new hardware, and using device&#39;s  200  ports for anything other than charging the battery. However, it will be recognized that custom ROM  205  may prevent anyone, including network administrator NA, from configuring device  200 . 
         [0053]    Via step  1015 , devices  200  are shipped to schools S, and in this embodiment no further intervention by distributor D happens. Via step  1020 , device user DU at school S receives device  200  and turns device  200  on, wherein device user DU at this step is administrator A. Device  200  searches for known wireless network  410  preconfigured in the device  200  custom ROM  205 , via step  1025 . At step  1030 , device  200  determines if known wireless network  410  is available. If known wireless network  410  is available, device  200  connects to internet I via step  1035 , wherein internet I at step  1035  is connected to known wireless network  410 . If known wireless network  410  is not available, device user DU is presented network  400 , which presumably includes new wireless networks  420 , via step  1055 . Via step  1060 , device user DU provides information to connect to network  400 , and proceeds to step  1035 . Via step  1040 , device  200  retrieves school district SD and school(s) S within school district SD from Admin System  310 , wherein Admin System  310  is running on server  300 , via  1065 . Via step  1045 , device user DU is prompted for school district SD, school S, and student ID SID, which are entered via step  1050 . 
         [0054]    Turning more particularly to  FIG. 2B , via step  1070 , device  200  queries Admin System  310  to see if registration information  360  exists for student ID SID. Via step  1080 , if registration information  360  exists for supplied student ID SID, process proceeds to step  1085 ; otherwise, process proceeds to step  1075 . Via step  1075 , device user DU is asked for registration information  360 , which comprises device user&#39;s DU&#39;s name, student grade level SG, and teacher TA and/or class TC, wherein the name entered is consistent with student ST associated with entered student ID SID. Via step  1090 , registration information  360  requested via step  1075  is submitted, and subsequently device  200  is registered with registration information  360  via step  1095 . Going back to step  1085 , Admin System  310  sends registration information  360  to device  200 . 
         [0055]    Turning now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , illustrated therein is a flowchart showing exemplary steps of how notifications are propagated  1100 . It is contemplated and noted herein that those skilled in the art are familiar with the shorthand terminology “admin”, which can be used to refer to administrators A. Notification  150  comprises any type communication from server  300  to devices  200 , or vice versa, including, for exemplary purposes only and without limitation, messages, questions for a quiz or test, and content, including multimedia content or links to any of above, wherein content may further include such things as emergency and/or administrative type communications to teachers. Further, notification  150  can be directed to recipients R, including, for exemplary purposes only and without limitation, all device users DU at school district SD, all users at school S, all students ST of a specific teacher administrator TA, all students ST of a certain class TC, wherein class TC describes either a subject or a expected graduating year, a single student ST, any device user DU, or any customized subgroup of above, supergroup of above, or combination thereof. For example, it is contemplated herein that notification  150  could be sent to all teachers TA during the school day that inclement weather is approaching and the students ST need to be moved to a safer location, or notification  150  could be sent to all teachers TA of certain student grade levels SG that a planned presentation has been canceled. 
         [0056]    Via step  1105  administrator A logs into Admin System  310  using individual login  370 , wherein individual login  370  is associated with the specific administrator A. Via step  1110 , administrator A creates notification  150 . Administrator A chooses recipients R of notification  150 , via step  1120 . Via step  1125 , notification  150  is stored by Admin System  310  for retrieval by devices  200 , wherein notification  150  is stored in datastore  350  on server  300 . Via step  1130 , administrator A may view notifications  150 , acknowledgement  383  of notifications  150 , manage/delete notifications  150  or acknowledgments  383 . More particularly, via step  1130 , administrators A may view notifications  383  sent to which device users DU, if and when acknowledgements  383  of those notifications  150  was sent by devices  200 , and delete and/or amend notifications  383  and acknowledgments  383 . 
         [0057]    Turning more particularly to  FIG. 3B , via step  1140 , device  200  queries Admin System  310  for new notifications  150  at a fixed interval. However, it is contemplated herein that notification  150  may be communicated to device  200  by being “pushed” to device  200 , as such term is understood in the telecommunications arts. Via step  1145 , device user DU receives notification  150  and sends acknowledgments  383 , and subsequently, via step  1150 , response data  381  from device user DU is stored in Admin System  310  in datastore  350 . 
         [0058]    After recipient R, who is user U of device  200 , reads notification  150 , acknowledgement  383  is sent to server  300 , wherein acknowledgement  383  becomes response data  381 , which is associated with original notification  150 , and wherein response data  381  comprises, for exemplary purposes only and without limitation, responses to the quiz or test that comprised the notification  150 , a mere response that notification  150  has been read, such as “OK” or similar, and/or a text reply with substantive content. 
         [0059]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , illustrated therein is a flowchart showing exemplary steps of how an ePortal device may be used  1200 . Process  1200  starts via step  1205  and proceeds to step  1210 , wherein device  200  attempts to connect to Admin Server  310 . If device  200  can connect, device user DU identifies if network  400  should be remembered via step  1240 , and then process  1200  proceeds to step  1250 . If not, a connection setup screen is shown via step  1215 , and via step  1220  device user DU decides whether to choose from an existing network  400  broadcasting its presence. If not, via step  1230  the correct login information is entered, which is typically, although not necessarily, the SSID, security type, and password for network  400 . If an existing network  400  is selected, such happens via step  1225 , and via step  1230  the appropriate login information is entered for network  400 . 
         [0060]    Going back to step  1250 , if device  200  is registered with Admin System  310 , process  1200  proceeds to step  1255 . If not, device  200  registration screen allows entering of registration information  360  via step  1270 , which is then communicated to Admin System  310  via step  1275 . 
         [0061]    Subsequently, via step  1255 , device  200  is used as designed. With the embodiment described in  FIG. 4 , such use comprises using custom browser  210  via step  1255 , interacting with and seeing notifications  150  via step  1265 , and using applications  220  via step  1260 . It is contemplated herein that applications  220  comprise such computer software as, for exemplary purpose only and without limitation, calculators, an internet browser, and test or quiz taking software. 
         [0062]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , notification  150  relates to response data  381 , notification content  382 , and acknowledgement  383 , which themselves are all related to each other. 
         [0063]    It is contemplated herein that eportal system  100  can be used in any similar situation, and the functionality can be applied in fields other than the educational field. For exemplary purposes only, and without limitation, eportal system  100  can also be used in the commercial field, wherein students SD comprise employees. 
         [0064]    It is further contemplated herein that network communications  120  from device  200  are routed through server  300 , wherein server  300  thus manages what network communications  120  device  200  is allowed to conduct, and wherein said routing is accomplished through the device  200  treating server  300  as a proxy for network communications  120 . In an alternate embodiment, device  200  creates a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with server  300 , through which all network communications  120  from/to device  200  are channeled. In another embodiment, network communications  120  are forwarded to an electronic device on network  400  on or connected to server  300 , wherein that electronic device functions as a firewall and/or filtering mechanism for network communications  120 . It is contemplated herein that any and/or all of these combinations could be combined as would be recognized by those skilled in the art. 
         [0065]    In one embodiment, device  200  comprises a tablet computer, but it is contemplated herein that device  200  may comprise any electronic device, mobile or otherwise. 
         [0066]    It is contemplated herein that custom ROM  205  comprises a specifically designed operating system (OS) that controls the operation of device  200 . 
         [0067]    The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.