EP0606448A1 - Procede et appareil pour ameliorer par voie aerienne un logiciel d'application pour modem radioelectrique - Google Patents

Procede et appareil pour ameliorer par voie aerienne un logiciel d'application pour modem radioelectrique

Info

Publication number
EP0606448A1
EP0606448A1 EP93917114A EP93917114A EP0606448A1 EP 0606448 A1 EP0606448 A1 EP 0606448A1 EP 93917114 A EP93917114 A EP 93917114A EP 93917114 A EP93917114 A EP 93917114A EP 0606448 A1 EP0606448 A1 EP 0606448A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
upgrade
information
application software
selective call
software
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP93917114A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Robert Dewayne Fennell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Motorola Solutions Inc
Original Assignee
Motorola Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US07/923,056 external-priority patent/US5302947A/en
Application filed by Motorola Inc filed Critical Motorola Inc
Publication of EP0606448A1 publication Critical patent/EP0606448A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B5/00—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
    • G08B5/22—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
    • G08B5/222—Personal calling arrangements or devices, i.e. paging systems
    • G08B5/223—Personal calling arrangements or devices, i.e. paging systems using wireless transmission
    • G08B5/224—Paging receivers with visible signalling details
    • G08B5/227—Paging receivers with visible signalling details with call or message storage means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F8/00—Arrangements for software engineering
    • G06F8/60—Software deployment
    • G06F8/65—Updates
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W8/00—Network data management
    • H04W8/18—Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data
    • H04W8/183—Processing at user equipment or user record carrier

Definitions

  • This invention relates in general to selective call receivers, and more specifically to selective call receivers having application software bundled therein.
  • An example is the NewsStreamTM Advanced Data Receiver manufactured by Motorola, Inc. of Schaumburg, Illinois.
  • This radio modem is intended for use with computers having an RS-232 port and a telecommunications program that supports a popular file transfer protocol called "XMODEM.”
  • Coupling the data interface of the conventional radio modem with such a computer allows the computer to receive information transmitted by radio and addressed to the radio modem and to store the received information in a file. Additional file access or other software is required when a user then wishes to examine or work with the information in the file.
  • An obstacle to improving software is the need for a user to be able to purchase a machine-readable copy of the upgrade software and to load the upgrade software to install the new version of the application software.
  • loading the upgrade software is problematic.
  • One solution would be to purchase the upgrade software on a diskette and load the upgrade software from the diskette to a computer, then loading the upgrade from the computer to the radio modem via the interface therebetween.
  • Such a—solution requires a large amount of user tasking and is therefore not preferable.
  • a system provider who wishes to update service-accessing application software cannot guarantee that all users will upgrade the software. This could result in substantial outlay of repair and maintenance time for the service provider to perform upgrading of the software .
  • what is needed is a method and apparatus for upgrading application software via a radio modem, and particularly for upgrading application software bundled within a radio modem.
  • a selective call receiver for receiving and decoding selective call radio signals comprising upgrade information.
  • the selective call receiver comprises a receiving means for receiving and decoding the selective call radio signals to recover the upgrade information transmitted therein and a memory means coupled to the receiving means for storing the upgrade information.
  • the information comprises upgrade installation information and upgrade data.
  • the selective call receiver also comprises data interface means for coupling with an external computer means to transmit information thereto.
  • the external computer means has application software stored therein.
  • the selective call receiver comprises control means coupled to the first and second memory means for compiling the upgrade installation information and for executing the compiled upgrade installation information in accordance with the upgrade data to upgrade the application software.
  • a method in a selective call receiver for upgrading application software stored therein comprises a processor coupled to a memory and a data interface for controlling interactions between the processor and the memory.
  • the method comprises the steps of (a) receiving upgrade information comprising upgrade installation software and upgrade data, (b) loading the upgrade installation software into the processor, (c) upgrading the application software in accordance with the upgrade installation software and in response to the upgrade data, and (d) deleting the upgrade installation software and the upgrade data.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a radio modem in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the radio modem in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is an orthographic top view of the radio modem installed in an external computer in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method of updating application software bundled into the radio modem in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention .
  • a block diagram of a radio modem 100 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an antenna 102 for intercepting RF signals.
  • the antenna 102 is coupled to a receiver 104 for receiving and demodulating the RF signals intercepted.
  • a decoder 106 is coupled to the receiver 104 for decoding demodulated information.
  • a microprocessor 108 receives the decoded information from the decoder 106 and processes the information to recover messages.
  • the microprocessor 108 is coupled to a volatile memory 110 for storing the messages recovered, and the microprocessor 108 controls the storing and recalling of the messages.
  • An alert generator 112 is coupled to the microprocessor 108 for providing an audible or tactile alert to a user when the microprocessor 108 has a message ready for presentation.
  • An output device 114 comprises a visual display or a speaker or both, the output device 114 also being controlled by the microprocessor 108.
  • a control section 116 comprises user accessible controls for allowing the user to command the microprocessor 108 to perform the selective call receiver operations well known to those skilled in the art and typically includes control switches such as an on/off control button, a function control, etc.
  • the microprocessor 108 is coupled to a non-volatile memory 122, such as an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) , and a data interface 118 for controlling and communicating with the non-volatile memory 122 and the data interface 118, in accordance with the present invention.
  • EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
  • the non-volatile memory 122 and the data interface 118 are also coupled to each other for providing direct communication between the non-volatile memory 122 and the data interface 118.
  • the data interface 118 is constructed and controlled in a manner that meets the standards set forth in two documents entitled "PC Card Standard,” Release 2.0, and "Socket Services Interface
  • PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International Association
  • the non-volatile memory 122 is pre-programmed with a plurality of software driver programs 124, each identified by an identifier 126 that identifies an external computer with which the software driver program 124 is compatible.
  • the non-volatile memory 122 also is pre-programmed with at least one application program 128.
  • the function of the software driver programs 124 is to compensate for the differences among external computers such that the interface between each application program 128 and the external computer when loaded with a compatible software driver program 124 is a viable interface. That is, a single application program 128 will function correctly with any of the external computers for which there exists a compatible software driver program 124.
  • the microprocessor 108 comprises a computer recognition element 109 for recognizing one of a plurality of specific types of external computer in response to identifier signals provided to the data interface 118 by the external computer.
  • the microprocessor 108 further comprises a driver selector element 111 for selecting one of the plurality of software driver programs 124 compatible with a recognized one of a plurality of specific types of external computer whose identifier signals match a corresponding one of the identifiers 126.
  • an isometric view of the radio modem 100 and an orthographic top view of the radio modem 100 installed in an external computer 302 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention shows a connector comprising the PCMCIA bus 120 at one end of the radio modem 100.
  • the radio modem 100 is inserted into a PCMCIA slot 304 of the external computer 302, as shown in FIG. 3, the radio modem 100 and the external computer 302 are electrically coupled by the PCMCIA bus 120, allowing communication to take place between the radio modem 100 and the external computer 302.
  • the function of the software driver program 124 (FIG. 1) is to present a consistent interface to the application program 128 (FIG. 1) .
  • the consistent interface allows each of the application programs 128 to operate compatibly with all types of external computer 302 (FIG. 3) for which there exists a software driver program 124 (FIG. 1) in the radio modem 100.
  • the same statement applies to application programs that may reside in the external computer 302 itself. That is, once an application program has been developed for one type of external computer 302 that is compatible with one of the software driver programs 124 of the radio modem 100, the same application program will also function correctly with other types of external computer 302 that are compatible with one of the software driver programs 124 of the radio modem 100.
  • the software driver programs 124 (FIG. 1) are part of the radio modem 100, the software driver programs 124 can be modified at the same time that future modifications are made to the radio modem 100, e.g., to add new features to the radio modem 100, etc. Such future modifications to the software driver programs 124 will be done to maintain a consistent and invariant interface for the application program 128 (FIG. 1) internal to the radio modem 100 and for any other application programs that may have been developed for external use with the radio modem 100.
  • the maintenance of the consistent and invariant application program interface allows an increase of functionality between the application programs and the radio modem, because changing characteristics internal to the radio modem, e.g., real-time clock setting commands, message storage locations, message labels, type of microprocessor used, etc., will not affect the interface to the application programs. As a consequence, it will be possible to allow greater control of the internal features of the radio modem 100 by the application programs without the risk of massive required future modifications to the application software as a result of necessary future radio modem redesigns.
  • changing characteristics internal to the radio modem e.g., real-time clock setting commands, message storage locations, message labels, type of microprocessor used, etc.
  • the cost savings provided by the ability to create a single application program that will operate on a plurality of external computers 302 (FIG. 3) while not requiring major modification for many years makes it ⁇ feasible to develop custom-tailored application programs.
  • the updating of the application software 128 and the software driver programs 124 via over-the-air selective call messages sent to the radio modem allow control of updating to be in the hands of the selective call system provider.
  • a consistent and across-the-board updating of application software allows the system provider a quicker time frame for making modifications to the system.
  • the radio modem receives selective call messages, the updating can be controlled as to which radio modems have software updated and which do not.
  • a flow chart of a method of updating the application software 128 (FIG. 1) in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention begins with the powering up of the radio modem 400. Following power up, processing awaits reception of upgrade information 402 over-the-air.
  • the upgrade information is received 402 as a selective call message and stored in the radio modem volatile memory 110 (FIG. 1) .
  • a selective call message may be identified by a unique selective call address reserved for the purpose or information in the signaling protocol may indicate that the message comprises upgrade information.
  • installation software which can be used by the microprocessor 108 to upgrade the application software 128 (FIG. 1) and upgrade data.
  • the upgrade installation software is retrieved from the memory 110 and compiled 404 by the microprocessor 108.
  • the microprocessor 108 then upgrades 406 the application software 128 in accordance with the installation software compiled in the microprocessor 108 and utilizing the upgrade data stored in the memory 110.
  • the upgrade software in the microprocessor 108 and the upgrade data in the memory 110 are deleted 410 and processing returns to perform normal radio modem operations until the next upgrade information is received 402.
  • the present method could allow for updating application software in the computer 302 (FIG. 3) .
  • the radio modem is coupled to the computer to allow for communication therebetween.
  • the upgrade information could be forwarded to the computer for use thereby to upgrade application software stored therein.
  • the radio modem provides the upgrade information to the computer for storing in the random access memory (RAM) thereof.
  • RAM random access memory
  • the method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention allows a selective call service provider to control software upgrading in either the radio modem 100 or the coupled computer 302 by over-the-air selective signaling.
  • the service provider can thereby upgrade application software selectively and transparently to the user .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
  • Computer And Data Communications (AREA)
  • Communication Control (AREA)

Abstract

Un modem radioélectrique (100) ayant en mémoire un logiciel d'application (128) reçoit des informations d'amélioration via une messagerie à appels sélectifs, par voie aérienne. Les informations d'amélioration comprennent des informations relatives à l'amélioration de l'installation et des données d'amélioration. Un microprocesseur (108) compile les informations d'amélioration de l'installation et procède à l'amélioration du logiciel d'application (128) selon les informations d'amélioration de l'installation et en réponse aux données d'amélioration. De la même manière, le logiciel d'application dans l'ordinateur (302) peut être amélioré par transmission par voie aérienne des informations d'amélioration vers le modem radioélectrique (100).
EP93917114A 1992-07-31 1993-07-06 Procede et appareil pour ameliorer par voie aerienne un logiciel d'application pour modem radioelectrique Withdrawn EP0606448A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US923056 1978-07-10
US07/923,056 US5302947A (en) 1992-07-31 1992-07-31 Method and apparatus for loading a software program from a radio modem into an external computer
US07/962,769 US5418524A (en) 1992-07-31 1992-10-19 Method and apparatus for over-the-air upgrading of radio modem application software
US962769 1992-10-19
PCT/US1993/006538 WO1994003879A1 (fr) 1992-07-31 1993-07-06 Procede et appareil pour ameliorer par voie aerienne un logiciel d'application pour modem radioelectrique

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0606448A1 true EP0606448A1 (fr) 1994-07-20

Family

ID=27129860

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93917114A Withdrawn EP0606448A1 (fr) 1992-07-31 1993-07-06 Procede et appareil pour ameliorer par voie aerienne un logiciel d'application pour modem radioelectrique

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0606448A1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH07505035A (fr)
CA (1) CA2120346A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1994003879A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999030297A1 (fr) * 1997-12-05 1999-06-17 Maxon Systems Inc. (London) Ltd. Teleavertisseur
CN101399852B (zh) * 2007-09-26 2011-04-20 中兴通讯股份有限公司 通过网络接口实现无线接入盒升级的方法

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU615163B2 (en) * 1987-01-02 1991-09-26 Motorola, Inc. System for over-the-air reprogramming of communication receivers
US5012234A (en) * 1989-05-04 1991-04-30 Motorola, Inc. User activated memory programming authorization in a selective call receiver

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9403879A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH07505035A (ja) 1995-06-01
CA2120346A1 (fr) 1994-02-17
WO1994003879A1 (fr) 1994-02-17

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