KR20040016767A - Method and apparatus for autonomous memory usage optimization and downloading of software features - Google Patents

Abstract

Wireless communication device 102 monitors whether a user of the device uses certain functionality (step 202). If the function is not used (step 204), the user decides to delete the function from memory (step 206), and frees memory space for additional functions (step 208). Instead of monitoring whether a certain function of the device is used, the communication system notifies the user that the function will be deleted from the device (step 216). The device then deletes the function and frees the memory space (step 208). If a new function is available to the wireless communication device, a message is sent to the device notifying the user of the availability of the function (step 304). If the user desires a new function, the software code associated with that function is downloaded to the communication device via the air interface (step 314). The device is reconfigured to include the new functionality for execution (step 316).

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTONOMOUS MEMORY USAGE OPTIMIZATION AND DOWNLOADING OF SOFTWARE FEATURES}

Wireless communication devices are known and widely used today. Such devices include pagers, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants and other electronic devices. Generally, a wireless communication system includes a portable or mobile subscriber unit that communicates with a locally distributed fixed end (ie, non-portable) system or other mobile subscriber unit. Most wireless communication devices now include a processor or central processing unit and memory. Also provided for the user interface are input and output devices, for example keyboards and displays. The processor of a wireless communication device provides flexibility in that several stored programs are executed by the device to implement various functions.

Memory provided in a wireless communication device typically includes volatile memory as well as nonvolatile memory. Generally, nonvolatile memory is used to store permanent or semi-permanent user data such as, for example, operating systems and applications, programs, and address books, telephone numbers, and the like. In general, volatile memory is used by a processor for temporary storage at the time of execution of a program. In general, wireless communication devices are sold with a set of stored programs fixed in memory. The device manufacturer loads the stored program into the device. Usually, the stored program is changed only by reprogramming by the manufacturer. This is a factor that limits the flexibility of the wireless communication device after initial manufacture. In particular, since the memory is limited, the number and variety of functions sold with the device are inevitably limited. This often results in users buying unwanted or unused features. In addition, since the device must be returned to the manufacturer in order to be reprogrammed, the update of the function is limited.

One known method for increasing the flexibility of a communication device is to provide a wireless communication device with a comprehensive set of functions. At this time, a so-called "flex bit" is included in the device that can be set or reset via the air interface. The state of the flex bit determines whether the function is available by the wireless communication device. Although this solution provides some flexibility in using the function, this is not the optimal solution for memory use, since all possible functions must be stored on the device.

Therefore, there is a need to extend optimal memory usage and functionality in wireless communication devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to an electronic device having a memory for storing programs and functions, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for memory usage and function update in a wireless electronic device.

1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system with optimal memory usage and flexibility in accordance with the present invention.

2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for optimal memory usage in accordance with the present invention.

3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for downloading functionality to a wireless communication device in accordance with the present invention.

In short, a method and apparatus are provided for optimizing memory usage in an electronic device. More specifically, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for freeing memory space of an electronic device by autonomously deleting unused or unwanted functions. First, monitor the functions available on the device to determine if they are actually used by the user. For example, an entry address for a particular function is monitored by a processor on the device to determine if an entry address has been executed that reflects whether the function has been used by the user. Preferably, monitoring takes place for a predetermined period of time. Based on the use of this feature, the device determines whether this feature should continue to be available to the user. This determination may alternatively be made automatically or by confirmation of the user. If the function is no longer available to the user, the program code stored for execution of the function is automatically deleted from the electronic device so that another function occupies the previously occupied space. Instead of monitoring the electronic device to determine if the function should be deleted, the fixed end system may use the over-the-air to request or initiate the deletion of the function.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method and apparatus are provided for downloading executable software code to an electronic device using a wireless or over-the-air interface. Preferably, the availability of new software functionality is known to the user by broadcast messages from the fixed end system. If desired, the electronic device receives executable software code at the device via a wireless interface. After the electronic device receives the software, the device is configured to execute the new software code. If possible, reconfiguration of the electronic device includes updating a menu of the user interface and updating parameters for executing a new function. The wireless communication device then executes the downloaded software code. The software code is downloaded to the free memory included with the electronic device or to the memory space made available on the electronic device as a result of memory optimization according to the methods and devices described above. By freeing up unused memory space and downloading new features to the wireless communication device (i.e. without having to return the communication device to the manufacturer for reprogramming), the function is updated flexibly and the use of the communication device is customized to the user. Is optimized.

1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system 100 in accordance with the present invention. System 100 includes a wireless electronic device 102 and a fixed end system 104. The wireless communication device 102 and the fixed end system 104 communicate with each other via a wireless or over-the-air interface. Although one device 102 and one fixed end system 104 are shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of devices 102 and fixed end system 104 are generally used in the wireless communication system 100. The wireless communication system 100 may be a wireless telephone system, a calling system, a personal communication system, or a combination thereof.

The fixed end system 104 includes a transceiver 106 and an antenna 108 that combine to implement an air or air interface for sending and receiving messages from the device 102. Fixed-end system 104 includes or has an interface to database 110 for storing a large amount of data, including stored programs for functioning with device 102. Preferably, fixed-end system 104 is a processor-based device that uses stored programs to implement a protocol for communicating with device 102. The fixed end system 104 may be provided with an interface to a telephone network and / or a data network, for example the Internet, depending on the functionality of the wireless communication system 100.

Wireless communication device 102 includes a processor 112, a memory 114, a wireless interface 116, and an antenna 118. Processor 112 is preferably a microprocessor that executes a stored program in accordance with the functionality of device 102. Memory 114 is coupled to processor 112 to store code and data for device 102. The air interface 116 is coupled to the processor 112 and the memory 114. The air interface 116 includes a transmitter 120 and a receiver 122. Transmitter 120 and receiver 122, including antenna 118, implement a wireless interface for air communication in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

In accordance with the present invention, the memory 114 is optimized and updated to improve the flexibility of the device 102. The memory 114 is partitioned in any suitable manner depending on the functionality of the device 102. Preferably, memory 114 includes non-volatile and volatile devices. More preferably, memory 114 includes code space 124, user space 126, and random access memory (RAM) 128. The code space 124 is preferably an updateable non-volatile RAM that is, for example, an electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM) or FLASH memory. Code space 124 is used to store executable software for device 102 including operating system and application code. Operating system and application code implement the functionality for device 102. Preferably, the operating system and application code implement a menu based user interface for the user to interact with the device 102. Typically, input devices such as displays (not shown), and keyboards (not shown) are included in device 102 for interaction with a user.

User space 126 is preferably an updateable non-volatile memory, for example a FLASH memory. User space 126 is used to store data unique to a particular user of device 102. For example, user space 126 includes a list of address books and telephone numbers.

RAM 128 is preferably volatile RAM used for variables and other transient data used in the execution of programs stored by processor 112.

In a conventional wireless electronic device, memory corresponding to the memory 114 has been divided and downloaded in the device manufacturing process. The configuration of the memory of the device is not changed except when returned to the manufacturer to update the device. This locks the memory available to the processor as well as the features implemented in the device. According to the present invention, the memory 114 is reconfigured according to the use of certain functions and updates with the functions available to the device 102. In particular, the functions used by the user using the device 102 are monitored to determine if certain functions should be deleted to free up memory space on the device 102. By using the air interface 116 to update executable code on the device 102, new functionality is added to the device 102, thus eliminating the need for the device 102 to be recalled to the manufacturer. The operations necessary to implement this functionality will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Memory usage is optimized in accordance with the present invention by deleting software code that is unused or associated with user-required functionality. There are three alternatives to determine if a function should be deleted. First, the user can simply request the deletion of a particular function. Second, the communication system may request to remove the function from the device 102. Third, the device autonomously monitors the use of the function to determine that the unused function is to be removed. Figure 2 illustrates these three alternatives and is described below.

Step 202 begins autonomous processing to delete unused functions to free up memory space. Preferably use of the function is monitored for a predetermined period of time (step 202). More specifically, processor 112 executes a stored program that monitors an entry address for executable code associated with a function available on device 102. This is accomplished in any suitable manner, including having a table of entry addresses and related functions that are checked and monitored by the processor 112 using background processing. More preferably, the entry address and exit address of the function are monitored according to the time spent in the function (as determined by the entry and exit address). This information is then stored.

The predetermined time selected to monitor the use of the function will depend on the device 102, functionality, and the function associated with it. Functions can be monitored for hours, days, months or other times. A suitable time for monitoring is one to two days.

After it is determined that the selected function has been used (step 202), the previously unused function is identified as the object to be removed (step 204). The algorithm chosen to determine whether the function is a candidate for removal will vary. The function is identified as a candidate for removal based on whether it is not used or will be used in the future.

In a preferred embodiment, prior to actually removing the code associated with the feature, the user is queried to see if the feature should be removed (step 206). Although optional, this step enhances the user's ability to customize the wireless communication device 102. Of course, if the user does not want to remove the identified function, nothing further is done and the monitor continues. On the other hand, if the user confirms that the function should be removed, the software code, menu items and other parameters associated with the function are removed from the memory (step 208). In a preferred embodiment, an update of the memory is performed to reconstruct the partition for the operating system so that the memory space vacated by the deletion of code and parameters associated with the function is available for further use (step 210).

Optionally, it is known to the fixed end system when the function is removed (step 212). Fixed-end systems will use this information to update a database of subscriber functions or to adjust fees associated with a function. Preferably, notification to the fixed end system is accomplished via the air interface on the device 102.

If the user requests removal of a particular function (step 214), the software code and menu items associated with that function are removed (step 208). No user confirmation is required. Removal of the software code and menu item (step 208) is followed by reallocation of memory space (step 210), and then optionally notified of the removal of the function to the fixed-end system (step 212).

If the communication system requests removal of the function (step 216), the user preferably receives an alert indicating that the function will be removed via the air interface (step 218). Removal of functionality by a communication system or fixed-end system may be requested by functionality that is obsolete or no longer supported. Following a warning of impending removal, the software code, menu items and parameters associated with the function are removed (step 208). Following removal of code (step 208), there is again reallocation of memory space (step 210) and optional notification to remove functionality (step 212).

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of updating a function on a wireless communication device by addition of software code. First, in a typical configuration, the manufacturer notifies the wireless service provider of the availability of a new software function or update (step 300). Any suitable form of communication, including electronic communication, is used to notify the service provider of the available functions.

In conjunction with the notification (step 300), the manufacturer preferably uploads the software code and associated documentation for the new function to the service provider database (step 302). In this way, the service provider's database has the software code necessary to update the subscriber device.

Distributing the software to the subscriber is preferably initiated by the fixed end system of the service provider sending a message to the wireless device indicating the availability of the new function and the associated cost (step 304). This has the advantage of reducing the costs associated with separately notifying individual subscribers of the availability of certain features. In order to ensure that the subscriber is informed of the ability to download, it is desirable to use an algorithm that includes sending an acknowledgment or periodic resend or individual message to the subscriber.

Preferably, if the function is optional and not needed, the subscriber is queried to determine if they wish to have a new function (step 306). In some cases it may automatically demonstrate to the subscriber to see if the new function is appropriate. Device requirements, including memory requirements, may be provided to the subscriber.

If the subscriber does not want to immediately approve the new feature (step 308), the subscriber receives an offer to approve the new feature to try as described below. On the other hand, if the subscriber approves the new function (step 308), an appropriate time to download the software code for the new feature may be selected (step 312). The user may provide an alternative time for downloading or the specific time to download may be indicated by the system. Downloading is preferably done while the wireless communication system is not in a call. For example, a subscriber can leave the wireless communication device to download overnight during off days and hours.

At the time selected for downloading, the wireless communication device receives the software code via the wireless interface (step 314). If necessary, the document is downloaded. Once the software is received, the code is ready to run on the wireless device (step 316). In particular, operating system parameters, new menus, and other parameters are updated to facilitate code execution and provide a user interface for new functionality. After configuration, the software code is executed on the wireless device (step 318).

As an alternative to the immediate purchase of a new feature (step 308), a trial version of the feature is provided to the user for a trial period of, for example, 30 days (step 309). If the user approves the trial version, the fixed-end system or wireless communication device tracks the trial period (step 320) and confirms the purchase or deletion of the function at the end of the trial period (step 322). The duration of the attempt is tracked using a timer. If the function is approved, then the charging is completed and the function is enabled for unattempted use (step 324). If the feature is not approved, the feature is removed or made unavailable to the user (step 326).

In accordance with the present invention, memory on a wireless communication device is made available while the device is being used for use. In addition, additional functionality is flexibly added to the wireless communication device without requiring the manufacturer to acquire the device for updating. Advantageously the operation of the device is enhanced.

While the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications can be suggested to one skilled in the art and that the invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims. do.

Claims (20)

In the method for optimizing the memory usage of the electronic device, A) monitoring whether a user of the electronic device is using the at least one function to determine whether it is using at least one feature; B) determining whether the at least one function stored in a memory of the electronic device should continue to be available to a user based on the use of the at least one function; C) deleting the at least one function from the memory if the at least one function should not continue to be available to the user How to include. The method of claim 1, D) if the at least one function is deleted, making another function available to the space occupied by the at least one function in the memory; How to include more. The method of claim 1, wherein step B is B1) determining whether the at least one function has been used by a user for a predetermined time; B2) if the at least one function has not been used by the user during the predetermined time, determining if the at least one function should continue to be available to the user How to include more. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein step B1 further comprises determining whether a processor of the electronic device has accessed an entry address for the at least one function. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is at least one of a pager, a cordless phone, and a personal digital assistant. Processor, A memory coupled to the processor for storing a plurality of software codes associated with a plurality of functions, The processor is Monitor the use of the plurality of functions by the user of the electronic device to determine whether to use the function, Based on the use of the function, determine whether one of the plurality of functions should continue to be available to the user, And delete the software code associated with the function from the memory if the function should not continue to be available to the user. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to enable another function to use the space occupied in the memory by the software code related to the function when the function is deleted. The processor of claim 6, wherein the processor is Determine whether the function has been used by the user for a predetermined time, If the function has not been used by the user during the predetermined time, by determining whether the function should continue to be available to the user Determining whether one of the plurality of functions should continue to be available to the user. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the processor determines whether a user has used the function by determining whether a processor of the electronic device has accessed an entry address for the function. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the electronic device is at least one of a pager, a cordless phone, and a personal digital assistant. A method for downloading software to a wireless communication device, the method comprising: A) receiving software code via an over-the-air interface, B) executing the software code How to include. The method of claim 11, wherein step A is A1) informing the user of the availability of the software code for downloading via a message sent over the air interface; A2) confirming that the user accepts the software code. The method of claim 11, wherein step A is A1) informing a plurality of users of the availability of the software code for downloading through a broadcast message sent over the air interface; A2) confirming that the user of the wireless communication device approves the software code How to include. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein step B further comprises updating a user interface to allow execution of the software code. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein step A further comprises receiving the software code at a predetermined time. The method of claim 15, wherein step A further comprises the user scheduling the predetermined time. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein step A1 further comprises informing a user of costs associated with the software code. The method of claim 13, wherein step A1 further comprises informing the plurality of users of costs associated with the software code. Processor, A memory coupled to the processor, An over-the-air interface coupled to the processor for data communication; Software code is received via the air interface, The processor executing the software received via the air interface. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein prior to receiving the software code via the wireless interface, a message informing the user of the availability of the software code for downloading is received via the wireless interface and the processor is configured to download the user to the user. Requesting confirmation to accept the software code for the wireless communication device.