System and method for inventory control and management

• US 20050251798A1
• Filed: 07/12/2004
• Published: 11/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Pluto Technologies International (Avid Technology Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: News IQ Inc.
• Inventors: Fraley, James J.
• Application Number:
  US10/889,755
• Publication Number:
  US 20050251798A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 717/168
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57

Abstract

A system for inventory control and management. Software resident on a packaged electronic device is updated, patched or replaced without the need to remove the device from its package. A data path is provided from the electronic device inside the package to the exterior of the package for coupling with a field device, which is then able to download the software to the device without its removal from its package. The data path may be a wired or wireless link.

Claims

1. A system for modifying software embedded in a packaged electronic device comprising:

a communications path extending from the electronic device to the exterior of a package containing the electronic device, the communications path configured for coupling to an external device for receipt of modified software.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communications path is contained within a flexible strip.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the flexible strip has power and data conductors.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1, and further comprising a tab interposed between battery contacts of the device that may be removed to permit powering of the device during software modification.

5. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communications path is a wireless link.

6. A system for managing an inventory of packaged electronic devices with resident software comprising:

a communications path extending from the resident software to the exterior of a package containing the electronic device, the communications path configured for coupling to an external communications device.

7. A method for updating software contained in a packaged electronic device comprising:

coupling a field device containing a software update to a communications path extending through a package that contains the electronic device;

without removing the electronic device from the package, downloading the software update to the electronic device.