Radio programming device with access to a remote database

• US 4,927,789 A
• Filed: 03/30/1988
• Issued: 05/22/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: Goldsmith, Eric S., Shirley, Thomas F. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Orsino, Joseph A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Scutch, III, Frank M.
• Application Number:
  US07/175,002
• Time in Patent Office: 783 Days
• Field of Search: 455/186, 455/226, 455/67, 455/185
• US Class Current: 455/67.11
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/06 Receivers

Abstract

A programming station for use in programming and servicing two-way radios. The station allows a user to read stored radio control and radio feature parameters as stored in either a radio or an archive file. The station allows the user to modify at least some of the radio feature parameters, and to access a remote central unit that allows modification of the remaining radio feature parameters. The changed parameters can then be merged as necessary and stored in the radio and/or an archive file.

Claims

1. A method for using a programming station to program a radio that operates in a communication system, which radio includes memory means for storing:

first radio feature parameters that may be changed by said programming station without approval from a remote central unit; and

second radio feature parameters that should only be changed with approval from said remote central

said method including the steps of;

(A) coupling said programming station to said radio;

(B) accessing said remote central unit to;

(i) provide information to said remote central unit regarding changes to at least some of said second radio feature parameters;

(ii) receiving approved changed second radio feature parameters from said remote central unit;

(C) combining at least some of said approved changed second radio feature parameters with at least some of said first radio feature parameters to provide combined parameters;

(D) storing said combined parameters in said memory means.

2. A method for programming a radio that operates in a communication system, which radio includes memory means for storing:

first radio feature parameters that are substantially related to radio specific features; and

second radio feature parameters that are substantially related to system specific features;

said method including, at a programming station that is coupled to said memory means, the steps of;

(A) reading at least some of said first and second radio feature parameters from said memory means;

(B) accessing a remote data base that stores data relating to said second radio feature parameters;

(C) providing information to said remote data base regarding desired changes to said second radio feature parameters;

(D) receiving approved changed second radio feature parameters from said remote data base;

(E) merging said approved changed second radio feature parameters with said first radio feature parameters;

(F) storing said merged parameters in said memory means.

3. A device for programming a radio that operates in a communication system, which radio includes:

memory means for storing;

first radio feature parameters that are related to radio specific features; and

second radio feature parameters that are related to system specific feat

computer means for controlling at least some radio features in response said first and second radio feature parameters;

said device comprising;

(A) first coupling means for coupling to said memory means;

(B) second coupling means for coupling to a remote central unit;

(C) programming means for connecting to said first and second coupling means, for;

reading said first and second radio feature parameters in said memory means;

changing at least some of said first radio feature parameters without input from said remote central unit;

receiving new second radio feature parameters from aid remote central unit;

storing said changed first radio feature parameters second said new second radio feature parameters in said memory means.