Field programming apparatus and method for updating programs in a personal communications device
First Claim
1. A field programing subsystem for a portable communications device that includes an electrically programmable data storage, comprising:
- a decoding means coupled to a programming voltage source and the programmable data storage, for selectively applying a programming voltage to the programmable data storage;
an option connector receptacle coupled to said decoding means;
a first option attach connector, for selective connection to said option connector receptacle;
a first connector identification means included with said first option attach connector, for identifying said first option attach connector to said decoding means, and in response thereto, said decoding means causing said programming voltage to be applied to said programmable data storage;
an auxiliary device receptacle coupled to the programmable data storage;
an auxiliary memory device, including auxiliary data, for selective connection to said auxiliary device receptacle;
said first connector identification means of said first option attach connector, identifying said auxiliary memory device to said decoding means, and in response thereto, said decoding means causing said auxiliary data to be stored in said programmable data storage.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A field programming tool for a personal communications device, provides an automatic, capability to update computer programs stored in the device. The personal communications device includes an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), that stores the operating system programs and the applications programs to be loaded into a random access memory (RAM) for executed by a central processing unit (CPU) in the device. A reprogramming card is provided for the device, containing pre-stored new programs that are to be loaded into the EPROM of the device. A method is provided for automatically loading the new programs from the reprogramming card into the EPROM, in an accurate, foolproof manner. This is accomplished using a sequencing program stored on the reprogramming card and loaded into the RAM of the device, where it is executed. An option attach connector alerts the device that the reprogramming card is connected to the PCMCIA slot of the device. It'"'"'s presence is a signal to the device to begin the automatic operation of reprogramming the EPROM with the new programs stored in the reprogramming card, using the sequencing program in the reprogramming card.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A field programing subsystem for a portable communications device that includes an electrically programmable data storage, comprising:
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a decoding means coupled to a programming voltage source and the programmable data storage, for selectively applying a programming voltage to the programmable data storage; an option connector receptacle coupled to said decoding means; a first option attach connector, for selective connection to said option connector receptacle; a first connector identification means included with said first option attach connector, for identifying said first option attach connector to said decoding means, and in response thereto, said decoding means causing said programming voltage to be applied to said programmable data storage; an auxiliary device receptacle coupled to the programmable data storage; an auxiliary memory device, including auxiliary data, for selective connection to said auxiliary device receptacle; said first connector identification means of said first option attach connector, identifying said auxiliary memory device to said decoding means, and in response thereto, said decoding means causing said auxiliary data to be stored in said programmable data storage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A field programming subsystem for a portable communications device that includes an electrically programmable data storage, comprising:
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a decoding means coupled to a programming voltage source and the programmable data storage, for selectively applying a programming voltage to the programmable data storage; an option connector receptacle coupled to said decoding means; a first option attach connector, for selective connection to said option connector receptacle; a first connector identification means included with said first option attach connector, for identifying said first option attach connector to said decoding means, and in response thereto, said decoding means causing said programming voltage to be applied to said programmable data storage; a second option attach connector connected to an external device, for selective connection to said option connector receptacle; a second connector identification means included with said second option attach connector, for identifying said second option attach connector to said decoding means, and in response thereto, said decoding means coupling said external device to said portable communications device. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A field programming subsystem for a data processing device that includes a programmable data storage, comprising:
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a decoding means coupled to a programming signal source and the programmable data storage, for selectively applying a programming signal to the programmable data storage; an option connector receptacle coupled to said decoding means; a first option attach connector, for selective connection to said option connector receptacle; a first connector identification means included with said first option attach connector, for identifying said first option attach connector to said decoding means, and in response thereto, said decoding means causing said programming signal to be applied to said programmable data storage; an auxiliary device receptacle coupled to the programmable data storage; an auxiliary memory device, including auxiliary data, for selective connection to said auxiliary device receptacle; said first connector identification means of said first option attach connector, identifying said auxiliary memory device to said decoding means, and in response thereto, said decoding means causing said auxiliary data to be stored in said programmable data storage. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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Specification