Programmable messages for communication system having one-button user interface

• US 20040203952A1
• Filed: 12/05/2002
• Published: 10/14/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Galetti, Ralph R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,310,533 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/466
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/7243 with interactive means for internal management of messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/10 including a GPS signal receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/12 Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0229 where the received signal is a wanted signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0248 dependent on the time of the day, e.g. according to expected transmission activity
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A method for a communication system includes generating a message inquiry signal, sending the message inquiry signal to a base station to determine if updated command messages are available from the base station. When updated command messages are available from the base station, the updated command messages are transmitted to the device. The device may then operate a text display using the updated command messages.

Claims

1. A method of operating a communication system comprising:

generating an message inquiry signal;

sending the message inquiry signal to a base station to determine if updated command messages are available from the base station;

when updated command messages are available, transmitting the updated command messages to the device from the base station.

2. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the device comprises a mobile unit.

3. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the mobile unit is handheld.

4. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the mobile unit is vehicle-based.

5. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising storing the updated command messages in a memory.

6. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising applying power to a device microcontroller and generating the message inquiry signal in response to applying power.

7. A method as recited in claim 6 wherein prior to applying power to the device controller, assembling the device;

and storing command messages in a memory.

8. A mobile unit as recited in claim 1 wherein the device comprises a mobile unit.

9. A method of operating communication system comprising:

storing a first set of command messages into a memory of a mobile unit;

applying power to a device controller;

sending an inquiry signal to a base station from the mobile unit to determine if updated command message are available from the base station;

when updated command messages are available receiving the updated command messages to form a second set of command messages.

10. A method as recited in claim 9 wherein the mobile unit is handheld.

11. A method as recited in claim 9 wherein the mobile unit is vehicle-based.

12. A method as recited in claim 9 further comprising storing the updated command messages in a memory.

13. A method as recited in claim 9 further comprising applying power to a device microcontroller and generating the message inquiry signal in response to applying power.

14. A method as recited in claim 9 wherein prior to applying power to the device controller, assembling the device;

and storing command messages in a memory.

15. A mobile unit as recited in claim 9 wherein the device comprises a mobile unit.

16. A system comprising:

a mobile unit having a memory therein, said memory storing command messages therein, said mobile unit further comprising a wireless modem for transmitting message signals and receiving message signals, said mobile unit having a power source, said mobile unit generating a message inquiry signal;

a base station having a master wireless modem transmitting updated command messages in response to the message inquiry signal.

17. A system as recited in claim 16 wherein said mobile unit receives the updated command messages and stores them in said memory.

18. A system as recited in claim 16 wherein said mobile unit comprises a text display, said mobile unit controls the text display in response to the updated command messages.

19. A system as recited in claim 16 wherein the mobile unit is handheld.

20. A system as recited in claim 16 wherein the mobile unit is vehicle-based.