Management interface for radio stations

• US 20070156885A1
• Filed: 03/03/2004
• Published: 07/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/03/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tait Limited
• Original Assignee: TAIT Electronics Limited (TAIT Foundation)
• Inventors: Hooker, Guy
• Granted Patent: US 7,937,661 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/224
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/34 Graphical or visual programming
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 Access point devices

Abstract

A graphical management interface for a radio station that simplifies programming interactions for a user. The interface has a display region for presenting programmed functions of the station. The region has first and second controls for user selection of input conditions to form programmed functions, and for user selection of output actions to be carried out by the station in response to the selected input conditions. At least one further control for user editing of the functions is also provided. The first and second controls list substantially every available input condition and every available output action of the station for selection by the user. Backplane management of the station can also be done in software.

Claims

1. A graphical management interface for a radio station, including:

a display region for presenting programmed functions of the station,

a first control for user selection of input conditions to form programmed functions,

a second control for user selection of output actions to be carried out by the station, in response to the input conditions, and

at least one further control for user editing of the functions.

2. An interface according to claim 1 wherein the first and second controls list substantially every available input condition and every available output action of the station for selection by the user.

3. An interface according to claim 1 wherein the functions include control of station IO, station alarms and external equipment.

4. A task manager for a radio station having a plurality of user interfaces, including a management interface as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

5. A task manager according to claim 4 wherein the management interface is a screen accessible by a user directly from screens for configuration of radio channel profiles, signalling or alarms.

6. A radio base station having a task manager as claimed in either of claims 4 or 5.

7. A method of enabling management of a radio station, comprising:

presenting a user with a graphical interface including a task management screen,

receiving selection of an input condition from a first control on the management screen,

receiving selection of an output action to follow the input condition from a second control on the management screen,

displaying the input condition and the output action on the screen as a combined programming function, and

storing the programming function for execution by the station.

8. A method according to claim 7 further comprising enabling access to the task management screen directly from screens for configuration of radio channels and alarms.

9. A method according to claim 7 further comprising displaying a list of programming functions on the management screen in a combined condition/action form for review and editing by the user.

10. A method according to claim 7 further comprising provision of maintenance functions for the user.