Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
` ` 21019~3
,
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING INFORMATION
BErWEI~
A RADIO TRANSCEIVER AND A PORTABIE MEMORY
E:IEMENT
s
Background of the Inrention
The present invention relates generally to techniques for
transferring stored information, and, more particularly, to a system
and associated method for transferring information between a radio
transceiver memory and a porta~le memory element.
A communication system is operative to transmit information
between two or more locations, and includes, at a minimum, a
transmitber and a receiver inbrconnecbd by a communication
1 S channel. A radio communications s~stem is a commuDication
system wherein the communication channel interconnecting the
transmitter and the receiver comprises a radio frequency channel. A
radio frequency channel is defined by a range of frequencies of the
communication spectrum.
2 0 A transmitter which forms a component portion of a radio
communication system includes circuitry for converting the
iDformation to be transmitted therefrom into a form suitable for
tansmission upon the adio frequency channel. Such circuitry
includes modulation circuitry which performs a process referred to
2 5 as modulation. In such a process, the info~nation which is to be
transmitted is impressed upon a radio frequency electromagnetic
wave, commonly referred to as a carrier signal. The resultant
signal, formed of a combination of the calTier signal and the
information, is commonly referred to as a modulated signal. Such
3 0 modulated signal is also sometimes referred to as the
communication signal as the modulated signal includes the
information which is to be communicated between the transmitter
and the receiver.
21019~3
- 2 -
Various modulation techniques are utilized to modulate the
information upon the carrier signal to form thereby the
communication signal. Amplitude modulation, frequency
modulation, and phase modulation are all modulation techniques by
S which information may be impressed upon a carrier wave to form
the communication signal.
A significant advantage of a radio communication system is
that no physical interconnection is required between the transmitter
and the receiver of such a system; also, the modulated signal may be
transmitted upon the radio frequency channel over large distances.
Numerous modulated signals may be simultaneously
transmitted upon different radio frequency channels definsd upon
various frequency bands of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum.
Transmission of communication signals on frequency channels
1 5 defined upon the various frequency bands of the electromagnetic
spectrum i8 regulated by regulatory bodies.
A two-way, radio communication system is a radio
communication system, similar to the radio communication system
above-described, but which permits both transmission from a
2 0 location and reception at such location of modulated signals. Each
location of such two-way radio communication system contains both
a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and the receiver
positioned at a single location typically comprise a unit referred as a
radio transceiver, or, more simply, a transceiver.
2 5 A two-way, radio communication systems which permits
alternate transmission and reception of modulated signals is
referred to as a simple~, radio communication system. A two-way,
radio communication system which permits simultaneous
transmission and reception of modulated signals is referred to as a
3 0 duple~, radio communication system.
A cellular communication system is one type of two-way radio
communication system in which communication is permitted with a
radio transceiver positioned at any location within a geographic area
encompassed by the cellular communication system.
21019~3
- 3 -
A cellular communication system iB created by positioning a
plurality of fixed-site radio transceivers. referred to as base stations,
at spaced-apart locations throughout the geographic area The base
stations are connected to a conventional, wireline telephonic
5 network. Associated with each base station of the plurality of base
stations is a portion of the geographic area encompassed by the
cellular communication system. Such portions are referred to as
cells. Each of the plurality of cells is defined by one of the base
stations of the plurality of base stations, and the plurality of cells
10 together define the coverage area of the cellular communication
system.
A radio transceiver, referred to in a cellular communication
system as a cellular radiotelephone or, more simply, a cellular
phone, positioned at any location within the coverage area of the
15 cellular communication system, is able to communicate with a user
of the conventional, wireline, telephonic networlc by way of a base
station. Modulated signals generated by the radiotelephone are
transmitted to a base station, and modulated signals generated by the
base station are transmitted to the radiotelephone, thereby to
2 0 effectuate two-way communication therebetween. (A signal received
by a base station is then transmitted to a desired location of a
conventional, wireline network by conventional telephony techniques.
And, signals generated at a location of the wireline network is
transmitted to a base station by conventional telephony techniques,
2 5 thereafter to be transmitted to the radiotelephone by the base station.)
New designs of radiotelephones operative in a cellular
communication system include new innovations which increase the
convenience of use of such radiotelephones. An assembly referred to
as a card reader assembly constitutes one such innovation included
3 0 in the designs of several new constructions of radiotelephones.
A card reader assembly compnses structure forming a
receiving platform and electrodes positioned in prosimity to the
receiving platform. The electrodes are also coupled to other structure
of the radiotelephone (namely, processor c rcuitry of the
~1019.~3
- 4 -
radiotelephone) and are operative to form an electrical connection
with corresponding electrodes of a memory element when such
memory element iB positioned at the receiving platform of the card
reader assembly
Conventionally, identification indicia, including an
identification number to be utilized for billing purposes to bill a phone
call made with the radiotelephone to a particular billing account, is
stored in such portable memory element.
The memory element is typically disposed upon a card member
of a standardized configuration (the receiving platform and the
electrodes of the card reader assembly are similarly of a standardized
conf~guration) and the electrodes of the memory element are disposed
upon a face surface of such card member. The card member
oftentimes includes some type of processor-like circuitry which
functions, inter alia, to control access to the memory elements. In
such instances, the electrodes disposed upon the face surface of the
card member may be coupled to the memory element by way of such
processor-like circuitry.
The card member is operative not only to support the memory
2 0 element and the electrodes, but also to align the electrodes of the
memory element with the electrodes of the card reader assembly
when the card member is positioned at the receiving platform.
When the electrodes are suitably aligned with one another,
thereby to connect the memory element with the circuitry of the
2 S radiotelephone, the information stored within the memory element
may be transferred to the circuitry of the radiotelephone.
Because the card member may be removed from the card
reader assembly of one radiotel~phone, and inserted within the card
reader assembly of another radiotelephone, caUs made from more
3 0 than one radiotelephone may be billed to a single billing account.
Radiotelephone constructions ha~g card reader assemblies
incorporated therein are advantageous as a user of more than one
radiotelephone may alternateb operate the two or more
radiotelephones while requiring only a single billing account.
21019~3
While such memory elements removably insertable into the
card reader assemblies of such radiotelephones have heretofore been
primarily utilized solely to transfer such identification indicia to the
radiotelephone, no structural limitation prevents storage of other
S information in such memory elements for transfer of such other
information to the radiotelephone.
Much of the operation of a radiotelephone occurs as a result of
execution of algonthms contained in processor circuit~y of the
radiotelephone. Such algorithms, stored in memory of the
1 0 radiotelephone, not only permit operation of the radiotelephone, but,
additionally, define features of the radiotelephone which aid in the
convenienoe of use of the radiotelephone.
Such features oftentimes are used to distinguish between
different model series of radiotelephones. That is to say, a single
15 manufacturer of radiotelephones may market a series of different
models of radiotelephones wherein the physical structures of the
radiotelephones of several series of models are substantially
identical. The different model series of radiotelephones, howe~rer,
incorporate dissimilar algorithms stored in the radiotelephone
2 0 memories of the radiotelephones of the different models. ~ifferent
model series of radiotelephones have algorithms defining different
features. The software features of the radiotelephone thereby are
used to distinguish between different ones of the model series. A
more espensive model series of radiotelephone, although physically
2 5 identical to that of a less espensive model series, contains algorithms
def Ding additional features which are not defined in the algorithms
of the less e~pensive model series.
The algorithms of a radiotelephone which pennit operation of
the radiotelephone and which define features of the radiotelephone
3 0 shall hereinafter be referred to as "model information."
Because the different models of radiotelephones may be
comprised of substantially identical physical structure, sn owner of a
radiotelephone having a relati~reb few number of features defined to
be operable with such radiotelephone may "upgrade" such
` 21019~3
- 6 -
radiotelephone by installing into the radiotelephone memory
algorithms which define additional features.
Heretofore, such an upgrade has been effectuated either by
exchanging the entire radiotelephone for a separate radiotelephone
S ha~ng algorithms stored therein which define additional features,
or, alternately, by copying into the radiotelephone algonthms which
define such additional features.
This second-noted process may be effectuated by
interconnecting the radiotelephone which is to be upgraded with a
10 radiotelephone hanng the algorithms defining the additional
features by way of electrical cables. The algorithms defining the
sdditionsl festures may then be copied into the radiotelephone which
is to be upgrsded.
Msny constructions of radiotelephone~ also permit the user to
1 5 instaU into the memory of the rsdiotelephone certain information.
For instance, some constructions of radiotelephones permit the user
to instaU frequently-dialed telephone numbers into the
radiotelephone memory to permit thereafter speed~ialing of such
telephone nu nbers, once stored in the radiotelephone memory.
2 0 Information which the user of the radiotelephone i8 permitted
permitted to enter into the radiotelephone memory shaU hereina~er
be referred to as "user information."
In the event that the physical structure of the radiotelephone
becomes damaged to render inoperable the radiotelephone, the owner
2 5 of the radiotelephone typically e~changes the damaged
radiotelephone for a new radiotelephone in good repair. In most
instances, the memory of the damagsd radiotelephone is acoessible,
and the contents of such memory, including both the model
information and the user information, may be transferred to the
3 0 radiotelephone in good repair. By way of a procedure similar to the
procedure described abo~e, transfer of the contents of the damaged
radiotelephone to the radiotelephone of good repair has been
effectuated by way of a cable interconnecting the two radiotelephones.
210~9~3
- 7 -
Additionally, when installing the model information into a
newly-constructed radiotelephone (or a radiotelephone in which the
model information must otherwise be installed), a proc~dure also
similar to the aforementioned procedure of interconnec~ng two
5 radiotelephones by way of a cable iB utilized. A radiotelephone
hav~g the desired model information stored therein, the "master~
radiotelephone, iB connected to the radiotelephone to which the model
information is to be copied, and such copying of the model
information is effectuated.
1 0 Such positioning of two radiotelephones to be interconnected by
a cable may, at times, be undesirable or impractically-espensive as
an inventory of radiotelephones may be required of different
radiotelephones having the different algorithms stored therein to
permit transfer of model or user information there between.
What is needed, therefore, is a technique by which information
may be transferred between radiotelephones easily and
inespensively.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention, accordingly, provides a system and
associated method for transferring information between
radiotelephones .
The present invention includes further advantag~s and
2 5 features, the details of which will become more apparent when
readi~g the detailed description of the preferred embodiments
hereinbelow.
In accordance with the present invention, an information
tran~fer system and an associated method, for transferring at least
3 0 one of either user information or model infonnation utilized during
operation of a radio transceiver is disclosed. The radio transceiver
has transceiver circuitry including processor circuitry and
transceiver read-write memory for storing the user and model
information therein. A memory element-receiving assembly is
21019~3
- 8 -
carried by the radio transceiver. The receiving assembly has a
receiving platform defining a support position therealong at which
electrodes coupled to access the transceiver read-write memory are
supported proximate thereto. A portable memory element i8 of
5 dimensions permitting removable positioning thereof at the support
position defined along the receiving platform of the memory element-
receiving assembly. The portable memory element has electrical
contacts coupled thereto which correspond to the electrodes of the
memory element-receiving assembly such that, when the portable
10 memory element is positioned at the support position, the electrical
contacts of the portable memory element engage with the electrodes
of the memory element-receiving assembly, thereby to permit access
by the portable read-write memory element with the transceiver
memory. An algorithm is embodied in the processor circuitry of the
1 5 radio tran6ceiver which i8 operative, when esecuted, to copy at least
either the user information or the model information stored in the
portable memory element to the transcei~er read-write memory.
Brief Description of the DrawiDgs
The present invention will be better understood when read in
light of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG~ 1 is a partial-block, partial-schematic diagram of a radio
transceiver of which the elements of the system of the preferred
2 5 embodiment of the present invention form a portion;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing transfer of information
which may be effectuabd during operation of the system and method
of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram similar to that of FIG. 2, and which
3 0 also represents transfer of infonnation which may be effectuated
duling operation of the system and method of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram similar to tho~e of FIGS 2 and 3, and
which also represents transfer of information which may be
21019~3
g
effectuated dunng operation of the system and method of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of the radiotelephone
shown in the partial-block, partial-schematic diagram of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 i8 a schematic representation of the radiotelephone
shov,m in the exploded view of FIG. 5;
EIG. 7 iB a flow diagram Usting the method steps of the method
of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an algorithm used in the preferred
l 0 embodiment of the present invention to transfer infonnation between
a radiotelephone memory and a portable memory element.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
t S ReferriDg f~rst to the partial-block, partial-schematic diagram
of FIG. 1, a radio transceiver, referred to generally by reference
numeral 100, is shown. Radio transceiver 100 includes the system,
represented by block 120, shown in hatch, of the preferred
embodiment of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
2 0 System 120 of the preferred embodiment includes the elements
illustrated within block 120.
As is conventional, radUo transceiver 100 includes both
transmitter circuitry, represented by the elements shown in the
bottom portion of the fu~ure, and receiver circuitry, represented by the
2 S ele nents shown in the top portion of the figure. In conventional
operation, a signal transmitted to radio transceiver 100 is detected by
antenna 130 which converts the received, electromagnetic signal into
an electrical signal on line 136. Line 136 is connected to receiver
circuit~r 142 which is operative to down-convert and demodulate the
3 0 sigllal applied thereto on line 136 and to generate a demodulated
signal on line 148 which is coupled to a transducer, here speaker 154.
In conventional operation of the transmitter portion of radio
transceiver 100, a transducer, here microphone 160, is operative to
convert information, here a voice signal, into a electrical signal on
~1019~3
10 -
line 166. Iiine 166 i~ coupled to transmitter circuitry 172 which i~
operative to modulate and up-convert the signal applied thereto on
line 166, thereby to generate a modulated signal on line 178 of a
transmission frequency to be transmitted by antenna 130 by way of
connection of line 178 with line 136.
As mentioned previously, many radio transceivers, such as a
cellular radiotelephone operative in a oellular communication
system are operative to e~ecute algorithms embodied therein, and
stored in transceiver memory. Accordingly, radio transceiver 100 is
further shown to includs processor circuitry 184. Processor circuitry
184 is coupled to reoeiver circuitry 142 and transmitter circuitr~r 172
by way of lines 192 and 196, respectively. Processor circuitry 184 is
further shown to be connected to transceiver memory 202 by way of
line 208, to light emitt~g diode (LED) display 214 by way of line 220,
1 5 and to keypad input 226 by way of line 232.
During operation of radio transceiver 100, processor circuitry
184 retrieYes algorithms stored in transceiver memory 202, esecutes
such algorithms, and generates output signals responsive to
operation of such algorithms on lines 192, 196, and 220, as
2 0 appropriate. In some instances, an esternally-applied actuation
signal generated by way of actuation of one or more keypad push
buttons of keypad 226 cause initiation of e~ecution of such algorithms
by proces~or circuitr~r 184.
As also mentioned previously, many new radiotelephone
2 5 constructions operative in a cellular communication system include
a card reader assembly for receiving a portable memo~ element,
typically disposed upon a card member. Accordingly, radio
transcei~rer 100 is further shown to include card reader assembly 238
of dimensions permitidng removable insertion of memory element 244
3 0 disposed upon card member 250 therein. Card reader 238 defines
receiving platform 256 permitting sliding translation of card member
250 therealong to position card member 250 at a support location
indicated by referenoe numeral 262, defined along receiving platform
2~6.
2101953
"
When card member 250 is positioned at support location 262,
electrodes, here designated by blocks 268 disposed upon a face surface
of card member 250 and coupled to memory element 244, engage with
corresponding electrodes (hidden from view in FIG. 1) of card reader
5 238. (AB noted previously, processor-like circuitry may al80 be
disposed upon card member 250; in such instances, electrode~ 268
are coupled to memory element 244 by way of such processor-lilce
circuitry.) The electrodes of card reader assembly 238 are coupled to
processor circuitry 184 by way of line 274. When card member 250 iB
I 0 suitably positioned at support location 262, memory element 244 is
thereby connected to processor circuitry 184, and, hence, also coupled
to transceiver memory 202 by virtue of connection of processor
circuitry 184 with transceiver memory 202 by way of line 208.
Whil~, conventionally, identification indicia is stored in
memory element 244 to be operative for purposes discussed
previously, no structural limitation prevents storage of other types of
information in memory element 244.
Turning ne t to the block diagram of FIG. 2, transfer of
information whicb may be effectuated dunng operation of the system
2 0 and method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is
shown. More particularly, block 300 of FIG 2 represenb information
stored in a portable memory element, such as memory element 244
disposed upon card member 250 of FIG. 1, and block 306 represents a
transceiver read-write memory, sucb as transceiver memory 202 of
2 5 FIG. 1. Arrow 312 e~tending from block 300 to Uock 306 represenb
the transfer of information stored in a portable memory element to
tbe transceiver read-write memory.
Transfer of information from the portable memory element to
tbe transceiver read-write memory is referred to hereinafter as
3 0 "uploading" of information, and transfer of information from the
transceiver read-write memory to the portable memory element is
referred to hereinafter as "downloadiDg" of information.
As mentioned previously, when an owner of a radiotelephone
wishes to upgrade the radiotelephone to increase the number of
21019~3
- 12 -
features executable by such radiotelephone, appropriate addition to
the algorithms stored in the radiotelephone memory (there to be
executable by the processor circuitry of such radiotelephone) is made.
By storing model information of various model series of
5 radiotelephone6 on various portable memory elements similar to
memory element 244 FM. l, BUch additions to the algorithms to
permit the desired upgrade of the radiotelephone may be easily
implemented.
Block 300 of FIG.2 represents model information stored on
1 0 such portable memory element. With reference to radio transceiver
100, insertion of card member 250, having memory element 244 in
which such model information is stored, into card reader assembly
238 to position the card member 250 at support location 262
interconnects memory element 244 with processor circuitry 184.
1 5 Because processor circuitry 184 is connected by way of line 208 with
transceiver memory 202, an algorithm may be e~ecuted by processor
circuitry 184 to copy the info~nation stored in memory element 244
into transceiver memory 202. Such model information may either be
written over e~isting information stored in transceiver memory 202
2 0 or may be stored in additional storage locations of transceiver
memory 202.
When memory element 244 disposed upon card member 250 is
utilized solely to transfer model information from memory element
244 to transceiver memory 202, memory element 244 is preferably
2 5 comprised of a read-only memory, thereby to prevent inadvertant
over~lvriting of the information stored in memory element 244.
Once the information has been copied from memory element
244 to transceiver memory 202, card member 250 may be removed
from card reader assembly 238 and such process may be repeated to
3 0 upgrade different radiotelephones as desired by performing a similar
such process.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram, similar with that of ~IG. 2, but
which represents transfer of other types of information duri~g
operation of the system and method of the preferred embodiment of
21019~3
- 13 -
the present invention. Here, bloclc 350 represents both model
information and user information stored in a radiotelephone
memory such as transceiver memory 202 of radio transceiver 100 of
FIG. 1. And, block 356 represents a portable memory element, here
5 comprised of a read-write memory, such as memory element 244
disposed upon card member 250 of FIG. 1. Arrow 362 estending from
block 350 to block 356 is representative of downloading of information
from the radiotelephone memory to the portable memory element.
As also mentioned previously, when a radio transceiver is
1 0 physically damaged to be inoperable but the transceiver memory
thereof is accessible, the model information and the user information
stored in the radiotelephone memo~r is copied into a radiotelephone
of good repair. According to the system and the method of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, in such a situation,
1 ~ tbe model information and user information stored in the
radiotelephone memory of the damaged radio is irst copied into the
memory of the portable memory element.
With reference again to FIG. 1, in such a procedure, an
algorithm is e~ecuted by processor ci~ uitry 184 to copy the model and
2 0 user information stored in transceiver memory 202 into memory
element 244 disposed upon card member 2~0. Once such information
has been copied into memory element 244, card member 250 is
removed from card reater assembly 238. Such iDformation stored in
mcmory element 244 may then be copied into a radiotelephone of good
2 5 repair thereafter by inserting the card member 260 having such
portable memory element into the radiotelephone of good repair.
FIG. 4 is a bloclc diagram to those of EqGS. 2 and 3 but which
illustrates the transfer of both model information and user
information stored in a portable memory element, represented by
3 0 block 400, into a radiotelephone memory, here represented-by block
40~. Arrow 412 e~tending frwn block 400 to block 406 represents the
transfer of such information from the portable memory element to
the radiotelephone memory.
21019~3
- 14 -
With reference once again to FIG. 1, once the model
information and user information has been copied from the damaged
radiotelephone to the portable memory element disposed upon card
member 250 and card member 250 has been removed from the
damaged radiotelephone, the card member 2~0 is thereaf~er inserted
into the card reader assembly, again such as card reader assembly
238 of radio transceiver 100, of a radiotelephone of good repair. Once
inserted into the card reader assembly 238 of the radiotelephone of
good repair, an algorithm embodied in the processor circuitry 184 of
1 0 the radiotelephone of good repair may be esecuted to copy the model
information and user infonnation stored in memory element 244 into
transceiver memory 202 of the radiotelephone of good repair. Once
such transfer of information has been effectuated, the radiotelephone
of good repair becomes a working replica of the radiotelephone from
which the model information and user information has been copied.
Because such system of transferring information utilizes a
card reader assembly forming a portion of the radiotelephone, the
e~isting structure of such radiotelephone is utilized. And, because
the information is transferred to the portable memory element, and
2 0 the portable memory element is transferred between the failed
radiotelephone and the radiotelephone of good repair, the need to
interconnect two radiotelephones by way of a cable is obviated. In
fact, the two radiotelephones need not even be positioned in physical
prosimity with one another.
2 5 It should be noted that in situations in which a failed radio is
inoperable even to transfer model info~nation and user information
from the failed radio to the portable memory element, a procedure
such as that discussed with re~pect to FIG. 2 above may be
implemented to transfer model infolmation into a radiotelephone of
3 0 good repair. (The user information stored in the failed radio in such
situation would not be recoverable in such a scenario.)
Turning nest to the esploded, perspective view of ~IG. 5, radio
transceiver 100 of FIG. 1, here forming a portable radiotelephone
operable in a cellular communication system, is i11ustrated. Radio
21019~3
transceiver 100 is here shown to include front housing 506, keypad
526 (which corresponds to keypad 226 of the block diagram of FIG 1),
keypad circuit board 528 a card reader assembly includ~g receiving
platfo~n 556 having electrodes 558 formed thereupon and cover plate
S 660. The radiotelephone comprising radio transceiver 100 of FM. 5 is
further shown to include circuit board 664 upon which transceiver
circuitry including receiver circuitry and transmitter circuitry
(corresponding to receiver circuitry and transmitter circuitry blocks
142 and 172 of FIG. 1) is disposed and rear housing 666.
1 0 Portable memory element 644 is disposed upon card member
650 having electrodes 668 disposed upon a face surface thereof.
Electrode 668 disposed upon a face surface of card member 650
correspond in number and position with electrodes 658 formed upon
receiving platform 556.
1 5 FIG. 6 i8 a perspective view of the radiotelephone comprising
radio transceiver 100 of FIG. 6 shown in the ~l,loded view of FIG. 6.
Front and rear housing portions 526 and 666 are shown in mated
engagement to supportively enclose the structure of the
radiotelephone comprising radio transceiver 100 therewi~hin. The
2 0 perspective view of FIG. 6 further illustrates slotted opening ~80 of
dimensions permitting insertion of card member 660 therewithin.
When card member 650 is inserted into slotted opeDing 580 and
tran~lated along receiving platform (shown in FIG. 5) to position the
card member 650 at the support location defined therealong,
2 S electrodes 668 disposed upon the face surface of card member 650
align and engage with co~esponding electrodes of the card reader
assembly supported within the housing portions 506 and 566 of the
radiotelephone comprising transceiver 100.
Once positioned thereat, an algorithm may be e~ecuted by
3 0 processor circuitry of the radiotelephone to transfer information from memory element 644 to transceiver read-write memory housed
within the housing of the radioblephone, or, alternately, to copy
information from the transceiver read-write memory to the memory
element 644 disposed upon card member 650.
21019~3
- 16 -
It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, an identification code jB stored in memory elemsnt
644 to identify card member 650 to be a "clone" card member
permitt ng copying of information stored in memory element ff44 into
S the radio transceiver memory or vice versa. Once the presence of
such type of card iB indicated, a user of the radiotelephone actuates a
de~ired sequence of keypad pushbuttoDs to cause CopyiDg of
information between memory element 644 and the radio transceiver
memory.
l O Turning ne~t to the flow diagram of FIG. 7, the method steps of
the method, referred to generally by reference numeral 700, of the
preferred embodiment of the present inveDtion are listed. Tbe
method of the preferred embodiment of the preseDt invention
transfers information utilized dur~g operation of a radio traDsceiver
15 having traDsceiver circuitry includiDg processor circuitry and
transceiver read-write memory for storing the information therein.
First, and as represented by bloclc 706, electrodes of a memory
element-receiviDg assembly carried by the radio traD~ceivsr and
baving a receiving platform dsfining a support position therealong
2 0 are coupled to the traDsceiver memory.
Ne~t, and as represented by block 712, a portable memory
element is positioDed at the support position defined along the
receiving platform of the memory element-receiving assembly to
align electrical contacts of tbe portable memory element with the
2 5 electrodes of the memory element-receiving assembly thereby to
pennit access of the portable memory elemsnt with the transceiver
read-write memory.
Ne~t, and as reprssented by block 718, an algorithm embodied
in the processor circuitry of the radio transceiver operative to
3 0 traDsfer user andlor model information stored iD the portable
memory element to the transcei~rer read-write memory iB executed.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, method 700
comprises the further step of removing, represented by blo~k 724, the
portable memory element from the support position after the
21019~3
- 17 -
algorithm embodied in the processor circuitry of the radio
tr~nsceiver to transfer the information stored in the portable memory
element to the transceiver read-vvrite mery has been e~ecuted
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the
S method 700 also comprises the further alternate step, represented by
block 730, of executing an algorithm embodied in the processor
circuitry of the radio transceiver to copy user information stored in
the transceiver read-write memory to the portable memory element.
Then, and as represented by blocl~ 736, method 700 further in~ludes
1 0 the steps of: removing the portable memory element from the
support location, then, as represented by block 742, positioniDg the
portable memory element at the support position of a memory
element-receiving assembly of a second radio transcei~rer and then,
as represented by block 748, esecut~g an algorithm in the processor
l S circuitry of the ~econd radio transceiver to transfer the information
stored in the portable memory element to the transceiver read-write
memory of the second radio transceiver.
Finally turDing now to the logical flow diagram of E IG. 8, an
algorithm e~ecutable by processor circuitry of a radio transcei~rer for
2 0 transfemng information between the transcei~er read-write memory
and a portable memory element iB shown. First, after insertion of the
portable memory element disposed upon a card member into the card
receiving assembly of the radio transcei~er, a determination is made
as to whether the card member is a "clone card," represented by
2 5 decision block 800. If 80, the yes branch is taken to decision block 806
and a determination is made as to whether security is satisfied (i.e.,
as a determination is made as to whether the identi~ication
information stored in the portable memory element meets predefined
parameters). If 80 the yes branch i~ taken to decision blocl~ 812.
3 0 The no branches estending from decision blocks 800 and 806
cause te~nation of the algorithm.
If the yes branch has been taken from decision block 806 to
decision block 812, a determination is made as to whether a download
algorithm is to be esecuted. In the preferred embodiment, ~uch a
~101953
,g
selection is made by manual actuation of a pre-selected ~equence of
keypad pushbuttons. If such a selection had been made, the ye~
branch iB taken, a download of the information of the tran~ceiver
memory i~ effectuated, as represented by block 818, and the algorithm
S i8 terminated.
If no dowDload selection is made, the no branch is taken to
decision block 824 whereat a determination is made as to whether an
upload selection had been made. Again, such selection in the
preferred embodiment is effectuated by actuation of a desired
1 0 sequence of keypad pushbuttons. If such a selection has been made,
an uploading of information stored in the portable memory element
to the transceiver read-write memory is effectuated and the
algorithm is ter~nnated. If neither dowDloading or uploading has
been selected, the algorithm continues such repeated queries until
l S the card member is removed from the card reader assembly.
While the present invention has been described in connection
with the preferred embodiments shown in the various figures, it is to
be understood that other similar embodiments may be used and
modifications and additions may be made to the described
2 0 embodiments for performing the same function of the present
invention without deviating theref~om. Therefore, the present
invention should not be limited to any ~gle embodiment, but rather
construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of
the appended claims.
