Patent ID: 7694046
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A communications adapter for facilitating electronic communications with an electronic device wherein the adapter is remotely reprogrammable by a provider computer through a wireless network, the adapter comprising: a communications port for electronically connecting the adapter to the electronic device, wherein the adapter does not comprise a user interface with a display that is integrated as a part of the adapter; communications hardware for communicating automatically with the provider computer through the wireless network; a processor; and memory programmed to cause the adapter to identify the electronic device, to send an identification of the adapter and an identification of the electronic device to the provider computer via the wireless network and to receive new data sent by the provider computer via the wireless network to update a program of the adapter, wherein the adapter sends the identification of the adapter and the identification of the electronic device to the provider computer after the adapter is connected to a communication port of the electronic device and before the new data is received, wherein the new data comprises device instructions for the processor for communicating with the electronic device through the communications port, wherein the adapter is a handheld device that comprises a single-board computer.