Multiple Client Field Device Data Acquisition and Storage

Abstract

A system is provided for acquiring and storing field information, comprising field devices operable to gather field information and receive updated file information. The field devices may be placed in cradles, which facilitate the transfer of the field and file information. A network is provided for receiving the field information from the field devices and transferring the field information to field devices located in the cradles. The system also provides a server operable to receive the field information from the network, store the field information in data tables assigned to at least one client, and transmit updated field information to the network.

1 .- 60 . (canceled) 
     
     
         61 . A method for acquiring information, comprising:
 receiving field information from a user at a field device;   transferring, by the field device, the field information from the field device to a cradle via a communication link;   determining if updated file information is required for further information acquiring; and   receiving at the field device the updated file information from the cradle via the communication link if the updated file information is required.   
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein receiving the field information includes receiving vehicle identification and location information. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein receiving the field information includes receiving timed parking information for issuing citations. 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein receiving the field information further includes receiving user identification information. 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein receiving the vehicle identification information further includes checking the vehicle identification information against a scofflaw list. 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein receiving the field information further includes receiving equipment identification information. 
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein receiving the field information includes receiving citation information. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein receiving the updated file information includes receiving new versions of application software. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 68 , wherein receiving the new versions includes receiving new data tables. 
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 61 , further including receiving login information and based on the login information loading data tables used for data entry. 
     
     
         71 . A computer-readable medium on which is stored a set of instructions for acquiring information, which when executed by a processor perform the stages of:
 receiving field information from a user at a field device;   transferring the field information from the field device to a cradle via a communication link; determining if updated file information is required for further information acquiring; and   receiving at the field device the updated file information from the cradle via the communication link if the updated file information is required.   
     
     
         72 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 71 , wherein receiving the field information includes receiving vehicle identification and location information. 
     
     
         73 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 72 , wherein receiving the field information includes receiving timed parking information for issuing citations. 
     
     
         74 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 72 , wherein receiving the field information further includes receiving user identification information. 
     
     
         75 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 72 , wherein receiving the vehicle identification information further includes checking the vehicle identification information against a scofflaw list. 
     
     
         76 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 71 , wherein receiving the field information further includes receiving equipment identification information. 
     
     
         77 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 71 , wherein receiving the field information includes receiving citation information. 
     
     
         78 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 71 , wherein receiving the updated file information includes receiving new versions of application software. 
     
     
         79 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 78 , wherein receiving the new versions includes receiving new data tables. 
     
     
         80 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 71 , further including receiving login information and based on the login information loading data tables used for data entry.