UPGRADE PROCESS SYSTEM AND METHOD

1 . A system comprising:

a target device having a dual memory image including a first memory image and a second memory image;

a mesh gate in communication with the target device; and

a head end server in communication with the mesh gate.

2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the target device is a communications board of a meter.

3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the mesh gate and the target device communicate using IEEE 802.15.4.

4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the target device is a meshreader, an in home display, a thermostat, a remote appliance controller, a thermostat, or an in-home display.

5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the head end and the mesh gate communicate.

6 . A method comprising:

receiving an upgrade from a head end via a mesh gate in a mesh network;

applying the upgrade to a second memory image;

ceasing execution of instructions included in a first memory image; and

executing instructions stored in the second memory image.

7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein providing is accomplished via IEEE 802.15.4.

8 . A system comprising:

a head end server or server system;

a portable upgrade unit;

a target device;

wherein, in operation:

the head end provides an upgrade associated with the target device to the portable upgrade unit;

the portable upgrade unit identifies the target device in local radio frequency (RF) communication with the portable upgrade unit;

the portable upgrade unit enters into local radio communication with the target device; and

the portable upgrade unit provides the upgrade associated with the target device.

9 . The system of claim 8 , further comprising transporting the portable upgrade unit to a site local to the target device.

10 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the target device is selected from the set consisting of: a meshreader, a thermostat, a remote appliance controller, or an in-home display.

11 . A method comprising:

performing a scan of a plurality of radios in a local radio range;

identifying a target device in the local radio range;

entering into point to point communication with the target device; and

providing an upgrade and authorization token to the target device.

12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising filtering the scan by network name.

13 . A system comprising:

a head end server or server system;

an automated metering device in radio communications with the head end via a radio service;

wherein, in operation:

the head end identifies firmware of the automated metering device as requiring a change or an upgrade;

the head end provides a firmware upgrade to the automated metering device via the radio communications over the radio service; and

the automated metering device receives and installs the upgrade.

14 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the radio service comprises the general packet radio service (GPRS).

15 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the head end directly communicates with the automated metering device using the transport control protocol and the internet protocol (TCP/IP).

16 . A computer program stored in a computer readable form for execution in a processor and a processor coupled memory to implement a method comprising:

receiving an upgrade from a head end server;

providing the upgrade to a target device;

applying the upgrade to a second memory image;

ceasing execution of instructions included in a first memory image; and

executing instructions stored in the second memory image.

17 . A computer program stored in a computer readable form for execution in a processor and a processor coupled memory to implement a method comprising:

performing a scan of all radios in a local radio range;

identifying a target device in the local radio range;

entering into point to point communication with the target device; and

providing an upgrade and authorization token to the target device.

18 . A system comprising for upgrading a external target device with an upgrade software or firmware from an external source, the system comprising:

a portable upgrade unit configured to:

(i) receive an upgrade software or firmware associated with the target device from the external source;

(ii) identify the target device in local radio frequency (RF) communication with the portable upgrade unit;

(iii) enter into local radio communication with the target device; and

(iv) communicate the upgrade associated with the target device to the target device.

19 . The system of claim 18 , further comprising the target device.

20 . The system of claim 18 , wherein the external source comprises an external server.

21 . The system of claim 20 , wherein system further comprises the external server.

22 . The system of claim 18 , further comprising: the target device; and the external source where the external source comprises an external server or server system.