Palm, Incorporated

Palmsource Inc.

3com Corporation

Access Company, Ltd.

Palmone, Incorporated

Access Systems Americas, Inc.

E Michael Lunsford

Francis James Canova, Jr

David Kammer

David Moore

Jesse Donaldson

Jeff W Parrish

Steve Parker

Brent Delbert Madsen

Amy A Han

Neal A Osborn

Madeleine L Francavilla

Alan C Urban

Michael Collins

Jan Musich

An improved method and system for record selection. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention interprets the 'gesture' of swiping the pen, from left to right, across a line-item of a record entry as a command to highlight the line-item and to select the entire record. Furthermore, a contiguous group of multiple records are highlighted and selected by selecting the first record, as above, and then continuing to swipe the pen down through the records, in accordance with another embodiment. Lastly, discontiguous records are selected by repeating the above sequence for two or more discontiguous groups of records. Previous selections are maintained until the user executes any other non-selection action.

Method and apparatus for the selection of records

An embodiment of the invention provides a method for scheduling an event. The method includes signaling a request from a first computer to schedule an event to a second computer. A schedule is then received from the second, the schedule includes indicators of available time periods in the calendar period from the second computer. A consolidated schedule is then generated. The consolidated schedule comprises information comparing the indicators of available time periods from the second computer with indicators of available time periods from the first computer.

Mutual scheduling of events on handheld computers

A wireless communication method for selective transmission of data among a group of mobile computing devices. A user's device is used to broadcast a query to determine a group of mobile computing devices within communications range. A list of resulting mobile computing devices is then presented to the user through the device's interface. The user selects at least one of the mobile computing devices from the list for a data transfer. The data transfer is then performed to the selected at least one mobile computing device. Upon completion of the transfer, a confirmation is presented to the user. In this manner, wireless data transfers can be performed with a number of different mobile computing devices within communications range. The user can select a number of mobile computing devices from the list and perform the data transfer to each of the selected number in a single step. The data transfer is performed using a wireless RF communications link. The wireless RF communications link can be compatible with a version of the Bluetooth specification.

Method and system for implementing wireless data transfers between a selected group of mobile computing devices

A method for communicating between a first handheld computer and a second handheld computer is provided. The method includes selecting at least a first information item from a first index on the first handheld computer, and signaling the first information item to the second handheld computer. The method includes identifying a second information item on the second handheld computer that corresponds to the first information item, and synchronizing the second information item with the first information item.

Synchronization of data between two handheld computers

An automated telephone dialing system. The system enables a handheld PID to automatically dial a telephone number stored its memory by interacting with a telephone. The telephone is equipped with a wireless port for short-range wireless data transfer. Similarly, the PID is equipped with a wireless port for short-range wireless data transfer. The PID establishes a wireless communication with the telephone. The PID is configured to control the telephone via the wireless communications such that the telephone dials a telephone number stored on the PID. The telephone number can be dialed in response to the user interacting with application executing on the PID. The application can be a contact management or address management program. The user can interact with the program, select a contact, address, phone number, or the like, through a GUI of the PID, and have this number automatically dialed by the telephone. In this manner, the user's PID seamlessly interacts with the user's telephone to dial numbers and establish phone calls without requiring the user to access controls of the telephone. The wireless communication between the PID and the telephone can be compatible with a version of the Bluetooth specification. The wireless communication between the PID and the telephone can also be compatible with a version of the IrDA specification.

Method and system for wirelessly autodialing a telephone number from a record stored on a personal information device

An improved method and system for record selection. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention interprets the 'gesture' of swiping the pen horizontally across a line-item of a record entry as a command to highlight the line-item and to select the entire record. Furthermore, a contiguous group of multiple records are highlighted and selected by selecting the first record, as above, and then continuing to swipe the pen vertically through the records, in accordance with another embodiment. Lastly, discontiguous records are selected by repeating the above sequence for two or more discontiguous groups of records. Previous selections are maintained until the user executes any other non-selection action.

A method and system for managing when a responder device (a device having a transceiver for wireless communication) is operating in a discoverable mode in a wireless network of devices, such as a Bluetooth network. In the discoverable mode, the responder device is set to scan for and respond to general inquiry messages broadcast from another device (e.g., an initiator device). When in the non-discoverable mode, the responder device will not respond to and/or scan for general inquiry messages broadcast from an initiator device. The responder device automatically enters the discoverable mode when the responder device enters into its awake mode. The responder device automatically enters the non-discoverable mode when the device enters into its sleep mode. Therefore, the responder device will be in discoverable mode for a reduced period of time, and as such will respond to fewer general inquiry messages. Accordingly, fewer messages will be exchanged between devices in the wireless network, simplifying the device discovery process for users and conserving the battery resources of the initiator and responder devices.

Power-conserving intuitive device discovery technique in a bluetooth environment

An electronically-enabled encasement for a handheld computer is provided. The encasement includes an encasement portion configured to cover at least a portion of the handheld computer, including a front surface of the handheld computer providing access to a display; a spine engageable with an accessory slot of the handheld computer to detachably couple the encasement with the handheld computer; a connector to electronically connect the encasement to the handheld computer; and at least one electronic component embedded in the encasement portion. The encasement may also include a wireless communication port such a radio frequency transmitter or an IR transceiver.

Electronically-enabled housing apparatus for a computing device

An accessory device for a handheld computer includes a peripheral portion to detachably couple to an accessory rail of a handheld computer. The accessory device includes a cover portion dimensioned to extend over a front surface of the handheld computer including a display when the peripheral portion is coupled to the accessory rail. The cover portion houses one or more electrical components.

Smart cover for a handheld computer

A data entry mechanism for a handheld computer is provided. The data entry mechanism comprises: a plurality of keys configured to be actuated by a stylus of the handheld computer, each of the plurality of keys being electronically coupleable to the handheld computer and generating an electronic signal upon actuation by the stylus; and an encasement structure to retain the plurality of keys, the structure being engagable with a slot of the handheld computer. The data entry mechanism may be used to facilitate data input to a computing or a telecommunications device.

Keyboard for a handheld computer

Electronically-enabled encasement for a handheld computer

Case for a handheld computer system

An encasement for a handheld computer is provided. The encasement includes a spine that is slideably engageable with an accessory slot of a handheld computer; and an encasement portion joined to the spine. The encasement portion is dimensioned to encase the handheld computer when the spine is engaged to the handheld computer.

Growing community of inventors

San Carlos, CA, United States of America

E Michael Lunsford