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Patent

System for automatic synchronization of common file between portable computer and host computer via communication channel selected from a plurality of usable channels there between

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe a handheld computer which contains an LCD display having a digitizing surface to allow pen input, which can readily communicate with other sources, particularly to a host desktop computer, to allow automated synchronization of information between the host and the handheld system.
Abstract: A handheld computer which contains an LCD display having a digitizing surface to allow pen input. Internal storage takes several forms, such as a large flash ROM area, battery-backed up RAM and an optional hard disk drive. Several alternative communication paths are available, such as the previously mentioned modem, a parallel printer port, a conventional serial port, a cradle assembly connected to the host computer, and various wireless short distance techniques such as radio frequency or infrared transmission. The computer can readily communicate with other sources, particularly to a host desktop computer, to allow automated synchronization of information between the host and the handheld system. Preferably the remote synchronization is performed at several user selectable levels. When the handheld computer is in a cradle and actively connected to the host computer, automatic capture of updated data in the host computer is performed. Several synchronization techniques are utilized to keep track of different types of files. In addition, while communication is established the handheld computer can enter a remote control mode, allowing the user access to files and applications not included in the handheld computer.
Citations
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Patent
27 Oct 2007
TL;DR: In this article, a system and method of pushing user-selected data items from a host system to a user's mobile data communication device upon detecting the occurrence of one or more user-defined event triggers is provided.
Abstract: A system and method of pushing user-selected data items from a host system to a user's mobile data communication device upon detecting the occurrence of one or more user-defined event triggers is provided. The user may then move (or file) the data items to a particular folder within a folder hierarchy stored in the mobile data communication device, or may execute some other system operation on the data item. Software operating at the mobile device and the host system then synchronizes the folder hierarchy of the mobile device with a folder hierarchy of the host system, and any actions executed on the data items at the mobile device are then automatically replicated on the same data items stored at the host system, thus eliminating the need for the user to manually replicate actions at the host system that have been executed at the mobile data communication device.

867 citations

Patent
13 Oct 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, an easy to use extendible file synchronization system is introduced for sharing information between a handheld computer system and a personal computer system, which is activated by a single button press.
Abstract: Many users of handheld computer systems maintain databases on the handheld computer systems. To share the information, it is desirable to have a simple method of sharing the information with personal computer systems. An easy to use extendible file synchronization system is introduced for sharing information between a handheld computer system and a personal computer system. The synchronization system is activated by a single button press. The synchronization system proceeds to synchronize data for several different applications that run on the handheld computer system and the personal computer system. If the user gets a new application for the handheld computer system and the personal computer system, then a new library of code is added for synchronizing the databases associate with the new application. The synchronization system automatically recognizes the new library of code and uses it during the next synchronization.

780 citations

Patent
18 Aug 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, the synchronization system and associated methods provide synchronization of an arbitrary number of datasets, including more than two datasets, and a unified user interface is provided that allows the user to easily determine which of his or her datasets are currently set to be synchronized.
Abstract: Synchronization system and associated methods provide synchronization of an arbitrary number of datasets, including more than two datasets. To achieve this, a reference dataset is used to store a super-set of the latest or most-recent data from all user datasets to provide a repository of information that is available at all times. Therefore, if the user later wishes to synchronize a new user dataset, such as one in a server computer that stores user information, the system already has all the information necessary for synchronizing the new dataset, regardless of whether any of the other datasets are then available. Further, to simplify use, a unified user interface is provided that allows the user to easily determine which of his or her datasets are currently set to be synchronized and allows the user to conveniently alter the current settings to select one, two, or even more than two clients for synchronization. Various “conflict” or “duplicate” resolution strategies are described for intelligently handling complexities resulting from allowing synchronization for an arbitrary number of datasets and allowing synchronization using even data from datasets that are not available. Architectural support for “plug-in” client accessors and type modules is also provided. This allows support to be added for new datasets or new types of data merely by developing and plugging in new, compact client accessors or type modules, without updating or replacing the core synchronization engine.

717 citations

Patent
23 Oct 1998
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a method to synchronize electronic mail applications between a desktop computer and a mobile device such that attachments to electronic mail messages are receivable by the mobile device.
Abstract: A desktop computer (4) and a mobile device (3) both contain personal information management systems (5, 7), such as electronic mail applications. Objects maintained by the electronic mail applications are synchronized between the desktop computer (4) and the mobile device (3) such that attachments to electronic mail messages are receivable by the mobile device (3). The present invention also allows the user of the mobile device (3) to dynamically retreive individual electronic mail message attachments on a per message bassis. Further, filtering techniques can be implemented such that, during synchronization, only predetermined attachments are automatically provided to the electronic mail message object store (6) on the mobile device (3).

670 citations

Patent
18 Oct 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, a method and apparatus for reconciling database files on a palmtop with corresponding database files in a personal computer running applications similar to the data carried in the palmtops is presented.
Abstract: Many users of handheld computing devices or “palmtops” also own personal computers (PCs) running applications that manage data similar to the data carried in the palmtops. In such cases, users are likely to want the data on the palmtop to be synchronized with the data on the PC. The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for reconciling database files on a palmtop with corresponding database files on a PC.

613 citations

References
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Patent
05 Jun 1995
TL;DR: The Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) wireline system connects to and controls processing of calls to a Personal Communication Service subscriber's wireless handset via a home base station or a wireless communication network as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) wireline system connects to and controls processing of calls to a Personal Communication Service subscriber's wireless handset via a home base station or a wireless communication network. Depending on its current location, the subscriber's handset automatically registers with the base station or with a mobility controller of the wireless network. A new registration with the base station when the handset comes within range causes that station to update the subscriber's home location register in a central data base of the AIN. Similarly, when a handset first registers with a mobility controller, that controller updates the subscriber's home location register in the central data base of the AIN. In response to calls directed to the subscriber, the AIN accesses the home location register to determine the current location where the handset is registered. The AIN then uses that data to route the call to the current location. In response to calls from the handset, the central data base provides instruction data to the land line network and/or a mobility controller to extend a requested special service to the calling subscriber.

941 citations

Patent
07 Apr 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, a method is disclosed for the translation of dissimilarly-formatted data between disparate computer applications and platforms, and the method also provides for the dynamic reconciliation of conflicts in the data (for example, two appointments scheduled at the same time).
Abstract: Traditionally, it has been difficult to share data among diverse computer applications and platforms because of underlying differences in data formats. Although the meaning or purpose of the data may be similar or identical (for example, two appointments entered using separate computer applications), the differences in data formats required by the various computer applications and platforms renders such sharing difficult. A method is disclosed for the translation of dissimilarly-formatted data between disparate computer applications and platforms. The method also provides for the dynamic reconciliation of conflicts in the data (for example, two appointments scheduled at the same time) based on both the content of the data and on specific preferences indicated by the user of the translation facility. First, the data is translated to a common format based on the user-specified mapping of data fields (identifying handheld and desktop fields to be translated) and considering the characteristics of the handheld or desktop computer application. Then, if the specific data item (such as an appointment, telephone book entry, or memo entry) already exists on the desktop computer application or platform, the user is optionally notified of the conflict and given the opportunity to replace the existing data, ignore the incoming data, or modify the incoming data. The criteria for determining the existence of conflicts is disclosed for updating schedule information and keyed databases.

568 citations

Patent
19 Jan 1989
TL;DR: A hybrid communications control unit switches the communications components and provides, under program control, the proper protocols, level, and impedance matching to connect the modem, speakerphone, headset, speaker/microphone, or cellular control unit to the landline or to the cellular network via the transceiver as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A laptop device includes a personal computer, a cellular transceiver, a speakerphone, and a hybrid communications control unit. The device has connectors for attaching a headset, cellular control unit, land telephone line, and additional speakers and microphones. The micro-processor-controlled hybrid communications control unit includes a modem, a data access arrangement, and a tone generator as well as digital, analog, and power switches. The hybrid communications control unit switches the communications components and provides, under program control, the proper protocols, level, and impedance matching to connect the modem, speakerphone, headset, speaker/microphone, or cellular control unit to the landline or to the cellular network via the transceiver. Matching and switching operations are automatic and transparent to the user. The unit can also connect two of the terminal devices or connect the cellular and landlines for call relaying. The device is capable of connecting plural calls at the same time. The hybrid communications control unit may be controlled by its internal firmware, by toggle switches, or by commands issued from the personal computer.

374 citations

Patent
26 Jan 1988
TL;DR: In this paper, the client cache data blocks are tested for validity in the client processing system by using modification times as measured by the server processing system, and if the cache data block are determined to be valid, the data blocks were discarded, and the file is accessed from the server system.
Abstract: In a distributed environment several data processing systems are interconnected across a network system. A distributed services program installed on the systems in the network allows the processors to access data files distributed across the various nodes of the network without regard to the location of the data file in the network. The processing system accessing file, referred to as the client processing system, utilizes a client cache within its operating system to store the data file. Utilizing the client cache minimizes the number of reads and writes that must go over the network to the server processing system where the file physically resides. The system and method of this invention prevents a process in the client processing system from accessing data in the client cache that has been modified at another node in the network. The blocks of data in the client cache are tested for validity in the client processing system by using modification times as measured by the server processing system. If the cache data blocks are determined to be valid, the data blocks are determined to be invalid, the data blocks are discarded, and the file is accessed from the server processing system.

316 citations

Patent
14 Feb 1986
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a hospital error-limiting program (HELP) directed primarily at reduction of hospital errors in the delivery of medications, goods, services or procedures in patient treatment without a requirement to create patient labels and with the ability to verify frequency of dosage and other treatment specifications.
Abstract: A Hospital Error-Limiting Program (HELP) directed primarily at reduction of hospital errors in the delivery of medications, goods, services or procedures in patient treatment without a requirement to create patient labels and with the ability to verify frequency of dosage and other treatment specifications. The invention includes a patient wrist identification band with preprinted barcode. The barcode should be selected to correspond with the standard used to barcode unit dose medications. The portable computer should be small in size and equipped with a communication link with the host computer or barcode reader. The portable computer should preferably be coupled directly to the host computer means of the hospital for data transmission by a communication link. The portable computer should be loaded with physician's orders for medications, goods, services or procedures for specific patients. Before medications, goods, services or procedures are administered to a patient, hospital personnel will scan the machine readable code on the patient's identification band, and then the machine readable code on the unit dose(s) of the medications, goods, services, or procedures will be scanned. The portable computer will compare these readings with the doctor's orders and other internal files as required and verify that the administration of the identified medications, goods, services or procedures is either correct or not correct.

279 citations