(19) p)
`
`Europaisches Patentamt
`
`European Patent Office
`
`Office européen des brevets
`
`(11)
`
`EP 0917077 A2
`
`(12)
`
`EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
`
`(43) Date of publication:
`19.05.1999 Bulletin 1999/20
`
`(51) Int 01.6: G06F17/60
`
`(21) Application number: 983094012
`
`(22) Date of filing: 17.11.1998
`
`(84) Designated Contracting States:
`AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU
`MC NL PT SE
`
`Designated Extension States:
`AL LT LV MK RO SI
`
`(30) Priority: 18.11.1997 US 972453
`
`(71) Applicant: LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
`Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974-0636 (US)
`
`
`
`(72) Inventor: Kaufman, Steven B.
`Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807 (US)
`
`(74) Representative:
`Buckley, Christopher Simon Thirsk et aI
`Lucent Technologies (UK) Ltd,
`5 Mornington Road
`Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0TU (GB)
`
`(54) Wireless remote synchronization of data between PC & PDA
`
`The present invention utilizes wireless commu-
`(57)
`nication paths between a PC (600) and a Personal Dig-
`ital Assistant (PDA) (602) to synchronize data files be-
`tween the PC and the PDA. Example wireless commu-
`nication paths include a one; way paging network, a two-
`way paging network (152), a Cellular Digital Packet Data
`(CDPD) network, and a cordless telephone network. Au-
`tomated updating of remote files is accomplished by in-
`visibly updating using a paging or CDPD network, e.g.,
`either after each change to the data file, after a series
`
`of changes to the data file, after exiting the scheduling
`application program, at predetermined intervals and/or
`even on-demand. The invention provides a simple and
`efficient wireless way to synchronize data files on sep-
`arate computers which do not require a fixed, direct con-
`nection to each other, such as a direct connection
`through the PSTN, infrared link, or wired orwireless LAN
`type connection. The synchronization of data files can
`be updated on a frequent, inconspicuous and conven-
`ient basis.
`
`
`
`
`
`I I
`
`SCHEDUUNG
`om
`SYNCHIIONIZING
`
`PROGRAM
`ROUTINE
`I
`I
`X
`K
`V I
`
`512
`514
`103
`I
`I
`
`l ll |l ll|Il
`
`100
`
`
`
`2-WAY
`
`FACING
`
`
`‘52
`
`
`
`
`
`
` SCHEDULING W SYNCHRONIZING
`PROGRAM
`ROUTINE
`
`608
`
`X
`606
`
`X
`101
`
`EP0917077A2
`
`Printed by Jouve, 75001 PAFIIS (FFI)
`
`FANDANGO EXHIBIT 1073
`
`FANDANGO EXHIBIT 1073
`
`

`

`1
`
`EP 0 917 077 A2
`
`2
`
`Description
`
`Field of the Invention
`
`[0001] This invention relates to the management of
`scheduling and other information between two isolated
`electronic computers. More particularly, it relates to sim-
`plified, discrete and automated synchronization of cal-
`endar and contact-related data between a personal
`computer (PC) and a remote personal digital assistant
`(PDA).
`
`Background of Related Art
`
`Personal computers (PCs) are well known and
`[0002]
`extremely popular. Personal digital assistants (PDAs)
`and other handheld devices, while perhaps being less
`well known than PCs, are nevertheless very popular,
`particularly among business persons. A PDA is a small,
`hand-held computer used to write notes, record names,
`addresses and phone numbers, to develop an appoint-
`ment calendar, and otherwise keep your life in order. A
`scheduling program running separately in each of the
`PC and the PDA maintains separate database informa-
`tion in data files relating to scheduled appointments and
`contact information.
`
`Scheduling programs running on a PDA or a
`[0003]
`PC are very convenient for scheduling, for managing ap-
`pointments, and for storing and organizing personal in-
`formation, contact information, and group scheduler in-
`formation electronically. However, for any particular us-
`er,
`it is most desirable to maintain only one set of per-
`sonal, contact and group schedulerdatafor each person
`or group of persons utilizing a scheduling program run-
`ning on a PC or on a PDA.
`[0004]
`Information relating to a scheduler program in-
`cludes personal information, contact information, and
`group scheduler information. Contact
`information in-
`cludes names, addresses and phone numbers. Group
`scheduler information includes appointment
`informa-
`tion, and the date, time and name of the person for which
`the appointment was made.
`[0005] Conventional PC and PDA devices provide the
`ability to synchronize data between a data file main-
`tained by the scheduling program running on a PC and
`a data file maintained by the scheduling program run-
`ning on a PDA. Figs. 5 to 7 show conventional systems
`using fixed, dedicated connections to synchronize data
`files maintained by corresponding scheduling programs
`running separately on a PC and on a PDA.
`[0006]
`Fig. 5 shows a PC 600 including a scheduling
`program 606 which creates and maintains a datafile 608
`relating to a user's or group of users' appointments, con-
`tacts, etc. Commercially available scheduling programs
`include MICROSOFT Schedule+ TM, which is part of the
`WINDOWS 95 OFFICE“, MICROSOFT Outlook TM,
`which is part of the WINDOWS 97 OFFICE T'V', LOTUS
`ORGANIZER, SIDEKICK, NETMANAGE, ECCO, NOW
`
`UP-TO-DATE and DAY-TIMER ORGANIZER. A PDA
`
`the same
`602 includes a corresponding version of
`scheduler program (e.g. Schedule+ or Outlook) with a
`corresponding data file 614 relating to the user of the
`PDA's appointments, contacts, etc. In the given exam-
`ple, the data file 608 on the PC 600 contains information
`relating to a same user or group of users as the data file
`614 on the PDA 602.
`
`10
`
`[0007] The conventional PDA 602 synchronizes its
`data file 614 with the data file 608 of the PC 600 on de-
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`mand only, and only through a fixed, dedicated connec-
`tion established between the PC 600 and the PDA 602.
`
`In the example of Fig. 5, a direct serial link 616 is estab-
`lished between the serial port 604 of the PC 600 and the
`serial port 610 of the PDA 602. Using this direct, point-
`to-point serial link 616, a synchronization routine started
`on either the PC 600 or the PDA 602 initiates a synchro-
`nization of data contained in data files 608, 614 relating
`to the relevant user or users.
`
`Fig. 6 shows a conventional synchronization
`[0008]
`connection requiring a fixed, dedicated, point-to-point
`connection between a PC 600 and a PDA 602 through
`the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 724. The
`PC 600 includes a connection to a modem 720. The mo-
`
`dem 720 is connected to the PSTN 724. Similarly, the
`PDA 602 includes a modem accessory 722 which in turn
`is connected to the PSTN 724. Thus, the PSTN 724 pro-
`vides a fixed, dedicated, point-to-point communication
`path between the PC 600 and the PDA 602 to allow syn-
`chronization of the data files 608, 614.
`[0009]
`Fig. 7 shows a conventional, fixed, point-to-
`point infrared serial data link used to form a dedicated
`link between the PC 600 and the PDA 602 to allow syn-
`chronization of data files 608, 614. Infrared links typical-
`ly require line-of-sight placement between the PC 600
`and PDA 602 to allow the infrared signal to pass directly
`between the PC 600 and the PDA 602.
`
`[0010] Using conventional methods to link the PC 600
`with the PDA 602 to synchronize a user's scheduling
`data files 608, 614 requires the establishment of a fixed,
`point-to-point, dedicated link. These fixed, dedicated
`links require physical placement of the PDA 602 to be
`within the proximity of the PC 600 (with respect to the
`direct serial linkshown in Fig. Sorthe infrared linkshown
`in Fig. 7), or movement of the PDA 602 to a telephone
`jack where a cable can be inserted between a modem
`722 connected to the PDA 602 and the PSTN 724 (as
`shown in Fig. 6). In any event, synchronization of a us-
`er's data files 608, 614 requires a fixed, dedicated con-
`nection between the PDA 602 and the PC 600 for a pe-
`riod of time, which tends to discourage frequent syn-
`chronization of data files 608, 614. This is particularly
`the case when, e.g., the PDA 602 is carried in the pocket
`of a traveling user who is away from the office containing
`the PC 600, or a user who carries the PDA 602 into an
`isolated meeting.
`[0011] The conventional links between the PC 600
`and the PDA 602 are also required to be point-to-point
`
`

`

`3
`
`EP 0 917 077 A2
`
`4
`
`connections between the PC 600 and the PDA 602 for
`
`synchronization of relevant user data files 608, 614.
`[0012] Thus, there is a need to simplify and automate
`the synchronization of a user's data files 608, 614 as
`between the scheduling program 606 of the PC 600 and
`the scheduling program 612 of a PDA 602. Moreover, a
`more efficient utilization of communication media other
`
`than that commensurate with the use of a fixed, dedi-
`cated link between the PC 600 and the PDA 602 is also
`desired.
`
`[0013] There is also a need to provide for the simul-
`taneous synchronization of more than just two separate
`computers containing a user's or group of user's data
`files.
`
`Summary Of The Invention
`
`invention provides a portable
`[0014] The present
`computer including a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
`and a paging receiver. The personal digital assistant in-
`cludes a scheduling program, a data file maintained by
`the scheduling program, and a synchronization routine
`for synchronizing the data file with one or more remote
`data files.
`
`In another embodiment the present invention
`[0015]
`provides a method of utilizing a paging network to syn-
`chronize data files of a PDA with data files of a personal
`computer (PC). Any change to a data file on the PC or
`PDA is monitored. As a result of a change to the data
`file, a synchronization routine is initiated to prepare a
`synchronization information data packet, which is trans-
`mitted to the other of the PC and PDA over a network,
`e.g., a one-way or two-way paging network.
`
`Brief Description Of The Drawings
`
`Features and advantages of the present inven-
`[0016]
`tion will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
`the following description with reference to the drawings,
`in which:
`
`1 showsafirstembodiment of the present
`Fig.
`[0017]
`invention utilizing a two-way paging networkto synchro-
`nize data between a PC and a wireless PDA.
`
`Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the
`[0018]
`present invention utilizing a one-way paging networkto
`synchronize data from a PC to a wireless PDA.
`[0019]
`Fig. 3 shows athird embodiment of the present
`invention utilizing a CDPD network to synchronize data
`between a PC and a wireless remote PDA.
`
`the
`Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of
`[0020]
`present invention utilizing the PSTN and a CDPD net-
`work to synchronize data between a PC and a wireless
`remote PDA.
`
`Fig. 5 shows conventional apparatus for syn-
`[0021]
`chronizing scheduling data files between a PC and a
`PDA through a direct serial link.
`[0022]
`Fig. 6 shows conventional apparatus for syn-
`chronizing scheduling data files between a PC and a
`
`PDA through modems and the PSTN.
`[0023]
`Fig. 7 shows conventional apparatus for syn-
`chronizing scheduling data files between a PC and a
`PDA through an infrared serial data link.
`
`Detailed Description Of Illustrative Embodiments
`
`invention utilizes wireless net-
`[0024] The present
`works in general to accomplish synchronization be-
`tween a PC and a PDA type device. Suitable wireless
`networks include a paging network, a CDPD network, a
`satellite network, and a network utilizing the cordless tel-
`ephone interface standards, e.g., the 900 MHz band in
`the United States.
`
`1 showsafirst embodiment of the present
`Fig.
`[0025]
`invention utilizing a two-way paging network 152 to ac-
`complish automatic synchronization of data in a data file
`608 of a PC 600 with data in data file 614 of a PDA 602.
`
`[0026] The PC 600 system includes a conventional
`scheduling program 606 and a data file or files 608. The
`PC 600 is connected to a modem 150, which in turn es-
`tablishes a connection with a two-way paging network
`152 through the PSTN 724.
`[0027] Each wireless remote PDA system 100 in-
`cludes a PDA 602 for operating a conventional sched-
`uling program 612 corresponding to the scheduling pro-
`gram 606 on the PC 600 system, and a data file or files
`614. Additionally, the wireless remote PDA system 100
`includes a connection to a two-way pager 154 over
`which data is passed. The connection may be over a
`serial port in the PDA 602 to a serial port of the two-way
`pager 154. Alternatively, if the PDA 602 includes a Per-
`sonal Computer Memory Card lntemational Association
`(PCMCIA) type port, a parallel connection may be es-
`tablished between a parallel bus of the two-way pager
`154 and the PCMCIA port of the PDA 602.
`[0028] Two-way paging typically adds a response
`channel to a traditional one-way paging system. A user
`can respond to a paging message containing synchro-
`nization information in a two-way paging network either
`using a selection of pre-programmed responses or by
`formatting a free-form text reply.
`[0029] Any conventional
`two-way paging network
`may be utilized bythis embodiment, including those op-
`erating under the FteFLEXTM two-way paging open pro-
`tocol established by MOTOROLA. The FteFLEXT'VI pro-
`tocol adds a 12.5 KHz response channel to a traditional
`one-way paging system. FteFLEXT'VI protocols work on
`either 25 KHz or 50 KHz channels in, e.g., the 929-932
`and 940-941 MHz frequency band. The FteFLEXT'VI pro-
`tocol is currently capable of handling an inbound data
`rate on a 12.5 KHz channel, e.g., in the 896 to 902 MHz
`frequency band, at 800, 1600, 6400 or 9600 bits per sec-
`ond (bps), and at an outbound, response data rate of
`1600, 3200 or 6400 bps per 25 KHz channel. Encryption
`may be implemented if desired in the two-way paging
`protocol to ensure privacy.
`[0030] The two-way paging network 152 may include
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`

`

`5
`
`EP 0 917 077 A2
`
`6
`
`use of the Internet for transmission of data to and from
`
`
`
`the PC 600. In this instance, the PC 600 would gain ac-
`cess tothe Internet by any of a multitude of conventional
`means, including a modern with dial-up access to an In-
`temet Service Provider (ISP).
`[0031] An appropriate synchronizing routine 101 is in-
`cluded on the PC 600 for synchronization of the data
`files 608, 614. A corresponding synchronizing routine
`103 is included on the PDA 602. In operation, eithersyn-
`chronizing routine 101, 103 can initiate operation of the
`other through communication over the two-way paging
`network and pager 152, 154.
`[0032]
`In a preferred embodiment, synchronization
`between the data files 608, 614 takes place after each
`deate or change to either data file 608, 614. For in-
`stance, most scheduling or contact programs 606, 612
`deate the respective data files 608,614 upon exiting a
`data base cell. Thus, as a data base cell is changed in
`either data file 608, 614, the same changes are mirrored
`o the other data file 608, 614 over the two-way paging
`network. This 'incremental' synchronization minimizes
`he amount of data transfer necessary between data
`iles 608, 614 at any one time. To minimize modem ac-
`ivity, this automatic synchronization may take place af-
`er n changes to either datafile 608,614, afterm minutes
`of activity, and/or upon exiting from the scheduling pro-
`gram 606 or 612.
`[0033] Alternatively, larger amounts of data in the data
`files 608, 614 can be synchronized using an "on-de-
`mand" selection using the two-way paging network. In
`this way, the PC 600 and PDA 602 can operate inde-
`pendently of one another and synchronize data files
`608, 614 only upon the push of a 'synchronize' button
`or other operator selection similar to the conventional
`'hot synchronize' button on current PDAs 602 such as
`the PILOTTM available from US ROBOTICS. Using the
`two-way paging network and pager 152, 154, even an
`'on-demand' synchronization provides conveniences
`not found in conventional PC/PDA systems. For in-
`stance, as long as the wireless remote PDA system 100
`is within the range of the two-way paging network 152,
`the PDA602 can initiate the synchronization routine 103
`and synchronize the data file 608, 614 at any time with-
`out the need to hook-up to a telephone jack or to co-
`locate the PDA 602 with the PC 600.
`
`[0034] The synchronization routines of the present in-
`vention are as known in the prior art but modified as de-
`scribed herein. One prior art synchronization routine is
`INTELLISYNCT'V'
`from PUMA TECHNOLOGY which
`
`works with a HotSync Manager of the PILOT PDA.
`When synchronization is performed and conflicts arise
`because of a change made to the same record both on
`the PDA 602 and on the PC 600, the conflict is either
`automatically resolved as in prior art synchronization
`routines, or a user is given a choice as to how to resolve
`the conflict. Moreover, the synchronization routines of
`the present invention allow the particular applications
`and individual fields for which synchronization is to be
`
`accomplished as in the prior art systems such as INTEL-
`LISYNCT'V'.
`
`limited to a
`[0035] The present embodiment is not
`point-to-point interconnection between a PC 600 and a
`PDA 602. Multiple wireless remote PDA systems 100
`and P05 600 may be synchronized substantially simul-
`taneously via the two-way paging network 152. For in-
`stance, the initiating PC 600 can be assigned to operate
`in a Master mode, while all remote PDA systems 100
`can be assigned to operate in a slave mode.
`[0036] Thus, an important feature of this and other
`embodiments is the utilization of packetized data to pro-
`vide efficient utilization of a communication path, rather
`than wasting unused bandwidth of a fixed, dedicated
`communication path as in the prior art.
`[0037] Another important feature is that this and other
`embodiments are not necessarily tied to a point-to-point
`connection, i.e., they may be implemented to synchro-
`nize data files 614 of a plurality of wireless remote PDA
`systems 100 in a point-to-multipoint configuration with
`the data file 608 of a PC 600.
`
`Perhaps most importantly the present inven-
`[0038]
`tion provides an additional level of freedom of move-
`ment to the wireless remote PDA system 100 such that
`it can be synchronized from any location, at any time,
`without the need to plug the PDA 602 into the PSTN or
`to co-Iocate the PDA 602 with the PC 600 as in the prior
`art.
`It also allows for discrete synchronization of data
`files 608, 614 without the knowledge of others in the
`room with the user, or even the user, of the PDA 602.
`For example, in along meeting, the user of the PDA 602
`does not have to excuse him or herself to plug the PDA
`602 into the telephone system and press an "on-de-
`mand" selection switch or other means to get updated,
`synchronized information about changed or added ap-
`pointments.
`the
`[0039]
`Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of
`present invention utilizing a one-way paging system to
`synchronize one data file, e.g., the PC 600 data file 608,
`with another data file, e.g., the data file 614 of the wire-
`less remote PDA system 200.
`[0040] Conventional one-way paging systems are
`well known. For instance, one-way paging systems uti-
`lizing MOTOROLA's FLEXT'V| protocol are known. The
`FLEXTM protocol currently operates at three different
`speeds, 1600, 3200 and 6400 bps. Other conventional
`protocols which are suitable for one-way paging are
`Post Office Code Standardization Advisory Group
`(POCSAG) and GOLAY.
`[0041] The FLEXTM high speed paging protocol is a
`fully synchronous paging code which keeps the paging
`receiver's 354 data-reception electronics continuously
`in synchronism with the paging transmission even when
`there is no incoming message from the broadcasting
`station of the one-way paging network 352. FLEXT'V| en-
`ergizes the pager electronics only when data is to be
`received in real time. This significantly reduces pager
`power consumption. Of course, one-way paging sys-
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`

`

`7
`
`EP 0 917 077 A2
`
`8
`
`tems which energize the pager receiver 354 asynchro-
`nously with the incoming radio frequency (RF) signal
`would be suitable for the present embodiment as well.
`[0042]
`FLEXTM can be used on a dedicated channel,
`but can be mixed with paging messages using other pro-
`tocols such as POCSAG and GOLAY.
`
`In the one-way paging system shown in Fig. 2
`[0043]
`the PC 600 passes synchronization information to a
`one-way paging network 352 via the modem 150 and
`PSTN 724. Serial or parallel data output from a pager
`receiver 354 contains synchronization information re-
`ceived from the synchronizing routine 201 of the PC
`600. This synchronization information received by the
`pager receiver 354 interacts with the synchronizing rou-
`tine 203 and data file 614 of the PDA 602 so as to update
`the PDA's data file 614 in accordance with changes
`made to the PC's data file 608.
`
`Some level of reliability from data corruption
`[0044]
`can be afforded in a one-way paging system by the in-
`clusion of a simple errorchecksum or cyclic redundancy
`check (CRC) bit or other method used in conventional
`one-way paging systems. For instance, FLEXTM pro-
`vides for data integrity and user confidence by providing
`prudent error protection against multi-path fading errors
`caused by simulcasting. FLEXT'VI has positive end-of
`message control which is used to avoid receipt by the
`pager receiver 354 of truncated messages. Optionally,
`he missed-message flag indicator is passed from the
`pager receiver 354 to prompt the user to call the admin-
`'strator or other user operating the PC 600, for any
`missed updates via standard telephone, or to have the
`deates re-transmitted. The missed-message flag ap-
`pears if a paging message containing synchronization
`'nformation is missed while the PDA 602 is outside the
`
`
`
`coverage area of the one-way paging network 352.
`[0045] The synchronizing information passed by the
`wo-way and one-way paging systems may be, e.g., AS-
`Cll or unformatted binary data streams, in any mix and
`'n unlimited lengths according to the FLEXTM and RE-
`FLEXTM protocols. Extra-long messages are automati-
`cally segmented into packets up to 220 bytes by the pag-
`'ng network.
`the
`[0046]
`For point-to-multipoint synchronization,
`FLEXTM and FtEFLEXT'V| protocols offera GROUP CALL
`unction which delivers common synchronization infor-
`mation to a distribution list of PDAs.
`
`[0047] The two-way paging system embodiment
`shown in Fig. 1
`is generally preferred over the one-way
`paging system embodiment shown in Fig. 2 because of
`the ability of two-way paging to provide acknowledg-
`ments in a return direction. Nevertheless, if lowered re-
`liability in the data file 614 of the PDA 602 is acceptable,
`then the benefits of automatic synchronization between
`data files 608, 614 may be accomplished using a one-
`way paging network 352 as shown in Fig. 2.
`[0048]
`To improve reliability in the one-way paging
`network 352, after a day, a week, etc. of synchronizing
`data files 608,614 via the one-way paging network 352,
`
`it may be desirable to occasionally correct any data er-
`rors which may have occurred during any one of a series
`of one-way paging network 352 synchronizations by us-
`ing the direct connection approach as in the prior art.
`[0049]
`Figs. 3 and 4 show embodiments of
`the
`present invention utilizing a Cellular Digital Packet Data
`(CDPD) system. CDPD is a wireless standard providing
`two-way, 19.2 Kbps packet data transmission over ex-
`isting cellular telephone channels. CDPD and cellular
`telephones are very well known in the art. Fig. 3 imple-
`ments the PDA 602 as a roaming remote device, and
`Fig. 4 implements both the PC 600 and the PDA 602 as
`roaming remote devices.
`[0050]
`In Fig. 3, the PC 600 system and wireless re-
`mote PDA system 300 contain scheduling programs
`606, 612 and data 608,614 as in the prior art. However,
`the PC 600 establishes a connection with a remote
`
`CDPD transceiver460to implement atwo-way synchro-
`nization of data files 608, 614 under the control of syn-
`chronization routine 301. The PDA 602 may initiate the
`establishment of the connection with the PC 600, and
`the synchronization routine 303 may control synchroni-
`zation of data files 608, 614.
`[0051] The CDPD transceiver460 establishes a wire-
`less connection with a CDPD base station 464, which
`in turn routes the synchronization data from data file 608
`through the PSTN 724 to another CDPD base station
`465 if necessary before re-transmission to remote
`CDPD transceiver 462. The remote CDPD transceiver
`
`462 communicates with the PDA 602 via a serial port
`(e.g. via a 15-pin serial port connector) or via a PCMCIA
`port if PDA 602 is so equipped.
`[0052]
`Either synchronization routine 301,303 can in-
`itiate the synchronization of data files 608, 614. CDPD
`provides a two-way, relatively high bandwidth channel
`for fast synchronization of the data files 608, 614.
`[0053]
`Fig. 4 shows a CDPD implementation of the
`present invention with the PC 600 utilizing a direct con-
`nection to the CDPD base station 465 via a modem 150
`
`with a dial-up connection to the PSTN 724. The wireless
`remote PDA system 300 is as described above with re-
`spect to Fig. 3.
`[0054] While the invention has been described with
`reference to the exemplary preferred embodiments
`thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to make var-
`ious modifications to the described embodiments of the
`
`invention without departing from the true spirit and
`scope of the invention.
`
`Claims
`
`1. A portable computing device comprising:
`
`a personal digital assistant including:
`a scheduling program,
`a data file maintained by said scheduling pro-
`gram, and
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`

`

`9
`
`EP0917077A2
`
`10
`
`work.
`
`10.
`
`11.
`
`12.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`The method according to claim 4, wherein:
`
`said paging network is a two-way paging net-
`work.
`
`The method according to claim 4, further compris-
`ing:
`
`accessing said paging network via a Public
`Switched Telephone Network.
`
`The method according to claim 4, further compris-
`ing:
`
`accessing said paging network via an Internet.
`
`13.
`
`20
`
`A method of utilizing a wireless network to synchro-
`nize a data file of a PC with a data file of a PDA,
`comprising:
`
`monitoring a change to said data file of said
`PDA'
`
`after detection of said change to said data file
`of said PDA, triggering a synchronization rou-
`tine to assemble data synchronization informa-
`tion; and
`transmitting said data synchronization informa-
`tion to said PC over said wireless network.
`
`14.
`
`15.
`
`16.
`
`The method according to claim 13, wherein said
`wireless network comprises:
`
`a paging network.
`
`The method according to claim 13, wherein said
`wireless network comprises:
`
`a cordless telephone network.
`
`The method according to claim 13 wherein:
`
`said step of monitoring a change, said step of
`triggering said synchronization routine, and
`said step of transmitting said data synchroniza-
`tion information are all performed automatical-
`ly.
`
`a synchronization routine; and
`a paging receiver in communication with said
`personal digital assistant.
`
`2. The portable computing device according to claim
`1, further comprising:
`
`a paging transmitter.
`
`3. A portable computing device comprising:
`
`a personal digital assistant including:
`a scheduling program,
`a data file maintained by said scheduling pro-
`gram, and
`a synchronization routine; and
`a Cellular Digital Packet Data transceiver in
`communication with said personal digital as-
`sistant.
`
`4. A method of utilizing a wireless network to synchro-
`nize a data file of a PDA with a data file of a PC,
`comprising:
`
`monitoring a change to said data file of said PC;
`after detection of said change to said data file
`of said PC, triggering a synchronization routine
`to assemble data synchronization information;
`and
`
`transmitting said data synchronization informa-
`tion to said PDA over said wireless network.
`
`The method according to claim 4, wherein said wire-
`less network comprises:
`
`a paging network.
`
`The method according to claim 4, wherein said wire-
`less network comprises:
`
`a cordless telephone network.
`
`The method according to claim 4, wherein:
`
`said step of monitoring said change, said step
`of triggering said synchronization routine, and
`said step of transmitting said data synchroniza-
`tion information are all performed automatical-
`ly.
`
`The method according to claim 7, wherein:
`
`said automatically performed steps are per-
`formed at a predetermined time interval.
`
`The method according to claim 4, wherein:
`
`said paging network is a one-way paging net-
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`

`

`EP 0 917 077 A2
`
`3522.2qu
`
`”5.59.
`
`ozzzaxum
`
`zéooE
`
`2;:N
`
`”Hz—u:
`
`xzo‘amz
`
`mm:
`
`8—co—
`
`
`
`oz_N_zom:uz>m“Hz—.5328
`
`szdom«252:
`
`8.newnew
`
`
`
`

`

`EP 0 917 077 A2
`
`oz_N_zo~=._uz>m
`
`“2—52.
`
`“Hz—.5318
`
`255$:
`
`Ea:
`
`”Emu:
`
`____
`
`_____
`
`78w
`
`New
`
`is:_
`
`ozBE
`
`$5sz
`
`925225023
`
`mzznom
`
`3:28sz
`
`.253“.
`
`ENmgmg
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`EP 0 917 077 A2
`
`
`
`m..QNR
`
`28
`
`”mg
`
`2225
`
`28
`
`mmg
`
`zozfim
`
`m9.v3
`
`3529.525
`
`“2—58
`
`ozsgmzum
`
`25503
`
`“2522.525
`
`“2:33
`
`
`
`0233828
`
`350%
`
`Snwoowoo
`
`ES
`
`E>momz<~=
`
`ES
`
`$5823:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`EP 0 917 077 A2
`
`92528:qu
`
`”2.53
`
`ozzsauxum
`
`35.8%
`
`
`
`Nov38ES
`E>Eumz<E3vum:
`
`2225
`
`10
`
`“HEN—29.525
`
`”2.50m
`
`ozjzamzom
`
`25.00%
`
`5..wowwow
`
`
`
`

`

`EP 0 917 077 A2
`
`.FIG. 5
`
`PRIOR ART
`
`616
`
`604
`
`SERIAL
`
`PORT
`
`SERIAL
`
`610
`
`PORT
`
`
`
`SCHEDULING
`PROGRAM
`
`DATA
`
`SCHEDULING
`PROGRAM
`
`
`
`'
`
`606
`
`608
`
`61 2
`
`FIG. 6
`
`PRIOR ART
`
`
`
`11
`
`

`

`EP 0 917 077 A2
`
`F10. 7
`
`PRIOR ARI
`
`840
`
`
`
`INFRARED
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`
`UNK
`
`.___:——'
`
`
`
`INFRARED
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`
`UNK
`
`842
`
`600
`
`
`
`602
`
`
`
`12
`
`