Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a method and apparatus for effecting a personal profile detection system upon handheld organizers, portable information devices (PID's), and other computing devices. The method first provides for the accepting and then storing of personal profile data on a PID and allows for the profile data to be fully customizable by the user. The method then provides for an exchange of information between the first PID and a proximate second PID via short-range RF (Radio Frequency) communications when shared interests exist between the profile data stored on the two PID's. In one embodiment, the exchange of information is user customizable and based upon a determination of shared interests by the first PID in a manner that is also user customizable. The method further provides for the initiation of an event such as the sounding of an alarm and the display of received information.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A wireless communication method for secure transmission of data between mobile computing devices. The method includes the step of transmitting a line of sight beam from a first device to a second device to mutually identify the first device and the second device out of a plurality of devices. Once identified, the first and second devices establish an RF communications link between the identified first device and the identified second device. Using the RF communications link, the data transfer is then performed between the first device and the second device. The line of sight beam to select a secure transmission method for the RF communications link can be an IR communications beam. The RF communications link can be a secure RF communications link recognizable only by the first and second devices output of the plurality of devices. The RF communications link can be compatible with a version of the Bluetooth specification.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.