Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a caller identification system and method for identifying a caller with a partial phone number look-up table. The caller identification system comprises a database that stores received calls and can be personalized to include information specific to partial phone numbers. In one embodiment, the caller identification system disclosed can be integrated into a cellular phone. In this embodiment, an incoming call initiates a search in a database to retrieve information about the caller. If a match is found, the identity of the caller is displayed. When an exact match is not found, a search for a partial match is executed with wild card values and information about the partial match is displayed. Information for a partial match can be personalized or pre-programmed into the caller ID system such as the city associated with a particular area code or prefix.

Abstract: A method and system of determining the screen capability and rendering the appropriate display attribute is herein described. The present invention performs this task by using a color table, which contains a list of object types and a corresponding list of display attributes. The application program obtains the correct display attribute for the object by calling the color table, giving it an identifier of the object. The color table is indexed by the identifier of the object and a screen capability flag that is obtained, in one embodiment, from the operating system. The color table provides the display attribute for the specified object based on the screen capability flag. Advantageously, the application program does not need to know the computer's display capability. Furthermore, the application program needs only one piece of computer code, regardless of the number of display capabilities which are possible. Thus, memory space in the palmtop is conserved.

Abstract: A computer system configured to authenticate a user and to power-up in response to a single action by the user is described. In particular, the computer system includes a user verification device which interacts with the user. In an embodiment, the user verification device includes a biometric sensor which captures biometric data from the user. The biometric data can be of any type. The user verification device is configured to capture biometric data in response to an action by the user desiring access to the computer system. The user verification device can have a button-shape for receiving the finger, thumb, or any other part of the user.

Abstract: Method and system for latency-independent peripheral device identification. In one embodiment, a computer system receives an interrupt from a peripheral device coupled to a computer system communications port. In response, an interrupt notification message is posted alerting a notification handler running on the system. It is determined whether the interrupt is indicates peripheral class compliance. In one embodiment, communications port device sense pin voltage is determinative. If the interrupt indicates peripheral class compliance and the communications port is inactive, the port is opened, and inquiry sent to the peripheral device via the open port. The computer system then waits for response from the peripheral device. If response is received within a predetermined time, identification is posted based on the response, including peripheral device classification information, so that a software handler registered with the operating system can handle the identification message when received.

Abstract: A method and system of determining the screen capability and rendering the appropriate display attribute is herein described. The present invention performs this task by using a color table, which contains a list of object types and a corresponding list of display attributes. The application program obtains the correct display attribute for the object by calling the color table, giving it an identifier of the object. The color table is indexed by the identifier of the object and a screen capability flag that is obtained, in one embodiment, from the operating system. The color table provides the display attribute for the specified object based on the screen capability flag. Advantageously, the application program does not need to know the computer's display capability. Furthermore, the application program needs only one piece of computer code, regardless of the number of display capabilities which are possible. Thus, memory space in the palmtop is conserved.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for updating the contents of a first memory of a computer system. In one embodiment, new information intended for the first memory is received by the computer system from an external source, wherein the first memory is for storing information that is required during startup of the computer system. The new information thus received is stored in a second memory capable of retaining information stored therein upon a restart of the computer system. The computer system is restarted without relying on the new information. The new ROM image can be pre-flighted before it is flashed into ROM. In this embodiment, the new information stored in the second memory can be verified to ensure that it is safe to load the new information into the first memory. When a positive verification result is obtained, the new information is loaded from the second memory into the first memory such that the new information can be used for a subsequent startup of the computer system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for updating the contents of a first memory of a computer system. In one embodiment, new information intended for the first memory is received by the computer system from an external source, wherein the first memory is for storing information that is required during startup of the computer system. The new information thus received is stored in a second memory capable of retaining information stored therein upon a restart of the computer system. The computer system is restarted without relying on the new information. The new ROM image can be pre-flighted before it is flashed into ROM. In this embodiment, the new information stored in the second memory can be verified to ensure that it is safe to load the new information into the first memory. When a positive verification result is obtained, the new information is loaded from the second memory into the first memory such that the new information can be used for a subsequent startup of the computer system.

Abstract: A method and system of selecting one set of data from among multiple related data sets and beaming the data set from one handheld electronic device to another handheld electronic device. One embodiment discloses a method and system, which uses multiple cards, one for each category. The transmitter of the business card can transmit a business card from the active category of the device. Upon an attempt to transmit a business card from a category which does not have a pre-selected business card, the system issues a warning providing the user with a selection. The user has choices of sending a business card from any one category with pre-defined business card or sends a pre-defined default business card. In another embodiment, the transmitter of the business card can make a selection of a business card from a number of pre-defined electronic cards in the system and upon review of the business cards on the screen the user may decide to send the selected business card.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a caller identification system and method for identifying a caller with a partial phone number look-up table. The caller identification system comprises a database that stores received calls and can be personalized to include information specific to partial phone numbers. In one embodiment, the caller identification system disclosed can be integrated into a cellular phone. In this embodiment, an incoming call initiates a search in a database to retrieve information about the caller. If a match is found, the identity of the caller is displayed. When an exact match is not found, a search for a partial match is executed with wild card values and information about the partial match is displayed. Information for a partial match can be personalized or pre-programmed into the caller ID system such as the city associated with a particular area code or prefix.

Abstract: A system and method for installing an application on a client device (e.g., a palmtop computer system) communicatively coupled to a host device (e.g., a host computer system). Instead of transferring an application to the client device from another client device, the client device receives a description of the application from the other client device. When the client device and the host device are synchronized, the description is automatically communicated by the client device to the host device, which is also in communication with a source (e.g., an application source). Additional information, such as the type of hardware or the type of operating system used by the client device, is also automatically communicated to the host device by the client device. The host device communicates to the source a specification comprising the description of the application as well as the additional information pertaining to the client device. The host device receives from the source a software element (e.g.

Abstract: Method and system for latency-independent peripheral device identification. In one embodiment, a computer system receives an interrupt from a peripheral device coupled to a computer system communications port. In response, an interrupt notification message is posted alerting a notification handler running on the system. It is determined whether the interrupt is indicates peripheral class compliance. In one embodiment, communications port device sense pin voltage is determinative. If the interrupt indicates peripheral class compliance and the communications port is inactive, the port is opened, and inquiry sent to the peripheral device via the open port. The computer system then waits for response from the peripheral device. If response is received within a predetermined time, identification is posted based on the response, including peripheral device classification information, so that a software handler registered with the operating system can handle the identification message when received.

Abstract: Method and system for latency-independent peripheral device identification. In one embodiment, a computer system receives an interrupt from a peripheral device coupled to a computer system communications port. In response, an interrupt notification message is posted alerting a notification handler running on the system. It is determined whether the interrupt is indicates peripheral class compliance. In one embodiment, communications port device sense pin voltage is determinative. If the interrupt indicates peripheral class compliance and the communications port is inactive, the port is opened, and inquiry sent to the peripheral device via the open port. The computer system then waits for response from the peripheral device. If response is received within a predetermined time, identification is posted based on the response, including peripheral device classification information, so that a software handler registered with the operating system can handle the identification message when received.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting the security of a computer network which is accessed through the use of wireless devices, among other means. Specifically, the present invention pertains to a method of using user-specific biometric data to identify users of wireless devices such as PDAs and yet prevent use by unauthorized persons and prevent changing of the biometric data by unauthorized persons. The method also prevents unauthorized access, and facilitates authorized access, to computer networks. Control of access to the biometric data and control of access to the network can be maintained in the network administrator or other responsible body and thereby also offers security against theft.