초록 ▼

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

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A handheld computer for communication with a host computer,both the handheld and host computers having a plurality of files including at least one common file, each computer having a copy of the common file, the handheld computer comprising:a handheld computer housing;a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A handheld computer for communication with a host computer,both the handheld and host computers having a plurality of files including at least one common file, each computer having a copy of the common file, the handheld computer comprising:a handheld computer housing;an infrared port disposed in the housing, the infrared port operable to establish a communication channel with the host computer;at least one other communications port including a modem operable to establish a communication channel with the host computer;a display screen disposed in an upper surface of the handheld computer housing; a processor disposed in said handheld computer housing;a pen device to interface with the display screen to provide user input to the processor; anda memory coupled to the processor, the memory containing:a set of computer instructions for causing a synchronization routine with the host computer to be initiated by establishing a communication channel with the host computer and to receive approval from a user to establish a communication channel via the modem and the host computer before incurring a charge if establishing a communication channel via the modem includes a charge; anda set of computer instructions including common file comparison initiation instructions that, when executed, (a) effect comparison between corresponding entries in the handheld computer common file and in the host computer common file, (b) displays conflicting entries in said common files on said display screen, and (c) in response to user selection of one of said conflicting entries updates the common file which did not contain the user selected entry, thereby to synchronize that entry in both of said common files.