SmartPhone Technologies LLC v. Amazon.Com, Inc., et al

Filing 1

COMPLAINT against Amazon Digital Services, Inc., Amazon.Com, Inc., ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 0540-3263866.), filed by SmartPhone Technologies LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - US 6,950,645 BI, # 2 Exhibit B - US 7,506,064 Bl, # 3 Exhibit C - US RE40,459 E, # 4 Exhibit D - US 6,956,562 BI, # 5 Exhibit E - US 6,466,236 BI, # 6 Civil Cover Sheet)(Ward, Thomas)

111111

1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US006466236Bl

(54)

United States Patent

(10)

Pivowar et ai.

(12)

(45)

Patent No.:
US 6,466,236 BI
Date of Patent:
Oct. 15, 2002

5,809,242 A

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING
AND MANIPULATING MULTIPLE
CALENDARS ON A PERSONAL DIGITAL
ASSISTANT

9/1998 Shaw et al. ................. 709/217

(List continued on next page.)
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
W099/06900

11/1999

Inventors: Alvin Pivowar; Steve Hanrahan; Pete
Grillo, all of Portland, OR (US)

WO

(73)

Assignee: Palm, Inc., Santa Clara, CA (US)

( *)

Notice:

(21)

Appl. No.: 09/288,774

(22)

Filed:

(51)
(52)
(58)

Int. CI? . ... ..... ... ... ... ..... ... ... ... ... ..... ... ... .... G06F 3/00
U.S. CI. ........................ 345/835; 345/864; 345/963
Field of Search ................................. 345/326, 329,
345/333, 334, 339, 340, 348, 350, 351,
352,354,357, 963, 169, 173,700,703,
733, 744, 764, 765, 775, 776, 781, 810,
835,840,843,864,854,866; 705/8, 9

Puma Technology, Intellisync, http://www.pumatech.com/
intellisync.html, Feb. 22, 1999.
TrueSync Technology, TrueSync Tehcnology Platform,
http://www.starfich.com/products/truetech/truetech.html.
Feb. 22, 1999.
When.com, What is When.com?, http://www.when.com.
Apr. 7, 1999.
PointCast, PointCast Network, http://www.pointcast.com/
products/pcn/index.html?homepb, Apr. 7, 1999.
PointCast, PointCast Network, http://www.pointcast.com/
products/pcn/hwork.html?pcnidxbody Apr. 7, 1999.

(75)

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.c. 154(b) by 0 days.

Apr. 8, 1999

References Cited

(56)

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,831,552
5,129,057
5,214,768
5,261,045
5,412,791
5,457,476
5,479,411
5,528,745
5,557,659
5,572,643
5,621,458
5,647,002
5,684,990
5,740,549
5,745,884
5,790,974

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A

* 5/1989 Scully et al. ............... 345/329
* 7/1992 Strope et al. ............... 345/348
5/1993
11/1993
5/1995
* 10/1995
12/1995
* 6/1996
9/1996
11/1996
* 4/1997
7/1997
11/1997
4/1998
4/1998
8/1998

Martin et al. ............... 711/114
Scully ........................ 345/751
Martin et al. ............... 711/114
Jenson ....................... 345/146
Klein ...................... 379/88.13
King et al. ................. 345/326
Hyde-Thompson ...... 379/88.13
Judson ....................... 709/218
Mann et al. ................ 348/232
Brunson ..................... 709/206
Boothby ..................... 707/203
Reilly et al. .................. 705/14
Carnegie et al. .............. 705/34
Tognazzini ................. 701/204

136

140

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Primary Examiner---Crescelle N. dela Torre
(57)

ABSTRACT

A portable, hand-held personal digital assistant is provided
for simultaneously depicting multiple calendars on a single
display. The personal digital assistant includes a portable,
hand-held housing including a top face, a bottom face, and
a side wall therebetween for defining an interior space. An
input device is situated on the top face of the housing for
allowing input of data. Associated therewith is a display
situated on the top face of the housing for depicting data.
Situated in the interior space of the housing is memory for
storing a plurality of calendars each including a plurality of
scheduled matters. Finally, controller is situated in the
interior space of the housing and connected between the
input device, the display, and the memory. The controller
serves for simultaneously depicting a plurality of the calendars on the display. By conveniently displaying the multiple
calendars, the present invention allows a user to more
effectively manipulate the same.
27 Claims, 17 Drawing Sheets

US 6,466,236 BI
Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
5,862,346
5,870,759
5,877,759
5,907,678
5,933,811
5,949,975
5,966,714
5,982,891
5,999,912
6,000,000
6,009,410
6,011,537
6,014,502

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A

*

1/1999
2/1999
3/1999
5/1999
8/1999
9/1999
10/1999
11/1999
12/1999
12/1999
12/1999
1/2000
1/2000

Kley .......................... 709/245
Bauer et al. ................ 707/201
Bauer ......................... 345/339
Housel, III et al. ......... 709/213
Angles et al. ................ 705/14
Batty et al. ................. 709/213
Huang ........................ 707/201
Ginter et al. ................. 705/54
Wodarz et al. ................ 705/14
Hawkins et al. ............ 707/201
LeMole et al. ............... 705/14
Slotznick .................... 345/733
Moraes ....................... 709/219

6,023,708
6,026,369
6,026,371
6,034,621
6,034,661
6,034,683
6,058,415
6,101,480
6,131,096
6,131,116
6,138,245
6,151,606
6,161,146

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A

*
*

* cited by examiner

2/2000
2/2000
2/2000
3/2000
3/2000
3/2000
5/2000
8/2000
10/2000
10/2000
10/2000
11/2000
12/2000

Mendez ...................... 707/203
Capek ......................... 705/14
Beck et al. ................... 705/14
Kaufman ................... 340/7.21
Servan-Scheiber et al. . 345/668
Mansour et al. ............ 345/339
Polcyn ....................... 709/200
Conmy et al. ................. 705/9
Ng .............................. 707/10
Riggins ...................... 709/219
Son et al. ................... 713/400
Mendez ...................... 707/201
Kley .......................... 709/248

u.s.

Patent

Sheet 1 of 17

Oct. 15, 2002

US 6,466,236 BI

100

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140
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142

144

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FIG.3A

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US 6,466,236 BI

Sheet 4 of 17

Oct. 15, 2002

302

CAL
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(V NAME)

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NAME

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Oct. 15, 2002

(DEFAULT) 150
CALENDAR
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Patent

Oct. 15, 2002

START IN
NORMAL
MODE
(PRIMARY CAL)

US 6,466,236 BI

Sheet 6 of 17

400

402

408
HANDLE
SINGLE VIEW
EVENT FOR
APPROPRIATE CALENDAR

HANDLE
MULTIPLE
VIEW

MULTIPLE [!]
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NO

HANDLE
SELECT
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NO

412
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US 6,466,236 BI

Sheet 7 of 17

Oct. 15, 2002

408

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CALENDARS ARE
ACTIVE

500

HANDLE
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508
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512
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NO

YES
514
NO

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518

516
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506

u.s.

Patent

Oct. 15, 2002

Sheet 8 of 17

516

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US 6,466,236 BI

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Oct. 15, 2002

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u.s. Patent

Oct. 15, 2002

US 6,466,236 BI

Sheet 10 of 17

412

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802
800

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804

806

CHANGE SELECTORS
AS INDICATED

808
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810

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FIG. 8

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SELECTED
ONE
CALENDAR

u.s. Patent

Oct. 15, 2002

128

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US 6,466,236 BI

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2

a plurality of users may be networked to a single computer,
or server, which stores calendars for the users. During
operation, each of the users may utilize the server in order
to access and manipulate his or her calendar. One example
5 of this can be found on the Internet, wherein various client
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
computers may be connected to the Internet and access one
APPLICATIONS
of a plurality of calendars on a single server via a web site.
The Internet has also allowed multiple users to access a
The present application is related to co-pending applicasingle shared group calendar. Such system permits each user
tions entitled "System and Method for Synchronizing Mul10 to view and edit various scheduled matters on the single
tiple Calendars over a Wide Area Network" by Inventors
calendar. As an option, an electronic message may be sent to
Alvin Pivowar, Steve Hanrahan and Pete Grillo, Ser. No.
each of the users of the group each time the shared group
09/289,764, filed concurrently herewith, and incorporated
calendar is edited.
herein by reference; "System and Method for Sharing Data
In sharp contrast, PDA's currently do not allow the
Among a Plurality of Personal Digital Assistants" by Inven- 15
display, let alone the storage of multiple calendars. This is a
tors Alvin Pivowar, Steve Hanrahan and Pete Grillo, Ser. No.
result of both the limited intended purpose of PDA's and
09/289,771, filed concurrently herewith, and incorporated
also various technical limitations. For instance, PDA's are
herein by reference; "System and Method for Synchronizing
traditionally employed for the storage and manipulation of
Data Among a Plurality of Users Via an Intermittently
Accessed Network" by Inventors Alvin Pivowar, Steve 20 personal data, hence the name personal digital assistant. As
such, PDA's conventionally allows the storage of only a
Hanrahan and Pete Grillo, Ser. No. 09/289,769, filed consingle personal calendar.
currently herewith, and incorporated herein by reference;
Even if the storage of multiple calendars on a PDA were
and "System and Method for Advertising during a Data
desired, many technical obstacles prevent such implemenTransfer Process" by Inventors Alvin Pivowar, Steve Hanrahan and Pete Grillo, Ser. No. 09/289,273, filed concur- 25 tation. This is at least partly due to the portable nature of
PDA's which mandates that the various components of
rently herewith, and incorporated herein by reference.
PDA's, including the displays, are extremely compact. This
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
feature tends to preclude a feasible method of displaying the
multiple calendars in a way that such information may be
The present invention relates generally to displaying
effectively read and manipulated.
30
calendars on personal digital assistants and, more
Up to now, the intended purpose and various technical
particularly, to a system and method for effectively controllimitations of PDA's has restricted the use of only one
ling the presentation and manipulation of calendars on a
calendar per PDA. This has limited PDA users to only
personal digital assistant.
organizing his or her own scheduled matters without regard
to the scheduled matters of others. Inherent in this limited
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
35
system is a potential for increased disorganization amongst
Personal digital assistants, or PDA's, are commonly
various PDA owners who interact in normal everyday life.
known hand-held computers that can be used to store,
There is thus a need a system and method for storing
display, and/or manipulate various personal information
multiple calendars on a PDA and further allowing the
including, but not limited to contact information, calendar
display of such calendars to enable effective retrieval,
information, etc. Such information can be downloaded from 40 addition, modification, and deletion of the calendars.
other computer systems, or can be inputted by way of a
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
stylus and pressure sensitive screen of the PDA or any other
type of input device such as a mechanical keyboard or a
A portable, hand-held personal digital assistant (PDA) is
voice recognition module. Examples of PDA's are the
provided for simultaneously depicting multiple calendars on
Palm™ computer of 3Com Corporation, and Microsoft 45
a single display. The PDA includes a portable, hand-held
CETM computers which are each available from a variety of
housing including a top face, a bottom face, and a side wall
vendors.
therebetween for defining an interior space. An input device
Unlike PDA's, conventional desktop computers, in the
is situated on the top face of the housing for allowing input
past, have allowed the storage and manipulation of multiple 50 of data. Associated therewith is a display situated on the top
calendars thereon. This capability has been prompted by the
face of the housing for depicting data. Situated in the interior
fact that desktop computers are commonly utilized by mulspace of the housing is memory for storing a plurality of
tiple users. Further, desktop computers are traditionally
calendars each including a plurality of scheduled matters.
equipped with the technical features that are necessary to
Finally, control circuitry is situated in the interior space of
enable such functionality.
55 the housing and connected between the input device, the
For example, a desktop computer commonly runs softdisplay, and the memory. The control circuitry serves for
ware that is capable of allowing various users to share a total
simultaneously depicting a plurality of the calendars on the
capacity of the computer. This may be done by allowing
display. The controller is further adapted for executing
each user to log on and retrieve, add, modify, and delete
multiple methods to facilitate the simultaneous display of
information, i.e. calendars, that are unique to such user. In 60 the calendars on the display of the PDA. By conveniently
terms of technical features, desktops are equipped with an
displaying the multiple calendars, the present invention
abundance of memory which may be allocated to the calallows a user to more effectively manipulate the same.
endars of each of the different users. Also, screens of desktop
In order to allow the storage, display, and manipulation of
computers are typically have larger than 12" in size. This
the calendars, the calendars and scheduled matters may be
even allows multiple calendars to be displayed if desired. 65 stored in separate calendar databases. Further included is a
Networking of computers has augmented the number of
common database including a plurality of identification data
calendars that may be stored on one computer. For instance,
sets each corresponding to the calendar of one of the
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING
AND MANIPULATING MULTIPLE
CALENDARS ON A PERSONAL DIGITAL
ASSISTANT

US 6,466,236 Bl

3

4

calendar databases. Such identification data sets each
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operation 516 of FIG. 5
include attributes corresponding to the associated calendar
in greater detail;
database. Examples of such attributes may indicate that one
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations 410 and 506
of the calendars is selected, a primary calendar, read only,
of FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, in greater detail;
and/or a foreign calendar. In operation, the calendars of the 5
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating operation 412 FIG. 4 in
calendar databases in accordance with the attributes that are
greater detail;
stored in the common database.
FIG. 9Ais an illustration of a user interface display of the
Further, various methods may be employed to display the
present invention showing a single calendar in increments of
calendars to allow more effective manipulation. For
10 hours;
example, in one embodiment of the present invention, at
FIG. 9B is an illustration of a user interface display of the
least one calendar is depicted along with a plurality of icons
present invention showing a pair of calendars in increments
each corresponding to increments of time, i.e. hours, days,
of hours along with a marked duration of a scheduled matter;
and weeks. Next, the present invention allows the selection
FIG. 9C is an illustration of a user interface display of the
of one of the icons after which the calendar is divided into
increments of time corresponding to the selected icon. As an 15 present invention showing window for selecting which
calendars are to be displayed simultaneously;
option, the selected icon is enlarged upon a plurality of
FIG. 9D is an illustration of a user interface display of the
calendars being displayed simultaneously.
present invention showing window for selecting which
In another embodiment, upon the selection of a desigcalendars are to be displayed simultaneously, wherein an
nated icon, a window is depicted which identifies each of the
20 additional calendar is selected by way of a check box;
calendars and allows the selection of the calendars by way
FIG. 9E is an illustration of a user interface display of the
of any graphical interface such as check boxes. Thereafter,
present invention showing three calendars in increments of
the selected calendars are displayed. While the selected
hours, wherein the sections corresponding to each increment
calendars are being displayed, any of the selected calendars
of time is augmented since a large number of calendars are
may be replaced with another calendar using a pull-down
25 displayed at once;
window.
FIG. 9F is an illustration of a user interface display of the
In yet another embodiment, each calendar that is dispresent invention showing one calendar in increments of
played is divided into sections corresponding to increments
hours with a marked duration of a scheduled matter along
of time. Further, the scheduled matters are depicted in the
with descriptive text; and
sections. In use, a size of the sections is altered as a function
30
of a number of the calendars simultaneously depicted so as
FIG. 9G is an illustration of a user interface display of the
to allow a sufficient amount of space for depicting the
present invention showing a pull-down window for selecting
scheduled matters.
one of the calendars to be displayed.
In accordance with still yet another embodiment, a user is
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
allowed to move the scheduled matters of one of the 35
EMBODIMENTS
calendars to another one of the calendars. This may be
accomplished by dragging the scheduled matter on the
With reference to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the
display between the calendars.
present invention includes a personal digital assistant (PDA)
100. As shown, the PDA 100 includes portable, hand-held
These and other advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed 40 housing 102 having a top face, a bottom face, and a side wall
therebetween for defining an interior space. Situated on the
description and studying the various figures of the drawings.
top face of the housing 102 is an input device 104 which is
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
adapted for allowing input of data. Associated therewith are
a plurality of pushbuttons 108 also for input purposes. A
The foregoing and other objects, aspects, and advantages
are better understood from the following detailed description 45 display 110 is situated on the top face of the housing 102 for
depicting data. It should be noted that the pushbuttons 108,
of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to
input device 104, and/or the display 110 may be amalgamthe drawings, in which:
ated into a single device.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the personal digital
As shown in FIG. 2, memory 112 is typically situated in
assistant of one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the interconnec- 50 the interior space of the housing 102. In use, the memory 112
serves for storing a plurality of calendars each including
tion of the various electrical components of the personal
multiple scheduled matters. As shown, the memory 112 may
digital assistant of FIG. 1;
take the form of a DRAM or ROM. Also included is a
FIG. 3Ais an illustration of a user interface display of the
controller 113 situated in the interior space of the housing
present invention showing the various features associated
102 and connected between the input device 104, the display
55
therewith;
110, and the memory 112 via at least one bus 116. It should
FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a method of displaying
be noted that the controller 113 may include a microprocesmultiple calendars on a display the personal digital assistant
sor and accompanying software stored in the memory 112.
of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
Alternatively, the controller 113 may take the form of any
invention;
60 hardware and/or software combination that is capable of
FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating a data structure in
controlling the various components of the present invention
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
in order to carry out the intended functions.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of simultaIn one embodiment, the PDA 100 may include a handneously displaying multiple calendars on a display of the
held Palm™ PDA available from 3Com Corporation or a
personal digital assistant of FIG. 1;
65 Microsoft CETM computer. In the alternative, the PDA may
take the form of any other type of portable data storage
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating operation 408 of FIG. 4
in greater detail;
module which is capable storing, editing, and/or synchro-

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nizing sets of personal data. This may be accomplished by
allowing the selection of multiple calendars to be displayed
any type of I/O mechanisms including, but not limited to a
simultaneously in the third state 304.
display 110, a plurality of push buttons, a keyboard, a data
In the third state 304, the pull-down icon 134 of any of the
port, an electronic writing pad using a stylus 106, a voice
calendar headings 132 can be used in a manner similar to
recognition unit, and/or any other type of I/O device capable 5 that in the previous states in order to select one of the
of inputting and/or outputting personal data. It should be
available calendars in place of the currently displayed calnoted that any of the foregoing I/O devices may be mechaniendars. Further, the calendar headings 132 may be selected
cal in nature or, in the alternative, be incorporated into a
for reverting to the second state 302, herein a single calendar
"touch-sensitive" display.
is displayed.
During use of the PDA 100 of the present invention, 10
As shown in FIG. 3B, in each of the states, the calendars
various features are displayed during operation in a "calenmay be divided into various selected increments of hours,
dar" mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A the display
days, and weeks. It should be noted that the calendars may
110 generally includes a header 120 including a day selector
include any type of calendars including a sports calendar, a
bar 122 having a plurality of day select icons 124, a current
personal calendar, a work-related calendar, and/or another
date field 126, and a calendar select icon 128. Below the 15 person's calendar. Such calendars may be manually
header 120 is a plurality of data fields 129 each correspondinputted, downloaded, or synchronized in any fashion.
ing to specific times which are identified by time identifiers
FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating a data structure
130. The data fields 129 also have a calendar heading 132
which facilitates the display of multiple calendars on a
and an associated pull-down icon 134 positioned there above
display 110 of the PDA 100 of FIG. 1. In order to facilitate
for reasons that will become apparent hereinafter.
20 handling the various calendars stored within the PDA 100,
With continuing reference to FIG. 3A, positioned along a
each of the calendars and associated scheduled matters may
lower portion of the display 110 is a time increment selector
be stored in separate databases 150. Further, a common
bar 136 including three time increment icons 140 each
database 152 may be provided including a plurality of
corresponding to a unique time increment. Ideally, the icons
identification data sets each corresponding to the calendar of
of the time increment selector bar 136 include three squares 25 one of the calendar databases.
each having a number of indicia elements that corresponds
In one embodiment, each identification data set includes
to an associated time increment. It should be noted that when
a system name, i.e. CALO, CALI, CAL2, etc.; a username,
selected, the day select icons 124, time increment icons 140,
i.e. Willie Mills, Dave Davies, etc.; and a plurality of
and time identifiers 130 may be highlighted or otherwise 30 attributes. As shown in FIG. 3C, such attributes may indidistinguished with respect to the remaining icons and idencates that one of the calendars is selected, a primary calendar
tifiers. Also shown in FIG. 3Ais a new button 142, a details
(default), read only, or a foreign calendar. It should be noted
button 144, and a goto button 146.
that the attributes may be selectively determined by the user
It should be noted that while the calendars are being
or automatically assigned depending on a source of the
displayed, a user may utilize anyone or more of the I/O 35 associated calendar. In use, the common database may be
devices to create, edit, modify various aspects of the calenreferenced to display the calendars of the calendar databases
dar information such as data, security rights, or sharing
in accordance with the attributes. Further, the common
rights. In various alternate embodiments, the foregoing
database allows the scheduled matters to be shared among
principles may also be applied to other information such as
the calendar databases.
contact information.
It should be noted that the data structure of FIG. 3C is
40
FIG. 3B generally shows the operation of one embodifurther critical for allowing the features of the present
ment of the present invention. In use, the controller of the
invention to be utilized with PDA's that are capable of
PDA 100 is adapted for allowing a user to simultaneously
handling only a single calendar. This backwards compatdepict a plurality of the calendars 146 on the display 110.
ibility is enabled by allowing the data of each of the
This is accomplished by permitting operation in a plurality 45 calendars including the original calendar to be stored indeof states. For example, in a first state 300, a single primary,
pendently. The correlation data in the form of attributes, on
or default, calendar is displayed. A second state 302 is used
the other hand, is stored in a separate common database.
to depict a single calendar other than the primary calendar.
FIG. 4 shows a more detailed flowchart of the method of
In still yet another state, a third state 304, a plurality of
simultaneously depicting a plurality of the calendars on the
calendars may be depicted.
50 display. In operation 400 of FIG. 4, the primary calendar, as
During use, a user may maneuver between the various
indicated by the attributes, is displayed, as shown in FIG.
states by selecting certain items on the PDA 100. For
9A. Next, in decisions 402 and 404, a wait loop is executed
example, while in the first state 300, a user may shift to the
until a multiple-view event, i.e. an event that requires the
second state by selecting the pull-down icon 134 which in
display of multiple calendars, is detected. If such event is not
turn provides a pull-down window for allowing the selection 55 detected, the display continues normally in operation 406 of
of any available calendars in place of the primary calendar
FIG. 4. Note FIG. 9A.
in the second state 302. In the alternative, the calendar select
If, however, a multiple-view event is detected, it is then
icon 128 may be selected which provides a separate full-size
determined which type of multiple-view event has taken
window for allowing the selection of multiple calendars to
place. It should be noted that a multiple-view event may
be displayed simultaneously in the third state 304. Further 60 include the selection of the calendar select icon 128, one of
details regarding the operation of the pull-down window and
the time increment icons 140, or the pull-down icon 134. If
full-size window will be set forth later.
it is determined that one of the time increment icons 140 was
While in the second state 302, the pull-down icon 134
selected in decision 404, the multiple views are handled in
may be used in a manner similar to that in the first state 300
operation 408. If, on the other hand, it is determined that the
in order to select one of the available calendars in place of 65 calendar select icon 128 was selected in decision 404, the
selected calendars are handled in operation 410. Finally, if it
the currently displayed calendar. Further, the calendar select
icon 128 may be selected to provide the full-size window for
is determined that the pull-down icon 134 was selected in

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decision 404, the calendars are picked in operation 412.
the pull-down icon 134 was selected. As shown, it is first
Additional details regarding operations 4S, 410, and 412 will
determined whether the calendar associated with the pullbe set forth hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 5, 7, and S.
down icon 134 is a primary calendar in decision SOO. If so,
then any selected calendar is shown in addition to the
FIG. 5 is a more detailed flowchart delineating the method
associated with the operation 40S shown in FIG. 4 when one 5 primary calendar in operation S02. If, however, the calendar
associated with the pull-down icon 134 is not a primary
of the time increment icons 140 is selected. As shown in
calendar and there are not many calendars that are selected(l
FIG. 5, it is first determined which calendars are active, or
or 2), then a pull-down window S03 is displayed in operation
selected, in operation 500 after which such active calendars
S04. Note FIG. 9G. Thereafter, a new calendar may be
are displayed side-by-side in operation 502 and divided into
the time increments associated with the time increment icon 10 selected in operation S06 after which such selected calendar
replaces the previous calendar in operation SOS in the
that was selected. In other words, the calendar(s) is divided
corresponding section of the display. Finally, the pull-down
into increments of time corresponding to one of the time
window is disabled in operation S10.
increment icons 140 that is currently selected. As an option,
With specific reference now to FIGS. 9A-9G, various
the selected icon may be altered, i.e. enlarged, upon a
plurality of calendars being displayed simultaneously, 15 graphical user interfaces are shown that may occur during
use of the present invention. FIG. 9A depicts a single
wherein the selected time increment icon is augmented as a
calendar divided into increments of hours. As shown, the
function of a number of the calendars being displayed
time increment icons 140 of the time increment selector bar
simultaneously. Note, for example, FIGS. 9B and 9E.
136 are of a similar size when a single calendar is displayed.
With continuing reference to FIG. 5, after the selected
FIG. 9B shows a pair of calendars displayed simultacalendars are displayed, it is then determined in decision 504 20
neously in a side-by-side relationship and each divided into
whether the calendar select icon 12S has been selected. If so,
increments of hours. It should be noted that the time
the selected calendars are handled in operation 506. If not,
increment icon 140 that corresponds to the increments of
it is then determined in decision 50S whether a specific time,
hours is enlarged since multiple calendars are displayed.
i.e. date, has been selected. If so, then a portion of the
process is repeated. If a specific time is not determined in 25 Further, a time duration bar 900 is included for indicating a
time period during which a scheduled matter is arranged.
decision 50S, it is determined in decision 510 whether one
of the time increment icons 140 has been selected. If so, the
FIG. 9C depicts the full-size window 701 which displays
present method ceases. If not, however, it is then determined
all of the calendars available to be picked. As shown,
whether a calendar heading 132 or an event, i.e. scheduled
checkboxes 703 are available to facilitate such selection. As
matter, has been selected in decisions 512 and 514, respec- 30 mentioned earlier, in order for the full-size window 701 to
tively. Thereafter, the calendar heading 132 or event is
be displayed, the calendar select icon 12S of FIG. 3A must
be selected. FIG. 9D also shows the full-size window 701,
handled in operations 516 and 51S, respectively.
but with an additional selected calendar. As shown, selection
FIG. 6 is a more detailed flowchart illustrating the method
associated with operation 516 shown in FIG. 5. In particular, 35 of a calendar is facilitated by way of a highlight bar 903.
FIG. 9E depicts three calendars displayed simultaneously
as shown in decision 600 of FIG. 6, it is first determined
in a side-by-side relationship and each divided into increwhether there is more than one calendar displayed on the
ments of hours. As shown, the sections of each calendar are
PDA 100 or, in other words, whether the present invention
enlarged to compensate for the smaller areas in which the
is operating in the third state 304 of FIG. 3B. If the present
invention is operating in the third state 304, details relating 40 calendars are fitted. In the present display, the time increment icon 140 that corresponds to the increments of hours is
to the instant event, or scheduled matter, are presented in an
enlarged.
unillustrated pop-up window in operation 602. At that point,
the user may decide whether to move the instant event in
FIG. 9F shows a single calendar similar to that of 9A with
decision 604. If so, in operation 606, the event may be
the exception of an open appointment icon 902 that indicates
moved to another one of the simultaneously displayed 45 that a specific time period is open. FIG. 9G is an illustration
calendars by dragging the scheduled matter on the display
showing the pull-down window S03 which may be accessed
between the calendars using the stylus 106 or any other input
by selecting the pull-down icon 134. In one embodiment, the
device.
pull-down window requires only a part of the display 110 of
the PDA 100. As shown, a currently selected calendar is
With continuing reference to FIG. 6, it is shown that the
events, or scheduled matters, of the calendars may be 50 indicated by way of a highlight bar 904.
modified. This is accomplished by first determining whether
While various embodiments have been described above,
the detail button 144 has been selected in decision 60S. If it
it should be understood that they have been presented by
has, the event is displayed in operation 610 for modification
way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth
if desired in operation 612.
and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited
FIG. 7 is a more detailed flowchart delineating the method 55 by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, but
should be defined only in accordance with the following
associated with operations 410 and 506 shown in FIGS. 4
claims and their equivalents.
and 5, respectively, when the calendar select icon 12S is
What is claimed is:
selected. Upon such selection, a window 701 is displayed
1. A portable data storage module for simultaneously
which identifies each of the calendars. Note FIGS. 9C and
9D. As indicated in decision 700 and operation 702, a user 60 depicting multiple calendars on a single display comprising:
a portable, hand-held housing including a top face, a
may select among the calendars by toggling through the
bottom face, and a side wall therebetween for defining
identifiers and using the check boxes 703 of the window.
an interior space;
Thereafter, the calendars may be edited, added, or moved in
operations 704 using a new button 706, edit button 70S, and
an input device situated on the top face of the housing and
a pair of arrow buttons 710.
adapted for allowing input of data;
65
a display situated on the top face of the housing and
Finally, FIG. S is a more detailed flowchart delineating the
method associated with operation 412 shown in FIG. 4 when
adapted for depicting data;

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memory situated in the interior space of the housing for
15. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the
storing a plurality of calendars each including a pluwindow is enabled upon selecting an icon.
rality of scheduled matters; and
16. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the
window is a pull-down window.
a controller situated in the interior space of the housing
and connected between the input device, the display, 5
17. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein each
calendar that is selected is given a calendar heading.
and the memory, the controller suitable for simulta18. Amethod for controlling the presentation of a plurality
neously depicting a plurality of the calendars on the
of calendars on a display of a portable data storage module
display.
comprising the operations of:
2. The portable data storage module as recited in claim 1,
wherein the scheduled matters are depicted on the display 10
storing various calendars within a portable data storage
with each calendar.
module in separate databases;
3. The portable data storage module as recited in claim 1,
depicting a plurality of calendars simultaneously on a
wherein the calendars are divided into increments of hours.
display of a portable data storage module, the display
4. The portable data storage module as recited in claim 1,
situated on a top face of the portable data storage
wherein the calendars are divided into increments of days. 15
module, wherein each calendar is divided into sections
5. The portable data storage module as recited in claim 1,
corresponding to increments of time and scheduled
wherein the calendars are divided into increments of weeks.
matters are depicted in the sections; and
6. The portable data storage module as recited in claim 1,
altering a size of the sections as a function of a number of
wherein the controller is suitable for manipulating the calthe calendars simultaneously depicted.
20
endars.
19. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein the size of
7. A method for controlling the presentation of at least one
the sections is inversely proportional to the number of
calendar on a display of a portable data storage module
calendars simultaneously depicted.
comprising the operations of:
20. Amethod for controlling the presentation of a plurality
storing various calendars within a portable data storage 25 of calendars on a display of a portable data storage module
module in separate databases,
comprising the operations of:
depicting at least one calendar on a display of a portable
storing various calendars within a portable data storage
data storage module, the display situated on a top face
module in separate databases;
of the portable data storage module;
depicting a plurality of calendars with scheduled matters
depicting a plurality of icons each corresponding to 30
on a display of a portable data storage module, the
increments of time selected from the group of incredisplay situated on a top face of the portable data
ments of time including hours, days, and weeks;
storage module; and
allowing the selection of one of the icons; and
allowing movement of the scheduled matter of one of the
dividing the at least one calendar into increments of time
calendars to another one of the calendars.
35
corresponding to one of the icons that is selected.
21. The method as recited in claim 20, wherein scheduled
8. The method as recited in claim 7, and further comprismatter is moved by dragging the scheduled matter on the
ing the operation of:
display between the calendars.
22. A method for simultaneously depicting multiple calaltering one of the icons upon a plurality of calendars
being displayed simultaneously.
endars on a display of a portable data storage module
9. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the selected 40 comprising the operations of:
icon is altered upon a plurality of the calendars being
providing a plurality of calendar databases each including
displayed simultaneously.
a calendar having a plurality of scheduled matters;
10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the selected
providing a common database including a plurality of
icon is altered as a function of a number of the calendars
identification data sets each corresponding to the cal45
being displayed simultaneously.
endar of one of the calendar databases, the identifica11. A method for controlling the presentation of a plurality
tion data sets each including attributes corresponding to
of calendars on a display of a portable data storage module
the calendar database; and
comprising the operations of:
displaying the calendars of the calendar databases on a top
storing various calendars within a portable data storage 50
face of the portable data storage module in accordance
module in separate databases;
with the attributes.
providing a window on a display of a portable data storage
23. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein one of the
module which identifies each of the calendars, the
attributes indicates that one of the calendars is selected.
display situated on a top face of the portable data
24. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein one of the
storage module;
55 attributes indicates that one of the calendars is a primary
calendar.
allowing the selection of the identified calendars dis25. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein one of the
played in the window; and
attributes indicates that one of the calendars is read only.
simultaneously displaying all of the selected calendars.
26. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein one of the
12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein upon a
plurality of calendars being selected, each of the selected 60 attributes indicates that one of the calendars is a foreign
calendar.
calendars are depicted simultaneously.
27. The method as recited in claim 22, and further
13. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein upon a
comprising the operation of:
plurality of calendars being selected, one of the selected
calendars may be replaced with another calendar.
manipulating the calendars of the calendar databases.
14. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the 65
selection of the calendars is executed using check boxes.
* * * * *