The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatuses for synchronizing device information, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for synchronizing device information between two or more electronic devices, including portable electronic devices, such as laptops, palm pads, consumer electronic devices, etc.
Synchronizing information between electronic devices is generally known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,329 discloses a system for automatic synchronization of common files between a portable computer and a host computer. This system enables information synchronization between a portable computer and a desktop computer, in which the synchronization occurs either based on a time schedule or during a boot-up sequence or when the portable computer is physically connected to the cradle, which in turn is directly connected to the host computer.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,390 discloses another method for reconciling data between two computers.
There are many applications for such information synchronization. For example, certain PALM PILOT based contacts information can be synchronized with personal computer-based OUTLOOK contacts information. However, there are some problems with this process.
One problem is that the synchronization process is user initiated, so the process does not always get completed in a timely fashion. Another is that the interfacing elements, such as cables and connectors, may be required—a disincentive to synchronization. Yet another problem is that common data fields can be updated in both environments prior to synchronization, which may facilitate the destruction of some data.
The present invention is therefore directed to the problem of simplifying information synchronization between multiple electronic devices.