User-input scheduling of synchronization operation on a mobile device based on user activity

Abstract

Data is synchronized between a mobile device and a computing device over a wireless link. Synchronization operations are scheduled according to a synchronization schedule that is based on a current time of day. In one embodiment, the day can be divided into different time periods by the user. The user can also specify the frequency with which synchronization operations are to be performed during each specified period.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A device, comprising:
 at least one processor; and   a memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, perform a method, comprising:   detecting execution of an operation;   determining whether the operation is one of a subset of operations that causes a synchronization operation to be performed when the operation is executed; and   when it is determined that the operation is one of the subset of operations that causes a synchronization operation to be performed, performing the synchronization operation.   
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , further comprising instructions for detecting an input that indicates whether the execution of the operation causes the synchronization to be performed. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 21 , further comprising instructions for scheduling the synchronization operation when it is determined that the operation is not one of the subset of operations. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the operation is performed by an electronic message application. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the operation is one or more of:
 a selection of an electronic message;   sending an electronic message; or   deleting an electronic message   
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 21 , further comprising instructions for associating a time delay with the synchronization operation. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 26 , further comprising instructions for comparing the time delay of the synchronization operation to a time frame associated with the scheduled synchronization operation specified by the synchronization schedule. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 27 , further comprising instructions for executing the scheduled synchronization operation in lieu of the synchronization operation when an amount of time remaining in the time frame is less than the time delay. 
     
     
         29 . A method, comprising:
 receiving, in a user interface, input that provides a synchronization setting for an action associated with a preselected subset of actions;   detecting execution of the action; and   when the synchronization setting indicates a synchronization operation is to be performed when the action is executed, performing the synchronization operation.   
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising determining whether a synchronization schedule is associated with the action. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising performing the synchronization operation prior to a scheduled synchronization operation specified by the synchronization schedule. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the action is associated with an electronic message application executing on the computing device. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the action is one or more of sending an electronic message, replying to a received electronic message; downloading an attachment in an electronic message; generating a meeting request or responding to a meeting request. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising receiving input that changes the synchronization setting. 
     
     
         35 . A computing device, comprising:
 at least one processor; and   a memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, perform a method, comprising:   detecting an operation performed by the computing device;   determining whether the operation is one of a preselected subset of operations for which a synchronization setting has been indicated; and   performing a synchronization operation in response to the operation being performed by the computing device, the performance of the synchronization operation being based, at least in part, on the synchronization setting.   
     
     
         36 . The computing device of  claim 35 , further comprising receiving input that changes the synchronization setting. 
     
     
         37 . The computing device of  claim 35 , wherein the synchronization setting indicates the synchronization operation is preformed substantially immediately after the operation is performed by the computing device. 
     
     
         38 . The computing device of  claim 35 , wherein the synchronization setting indicates the synchronization operation is to be performed according to a schedule. 
     
     
         39 . The computing device of  claim 35 , wherein the operation is associated with an electronic messaging application. 
     
     
         40 . The computing device of  claim 35 , further comprising instructions for providing a user interface on the computing device, the user interface displaying input mechanisms that, when selected, indicate the synchronization setting.