AI Scheduler Resolving Scheduling Conflicts via Dynamic Time Block Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing calendar applications face challenges due to information asymmetry, where all time blocks are considered unalterable, leading to unduly delayed project schedules and loss of productivity in identifying common available time slots, and they lack assistance in effective time management or personal/professional goal alignment.

Innovation Solution

A machine learning algorithm is used to generate project-specific schedule templates, considering user preferences, role importance, and time commitments, to autonomously resolve scheduling conflicts without human arbitration, reducing the need for manual effort and improving productivity by identifying flexible time slots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all time blocks are considered unalterable, then schedule reliability is maintained, but productivity is lost due to unduly delayed project schedules and difficulty in identifying common available time slots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveschedule reliabilityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically classifies time blocks as either flexible or unalterable based on their characteristics and importance. Flexible time blocks can be adjusted to accommodate meeting scheduling needs, while unalterable blocks maintain schedule reliability. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by allowing productivity improvements through flexible blocks while preserving reliability through unalterable blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of time block alterability from a fixed state (all unalterable) to a variable state (flexible or unalterable) based on specific criteria. This parameter change enables the system to optimize both reliability and productivity by selectively adjusting which time blocks can be modified.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If manual arbitration is used to resolve scheduling conflicts, then scheduling accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to the effort spent identifying common available time slots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling accuracyVSAvoidtime spent identifying common available time slots

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically classifying time blocks and resolving scheduling conflicts without requiring manual arbitration. The intelligent agent autonomously identifies flexible versus unalterable blocks and determines optimal meeting times, thereby maintaining scheduling accuracy while eliminating time loss associated with manual conflict resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical process of manual arbitration with an intelligent automated system. The intelligent agent uses algorithms to analyze time blocks, classify them as flexible or unalterable, and resolve conflicts automatically, substituting human effort with computational intelligence to improve efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If calendar applications provide basic scheduling functions, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability is reduced due to lack of assistance in effective time management or personal/professional goal alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The calendar application achieves multi-functionality by combining basic scheduling operations with advanced intelligent capabilities. The system not only schedules meetings but also classifies time blocks, resolves conflicts autonomously, and aligns schedules with personal and professional goals, thereby enhancing adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The intelligent agent acts as an intermediary between the user and the calendar system, providing sophisticated time management assistance. It mediates between basic scheduling needs and complex adaptability requirements by automatically analyzing time blocks, classifying them, and making intelligent scheduling decisions that align with user goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11443285B2Artificial intelligence enabled scheduler and planner

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 DROPBOX INC

AI summary

Aspects of the present invention disclose a method for resolving schedule planning conflicts without human arbitration based on user preferences, user role importance, and user time commitments. The method includes one or more processors generating a schedule of a project. The method further includes identifying a meeting request of the schedule of the project, wherein the meeting request includes a plurality of requested meeting participants. The method further includes identifying respective available time slots of the plurality of requested meeting participants. The method further includes identifying respective roles of the plurality of requested meeting participants. The method further includes determining a first time slot for scheduling the meeting request of the project based at least in part on the available time slots and roles of the plurality of requested meeting participants.