Calendar App Event Location Mapping via Contact Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication devices with calendar applications cannot map event locations if the meeting request or appointment lacks sufficient address information, as they rely solely on specified event location data.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying a contact associated with the event, determining their address information, and using it as a proxy to generate a map or provide directions, even if the event location is not directly specified, by accessing address books or corporate directories and utilizing GPS coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the calendar application relies solely on specified event location data to map event locations, then the mapping function works accurately when address information is provided, but it cannot map event locations when the meeting request or appointment lacks sufficient address information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by automatically retrieving address information from contacts associated with the event (such as organizers or attendees) when the event location is not explicitly specified. This intermediary contact information serves as a bridge to obtain the necessary location data, enabling the mapping function to work even when direct address information is missing from the event details.
2Ease of operation
If the user manually downloads maps using web-based mapping applications, then the event location can be mapped, but this requires switching applications and is not integrated into the calendar application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mapping functionality directly into the calendar application by integrating with the device's GPS and contact management systems. This allows users to obtain event location maps and directions without switching to separate web-based mapping applications, as the calendar application itself now provides comprehensive location services by combining event data, contact information, and GPS capabilities.
3Reliability
If the calendar application requests address information for every event without location data, then it can obtain maps, but this requires additional user input and slows down the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically retrieving address information from associated contacts before the user needs to view or navigate to the event location. The system proactively queries contact databases using event participant information to obtain location data in advance, eliminating the need for users to manually input addresses and reducing the time required to access event location maps.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mapping a location of an event that is scheduled in a calendar application includes steps of identifying a contact associated with the event, determining address information associated with the contact, obtaining map data for the address information, and generating a map of the location associated with the contact based on the map data. Meeting or event locations can thus be mapped even if there is no event location or address information specified directly in the meeting request or appointment.