Calendar File Suggestion System Using Event Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inefficiencies in finding relevant emails and files related to calendar events, as current methods require manual searches using keywords and dates, which are time-consuming and cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that suggest and display relevant files and emails based on calendar event information, using a suggestion module that searches databases and links files to calendar events, allowing users to view suggested files directly from the calendar application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual search methods using keywords and dates are used to find relevant emails and files, then users can locate relevant information, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of finding relevant filesVSAvoidtime to retrieve files
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically searching for and retrieving relevant emails and files associated with calendar events before the user needs them. The file retrieval system proactively identifies and prepares relevant documents based on calendar event data, eliminating the need for users to manually search afterward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary file retrieval system that acts as a mediator between the calendar application and the user. This intermediary automatically processes calendar event information, searches for related files using multiple criteria (attendees, subject matter, attachments, dates), and presents relevant results to the user, thereby eliminating direct manual searching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If users manually search for relevant information using keywords and dates, then they can find needed files, but the number of steps required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to find relevant filesVSAvoidnumber of steps to retrieve files
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple file search operations into a single integrated process. Instead of requiring users to separately search by keywords, dates, attendees, and attachments, the system combines all these search criteria into one unified automated operation that retrieves relevant files through a single user action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The file retrieval system performs self-service by automatically executing the entire file search and retrieval process without requiring user intervention in each step. The system independently analyzes calendar event data, applies multiple search criteria, filters results, and presents relevant files to users autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the system automatically suggests files based on calendar event information, then user efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser efficiency in retrieving filesVSAvoidcomplexity of file retrieval system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the file retrieval system into distinct functional modules: a calendar event data extractor that retrieves event information, a multi-criteria search engine that queries different databases (emails, documents, attachments), a result filtering and ranking system, and a user interface presenter. This modular segmentation manages system complexity by organizing functions into independent, manageable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The file retrieval system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various types of calendar events (meetings, appointments, conferences) and search for different file types (emails, documents, presentations, attachments) using a single unified system. This universality improves productivity by eliminating the need for separate specialized tools while the modular architecture manages the inherent complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10475000B2Systems and methods for providing files in relation to a calendar event
Publication Date: 2019.11.12 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD
  • US10475000B2 patent drawing
  • US10475000B2 patent drawing
  • US10475000B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for providing suggested files in relation to a calendar event. An electronic device receives an input related to the calendar event. Calendar event information, such as attendees, subject, and the date, are obtained. A search is performed for files related to the calendar event information. The related files can be ordered or ranked according to confidence values. The files are then displayed as suggestions. Links between suggested files and the calendar event are also formed.