Interactive Calendar Messaging for Cross-System Meeting Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic communication systems lack effective tools for coordinating meetings and scheduling with others, leading to inefficiencies, human errors, and missed meetings due to the separation of calendar and communication systems, especially in multiparty appointments.
Innovation Solution
A system that identifies calendar-related data in natural language text, integrates structured data sources, and adds interactive elements to facilitate scheduling tasks, including automatic annotation, visual cues, and dynamic updates in electronic messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If calendar and communication systems are kept separate with limited integration points, then system complexity is reduced and each system can be optimized independently, but scheduling efficiency deteriorates and requires multiple context switches between systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges calendar functionality directly into the electronic message interface by embedding calendar view elements, availability indicators, and scheduling controls within the message composition and viewing areas. This allows users to perform scheduling tasks without leaving the communication context, eliminating context switching while maintaining system independence through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic message system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: communication, calendar viewing, availability checking, and appointment scheduling all within a single interface. The calendar system similarly gains universal access points from multiple communication channels, allowing one system to serve both communication and scheduling purposes effectively.
2Reliability
If manual transcription and context switching are required between systems, then system independence is maintained, but human errors increase and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically populating calendar events with information from electronic messages, pre-checking availability before meeting requests are finalized, and pre-formatting scheduling data. This automated preliminary processing eliminates manual transcription errors and reduces the time users spend on repetitive scheduling tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary layer is introduced that automatically translates and transfers information between communication and calendar systems. This mediator handles data formatting, conflict detection, and synchronization automatically, preventing errors at the interface between systems while maintaining their independence.
3Ease of operation
If conventional separate systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but multiparty coordination becomes difficult and stressful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the traditional calendar interface by embedding it within the electronic message environment. This creates a multi-layered interface where users can access calendar functionality directly from message contexts, providing intuitive visual cues about availability and conflicts without requiring complex system navigation or understanding of multiple separate interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided which that allows users of electronic communication systems and/or calendar systems the ability to suggest meetings to users of different electronic communication systems and/or calendar systems via electronic messages. The system may provide users with the ability to share calendar availability with users of other electronic communication systems and/or calendar systems via electronic message. One aspect of the disclosed system is the fact that users can share interactive calendar information, and propose and confirm tentative meetings and events, with users of different electronic communications and/or calendar systems. Additionally, calendar information that is shared with others may be dynamically updated even after the electronic messages have been sent.