Calendar App Proximity Event Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calendar applications on portable electronic devices cannot effectively display and manage both time-dependent and proximity-dependent events in a unified manner, lacking a seamless method to convert proximity-dependent events into time-dependent events for reminders.
Innovation Solution
A calendar application that integrates time-dependent and proximity-dependent events, allowing proximity-dependent events to be converted into time-dependent events based on device IDs, with proximity reminders generated when devices are in short-range radio frequency communication range, and enabling conversion into meetings or appointments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a calendar application displays both time-dependent events and proximity-dependent events separately, then the application can manage each event type independently, but the user experience is fragmented and management efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges time-dependent events and proximity-dependent events into a single unified calendar application interface. The system displays both event types together in the same calendar view, allowing users to manage all events in one place rather than switching between separate applications or views. This unification improves ease of operation by consolidating event management while the underlying system maintains separate handling mechanisms for each event type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proximity-dependent events remain as separate event types, then the application can trigger proximity-based reminders, but the events cannot be converted into scheduled time-dependent events for follow-up actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic event conversion where proximity-dependent events can be transformed into time-dependent events based on user interaction. When a proximity event is triggered, the system offers the user the option to convert it into a scheduled time-dependent event with specific timing and duration. This dynamic conversion capability allows the system to adapt to different user needs while preserving event information through the conversion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for event conversion in advance by storing all necessary event details (subject, location, participants) when the proximity-dependent event is initially created. This preliminary data capture ensures that when conversion to a time-dependent event occurs, all essential information is already available and can be automatically transferred, preventing information loss during the transition.
3Reliability
If the calendar application integrates proximity detection functionality, then proximity-dependent reminders can be generated, but the application requires additional hardware and software components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing Bluetooth capability already present in modern portable electronic devices to enable proximity-dependent event detection. Rather than requiring specialized proximity detection hardware, the system uses the universal Bluetooth communication infrastructure that most devices already possess. This approach enables proximity functionality while minimizing additional hardware requirements, as Bluetooth radio and protocol stack are standard components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to efficiently manage reminders by converting proximity-dependent events into time-dependent events, enhancing the functionality of calendar applications on portable devices by integrating proximity-based reminders and scheduling.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity reminder generated when the second portable electronic device is in short range radio frequency communication range of the first portable electronic device
Data Source
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AI summary
A calendar application for use with a first portable electronic device includes time-dependent events having a start time and an end time and proximity-dependent events having a specified device ID that corresponds to a second portable electronic device. Both the time-dependent events and the proximity-dependent events are stored in the calendar application and the proximity-dependent event is convertible into a time-dependent event. A proximity reminder is generated when the second portable electronic device is in short range radio frequency communication range of the first portable electronic device.