Flexible Event Repositioning in Electronic Calendars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic calendaring systems are limited by their ability to only track scheduled events in fixed time slots, which does not accommodate flexible events with variable start and end times, leading to reduced scheduling flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A calendaring controller that enables scheduling of both fixed and flexible events, allowing flexible events to be repositioned within a designated time period to accommodate new events, with graphical representation and minimum blocking size options to manage scheduling effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed time slots are used for scheduling events, then the calendar system is simple to manage, but scheduling flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flexible events that can dynamically adjust their time slots within a specified time period, transforming the static calendar system into a dynamic one. The flexible event can be repositioned automatically or manually to accommodate new scheduling requests, allowing the system to adapt to changing needs while maintaining manageable complexity through defined boundaries and duration constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible events with variable start and end times are implemented, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments events into two distinct types: fixed events with predetermined time slots and flexible events with variable timing within a time period. This segmentation allows the system to handle different scheduling requirements separately, managing complexity by treating flexible and fixed events differently while providing enhanced flexibility where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the time parameters of flexible events dynamically. A flexible event is defined by a time period (start and end times) and a duration, but the actual scheduled time slot can vary within that period. This parameter flexibility allows the system to adapt to new scheduling requests by adjusting the time slot of flexible events without fundamentally changing the system architecture.
3Reliability
If a flexible event is scheduled in a time slot, then that time slot is blocked for other events, but the event could occur at multiple different times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the time slot assignment dynamic for flexible events. When a new event requests a time slot that overlaps with a flexible event, the system can automatically reposition the flexible event to a different time slot within its allowed time period, or allow manual repositioning. This dynamic adjustment ensures the flexible event maintains its scheduled assurance while improving overall scheduling efficiency by allowing other events to utilize previously blocked time slots.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and program are provided for managing flexible events within an electronic calendar. A calendaring controller schedules fixed events requiring a fixed time slots and flexible events that are flexible for scheduling over a particular time period for a particular duration, wherein the particular time period is greater than the particular duration. The calendaring controller sets each flexible event at a particular time slot within the particular time period for the particular duration. Responsive to the calendaring controller detecting a request for a new event for an additional time slot overlapping the particular time slot, the calendaring controller repositions the flexible event to at least one other time slot of the particular duration during the particular time period to allow for scheduling the new event during the additional time slot.