Multi-horizon Time Wheel for Flexible Task Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing task management software lacks flexibility in viewing variable time durations, leading to discontinuous transitions and poor integration of tasks assigned to multiple people, making it difficult for users to navigate and distinguish between different time horizons and individual tasks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that allows users to adjust and display a time horizon smoothly, enabling seamless transitions between different time durations and clearly distinguishing tasks assigned to various individuals using color and integrated task displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed time horizon views (day, week, month) are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the flexibility in viewing variable time durations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic time horizon display system that allows users to continuously adjust the time duration (e.g., from hours to days to weeks) rather than being constrained to fixed predefined views. The system dynamically recalculates and repositions task elements as the time horizon changes, enabling smooth transitions between different time scales without requiring discrete view switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to modify the time horizon parameter continuously (e.g., changing from a 1-day view to a 1-week view by adjusting a time duration parameter). This parameter-based approach enables flexible exploration of different time scales while maintaining a consistent display framework, avoiding the need for completely different display formats for each time horizon.
2Ease of operation
If discrete view transitions between time horizons are implemented, then the implementation is straightforward, but the transition smoothness and continuity are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous transitions between different time horizon views by dynamically adjusting the display as the time duration parameter changes. Instead of abruptly switching between discrete views (e.g., from daily to weekly), the system continuously recalculates task positions and maintains visual continuity, allowing users to smoothly explore different time scales without mental discontinuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tasks of multiple people are displayed in a single view, then the integration is improved, but the distinction between individual tasks becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by assigning distinct visual characteristics (such as colors, icons, or labels) to tasks based on their assigned user. This allows tasks from different people to be displayed in a unified timeline view while maintaining clear local differentiation through these visual attributes, enabling users to easily distinguish task ownership without separating the views.
4Reliability
If different time horizon views are formatted differently, then the view-specific information is optimized, but the discontinuity between views increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal display framework that maintains consistent formatting and layout principles across all time horizon views. Whether displaying hours, days, weeks, or months, the system uses the same fundamental display structure and task representation methods, ensuring continuity and reducing the need for users to mentally adjust to different formats when transitioning between time scales.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes storing a plurality of scheduled elements in a memory area, displaying a time horizon via a display device, and displaying a first portion of the plurality of scheduled elements within the time horizon. In response to a user input, the time horizon is adjusted and a second portion of the plurality of scheduled elements is displayed within the adjusted time horizon.