Multi-User Scheduling Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic scheduling systems are inefficient when coordinating appointments for multiple individuals, as they require scheduling one individual at a time and do not facilitate simultaneous processing of multiple individuals, leading to time-consuming workflows and potential conflicts in scheduling.
Innovation Solution
A computerized system and method that allows for the selection and processing of multiple individuals simultaneously, generating and locking scheduling options to prevent conflicts, and prompting users to maintain consistency across coordinated workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individuals are scheduled using separate appointment management processes, then each individual appointment can be managed individually, but the scheduling process becomes time consuming and appointment times may be taken by other users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate appointment management processes into a single coordinated process. The system allows a user to select multiple individuals and coordinate their appointments simultaneously within one workflow, rather than requiring separate processes for each individual. This merging eliminates the time loss from sequential processing and prevents appointment times from being taken by other users during the scheduling process.
2Ease of operation
If separate processes are opened for each individual appointment, then each appointment can be individually managed, but the workflow becomes complex and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal scheduling interface that can handle multiple individuals simultaneously. The single workflow provides multi-functional capabilities to manage appointments for any number of selected individuals, eliminating the need for separate processes. This universal approach simplifies the user experience while maintaining the ability to individually manage each appointment within the coordinated workflow.
3Reliability
If appointment times are locked until completion of all processes, then scheduling conflicts are prevented, but the locking mechanism must be configurable and monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary locking of appointment times when multiple individuals are selected for coordination. The system proactively locks the scheduling options before the workflow is completed, preventing other users from taking the same appointment times. The locking mechanism includes configurable thresholds and metrics that automatically monitor and release locks when appropriate, eliminating the need for complex manual monitoring while ensuring conflict prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
Computerized systems and methods for facilitating coordination for multiple individuals are provided. Search parameters are received and a plurality of individuals that satisfy the search parameter(s) is determined and provided. A user is able to select multiple individuals at the same time to coordinate from within the plurality of individuals. Once selected, a process for each of the selected individuals is launched. A plurality of scheduling options, based on an activity or event input, is provided. The plurality of scheduling options includes a time for each individual selected to be scheduled/processed. Once a scheduling option is selected, times within the selected scheduling option are locked such that (1) no other user can access the selected times and (2) processes for each of the multiple selected individuals may be completed in the same application without the need for opening separate processes for each process.