Notification Manifestation Control for Calendar-Based Distraction Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The constant stream of incoming and outgoing messages from various communication channels distracts computer users, making it difficult for them to concentrate on tasks requiring deep thought, and existing solutions primarily rely on users exercising self-control.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a calendar and logic modules that specify conditions and actions, allowing the system to automatically manage distractions by performing actions based on the current time and context, such as blocking or deferring messages during scheduled appointments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users manually control communication devices to avoid distractions, then user concentration is improved, but user effort and self-control requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages communication devices without requiring user intervention. The computer system monitors calendar appointments and autonomously blocks or allows communication notifications based on scheduled events, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user self-control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring logic modules that define conditions and actions before actual communication events occur. When an appointment is scheduled, the system proactively sets up notification blocking rules in advance, so that when communication arrives during the appointment time, the pre-established logic automatically handles it without user intervention.
2Productivity
If the system automatically manages notifications based on calendar appointments, then user concentration is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the notification management function into separate logic modules, each handling specific conditions and actions. Instead of a monolithic complex system, the functionality is divided into discrete, manageable units that can be independently configured and executed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer system integrates multiple functions into a unified platform: calendar appointment scheduling, communication device monitoring, notification blocking/allowing, and logic module execution. By making the system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system includes a calendar containing appointments. The system also includes one or more logic modules. Each logic module specifies a condition and a corresponding action. The profile may be applied to context data, such as data representing the current time, to perform the actions specified by the logic modules in response to detecting that the context data satisfies the conditions specified by the logic modules. In particular, the actions specified by the logic modules may be performed in response to detecting that the current time falls within the time period of an appointment on the calendar.