Proximity-Dependent Event Conversion in Calendar Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calendar applications on portable electronic devices struggle to seamlessly integrate and manage both time-dependent and proximity-dependent events, lacking a unified interface for reminders and follow-up actions.
Innovation Solution
A calendar application that stores and converts proximity-dependent events into time-dependent events, utilizing short-range radio frequency communication to generate reminders and allow users to convert these events into meetings or appointments, enabling unified management of both types of events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If calendar applications separately manage time-dependent events and proximity-dependent events, then each event type can be handled with dedicated logic, but the system complexity increases and user convenience decreases due to needing multiple interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of time-dependent events and proximity-dependent events into a single unified calendar application interface. The system detects when a proximity-dependent event (triggered by nearby devices via radio frequency communication) should be converted into a time-dependent event, allowing both event types to coexist and be managed through the same calendar display and reminder mechanisms, thereby simplifying user interaction while maintaining functional distinction
Solution Approach 2:
The calendar application is designed to perform multiple functions: it can store and display both traditional time-dependent events and proximity-dependent events triggered by wireless device detection. The system universally handles event creation, storage, display, and reminder generation for both event types through a single interface, making the calendar application multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate management systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If proximity-dependent events are kept separate from time-dependent events, then proximity-based triggers can be detected independently, but the ability to convert and integrate them into scheduled meetings is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring proximity-dependent events with the option to be converted into time-dependent events. When a proximity trigger is detected (via radio frequency communication with nearby devices), the system automatically or semi-automatically converts the proximity event into a scheduled time-dependent event, preserving all relevant information and enabling seamless integration into the calendar system before the user needs to act
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 and follow-up actions by converting proximity-dependent events into time-dependent events, enhancing the integration of reminders and scheduling within a single calendar application.
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
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.