Calendaring System Recurring Event Editing Disambiguation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calendaring systems face difficulties in providing a straightforward user interface for editing recurring events, leading to ambiguity about which instances of a recurring series are being edited, and how changes affect all or specific instances, particularly in distributed and interoperable environments.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves specifying a recurrence range before editing recurring events, using in-line disambiguating messages, limiting user interface actions based on the core engine's capabilities, and providing separate actions for changing invitees, along with maintaining a 'paper trail' of changes for workflow notices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If recurring events are stored as a single event with recurrence rule to optimize storage space, then storage efficiency is improved, but the user interface for editing becomes ambiguous and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the editing process by introducing distinct modes (single instance editing vs. series editing) with clear visual indicators. The UI presents different editing interfaces depending on whether the user intends to edit one occurrence or all occurrences, thereby resolving the ambiguity while maintaining the space-efficient storage model
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary confirmation mechanism that mediates between the user's editing action and the actual modification. When editing a recurring event, the system presents a dialog that clarifies the user's intent before applying changes, serving as a mediator that resolves the interface ambiguity without changing the underlying storage efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows editing any recurring event instance, then user flexibility is improved, but ambiguity about which instances are being edited increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the user to explicitly specify the editing scope (single instance or all instances) before the actual editing occurs. The system presents a confirmation dialog that forces the user to make this decision upfront, preventing ambiguity about which instances will be modified while preserving full editing flexibility
3Stability of the object's composition
If modifications are applied to all recurring instances, then consistency across the series is improved, but the risk of unintended changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a confirmation mechanism that prevents unintended changes before they occur. When a user attempts to modify a recurring event, the system presents a dialog that warns of the consequences and requires explicit confirmation, thereby counteracting the potential harm of unintended widespread changes while maintaining the ability to apply modifications consistently when intended
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for editing an event in a C&S system. In one embodiment, a method for editing an event in a C&S system can include specifying a recurrence range before permitting editing of the event. The method further can include disposing an in-line disambiguating message in a calendar dialog for the C&S system indicating whether an event instance or whether all instances of the event are to be edited in the calendar dialog. The method yet further can include limiting actions in a user interface in response to limiting a core engine for the C&S system. Specifically, limiting actions in a user interface in response to limiting a core engine for the C&S system can include permitting only an editing of a single instance for the event in response to an attendee exception.