Recurring Task Scheduler GUI with Concurrent Selection Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional task schedulers lack flexibility and efficiency in scheduling recurring tasks, requiring users to navigate multiple screens and limited options, making it cumbersome to set precise recurring schedules.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for scheduling recurring tasks using a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to select specific months, days, weeks, hours, and minutes in a single view, with options for every X interval, including last day of the month and last weekday, enabling intuitive and flexible scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional schedulers are used, then the interface is simple, but the scheduling flexibility and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The scheduler interface is segmented into multiple independent regions (month selection region with month cells, date selection region with date cells, day selection region with weekday cells, time selection region with hour and minute cells). Each region can be selected independently, allowing users to build complex schedules by combining simple selections. This segmentation enables full CRON expression combinations while keeping each individual component simple and intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional linear or hierarchical scheduling interfaces to a multi-dimensional grid-based selection system. By organizing selections across multiple dimensions (months, dates, days, hours, minutes) in concurrent regions, the system achieves comprehensive scheduling flexibility without requiring users to navigate through multiple tabs or screens. Each dimension operates independently yet combines to form the complete schedule.
2Ease of operation
If multiple tabs and screens are used for scheduling, then the functionality is comprehensive, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple scheduling selection capabilities are merged into a single concurrent GUI view. The month selection region, date selection region, day selection region, and time selection region are all displayed simultaneously in one interface, eliminating the need to switch between multiple tabs or screens. Users can select schedule components across different time granularities (months, dates, days, hours, minutes) within a single unified view, significantly improving operational ease.
3Measurement precision
If limited scheduling combinations are provided, then the interface is simple, but the scheduling precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Each region in the scheduler provides localized quality through independent cell selections. The month selection region offers month-level precision, the date selection region provides day-level precision, the day selection region gives weekday precision, and the time selection region delivers hour and minute precision. Each local region operates with simple binary selection (selected/not selected) while collectively achieving comprehensive scheduling precision through CRON expression generation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of scheduling recurring tasks using an electronic device comprises, receiving a user request to schedule a recurring task. The method further comprises rendering a GUI including a plurality of regions presented concurrently in a first view. The plurality of regions includes a month selection region displaying all months of a calendar year, a date selection region displaying all dates of a month, a day selection region displaying all days of a week, a time selection region displaying a plurality of hours of a day and a plurality of minutes of an hour. The method further includes, receiving, inputs that specify selection of one or more cells in one or more of the plurality of regions of the GUI to define a schedule for the recurring task. Furthermore, the method includes, executing, an application at a time corresponding to the schedule for the recurring task.