Abstract: A method for scheduling a meeting for a set of recipients is provided. The set of recipients includes a special attendee and at least one additional attendee including a meeting organizer. The method includes obtaining an initial meeting request from the meeting organizer. The meeting request does not specify meeting commencement information corresponding to at least one of a start time and a date. The method also includes generating a user interface for displaying the initial meeting request to the special attendee. The method also includes collecting input designated by the special attendee from the user interface. The input specifies the meeting commencement information. The method further includes transmitting the collected input. The collected input is used to generate an updated meeting request designating the set of recipients and specifying the meeting commencement information.

Abstract: A system and method for creating, scheduling, and managing time slots for installation appointments. Embodiments of the present invention permit a trading partner to offer a customer the ability to schedule installation of cable services on-line. A cable operator maintains an inventory of time slots. One or more time slots from the time slot inventory are offered to a customer based on ordering information received from the customer. A customer selects a time slot from the one or more offered time slots. A cable operator then assigns an installation appointment to the customer within the time slot selected by the customer. A cable operator may also determine the status of the inventory of time slots (e.g., time slots allocated, time slots consumed, and time slots available) for a system, a location, or a trading partner.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for requirements decomposition and management. The apparatus includes a collection module, an organization module, and a graph module. These modules carry out the steps of collecting a project task description, the project task description comprising one or more properties, generating a directed acyclic hierarchy of one or more project tasks associated with the project task description, and generating a directed acyclic hierarchical graph view of the project, wherein the directed acyclic hierarchical graph view of the project comprises one or more nodes representing the one or more project tasks, and wherein the one or more nodes are arranged to graphically illustrate a directed acyclic hierarchical relationship between the one or more project tasks.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes history information storing means for storing history information on communication; displaying means for displaying a calendar; means for classifying the history information on the communication of each day into a plurality of patterns; and image storing means for storing beforehand images corresponding to the plurality of patterns, wherein the displaying means displays an image corresponding to a pattern corresponding to the history information on the communication of each day, in correspondence with each day of the calendar, when the calendar is displayed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products for confirming attendance of prospective attendees to a meeting or events via time management or event scheduling applications, such as calendar applications, are disclosed. Various embodiments comprise scheduling the meeting, waiting for a period of time, and automatically sending confirmation requests to one or more prospective attendees of the meeting. Some embodiments also comprise sending invitations to and receiving acceptances by one or more prospective attendees. Some embodiments further comprise receiving one or more responses to the confirmation requests from the prospective attendees. Some embodiments may reschedule the meeting, or events of the meeting, based upon responses to the confirmation requests. Various embodiments may send or receive the confirmation requests and responses via instant messaging (IM) messages, e-mail messages, and short message service (SMS) messages.

Abstract: A management database is queried to determine which customers have failed to respond to recall notices. The resulting list of customers may be sorted or filtered so that some customers are preferentially contacted first, based on expected value or office preferences. The list may also be sorted or filtered to fill specific providers' schedules first. Customer names and contact information are then presented to schedulers so that customers may be contacted. The time and date of each contact is automatically recorded along with the outcome of the contact. A customer name is presented to a scheduler only if the same name is not being simultaneously presented to other schedulers and that customer was not too recently contacted, so that redundant or too frequent contacts are avoided.

Abstract: A constraint-based framework models and solves the problem of assigning staff to various work-shifts or work-assignments, for example a day shift and a night shift, for a pre-defined scheduling horizon, for example three months. A work-schedule is produced, which is defined as a list of staff-shift or staff-assignment combinations that meet the various criteria set by the staff and the healthcare facility on how the staff need to work. The staff then uses this work-schedule to perform the needed activities for the amount of time specified by the scheduling horizon. The scheduling problem is modeled with the help of constraints and variables to express the physical constraints specified by the staff on their work schedules and the needs of the healthcare facility. By embedding the scheduling model within a software program, a work-schedule is produced quickly that meets the requirements of the staff and the healthcare facility.

Abstract: A calendar system schedules tasks and meetings or other appointments for a user. The system retrieves a work capacity, which is information regarding the working hours for the user. The system further retrieves a plurality of enhanced tasks for the user. The system then optimizes a schedule for the user based on the work capacity and the enhanced tasks.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for scheduling and searching meetings in a network environment. A form is transmitted over a network to be rendered at an organizer computer to enable entry of information on a meeting. The form is received having organizer entered information on one meeting. The information in the received form is stored in a meeting database, wherein the stored information from the received form is associated with the meeting identified in the received form. A user computer accessed by a user is enabled to register for at least one selected meeting. An email database accessed by the user is updated automatically to include information on the at least one selected meeting indicated.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable media are described for suggesting an action based on multiple descriptors within a textual communication (e.g. email, text message). In one embodiment, event descriptors within an email are identified and displayed to the email recipient with an indication that the descriptors are selectable. Upon receiving the selection of at least two descriptors, an action is suggested to the recipient for acceptance. Upon receiving the acceptance, the proposed action is performed.

Abstract: Presence messages are managed for one or more members of a pre-defined group of e-mail users. An unavailability time period, during which a pre-defined group of e-mail users will be unavailable in the future, is established. A notice, which notifies the pre-defined group of e-mail users that an unavailability control instruction will be sent in the future to participating members of the group of e-mail users, is transmitted to the group of e-mail users. An acceptance signal, identifying the participating members, is received, indicating which members of the group of e-mail users agree to permit the unavailability control instruction to be received and implemented on their participating computers in the future. The unavailability control instruction is then transmitted to the participating computers at an initiation of the unavailability time period, in order to auto-generate an appropriate presence message for the participating members.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method provides location-sensitive and time-sensitive calendaring to a wireless device, such as a cell phone, pager, PDA, etc. A user's calendar is maintained with a number of appointments, start times and end times for the appointments, meeting place and a list of attendees for the appointments. When the present time reading is within a predetermined minimum of a meeting start time of an appointment of a calendar user, the location of the user is determined based on the location of the wireless device. The location of the meeting place is also determined. Using historical data (of the user or others), the estimated time of arrival of the user at the meeting place is determined. If the estimated time of arrival is after the meeting start time, then a late message may be sent to the user and/or to the other meeting attendees.

Abstract: The system and method for automatically scheduling appointments includes receiving, at the appointment server system, appointment preference information from a client system associated with a user, wherein the appointment preference information includes contact details for one or more contacts of the user. In response to receiving the appointment preference information from the user, the appointment server system automatically, without human intervention, schedules a first proposed appointment based at least in part on the appointment preference information, wherein the first proposed appointment includes a first location, a first plurality of participants including the user and a first contact of the one or more contacts, and a first date that was not selected by any of the first plurality of participants. The appointment server sends an electronic message to the first plurality of participants including an invitation to the first proposed appointment.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing labor based upon determinations of traffic in a facility, such as a store. Daily traffic forecast information is obtained for each day within a given time period from a source of such information. Calendar and event information for the facility for each day within the given time period is determined. Baseline days are selected from historical traffic data, and baseline averages and percentages for a predetermined time interval are also selected. The distribution of traffic for each day within the given time period at each time interval is determined using the baseline percentages for each time interval. Labor data is distributed. Labor recommendations are provided at each time interval for the given time period based on the distribution of traffic for each day, and at least one of other user-defined workforce requirements. The results of any or all of these steps are displayed to a user.

Abstract: A system and method for searching for and scheduling appointments in a health care environment. The present invention is a computerized searching and scheduling system and method for scheduling appointments. The computerized searching and scheduling system and method comprises a plurality of search definitions for defining a plurality of standard searches based on health care provider pools, date offsets and time ranges. The plurality of search definitions define a plurality of appointment visits that are available for scheduling appointments. The computerized searching and scheduling system and method further comprises a plurality of scheduling algorithms for determining a scheduling solution based on parameters and rules by visit type, procedure, providers, and/or resources. Execution of the plurality of search algorithms provides a plurality of available appointment time options for selection in scheduling an appointment.

Abstract: A scheduling method, computer-readable medium, system, and an apparatus are provided. In this scheduling method, a user request is received, order of classes for each day in the user request is calculated and an organizer is populated with the calculated order of classes for each day of the week specified in the user request and provides a schedule in a predetermined output format or in a format specified by the user. The calculation of the schedule may include for said each day in the user request determining corresponding day in a scheduling cycle, and calculating the order of classes for said corresponding day based on a stored pattern or a table.

Abstract: A method for associating a calendar invitation for a calendar event to a web conference for a web conference event is provided. Invitees of a calendar invitation for a calendar event are received and are detected. The invitees of the calendar event are associated to a web conference event. Modifications relating to the invitees of the calendar event are detected. Modifications relating to the invitees of the calendar event are propagated to the web conference event, and the web conference event synchronizes with the calendar event. Modifications relating to the web conference event for the web conference are detected. Modifications relating to the web conference event are propagated to the calendar event, and the calendar event synchronizes with the web conference event. The invitees of the calendar invitation include first, second, and/or third tiers, and the tiers relate to user roles and privileges, such as a hidden or anonymous presence.

Abstract: The method and system for managing a project with multiple tasks and milestones by defining probabilities of key project events and assessing their performance risk. Each task of the project is described as a waveform propagating from this task to an assigned milestone, and each milestone is described as a coherent superposition of task waveforms. The probability of any milestone is obtained by comparison of probabilities of non-perturbed and perturbed milestone, which caused by delay of a task or combination of tasks.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, computer usable program code, and system for managing special requests of meeting attendees through an electronic calendar application. A host lists prospective attendees to a meeting in an electronic calendar application. The calendar application searches the attendees' profiles for any special requests the attendees may have. Upon finding a special request, the calendar application contacts an appropriate special requests service vendor and arranges for the special requests service. The calendar application then follows up by confirming the meeting with the special requests service vendor and inviting the meeting attendees.

Abstract: A mobile terminal capable of managing schedule and a method of controlling the mobile terminal are provided. In order to register a new scheduled event to the mobile terminal, a schedule place corresponding to the new scheduled event may be displayed on a schedule map. Thereafter, a route between the schedule place and other routes may be established in consideration of a current location of the mobile terminal and traffic information. The clarity, color and/or shape of objects displayed on the schedule map may be changed in consideration of the current location of the mobile terminal or the traffic information. Therefore, a user may easily obtain various schedule information, current location information and traffic condition information from the schedule map.

Abstract: An electronic calendar includes such features as recurring reminders, dividing unpredictable work loads into equal pieces, template free parsing, a reminders scheduling algorithm to reduce spikes, dynamic delivery and recovery algorithms, methods for splitting the work load between controllers and workers and for monitoring progress, all within the context of a calendar architecture for a large enterprise.

Abstract: An Internet (or World-Wide-Web or other such public or private network) based business card and contact management system capable of conveying and managing advertising as well as traditional and other non-traditional business contact information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, program, and data structure for maintaining electronic patient medical information. An electronic patient data structure is generated to include patient biographical information and one of medical history information, medication schedule information, and appointment schedule information. The patient data structure is electronically transmitted between a physician computer and a portable patient device. The patient data structure is capable of being modified.

Abstract: Systems and methods for off line/online access controlled environments to implement temporal applications in wireless devices via near field communications in closed group venues; e.g., concert halls, race horse betting, and university scheduling, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention enables a user to schedule meetings and detect scheduling conflicts. A system user such as an employee schedules a meeting. The time and date of the meeting is stored in an account for that user. When the same user schedules another meeting, that meeting is detected and compared with any previously and scheduled and stored meetings for that user. If there is a conflict between the presently scheduled meeting and any previously scheduled meeting, then the present invention alerts the user and gives the user the opportunity to select the new meeting for that time or to retain the currently scheduled meeting. The present invention can also store and track the unscheduled meetings. In the event the scheduled meeting is postponed or canceled, the user can be notified and given the opportunity to schedule and attend a previously declined meeting that was scheduled for that same time.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing a meeting notification and automatic modification service. A system may be configured to identify an appointment in a calendar application, identify a geographic location of the appointment, and identify, before the appointment time, a geographic location of a first participant of the appointment. Based on the geographic information, the system may identify a route extending from the geographic location of the first participant to the geographic location of the appointment, and may identify a travel time associated with the route. Based on the travel time and the appointment time, the system may determine whether the first participant is estimated to arrive at the appointment on time and, based on the determination, the system may send a message to participants of the appointment or dynamically reschedule the appointment.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for determining from a set of delivery times for each of a plurality of services for each of a plurality of carriers a potential delivery schedule for each of the plurality of services for each of the plurality of carriers in response to a request by each of a plurality of users, according to an input by each particular user of a shipping date, a set of parcel specifications for shipping a particular parcel, a set of shipping requirements for shipping the particular parcel, a particular origin postal code and a particular destination postal code. Each user accesses the present invention over a global communications network using a client computer device, and each user client computer device has an individual electronic connection to the global communications network.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an appointment scheduling system that allows inviters to define various activities for appointments and to invite invitees to select said appointments. The system utilizes multiple visual user interfaces to allow inviters, invitees and other users to interact with the appointment scheduling system. The system allows for inviter selection of time windows in which appointments may be allowed as well as for the customization of these properties in terms of how often and until when these defined time windows will recur. The system also utilizes various techniques to associate invitees with particular appointment activities received by the invitee through email and/or other correspondence means.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates creating a calendar that enables optimized awareness of at least one event. An interface component can receive data related to an event. An enhanced scheduler component can create a calendar that enables a bifocal calendar view to display an event correlated to a first date with a first time-scale and an event correlated to a second date with a second time-scale.

Abstract: There is provided a system for facilitating updating of stored event data of a scheduling device, the event data adaptable for use in generating an event reminder message for receipt by a client resulting in corresponding response data in response to the event reminder message, the system comprising: an upload module configured for receiving a data package including the event data and at least one of a client data and service provider data associated therewith; a filter module configured for removing unnecessary data from the data package in accordance with predetermined filter settings to provide a modified data package; a communication module for configuring the modified data package for transmission to a server for use in generating the event reminder message; and a download module configured for receiving a notification package including the response data translated into a native language format of the scheduling device suitable for updating the stored event data, wherein the notification package is subse

Abstract: A system and method for relational scheduling of people and/or resources includes a process for relational scheduling of people and/or resources whereby a user desiring to schedule a meeting is provided the ability to designate participants and/or meeting resources desired for a meeting, and to give each desired participant and/or meeting resource an importance rating/score, including the ability to designate a given participant and/or meeting resource as mandatory. The user also defines meeting scheduling criteria including a meeting length and a meeting date window. This meeting request data is then used to search participant and/or meeting resource availability data to determine one or more meeting times within the user defined meeting scheduling criteria provide not only the mandatory meeting requirements, but also maximize the non-mandatory participant and/or resource rating/score for the meeting.

Abstract: A priority-based scheduling service may schedule appointments between service providers and service consumers by assigning a priority to an appointment request based on one or more factors. The scheduling service may take into consideration the history of the service consumer and the purpose or reason for the appointment request. In addition, preferences indicated by the service provider and service consumer may be taken into consideration by the scheduling service. A prioritized appointment request may be scheduled dependent upon how high or low a priority has been assigned to the request. The scheduling service may apply rules during the prioritizing and scheduling processes. Rules may be configured by the service providers. Once the appointment has been scheduled by the scheduling service, notification may be sent to the service provider and service consumer. Communication between the scheduling service, service providers and service consumers may be accomplished via a communications network.

Abstract: A schedule management server is provided to precisely fill vacancies. A computer includes a communication network and a terminal device. The computer generates assumed schedule data indicative of schedules assumed for a plurality of staffs and starts receiving desired schedule data indicative of schedules desired by the plurality of staffs from the terminal device connected to the communication network. The computer receives and stores the desired schedules from the terminal device and generates vacancy schedule data indicative of vacancies of the plurality of staffs based on the assumed schedule data and the desired schedule data.

Abstract: An estimation system for deriving multi-dimensional project plans for implementing packaged software applications with self-calibration and refinement of project estimation models, the system includes: a view layer configured to act as a user interface for user inputs and system outputs; a model and control layer configured to implement rules based on a series of estimation and implementation models, and to perform self-calibration and refinement of project estimation models for multi-dimensional project plans; an estimation knowledge base layer configured to hold and derive the series of estimation and implementation models; and wherein the system for self-calibration and refinement of project estimation models for multi-dimensional project plans for implementing packaged software applications is carried out over networks comprising: the Internet, intranets, local area networks (LAN), and wireless local area networks (WLAN).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to streamline event scheduling and facilitate commerce and interpersonal exchanges by scheduling events in predefined time slots based on geographic locations of the events' venues. An automated event scheduling system schedules related events based on geographic locations of the events' venues, by partitioning a geographic region into discrete zones, assigning one or more time slots to each of the zones, and scheduling events with venues located in each zone to transpire during the time slots assigned to that zone.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for scheduling a meeting. An interface is provided to allow a user to input information regarding a meeting into a computer. The interface may include an alternative attendee data field to allow a user to provide alternative attendee information. The alternative attendee information may indicate whether an invitee to a meeting may send an alternate person to the meeting in place of the invitee. The alternative attendee information may be received using the interface, and then stored and associated with other data concerning the meeting being scheduled.

Abstract: Instant messaging (IM) entities may be invited to an electronic calendar event using an instant message. Selecting the IM entities as invitees to the event may include dragging and dropping names of the IM entities from a buddy list of an IM application to an event from an electronic calendar application, or vice versa. A method of inviting an entity to a calendar event includes providing a calendar event from a calendar application and recognizing, by the calendar application, an IM entity as an invitee to the event.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for performing calendaring and reminder activities for a computer user. The method includes analyzing text displayed on a computer screen, identifying calendar parameters resulting from the analysis, creating a calendar entry record that includes a source of the calendar parameters, pasting the calendar parameters into the calendar entry record, and automatically storing the calendar entry record in a calendar application without opening the calendar application. Calendar parameters include at least one of a date, a time, a meeting type, and a subject.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting calendar events based on examining the content of a user's recent e-mail activity. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a scheduling manager assembles a keyword list, wherein the keyword list includes a collection of keywords with associated weights for each keyword among the collection of keywords. If the scheduling manager detects at least two conflicting calendar events scheduled within a calendar program, the scheduling manager searches the at least two conflicting calendar events for at least one keyword on the keyword list. The scheduling manager computes a keyword weight score for each of the at least two conflicting calendar events. If one calendar event among the at least two conflicting calendar events has a highest keyword weight score, the scheduling manager schedules the one calendar event within the calendar program.

Abstract: A mobile electronic communications device and a method for modifying a scheduling database are provided. The scheduling database is modified via the mobile electronic communications device in communication with a proximate electronic device comprising a display device, the mobile electronic communications device is engaging an oral communications session with a second communications device. Time slot data associated with an available time slot is retrieved from the scheduling database, via the mobile electronic communications device. The time slot data is transmitted to the proximate electronic device causing it to display the time slot data at the display device. Input data representative of a command to update the scheduling database is received at the mobile electronic communications device. An entry of the scheduling database is updated, via the mobile electronic device, based on the time slot data associated with the available time slot displayed at the display device.

Abstract: An automated, or semi-automated system that manages conference attendance to the parties who are really necessary based on, for example, one or more of participation and feedback during previous conference call(s) (and/or on a current call) and the ability to load a thick client for facilitating and coordinating non-verbal communications between conference participants. It could be advantageous for a conference participant to have the ability to indicate non-verbally their interest the conference, rather than disrupt the meeting, thus adding to productivity. It could also add to the utility if a conference coordinator or host could easily keep a record of why attendees drop from the conference, and intelligently apply this record to future scheduling. Another exemplary advantage is to set-up a pre-canned message and coordinate delivery of such messages about participation, interest, and/or status between two or more members (including the host) of the conference call.

Abstract: Interacting digitally communicating devices cooperate to schedule future meetings include a capability to handle conditional acceptance of meeting requests. For example, a conditional acceptance may be subject to Boolean logic functions of the acceptance status(es) of other meeting invitees (e.g., the condition that another specific one or more invitees also accept the meeting request).

Abstract: A method of controlling reminders for an electronic calendar event record includes: generating a reminder notification at a first electronic device, the reminder notification associated with the calendar event record, providing an option at the first electronic device for taking a first action at the first electronic device and taking a second action at a second electronic device, the first action differing from the second action, generating an update command at the first electronic device for taking the second action at the second electronic device in response to receipt of selection of the option at the first electronic device, and sending the update command from the first electronic device for the second electronic device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for calendar-based coverage monitoring are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes receiving a coverage rule defining at least one covering entity for performing an activity for a covered entity and at least one period of time during which the multiple covering entities is to perform the activity. Individual calendars for the at least one covering entity are monitored and a change in one of the calendars is detected. It is then determined whether the change causes the coverage rule to be violated, and in response to determining that the change causes the coverage rule to be violated, a notification indicating violation of the coverage rule is automatically generated.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to marketing techniques and more particularly to direct-to-patient marketing for medical devices, pharmaceutical drugs, and biotechnology products. The approach presented here may also be applied to the recruitment of patients for clinical trials evaluation including tracking outcomes after treatment. An embodiment of the invention includes the steps of finding potential patients, qualifying potential patients, connecting potential patients to preferred physicians, and tracking the patient's progress through the appointment phase and tracking outcomes.

Abstract: Improved approaches for providing on-line appointments over a network are disclosed. The network is, for example, a global computer network such as the Internet. According to one aspect, users are able to schedule appointments over the network by on-line means. The users are typically individuals or service providers. Service providers are often those businesses that offer appointments to schedule their services.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solution for event scheduling forecasting for a calendaring system using historically collected event data. In the solution, metrics collected from historic events can be utilized to compute event duration for scheduled and events being scheduled. Metrics such as number of attendees, quantity of topics being covered, and meeting duration can be collected. Metrics can be aggregated from one or more systems including, but not limited to, calendaring systems and presentation systems. A forecasting engine can utilize metrics to compute a duration for events which can be used to advise event coordinators, adjust scheduled event times, and notify of potential schedule conflicts.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for communication between entities that need to coordinate on scheduling events. Communication between schedulers, such as coaches, athletic administrators or organization administrators who may be in charge of a multiplicity of sports or activities at institutions, such as colleges or universities, who need to connect and communicate on a particular task. These tasks may include scheduling of events such as sports competitions or other events or activities in which there may be shared or common interests or a shared network of users, players or participants. Search by criteria to find matching potential opponents for scheduling events is also provided. Automatic schedule updates are maintained, typically in a logically centralized database, facilitated by a messaging system to facilitate ease of scheduling.

Abstract: A method of sharing a calendar between a plurality of users is described where the calendar is capable of holding one or more events. The method includes providing the calendar to each of said plurality of users. The method further includes allowing any of the plurality of users to add to the calendar a new event, a change to an event and a message relating to an event. The method further includes providing a new event, change to an event and/or message added by a user to the other users including automatically displaying at least one updated calendar to its respective other user without said other user having to cause said updated calendar to be fetched through a network.

Abstract: Instant messaging (IM) entities may be invited to an electronic calendar event using an instant message. Selecting the IM entities as invitees to the event may include dragging and dropping names of the IM entities from a buddy list of an IM application to an event from an electronic calendar application, or vice versa. A method of inviting an entity to a calendar event includes providing a calendar event from a calendar application and recognizing, by the calendar application, an IM entity as an invitee to the event.