Abstract: An automatic calendar-managing system automatically updates a user's schedule in response to schedule-modifying events. During operation, the system can detect a schedule-modifying event, which can include an event that is likely to require the user to modify a set of scheduled activities. The system then generates a schedule modification, which includes at least one change to the user's set of scheduled activities, to account for the schedule-modifying event. The system can reschedule the user's set of scheduled activities to accommodate the schedule modification.

Abstract: Technician control, in which a control system is configured to control scheduling and dispatch operations for work orders being handled by technicians. Multiple technician devices are each associated with one or more technicians, are configured to communicate, over a network, with the control system, and also are configured to provide output in response to communications that are received from the control system and that are related to the scheduling and dispatch operations performed by the control system. A set of scheduling configuration options may be pre-defined and user input weighting at least one of the scheduling configuration options relative to other of the scheduling configuration options may be received. A scheduling application used by the control system to perform scheduling operations may be configured based on configuration data that reflects the weighting and scheduling operations may be performed using the configured scheduling application.

Abstract: A computerized method for natural gas distribution compliance management is provided. The method includes maintaining a database identifying a plurality of compliance events and a plurality of resources. A computer system is provided including a main computer and a remote computer adapted to communicate with the main computer. The main computer retains at least a portion of a main program and the database. The remote computer retains a remote program operative to display and modify a remote portion of the compliance events and a remote portion of the resources of the database. The database is periodically scanned to identify at least one of the compliance events requiring a response and to identify at least one of the resources to respond to the compliance event requiring the response. Compliance events are matched and scheduled with the resource to respond to the compliance event.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for scheduling objects having pair-wise and cumulative constraints. The systems and methods presented can utilize a directed acyclic graph to increase or maximize a utilization function. Violation of cumulative constraints can be identified at the moment of constraint violation such that events resulting in constraint violations can be removed from the schedule while the schedule is being determined. By removing the events triggering constraint violations at the point of constraint violation, the systems and methods provided can determine optimal or near-optimal schedules in a relatively quick and efficient manner compared to systems and methods that check for violations of cumulative constraints after determining a schedule. The objects can comprise satellites in a constellation of satellites.

Abstract: A computer hardware-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product creates an optimized project portfolio. Parameters, which defined constraints on a project portfolio, are established. The project portfolio is populated with a mixture of critical path projects and critical chain projects. The project portfolio is then optimized by: in response to determining that start and finish dates have been committed to project sponsors of in-progress projects within the project portfolio, locking the in-progress projects into place on a portfolio timeline; adjusting expectations for the in-progress projects based on performance to date in order to extend a finish date; combining all other projects, which are not yet committed, in priority order onto the portfolio timeline by mapping each generic timeline onto actual calendar dates; and sliding unanchored projects forward or backward on the portfolio timeline to fill holes and smooth bulges in the portfolio timeline.

Abstract: A system and method for providing temporary and limited grants of calendar access is provided. An invitee or its proxy may provide an event planner or time broker with a particular grant of calendar access comprising a date range, particular days of the week, and a particular time interval. The grant of calendar access allows the event planner to more easily identify a block of time for scheduling the particular event, the invitee calendar being updated in real-time. In some embodiments, the event planner may schedule the event and place the event directly on the invitee's calendar.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for visualizing multiple time zones can include a C&S application, an event schedule managed by the C&S application, and multiple time zone processing logic coupled to the C&S application. The multiple time zone processing logic can determine a time zone for each participant to a defined event. The multiple time zone processing logic further can render a user interface showing a local time in the determined time zone corresponding to a preferred time for the defined event for each the participant. For instance, the user interface can include an arrangement of juxtaposed time ranges for each participant, where the time ranges have a staggered appearance so that a local time for each of the time ranges corresponds to the preferred time.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for defining a fulfillment path solution (FPS) comprising items undergoing an operational fulfillment process (OFP); wherein the FPS is associated with milestones to be fulfilled by the items as the items travel the OFP. Each milestone exerts a resistive force on each item. Calculating a plurality of sums, each sum corresponding to a particular item and each sum a total of all resistive forces exerted on the corresponding item by each of the milestones, wherein an item with a deadline closer to the current time is set to a higher resistive force than an item with a deadline farther from the current time; and increasing each resistive force on each item as a corresponding deadline approaches each item; wherein a higher sum indicates a need for more immediate attention.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for use in managing collections of capital assets determine optimal replacement dates for assets based on total cost curves. Replacement dates are adjusted within ranges that avoid unacceptable risk of unmonetizable failures to satisfy constraints. Priority in adjusting replacement dates is determined based on deferral cost metrics which may be based on the total cost curves.

Abstract: A method and system for creating production process workflow diagrams are disclosed. The system stores a graphic representation of a production facility. When a user request for a workflow diagram is received, and the request includes a time frame, a route is determined between all resources having at least one time stamp that is within the time frame. The graphic representation of the facility may be displayed, along with a graphic representation of the determined route.

Abstract: The apparatus, systems and methods herein facilitate generation of energy-related revenue for an energy customer of an electricity supplier. The apparatuses and methods herein can be used to generate suggested operating schedules for the energy assets that including a controllable energy asset, using an objective function. The objective function is determined based on a dynamic simulation model of the energy profile of the energy assets. The dynamic simulation model is adaptive to physical changes in the energy assets based on a parametric estimation using at least one model parameter. The model parameter is at least one of an operation characteristic of the controllable energy asset, a thermodynamic property of the energy assets, and a projected environmental condition. Energy-related revenue available to the energy customer is based at least in part on a wholesale electricity market or on a regulation market.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure includes: determining a current location of a mobile communication device; determining a route of a user associated with the mobile communication device; and determining mobile call rates for the user at locations along the route.

Abstract: A system allowing a user to answer a series of questions to generate survey data, associating system data with the survey data to generate a highly accurate report. The user may, customize the survey by selecting categories corresponding to certain series of questions and be presented with a running total of costs associated with each selected action, a total cost for all selected actions, and an impact on the property FCI corresponding to the selected action. The report allows, for example, for targeted assessment of select facilities systems including a time frame within which work to be performed on select facilities systems and/or a cost associated with work to be performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing multi-vendor scheduling of appointments by storing calendars for a plurality of vendors in an online data storage device; allowing a user to search for a specific vendor or vendor(s) that meet predetermined criteria; determining if a selected vendor has an open time slot for the user; and scheduling the appointment.

Abstract: Various technologies related to managing energy wastage management in the information technology (IT) domain are described. Implementation of the described features can lead to considerable energy savings for organizations having significant information technology hardware. Attendance information from various sources can be incorporated into the system. Power state information from a lightweight client running at nodes can also be incorporated. Wastage results can be generated and provided to encourage reduction of wastage. Enforcement of wastage policies can also be implemented. Monitoring can be done on an individual, department, or campus-wide level. Management can be accomplished in many cases without having to invest in specialized sensors or other costly infrastructure.

Abstract: A method, system, computer program product, or a combination of the foregoing and apparatus for developing and maintaining a resource plan and allocating resources to the projects within the resource plan. A user interface allows adding, editing, or deleting of resources and a drag and drop feature for allocating a resource to a project, thus making resource planning and management easy, intuitive, and cost-effective for resource managers or other users. Resource plans or groups of resources may be checked out when edited, thus preventing other users from allocating the same resources to different projects. The resources plans are displayed in a plurality of dashboards that summarize the resource plan in a number of ways, including by resource plan, project, group, resource, cost, demand, capacity, and in graphical form. Users have the ability to narrow the display of the dashboards by resource plan, project, group, resource, or timeframe.

Abstract: Healthcare providers are faced with an extremely fast paced environment where patient care is closely coupled with quality and safety standards. To promote a safe and optimal environment for patients and healthcare workers, numerous standards must be met. The number of standards continues to grow as healthcare continues to become more complex. The present invention, and the various embodiments thereof, describes a computer based system and method for strengthening a healthcare provider's quality program through the use of quality assurance, quality improvement and performance improvement modules that help to structure, monitor and manage quality tasks. A pixel mapped calendar provides a compelling graphical representation of the current status of the various quality tasks associated with a specific date or dates to provide a visual representation of the overall health of an organization as it relates to meeting quality and safety standards.

Abstract: Described are methods and mechanisms for managing data within a calendaring framework. The method includes receiving task data, which is distributed into one or more tasks associated with a category, and receiving time slot data, which defines one or more time slots within the calendaring framework and associates each category with at least one time slot. The method additionally includes determining a location for each task within the one or more time slots that are associated with the same category based on a task prioritization value, and determining a location for each action item within the one or more time slots that are associated with the same category based on the task location determination, an action item prioritization value, and an estimated completion time. The method further includes populating the time slots within the calendaring framework with the action items based on the action item location determination.

Abstract: Certain examples relate to computer implemented methods and systems including at least three modules whose combined functionality provides for interpretation and optimization of usual and unusual patterns in energy consumption; the identification, quantification, and monetization of hidden operating and financial waste and the accurate measurement of the results of implemented energy management solutions. The first, “Expert Module”, provides information that assists with the accurate interpretation of the information provided in the Operations module. The second, “Costs Module”, allows users to modify consumption and price components and derive the resulting operating costs based on the facility's applied or available rate structures. The third, “Operations Module”, charts and evaluates the current operating performance of a facility down to 15-minute intervals in comparison to the operating performance of a pre-selected “base year”.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for determining inventory levels of a multi-channel seller. Order rates can be retrieved from various marketplaces in which a seller participates. An inventory depletion rate can also be determined. A period of uncertain inventory availability can be determined based at least upon an update interval with which order updates are retrieved. Inventory can be reported as unavailable based at least upon an initial quantity of the product, the inventory depletion rate, and whether the period of uncertain inventory availability is entered.

Abstract: Prioritizing events in electronic calendars, in one aspect, may automatically prioritize meetings based on the positions within an organization of the individuals attending, as well as the relationship among each of the individual meeting invitees.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to manage and track changes in enterprise architectures. The invention provides a hierarchical visual management tool to manage and update relational information within an enterprise in a controlled fashion. The relationship may be maintained in a database and displayed via graphical user interface. Enterprise assets are categorized into such categories as goals, customer values or requirements, capabilities, resources, and the like. A hierarchy is constructed so that relationships between these various categories are identified and captured using the invention. Weights may be assigned to each element of the categories so that any proposed change to an enterprise architecture may be viewed so that a value can be ascertained and compared between other values of other proposed changes. In this manner, tracking and management of evolutionary changes to an architecture may be accomplished using relational information.

Abstract: Provided is a power management system including two or more sites. The two or more sites are connected by a distribution network including a power buying line on which power is bought, a power selling line on which power is sold, and a communication line on which information is communicated. Each site includes a power generating apparatus generating power using natural energy, and a power transmission/reception control unit transmitting power generated by the power generating apparatus to the distribution network and receiving power from the distribution network. The power transmission/reception control unit is operable, when power is sold by transmitting the power generated by the power generating apparatus to the distribution network, to transmit information necessary for selling power to the communication line of the distribution network.

Abstract: A system for directing behavior of a first patient of a plurality of patients towards a behavioral objective includes a patient behavioral path calculator, a patient goal calculator, and a patient monitoring processor. The system also includes an information communication processor and a statistical processor. The patient behavioral path calculator calculates a patient behavioral path based on a statistical profile. The patient goal calculator calculates patient goals along the patient behavioral path toward a behavioral objective. The statistical processor can modify the statistical profile based on a response to a targeted message sent by the information communication processor.

Abstract: A system for directing behavior of a first patient of a plurality of patients towards a behavioral objective includes a patient behavioral path calculator, a patient goal calculator, and a patient monitoring processor. The system also includes an information communication processor and a statistical processor. The patient behavioral path calculator calculates a patient behavioral path based on a statistical profile. The patient goal calculator calculates patient goals along the patient behavioral path toward a behavioral objective. The statistical processor can modify the statistical profile based on a response to a targeted message sent by the information communication processor.

Abstract: A system for directing behavior of a first patient of a plurality of patients towards a behavioral objective includes a patient behavioral path calculator, a patient goal calculator, and a patient monitoring processor. The system also includes an information communication processor and a statistical processor. The patient behavioral path calculator calculates a patient behavioral path based on a statistical profile. The patient goal calculator calculates patient goals along the patient behavioral path toward a behavioral objective. The statistical processor can modify the statistical profile based on a response to a targeted message sent by the information communication processor.

Abstract: A print job planning system determines a current state of a print shop and a set of expected disturbances for the print shop. It uses the current state and the set of expected disturbances to determine a cost for anticipated work in progress associated with various actuations. It also identifies a minimum cost from the determined costs, along with an actuation that corresponds to the minimum cost. It may then generate a report of the actuation, generate a work schedule based on the identified actuation, and/or cause the identified actuation to be implemented by at least one print device of the print shop.

Abstract: A business-support system for financial advisors accepts personality information from investors and market-activity indicators such as share price, trade volume and natural-language news tone and sentiment reporting, to identify investors who may benefit from counseling from their advisors. The advisors may be notified to contact their clients, or a conference may be scheduled via a Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”) system. Additional features and extensions are described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for allocating resources in a plannable process, wherein a number of resources is used for executing an order comprising a chain of related activities to be executed on the number of resources. In one implementation, a method comprises, for each order, identifying a first activity execution due date for executing a predetermined first activity in the order, scheduling an execution date for each activity according to a just-in-time criterion in correspondence with an activity execution due date of a related activity, identifying a second activity execution date for executing a predetermined second activity in the order that is scheduled according to the scheduling routine, and reversely scheduling an execution date for each activity according to a just-in-time criterion in correspondence with an activity execution due date of a reverse related activity, wherein the second activity execution date is kept fixed as a second activity execution due date.

Abstract: A building control system incorporating an external calendar service, having a schedule subsystem, a schedule synchronization subsystem connected to the schedule subsystem, and an external calendar configuration subsystem connected to the schedule synchronization subsystem. The schedule subsystem may have a schedule object, a building schedule mechanism for activating different subsystems in a building based on a configuration of a building schedule, and a schedule change mechanism for creating, configuring and/or changing the building schedule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a multiprocessor computer system which has at least two microprocessors (102) and resources (103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108) which are jointly used by the microprocessors, programs (403) being able to be executed on the computer system, characterized by at least one resource manager (101) with the following features: a) the resource manager (101) manages resources (103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108) which are assigned to said manager and can be adjusted at least in terms of their time response, b) the resource manager (101) receives and processes reservation requests (401) for reserving desired resources (103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108), which reservation requests are transmitted by programs (403), c) the reservation requests (401) describe at least the type, scope and time response of the desired resources (103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108), d) the resource manager (101) allocates the respectively desired resources (103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108) to the requesting program

Abstract: An apparatus and method for organizing events in the calendar on a device is disclosed. The method enables a user to create events and send the calendar event to members of his choice. The method generates a unique identification tag and associates the identification tag with the event. The event is then sent. Further, members may respond to the received event or any other event. The device then checks whether the identification tag is associated with the response. If associated, then the response is grouped under the particular event. If the device finds no identification tag associated with the event then it treats the response as a normal message. The method enables a user to view all the information exchanged on a particular event in a calendar for a period of time.

Abstract: Method for managing injection of resources into flow of multiple resource utilization events, by receiving flow of base resource utilization events including basic dates on which externally managed resource/s are supplied by supplier to utilizer; deriving resource utilization events from base events and storing as unrelated records: the first storing the first event, whereby externally managed resource is supplied by a first supplier by a “first date” parameter (initially the basic date); the second storing the second event, whereby the externally managed resource is supplied to a utilizer by a “second date” parameter (initially the basic date); providing an internal resource management subsystem for authorization injection of internal resources into events without exceeding available amounts of internal resources and changing first and/or second dates to define a temporal gap between individual and basic dates and recording a resource injection authorized by the subsystem to bridge the gap.

Abstract: A computer network-implemented system for aiding users in a first jurisdiction, having a first set of day-types and a second jurisdiction having a second set of day-types, in translating to calendar dates action-dates of differing action-date-types, that are set in relation to a reference date. The system includes a computer network, having an input unit by which a reference date, and action-dates, and a jurisdiction, may be entered. The system also includes a memory in which the first jurisdiction and second jurisdiction day-types are stored. A calendar day determination mechanism counts number of days to the action-dates and determines the first day to satisfy the day count and that is eligible for scheduling the action-date-type, and determines and stores the action-dates in a calendar. Finally, a display mechanism displays the calendar to a user.

Abstract: A system for providing feedback to a chairperson in an electronic meeting scheduling system to enable improved meeting resource management, in which a chairperson can indicate the attendance modes that are permitted for specific invitees to a meeting. The meeting invitations indicate to the invitees the attendance modes they are permitted to use. Meeting invitees are presented with user interface options allowing them to select from potentially multiple attendance modes, determined in response to inputs from the chairperson, and/or in response to information describing resources. As meeting resources are allocated to accepting invitees, those resources become unavailable for selection by subsequently accepting invitees. Meeting acceptances are collected such that indications of how accepting attendees will attend the meeting are made available in a chairperson interface so that the chairperson can adjust resources allocated for the meeting to reflect how accepting attendees are planning to attend.

Abstract: A system allowing a user to answer a series of questions to generate survey data, associating system data with the survey data to generate a highly accurate report. The user may, customize the survey by selecting categories corresponding to certain series of questions and be presented with a running total of costs associated with each selected action, a total cost for all selected actions, and an impact on the property FCI corresponding to the selected action. The report allows, for example, for targeted assessment of select facilities systems including a time frame within which work to be performed on select facilities systems and/or a cost associated with work to be performed.

Abstract: Certain examples relate to computer implemented methods and systems including at least three modules whose combined functionality provides for interpretation and optimization of usual and unusual patterns in energy consumption; the identification, quantification, and monetization of hidden operating and financial waste and the accurate measurement of the results of implemented energy management solutions. The first, “Expert Module”, provides information that assists with the accurate interpretation of the information provided in the Operations module. The second, “Costs Module”, allows users to modify consumption and price components and derive the resulting operating costs based on the facility's applied or available rate structures. The third, “Operations Module”, charts and evaluates the current operating performance of a facility down to 15-minute intervals in comparison to the operating performance of a pre-selected “base year”.

Abstract: A system allowing a user to answer a series of questions to generate survey data, associating system data with the survey data to generate a highly accurate report. The report allows, for example, for targeted assessment of select facilities systems including a time frame within which work to be performed on select facilities systems and/or a cost associated with work to be performed.

Abstract: A system for managing interactions within an enterprise includes a network-connected server, and software executing on the server from a non-transitory physical medium, the software providing a first function for establishing a recorded instantiation of a reoccurring event and assigning a unique identifier to that event, a second function for creating an abstract conversation entity object representing the reoccurring event and for creating an executable conversation instance entity object to represent specific meetings or collaboration events under the reoccurring event, a third function for matching any incoming or outgoing interactions or interaction requests that materialize within the enterprise domain to the conversation instance entity tied to the conversation entity, and a fourth function for managing and archiving the interaction records and results thereof as searchable interaction records tied to the conversation instance entity.

Abstract: A method for use in a medical process includes providing a plurality of task objects for selection by a user, wherein the plurality of task objects represent respective tasks, determining a first one of the plurality of task objects, determining a second one of the plurality of task objects, linking the first one of the plurality of task objects with the second one of the plurality of task objects using a processor based at least in part on a command by the user, and storing data in a non-transitory medium regarding the linking.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for handling scheduling conflicts. The method can include a step of conveying scheduled events to a mobile communication device. Times associated with the events can be analyzed to determine potential conflicts. A set of previously established conflict resolution rules can be applied to the potential conflicts. Recommendations for resolving the potential conflicts can be generated based upon the applied rules. A notification of the potential conflicts and the generated recommendations can be presented to a user of the mobile device through an interface of the mobile communication device. The notifications and recommendations can occur a sufficient time before the potentially conflicting events occur to permit anticipatory actions to be taken to alleviate the conflicts before their occurrence.

Abstract: A process for optimizing maintenance work schedules for at least one engine includes the steps of retrieving at least one set of data for an engine from a computer readable storage medium; selecting at least one scheduling parameter for the engine; selecting a set of maintenance rules for the engine; selecting at least one maintenance work decision; selecting at least one objective for the engine; optimizing the at least one objective to generate at least one optimal maintenance work decision; and generating at least one optimal maintenance work schedule for the engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forecasting a buying budget for a future inventory and selling period includes receiving historical revenue and historical inventory data associated with a particular category of products. Selling seasons are defined from the historical revenue and historical inventory data. For each selling season, a buying budget may be determined indicating how much a retailer should spend purchasing inventory for the season. A user interface may be used to modify various inputs that may impact the buying budget for a given season, such as modifying the definition of a seasonal period and modifying monthly revenue goals.

Abstract: A centralized web-based system and method for managing appointments having a user interface that interacts with one or more users to display one or more items based on user input, a management module connected to the user interface and configured to receive data related to scheduling an appointment, determine one or more possible appointments based on the data, present the one or more possible appointments, receive a user selection from the one or more possible appointments, and schedule the appointment based on the user selection, and one or more databases configured to store appointment information, wherein the one or more databases are connected to the management module and wherein the data comprises a date and time slot and at least one of a facility, a service, and a servicer.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for generating process recommendations. Customer information is assimilated, the customer information including a number of present customers. An efficiency matrix is assimilated, which indicates efficiency for each of a plurality of actual resources with respect to each of a plurality of services. At least one hypothetical resource is created, which incorporates a best efficiency from among the actual resources with respect to each of the plurality of services, and a scheduling policy is assimilated. A customer queue is generated with respect to each hypothetical resource and in accordance with the at least one scheduling policy. Each hypothetical resource is mapped to each actual resource and a minimum parameter increase from among pairs comprising a hypothetical resource and an actual resource is determined.

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: Scheduling of building activities may be generated based on an objective function developed to optimize energy cost associated with performing activities in a building, which activities consume energy. The objective function may be solved based on the received plurality of activities, the energy sources consumed by the activities, the prices of energy, and subject to the one or more constraints.

Abstract: Technician control, in which a control system is configured to control scheduling and dispatch operations for work orders being handled by technicians. Multiple technician devices are each associated with one or more technicians, are configured to communicate, over a network, with the control system, and also are configured to provide output in response to communications that are received from the control system and that are related to the scheduling and dispatch operations performed by the control system. A set of scheduling configuration options may be pre-defined and user input weighting at least one of the scheduling configuration options relative to other of the scheduling configuration options may be received. A scheduling application used by the control system to perform scheduling operations may be configured based on configuration data that reflects the weighting and scheduling operations may be performed using the configured scheduling application.

Abstract: A method for centralizing web application interaction, the method including handling a request, using a central point of entry, from a remote application, determining a local application suitable for processing the request, and handing out the request to the, local application determined to be suitable for processing the request.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating context-based movie information. For example, a movie application on an electronic device can obtain show times of a movie from multiple movie theaters. In some embodiments, the movie application can combine one or more show times into a single time slot in order to condense the number of show times that are displayed. Furthermore, the movie application can provide slot labels corresponding to each time slot based on one or more context-sensitive factors (e.g., current time of day, current location, one or more upcoming calendar events, and the like). As a result, the movie application can provide a user with a condensed view of the most accessible show times based on current context.