Calendar Patents (Class 708/112)
  • Patent number: 11120409
    Abstract: A system includes a memory and at least one processor to receive a registration request from a first client computing device and send a response to the registration request to the first client computing device, receive a registration request from a second client computing device and send a response to the registration request to the second client computing device, receive a calendar invitation to share calendars from the first client computing device and send information associated with the calendar invitation to the second client computing device, and receive an automated calendar comparison request comprising a list of users, a period of time, and a time frame, determine a list of open times based on the list of users, the period of time, and the time frame, and transmit the list of open times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Approved Contact, LLC
    Inventor: Daron Scott Worth
  • Patent number: 11068853
    Abstract: A calendar utility is provided to capture a calendar event. A communication application initiates operations to capture the calendar event by monitoring a communication or a document. A calendar utility is generated after a calendar information such as a date, a time, a location, a title, and/or a subject associated with an event is parsed from the communication or document. The calendar utility is generated with a title element and a calendar list to provide for a selection of a calendar. The calendar utility is displayed, in relation to the calendar information, to capture a calendar event associated with the communication or the document. The calendar event is captured based on entry(s) and/or selection(s) on the calendar utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Joan Li, Vadim Varfolomeyev
  • Patent number: 10931607
    Abstract: In non-limiting examples of the present disclosure, systems, methods and devices for matching user tone to digital assistant response types and tones while assisting with meeting scheduling are presented. An electronic message may be received by a digital assistant service. The digital assistant service may detect an intent to schedule a meeting and identify an urgency level associated with the message. The digital assistant may respond to the scheduling user with a message having a tone corresponding to the identified urgency level. The digital assistant may also perform a follow-up action for scheduling the meeting in a manner consistent with the urgency level of the scheduling user. For example, the digital assistant may attempt to schedule the meeting in a higher priority manner if there is a high urgency associated with the message, and a lower priority manner if there is a low urgency associated with the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Warren David Johnson, III, Charles Yin-Che Lee, Pamela Bhattacharya
  • Patent number: 10803502
    Abstract: A method is disclosed herein in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method may include deriving at a mobile transaction platform a multi-dimensional context from one or more user transactions and determining at least one life occurrence based, at least in part, on the multi-dimensional context. The one or more user transactions may be conducted through the mobile transaction platform. The one or more user transactions may be stored on a third-party source. In an aspect, the at least one life occurrence has yet to occur. In another aspect of the invention, the life occurrence has already occurred. The multi-dimensional context may include at least one of user location information and life occurrence location information. The multi-dimensional context may include at least one of a time of life occurrence and a current time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: MASTERCARD MOBILE TRANSACTIONS SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mehul Desai, Nehal Maniar
  • Patent number: 10783359
    Abstract: A headset including a speaker, a motion sensor, a transceiver, and a processor is provided. The speaker plays audio data. The motion sensor senses a posture of a user to generate first sensing data. The transceiver performs data transmission with an external device. The processor is coupled to the motion sensor and the transceiver. The processor determines whether the posture is correct according to the first sensing data to generate an output result and transmits the output result through the transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Merry Electronics (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng-Wei Lin, Mao-Hung Lin, Hung-Chi Lin, Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 10664010
    Abstract: A method of operating an electronic device having an openable cover is provided. The method includes activating an application, detecting an opening/closing state of the cover, and transitioning between a plurality of display modes of the activated application in response to the opening/closing state of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jae-Woong Chung, Deok-Hee Jeong
  • Patent number: 10659399
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a received message and a draft reply message to the received message, the received message including a received message component, the received message component representing one or more of a question, a request, and a subject. The method also includes parsing the received message to detect the received message component and parsing the draft reply message into one or more reply message components, identifying, using one or more machine learning models, informational components associated with the received message component and the one or more reply message components by at least applying the machine learning module to the received message component and each reply message component of the one or more reply message, and identifying, based on the one or more informational components, one or more deficient components in the subject draft reply message, and outputting, for display, information about the one or more deficient components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Jakob Nicolaus Foerster, Matthew Sharifi
  • Patent number: 10162449
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are provided, in which a face-down mode may be supported. The mobile terminal may include a first sensing device that detects a face-down mode of the mobile terminal, a second sensing device that detects a user designated direction in which the vicinity of the mobile terminal, a touchscreen, and a controller controlling a prescribed portion of the touchscreen corresponding to the detected user designated direction so that the touchscreen emits light in response to a preset event occurring in the face-down mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yunjueng Mhun, Jiyen Son, Sanghyun Eim, Hyoungkeun Kim, Namki Kim, Choonjae Lee
  • Patent number: 9882853
    Abstract: A computing device, such as a network server or user terminal, automatically performs one or more predefined actions on inbound email messages responsive to receiving the inbound email messages. However, rather than base the performance of the actions on information manually provided to an email application by the user, the computing device retrieves event-related information stored in one or more calendar applications communicatively connected to the email application. The computing device then utilizes that information to perform the predefined actions. One example of such an action is automatically generating and sending an autoreply email message to the sender of the inbound email message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: CA, Inc.
    Inventors: Pavel Zlatnik, Daniel Samek, Hana Doubkova
  • Patent number: 9460406
    Abstract: A method of generating an event reminder notification includes obtaining scheduling data for a future event. The scheduling data includes an initial time at which an event reminder notification for the future event is to be generated. A conflicting event that will conflict with providing the event reminder notification to a user at the initial time is identified. An adjusted time is determined at which the event reminder notification for the future event is to be generated before occurrence of the conflicting event. The event reminder notification is generated based on the adjusted time. Related computer systems and computer program products are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: CA, Inc.
    Inventor: Robin Hopper
  • Patent number: 9443146
    Abstract: A method to create a photo diary includes creating an entry for a time period in the photo diary. Creating the entry includes selecting candidate frames from digital videos created or received in the time period. Selecting the candidate frames includes performing people and pet detection on the digital videos, extract frames with people and pets from the digital videos perform people recognition on the frames with people to identify frames with recognized persons. The method further includes sorting the candidate frames with recognized persons and pets into groups based on criteria, selecting representative frames from the groups, and presenting the representative frames in the entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Multimedia Image Solution Limited
    Inventors: Hui Deng, Jin Wang, Shuaibin Chen, Lianbo Xu, Chengping Yang, Kaixuan Mao
  • Patent number: 9083809
    Abstract: A mobile communication terminal and method for running an application therein. When a user inputs a variable in an idle state, variable-related applications are displayed. When the user selects a predetermined application, the input variable is input as an input value of a predetermined input field of the selected application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jong-Hee Jung, Sang-Kyung Oh, Kyoung-Taek Kim
  • Patent number: 8930820
    Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a method for maintaining a calendar of a user. The method includes: accessing an online profile of the user corresponding to a first social networking website; identifying, on the first social networking website, a first entry referencing a physical location, where the first entry is entered on a first calendar date; identifying, on the first social networking website, a second entry referencing the physical location, where the second entry is entered on a second calendar date; calculating, based on the first calendar date and the second calendar date, a first frequency of user visits to the physical location; estimating, based on the first frequency, a future calendar date when the user is expected to visit the physical location; and creating, in the calendar, a future event scheduled to occur at the physical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Intuit Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Elwell, Alan F. Buhler, Marianne Y. Lu
  • Patent number: 8713435
    Abstract: Dynamic time rebasing may be provided. After receiving a request to view a calendar item, a base time associated with the calendar item may be retrieved. A local bias associated with the request to view the calendar item may be identified. The base time may be converted to a local time according to the local bias. The calendar item may then be displayed according to the converted local time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Hongchao Guan, Jason Buckingham, Alessio Roic, Matthias Leibmann
  • Patent number: 8594291
    Abstract: Techniques for scheduling a conference among multiple persons include receiving quorum data and location data. Quorum data indicates a quorum for a particular conference. Location data indicates locations of a plurality of persons who satisfy the quorum. A proposed location for the particular conference is determined based on the location data and the quorum data. These techniques allow location data to include presence data that describes a current location of a person or a state of communication of that person; and therefore allow presence data to be used in determining where to conduct a conference and when. For example, an organizer of a meeting and meeting invitees are notified when the people constituting a quorum cross paths at the same location, or are situated at sites that support remote conferencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bieselin, Randall Ethier
  • Patent number: 8552855
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include systems and methods for monitoring a person's activities. A system may receive an input (2) and may contact a designated party to ensure they are safe or perhaps even confirm they are at a specified location at a specified time. A system may also provide an escalation response (315) in those circumstances where a primary contact is not reached or perhaps where it is directed by a primary contact. Further, a system may provide communications to a primary contact or a user (203) including a plausible excuse for the primary contact to leave an agenda location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Three H, LLC
    Inventors: Lisa A. Herickhoff, James A. Herickhoff, Ruth A. Herickhoff
  • Patent number: 8266193
    Abstract: A method and system makes date-time conversions and complex date-time calculations between dates of different calendaring systems. The conversion method herein allows embedded, real-time conversion in computer applications and systems between multiple calendaring systems. A date of a first date-time format is converted to any date of a second date-time format after a transformation to a temporal reference or epoch date. The conversion method can be embedded into any code space to enable full date-time conversion abilities. The real-time conversion of the conversion method requires no conversion tables and no post-processing manipulation thus eliminating the need for individual programmers to re-create the same date cross reference tables, or post processing algorithms. The conversion method supports conversion between any two date-time formats including the various existing Gregorian conventions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nia W. Fong, Jeffrey G. Komatsu, Jason S. Lee, Manivannan Thavasi
  • Patent number: 8140605
    Abstract: An electronic date calculator includes an electronic processor, input keys operably connected to the processor, at least one date function key corresponding with a selected date unit and operably connected to the processor, and a display operably connected to the processor. The processor is programmed to drive the display to show a present date. In response solely to entry of a multiplier from the input keys and a date unit from the date function key, the processor adds a product of the selected date unit and the multiplier to the present date to generate a resulting date, and drives the first display to show the resulting date.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Roy Chilson Patton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8095406
    Abstract: A content display method is disclosed. The content display method includes the steps of: accepting an instruction input to create a target calendar; extracting a content that indication information has to be displayed in an elapsed period having already passed and a content that indication information has to be displayed in a non-elapsed period to pass from now on in the target calendar based on the instruction input accepted through the accepting step; and arranging the indication information of each of the contents extracted in the extracting step in a corresponding date in a target calendar and displaying the target calendar on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takatoshi Nakamura, Yoichiro Sako, Itaru Kawakami
  • Patent number: 8077847
    Abstract: A method for converting a first time and a first date in a first format to a second time in a second format includes determining a number of seconds that have elapsed between a predetermined date and a beginning of a current year of the first date. The method further includes adding to the determined number of seconds, a calculated number of seconds calculated from the beginning of the current year to a current month and a current day of the first date to obtain a first sum. The first sum varies based on whether the current month is within a leap year and is subsequent to a leap day of the leap year. A number of seconds that have elapsed between a beginning of the current day of the first date and the first time is added to the first sum. Lastly, a predetermined number of seconds is added to the first sum when Daylight Savings Time is in effect to obtain the second time in the second format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Kenneth Robert Stroud, Jeffrey Lewis Brandt, Rick Anthony Cherye
  • Patent number: 7881232
    Abstract: Techniques for scheduling a conference among multiple persons include receiving quorum data, availability data and cost data. Quorum data indicates a quorum for a particular conference. Availability data indicates availability of a plurality of persons who satisfy the quorum. Cost data indicates a cost to be incurred while conducting a conference. A proposed cost for the particular conference that satisfies the quorum is determined based on the quorum data, the availability data and the cost data. These techniques allow costs of products and services that support a scheduled conference to be estimated, and allow those products and services to be reserved and paid for without additional manual input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bieselin, Randall Ethier
  • Patent number: 7881233
    Abstract: Techniques for scheduling a conference among multiple persons include receiving quorum data and location data. Quorum data indicates a quorum for a particular conference. Location data indicates locations of a plurality of persons who satisfy the quorum. A proposed location for the particular conference is determined based on the location data and the quorum data. These techniques allow location data to include presence data that describes a current location of a person or a state of communication of that person; and therefore allow presence data to be used in determining where to conduct a conference and when. For example, an organizer of a meeting and meeting invitees are notified when the people constituting a quorum cross paths at the same location, or are situated at sites that support remote conferencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David Bieselin
  • Patent number: 7876714
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling a conference among multiple persons includes receiving group data that indicates persons in a first group. Availability data is received from a shared database that includes information about availability for a conference of a population of persons that includes the persons from the first group. Quorum data is received that indicates that a quorum for a particular conference includes any one or more persons in the first group and less than all persons in the first group; thus the first group is a called a “representative group.” A proposed time interval that satisfies the quorum based on the group data, the availability data, and the quorum data is determined for the particular conference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Ethier, David Bieselin
  • Patent number: 7761322
    Abstract: A content display method is disclosed. The content display method includes the steps of: accepting an instruction input to create a target calendar; extracting a content that indication information has to be displayed in an elapsed period having already passed and a content that indication information has to be displayed in a non-elapsed period to pass from now on in the target calendar based on the instruction input accepted through the accepting step; and arranging the indication information of each of the contents extracted in the extracting step in a corresponding date in a target calendar and displaying the target calendar on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takatoshi Nakamura, Yoichiro Sako, Itaru Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7710832
    Abstract: Methods, systems and machine readable media for operating a calendar in a data processing system. In one exemplary method, a calendar interface is displayed on a device, wherein the calendar interface is capable of zooming between a first or current time frame and a target time frame containing an invitation while preserving contextual continuity for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Forstall, Manuel Colom
  • Patent number: 7671759
    Abstract: There is provided a remote control unit capable of setting time by a simple operation at a time when a battery is attached. In the remote control unit which is operated by the battery to remote-control operation start and stop of an apparatus main body and in which setting of a timer operation by a clocking means is possible, when the battery is attached to start the operation, a forced mode setting means displays a clocking initial value in a liquid crystal display in step 1, starts a monitor timer in step 2, and sets a “time setting mode” in which the setting of a clocking start initial value is possible by UP and DOWN switches without depending on the operation of a time set switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20090228894
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for creating a non-standard calendar that may have customized attributes, such as number of days in a month, first day of a month, number of months in a year, first month of a year, number of years, or other customized attributes. Such non-standard calendars may be similar to non-standard calendars used by companies, enterprises or other organizations, such as a fiscal calendar, academic calendar, or other calendar. A storage management system manager may have a database of storage policies that include preferences and frequencies for performing storage operations, and associations with a non-standard calendar. The storage manager can initiate storage operations based on the storage policy using data that may be identified according to selection criteria, and determine a time to perform the storage operation according to a non-standard calendar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: CommVault Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Parag Gokhale
  • Patent number: 7519663
    Abstract: A calendar system enables a user to display both accepted and declined invitations to events in a same or any time slot. Declined invitations can be later recalled and have their status changed to accepted. To recall a previously declined invitation for acceptance, the declined event displayed on the calendar is opened, the status changed from declined to accepted, and the updated accepted status is sent to the sender to indicate that a previously declined event has now been accepted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Edward Bostick, John Michael Ganci, Jr., John Paul Kaemmerer, David Scott Wenk
  • Publication number: 20080301208
    Abstract: An electronic date calculator includes an electronic processor, input keys operably connected to the processor, at least one date function key corresponding with a selected date unit and operably connected to the processor, and a display operably connected to the processor. The processor is programmed to drive the display to show a present date. In response solely to entry of a multiplier from the input keys and a date unit from the date function key, the processor adds a product of the selected date unit and the multiplier to the present date to generate a resulting date, and drives the first display to show the resulting date.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Roy Chilson Patton, JR.
  • Publication number: 20080168113
    Abstract: Techniques are described herein for providing a plurality of graphical elements, independent of any calendar location, associated with a distinct set of predefined data describing at least one characteristic of a calendar event comprising a plurality of characteristics. The predefined data may be user-specified. The graphical element is activated, such as by clicking or dragging, and in response to the activation, a proposed calendar event is generated that has a first set of one or more calendar event characteristics based on the predefined data associated with the graphical element. User input is received defining a second set of one or more calendar event characteristics that are not associated with the graphical element, and the proposed calendar event is saved in association with a particular calendar location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Hickling, Chinhao David Lee
  • Publication number: 20080162615
    Abstract: In one non-limiting aspect the exemplary embodiments provide a method that includes, in response to a user-generated input, operating a calendar application to access an electronic calendar to cancel at least one scheduled event; and generating information for use in contacting at least one party associated with the cancelled at least one scheduled event. The calendar application may also re-schedule the cancelled at least one event in the electronic calendar. The user-generated signal may result form the user activating a calendar interrupt function to automatically clear and re-schedule calendar events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Jussi Hurmola, Sampo J. Savolainen
  • Publication number: 20080162614
    Abstract: In one exemplary aspect the invention includes a method that operates by receiving an invitation to create a calendar event from an originating calendar application at a recipient calendar application, the invitation comprising at least one calendar event parameter; comparing by the recipient calendar application the at least one received calendar event parameter to a set of local calendar event parameters at the recipient calendar application and one of automatically replying with an acceptance of the invitation or a rejection of the invitation based on the comparison, where an acceptance of the invitation comprises creating a new calendar event in a user's calendar that is managed by the recipient calendar application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Jussi Hurmola, Sampo J. Savolainen
  • Patent number: 7366287
    Abstract: A current time and a current Gregorian date are converted into an epoch time stamp. A number of seconds that have elapsed since a predetermined date up until the current year is determined. A number of seconds that have elapsed since the beginning of the current year up until the current month is determined based on whether the current year is a leap year. In addition, a number of seconds that have elapsed since the beginning of the current month up until the current day is calculated, as is a number of seconds that have elapsed during the current day. All of these values are summed to obtain a converted time. Finally, it is determined whether Daylight Savings Time is in effect, and when Daylight Savings Time is not in effect, 3600 seconds are added to the converted time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Knowledge Ventures, L.P.
    Inventors: Kenneth Robert Stroud, Jeffrey Lewis Brandt, Rick Anthony Cherye
  • Publication number: 20070250859
    Abstract: An information acquiring unit acquires information relating to image contents possessed by a plurality of communication devices connected to a network, via a communication unit. A display management unit displays a calendar screen including a plurality of display areas configured in days onto a display unit, and displays information about each image content acquired by the information acquiring unit onto the calendar screen on the basis of recording dates and times of the image contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Hideki Ohkita, Shigeru Maeda, Kazunobu Konda, Ken Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7233907
    Abstract: A delivery scheduling system that is configured for scheduling the delivery of an item or service from a sender to an intended recipient. After receiving a signal indicating that, for example, a particular package is to be delivered to an intended recipient, the system attempts to establish interactive contact with the recipient either by direct contact with the recipient, or by leaving the recipient a message to establish direct contact with the system at a convenient time. Upon establishing contact with the recipient, the system allows the intended recipient to schedule delivery of the package. More particularly, the recipient may schedule the package to be delivered: (1) within a particular time window; (2) before or after a particular time of day; or (3) on a particular day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Young
  • Patent number: 7058733
    Abstract: A portable handheld computing device has a notification system that alerts a user of an event regardless of whether the device is on or off. The notification system has a notification mechanism that is activated upon occurrence of the event and remains active until the user acknowledges the activated mechanism. In one implementation, the notification mechanism is a light emitting diode (LED) mounted externally on the handheld computing device. The LED is visible to the user when the lid is closed onto the base (i.e., the device is off) or when the lid is open (i.e., the device is on). The notification mechanism also has a deactivation button mounted externally of the handheld computing device. The user depresses the deactivation button to deactivate the LED. The LED and deactivation button may be integrated as a single component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: William Vong, Chad Schwitters
  • Patent number: 6898591
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for updating databases is disclosed. A database is updated transparently using an IDL (Interface Descriptive Language) to interface with websites on the WWW (World Wide Web). Multi-media information is parsed such that the relevant information can be integrated into an application or application framework for a user's use. The update can be performed when the device moves to a new location or a particular event occur and can be used to re-configure an entire system or just a particular application. In some embodiments, the device checks to see if a particular database is already available before obtaining a new database. The device can purge unused databases to provide space for new or additional databases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventors: Billy Gayle Moon, Tripurasundari Ramesh, Vikas Jain, Brian Bankler
  • Patent number: 6781920
    Abstract: A method for resolving meeting conflicts for an electronic calendar application is disclosed. After receiving a request for setting a first meeting schedule for a first meeting, an electronic calendar application sets a first meeting schedule and a first meeting priority number associated with the first meeting. In response to a request to set a second meeting schedule for a second meeting, and the second meeting schedule conflicts with the first meeting schedule, the electronic calendar application determines whether a second meeting priority number associated with the second meeting is higher than the first meeting priority number associated with the first meeting. If the second meeting priority number is determined to be higher than the first meeting priority number, then the electronic calendar application overrides the first meeting schedule with the second meeting schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Cary Lee Bates, Robert James Crenshaw, Paul Reuben Day, John Matthew Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 6732103
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing logistics associated with an event or meeting enable a user to enter event-related information using a graphical user interface. The event-related information may include a list of invitees and a location and time for the planned event. The system then automatically transmits invitation messages to the desired invitees, re-invites those invitees that fail to respond to the invitation and sends reminder messages to those invitees that indicate that they will attend the event. The system also automatically generates a status report relating to the event based on the received responses and lack of responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: WorldCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Strick, Vernon M. Cope, James W. Bann, Brian Gibbins
  • Publication number: 20030233265
    Abstract: A system, method and program product for interactively scheduling and negotiating meetings wherein an active agent program accepts meeting criteria from a meeting requester and interacts with invitees to resolve availability according to the meeting criteria. The agent transmits the negotiated meeting schedule to invitees and optionally requires confirmation from invitees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Lee, Percy Liang, Benjamin H. Szekely, Christopher R. Vincent
  • Patent number: 6650596
    Abstract: A method for calculating a Hijri religious calendar based on the visibility of a crescent moon. The method comprises using a camera and/or weather reports to determine the weather conditions in a region. Preferably, the camera view and the weather report are available via the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David Bruce Kumhyr, Samer Farid Najjar, Dalal Fathy Younis
  • Patent number: 6600501
    Abstract: A Dynamic Timeline for a computer-based information source, such as an electronic encyclopedia. The Dynamic Timeline can display Links, typically a reference to a time period, topic, or event. When the user chooses the Link, an array of information is presented to the user about the Link-related time period, topic, or event. Links can highlight individual events and trends that occur over a period of time. Links also can present an editorial perspective of events. The Links are typically listed in chronological order on the Dynamic Timeline for an electronic encyclopedia. The Dynamic Timeline allows users to view different Links by changing some dynamic settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Larry J. Israel, James H. Cox, Kipling A. Knox, Abdul Wajid “Shammi” Mohamed, Adrienne E. O'Donnell, Lisa Everett Woods
  • Publication number: 20030078977
    Abstract: A computer diary message system, includes data input means for entering data blocks relating to an event in respect of a plurality of predefined data records; means for generating and storing a first representation of each formed data block combined with an original date. The stored data blocks are attached to the predefined data records as a diary record. The diary records associated with each predefined data record are displayed and messages relating to diary records are created and sent to users of the system where they are displayed for the recipient. Predefined data records to which the diary message relate are accessible in order that the message can be acted on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Coneliano
  • Publication number: 20020174372
    Abstract: Synchronization devices, preferably available in kiosks at publicly accessible locations, are provided with at least one remote device interface. A user of a remote device couples the remote device to the at least one remote device interface and the synchronization device thereafter initiates synchronization of remote data found in the remote device with central data found on at least one central device. Synchronization is performed by a synchronization application that preferably resides on the at least one central device. The synchronization application provides synchronized data that may include, but is not limited to, contact data, calendar data, email, shared files and the like. The synchronization device updates the remote device and also routes the synchronized data to a printer for printing. In this manner, the remote device user can obtain hardcopies of the synchronized data without having to be directly coupled to his or her local device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Buvana Venkataraman
  • Patent number: 6414907
    Abstract: A portable electronic device for displaying daily schedule information of a particular event and selectively displaying past and future schedule information which includes a display controlled by a processor having an internal programmable memory. The schedule information includes the location of the event, the start time, and the corresponding time zone. The memory contains data representing the event's schedule and a program for controlling the processor. The display provides actual time and date information and schedule information corresponding to the displayed calendar day. By manipulating a plurality of externally mounted push-button switches, the user commands the processor to update the display with schedule information corresponding to past and future days. A programmable alarm provides an audible reminder when a scheduled event begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: B. Carter Pennington
  • Patent number: 6374277
    Abstract: A portable handheld computing device has a notification system that alerts a user of an event regardless of whether the device is on or off. The notification system has a notification mechanism that is activated upon occurrence of the event and remains active until the user acknowledges the activated mechanism. In one implementation, the notification mechanism is a light emitting diode (LED) mounted externally on the handheld computing device. The LED is visible to the user when the lid is closed onto the base (i.e., the device is off) or when the lid is open (i.e., the device is on). The notification mechanism also has a deactivation button mounted externally of the handheld computing device. The user depresses the deactivation button to deactivate the LED. The LED and deactivation button may be integrated as a single component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: William Vong, Chad Schwitters
  • Patent number: 6374276
    Abstract: A portable handheld computing device has a notification system that alerts a user of an event regardless of whether the device is on or off. The notification system has a notification mechanism that is activated upon occurrence of the event and remains active until the user acknowledges the activated mechanism. In one implementation, the notification mechanism is a light emitting diode (LED) mounted externally on the handheld computing device. The LED is visible to the user when the lid is closed onto the base (i.e., the device is off) or when the lid is open (i.e., the device is on). The notification mechanism also has a deactivation button mounted externally of the handheld computing device. The user depresses the deactivation button to deactivate the LED. The LED and deactivation button may be integrated as a single component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: William Vong, Chad Schwitters
  • Patent number: 6370554
    Abstract: A calendar-viewing system comprising a calendar-viewing program in execution in a handheld computing device is disclosed. The calendar-viewing system has a display for presenting a calendar view to a user. In the calendar view, a period of interest is prescribed, and the user activity information for that prescribed period is shown. However, only limited or truncated text descriptions of the activities in each day of the prescribed period is provided in the calendar view. To quickly access further user activity information for a selected period within the prescribed period, the user can activate a view of a set of user activity information for the selected period. This view then replaces a portion of the calendar view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Chung Sun-Woo
  • Patent number: 6348855
    Abstract: In a selective call receiver including a display and a message memory, when receiving a message including a schedule, it is checked whether a received schedule is overlapped with a stored schedule which has been stored in the memory. When the received schedule is overlapped with the stored schedule, a prompt mark indicating duplication is displayed on screen. Depending on a user's instruction, at least one schedule is selected from the received schedule and the stored schedule. When the received schedule is selected, the received schedule is registered into the memory while deleting the stored schedule from the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Aki Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 6323883
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scheduler that is able to display two weeks of a last or a next month with the current month with legible fonts. When a zoom key is input by an operator, a monthly calendar is displayed with another week. If a particular date of the month is an early date of the month, one week of the last month is additionally displayed. If a particular date of the month is a late date of the month, one week of the next month is additionally displayed. When a centering key is input by an operator, five weeks are displayed so that a week with a particular date is displayed in the middle of the five weeks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Tadaaki Minoura, Shichiro Miyashita, Toru Tachibana